Connect with us

News

Prof. Pate Emerges Society of Nigerian Broadcasters’s Pioneer President

Published

on

 

Professor Umaru Pate has emerged as the Pioneer President of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB).
SNB Electoral

Committee Chairman, who is a former National Broadcasting Commission (NBS) Director General, Engineer Yomi Bolanrinwa announced this on Thursday after a rigorous process of election held at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

Professor Pate defeated Mr. Okoduwa Matthew Eigbobor, a former Zonal Director of NBC with 231 votes to become the Pioneer SNB President.

Speaking after emerging as the duly elected president of SNB, Prof. Pate thanked the esteemed members of SNB for finding him worthy to lead the association and promised to do his best to make it great.

#

Professor Umaru Pate (the Kaigamma of Adamawa) is a Professor of Media and Society and the current Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Kashere (FUK) in Gombe State. Before he was appointed the Vice Chancellor of the FUK in February, 2021, he had served as the founding Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Bayero University, Kano and the immediate past Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies and the Ag Chair of the Committee of Deans and Directors in the same University (2019-2021).

Equally, he is the immediate past Vice Chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Advisory Group and a Member of the National Research and Development Standing Committee. Before relocating to BUK as a Professor, he had served as a Professor in the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Maiduguri where he rose through the ranks beginning as a Graduate Assistant, an Associate Professor in 2002 and full Professor in 2007.

News

AAPU President visits Baba-Ahmed University, Urges Collaboration Among Universities

Published

on

AAPU President visits Baba-Ahmed University, Urges Collaboration Among Universities

The President of the Association of African Private Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to Baba-Ahmed University, Kano, to engage in discussions on the development and advancement of private universities in Africa.

Prof. Gwarzo led a distinguished delegation from Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), accompanied by the President of MAAUN, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr as well as top management staff of the University.

Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly received at the university’s open theater by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Tanko Idris, along with members of the university’s staff and student body.

Earlier in his remark, the Vice-Chancellor expressed profound appreciation to Prof. Gwarzo for his outstanding contributions to education and humanity, not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.

Prof. Tanko Idris further extended his gratitude to Prof. Gwarzo for the visit, describing it as a significant occasion that underscores his unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration and academic excellence.

He also offered prayers for Allah’s continued blessings upon Prof. Gwarzo, wishing him long life in good health to sustain his efforts in advancing education.

Responding, Prof. Gwarzo commended the Vice-Chancellor for his steadfast dedication to academic excellence and institutional development.

He also called for collaboration among universities to enhance research and innovation as well as to expose the universities to each other.

He further lauded the university’s management and its Founder, Datti Baba-Ahmed, for their remarkable contributions to the promotion of quality education.

Additionally, Prof. Gwarzo encouraged the university’s staff to continue supporting the Vice-Chancellor, expressing confidence in his leadership and vision for elevating the institution to greater heights.

During the visit, two students of the university conferred an award of excellence on Prof. Gwarzo in recognition of his exceptional contributions to education.

Among the entourage that accompanied Prof. Gwarzo during the courtesy visit included the President of MAAUN Kano, Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Israr, Dr. Abba Jidda and Dr. Musa Lawal Jibia, among others.

#

Continue Reading

News

The Need for Profiling NGOs in Kano to Preserve Culture, Religion, and Tradition

Published

on

In the recent months, the concern on the activities of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Kano State has increased particularly in the face of a case of one organization that was discovered to be promoting the campaign on LGBT.

Consequently, the need to profile the NGOs, hence the need to ensure their alignment with the cultural, religious and traditional values of Kano People as a society which is predominantly Muslims

Given the importance of preserving these fundamental aspects of Kano community, profiling NGOs is not just a necessity but a responsibility of the Kano State Government.

This approach aligns with global best practices, international regulations, and national security frameworks that advocate for transparency and accountability in civil society operations.

Profiling NGOs involves collecting and maintaining records on their activities, sources of funding, leadership, and compliance with national and State laws.

This process is crucial for the following reasons:

1. Preservation of Cultural and Religious Values: Kano State, like many other societies, has a deep-rooted religious and traditional values. Some NGOs operate in some ways that may inadvertently or deliberately counter these values. Profiling, ensures that NGOs operate within the ethical and moral frameworks accepted by the community.
2. Accountability and Transparency: Profiling helps expose NGOs that engage in activities contrary to their declared missions, preventing misrepresentation and potential manipulation of public trust.
3. National Security Considerations: Many countries, including Nigeria, have recognized the potential risks posed by NGOs that receive foreign funding without clear oversight. Profiling helps in ensuring that these organizations do not pose security threats

#

Several international laws and best practices support the regulation and profiling of NGOs:
1. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations: The FATF, an intergovernmental body combating money laundering and terrorism financing, emphasizes the need for transparency in NGOs operations. Recommendation No 8 states that countries should ensure NGOs are not misused for terrorist financing or illicit activities.
2. The United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1373 (2001) and 2462 (2019): These resolutions emphasize the need for governments to prevent the misuse of civil society organizations for extremist or destabilizing activities.
3. The USA PATRIOT Act (2001): This act mandates increased oversight of NGOs operating within and outside the U.S. to prevent funding of illicit activities under the guise of charitable work.
4. The UK Charities Act (2011): The UK government ensures strict compliance of NGOs with registration and transparency regulations, preventing those that work against national interests from receiving funds.
5. The Nigerian Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020: This act gives the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) the power to regulate and suspend NGO operations if found engaging in unlawful activities.
Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, nominated as a commissioner by the Kano State Governor, is a respected figure with a track record of integrity and commitment to public service. His nomination signifies a strategic move to ensure effective engagement of LAWFULLY registered organizations that operate within the ambit of the law.

The elements questioning his appointment are likely wary of exposure, as increased profiling will reveal organizations operating with some hidden agendas that do not align with the cultural and traditional values of Kano people Additionally, the few dubious civil society organizations opposing him are envious of his achievements, of impactful leadership, fearing the scrutiny that comes with proper oversight, means they are dubious and dishonest
Legitimate NGOs that genuinely seek to serve the public good should have no concerns regarding profiling.

In a statement signed by Dr. Abraman Sunday, National Coordinator,
CSOs Integrity Group said transparency benefits the entire sector by ensuring trust between the government, the people, and civil society organizations. Any resistance to such measures raises concerns about potential ulterior motives, including mismanagement of funds, ideological subversion, or activities detrimental to societal stability.
Profiling NGOs in Kano is a necessary and globally supported initiative to preserve the cultural, religious, and traditional heritage of the state. International regulations and best practices emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in the NGO sector. The appointment of credible individuals such as Comrade Waiya further strengthens the government’s resolve to ensure NGOs operate within ethical and legal boundaries. The resistance from certain civil society organizations only underscores the necessity of this exercise, as it will expose entities that may not have the best interests of Kano State at heart.
By implementing profiling policies aligned with international best practices, the Kano State government will foster a more responsible and accountable NGO sector that contributes positively to society

Continue Reading

News

League Of CSOs Rejects Establishment Of NGOs Profiling Committee; Rejects Waiya’s Appointment, Citing Integrity Concerns

Published

on

The League of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has voiced strong opposition to the establishment of an NGOs Profiling Committee and the appointment of Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya as its chair. In a press conference held at the Nigeria Labour Congress Secretariat, Bala Abdullahi Gaduwana, a representative of the League, expressed their concerns and called for the dissolution of the committee.

Gaduwana highlighted that the initiative to establish the committee is reminiscent of previous attempts in 2017, which were ultimately abandoned due to widespread opposition. He emphasized that the current initiative poses a substantial threat to the freedom of association and the independence of NGOs, potentially silencing critical voices and discouraging vital advocacy work.

The League pointed out that the establishment of this committee duplicates existing regulatory frameworks such as the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, the National Planning Commission Act 1993, the ICPC Act 2000, the EFCC’s SCUML provisions, the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019, and the Office of the Special Adviser on NGOs for Donor Coordination. Additionally, within Kano State, the Directorate of Open Government Partnership (OGP) already provides mechanisms for NGO oversight and accountability. Therefore, the creation of this new committee is seen as a needless duplication of effort.

One of the most pressing concerns raised by the League is the appointment of Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya as chair of the committee. The League expressed serious reservations about Waiya’s suitability for the role, citing his past involvement with the Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF). During his seven-year tenure as Interim Management Committee President of KCSF, Waiya faced documented accusations of financial impropriety, withholding crucial organizational documents, and failing to conduct elections. Furthermore, he is currently involved in several legal disputes with the elected KCSF executives, the KCSF Electoral Committee, and the KCSF Board of Trustees.

The League argued that Waiya’s demonstrated antagonism towards the KCSF, the constituency that propelled him to his current position, raises serious doubts about his impartiality as chair of the NGO Profiling Committee. They expressed concerns that Waiya might prioritize personal agendas over the public interest in his role on the committee, thus compromising transparency and accountability.

#

In their demands, the League called for the immediate dissolution of the NGO Profiling Committee and urged the Kano State Government to mandate Waiya to relinquish all KCSF documents to the Board of Trustees and provide a comprehensive accounting of his leadership during his seven-year tenure.

The League also stressed the importance of mobilizing public awareness about the dangers of the committee’s establishment and its potential impact on the community. They committed to engaging in advocacy with relevant stakeholders, including government officials, legislators, and international organizations, to protect the civil society space in Kano State.

In conclusion, the League of CSOs emphasized that the appointment of an individual with such a controversial background to oversee the financial integrity and operational transparency of NGOs creates a fundamental conflict of interest. They urged the Kano State Government to reconsider the establishment of the committee and Waiya’s appointment to ensure transparency and accountability within the sector.

Continue Reading

Trending