Category: General

Serving and erstwhile lawmakers at the Federal and state levels have commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Dr. Yusuf Yakub as the new Director-General of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC).

This is contained in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Nkem Anyata-Lafia, to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

It stated that the lawmakers described the President as a leader who understood talents and knew how to deploy these talents to areas of greatest need.

It said that leading the team of enthusiastic well-wishers for the appointment of the new D-G in Abuja, was the Chairman, House Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, Hon. Kwamoti Laori.

“Laori, a former Deputy Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly and currently represents Demsa/Numan/Lamurde at the Green Chamber in Abuja said the appointment was well deserved.

“Yakub as a seasoned administrator and legislator per excellence, you doubtless possess the requisite experience and knowledge to deliver the needed transformation in DTAC.

“He prayed God to grant Yakub the wisdom to be effective in his new role,” it stated.

It also quoted Aliyu Boya, Chairman, House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, in a letter of felicitations as expressing optimism that the director-general would continue the good work he was known for and inspire those around him.

“I am not surprised by your appointment to this position, knowing your pedigree, your unwavering commitment to public service, leadership, integrity and vision, which have earned you this appointment.

“I am always impressed by the passion and energy that you bring to your work,” it stated.

According to him, in a similar development, a group led by the former Federal lawmaker who represented Mubi North/Mubi South/ Maiha in the 9th House of Representatives, Hon. Ja’afar Magaji, commended Tinubu for the appointment.

“Magaji lauded the selfless service to humanity of the former Adamawa-born Rep and prayed for his success at the Agency.

“Others were, Hon. Abdullahi Speaker, Hon. Rufa’i Gombi, a former Member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly and Comrade Adamu Barama, Senor Special Assistant on Political and Legislative Matters to Magaji,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) says postage stamps are essential assets in the components of the economy of every country and a crucial infrastructure for development.

The Postmaster General (PMG) of the Federation/CEO of NIPOST, Dr Sunday Adepoju, stated this on Saturday in Abuja at the unveiling of the Pan African Postal Union (PAPU) commemorative stamp.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the African commemorative postage stamp was launched on Saturday to mark the inauguration of the PAPU tower in Arusha, Tanzania .

The PAPU tower is a new 17-story building for Africa’s continental body. PAPU is responsible for coordinating postal development in Africa.

Represented by Dr Thomas Gaga, NIPOST’s Director of Planning and Business Development, Adepoju said: “Today, we are celebrating the history, cultural heritage and diversity of the African continent.

“NIPOST in conjunction with PAPU member States today released a single postage stamp that is N 250 in value with a surcharge of N5.

“ Being an African Joint Stamp Issue, all member States of the Union are required to incorporate into the design, an iconic emblem or national natural artifact of their choice in their respective countries.”

He added that the Nigerian version of the Stamp depicted the historic Zuma Rock, juxtaposed against the PAPU Tower located in Arusha, Tanzania.

Adepoju said that PAPU chose postage stamps as part of the activities lined up, adding,”because postage stamps are an effective means to supply information about a country’s history, culture and people.

“Postage stamps are often described as miniature encyclopedias and living reminders of events.

“ The aim of the joint stamp issue is to promote African heritage and events.”

Adepoju promised that NIPOST would be consistent in ensuring that major events in Nigerian history were documented for posterity through the issuance of commemorative stamps.

NAN reports that a total of 250, 000, horizontal format stamps were released on September 2, they were designed and printed by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company Plc.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Katsina State Government has disbursed N20 million to support 33 families of local vigilantee members who lost their lives in the line of duty .

Gov. Dikko Radda announced this during the presentation of cash to the victims’ families in Katsina on Saturday.

Radda represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abdullahi Faskari, said that some of the beneficiaries would receive N500,000 cash.

The governor added that no fewer than 10 vigilantee members who sustained injuries and a policeman get N250,000 each, while the family of one military officer who also lost his life received N1 million cash.

He added that that some members of the public who sustained injuries during the recent bandit attacks across the affected areas would also be considered in due course.

Radda explained that the gesture was part of his campaign promises towards appreciating those who sacrificed their lives and comfort in securing the state.

He assured the commitment of his administration towards fighting insecurity and other criminal tendencies across the state.

“My office is always open for advice and suggestions that will assist our administration to fulfill and actualise its promises,” he said.

Alhaji Sa’idu Danja, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Support of Victims of Banditry earlier said the government had spent over N11.8 million for the treatment of victims of banditry attacks.

According to him, over 80 victims were treated free of charged at various health facilities, adding about 40 of them had since been discharged.

Also,Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir-Usman, commended the gesture and appealed to the government to expand the scope to accommodate more victims.

The royal farther was represented by the Galadiman Katsina and District Head of Malumfashi, Alhaji Sadiq Abdullahi-Mahuta.

Malam Salisu Rabo-Kurfi, State Commander of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), appreciated the government saying the support was desirous and timely.

Malam Garba Musa who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries described the gesture as miraculous as they never expected it.

He assured that they would make judicious use of the cash donations.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Management of the University of Calabar (UniCal) has debunked claims of any increase in school charges.

The clarification made in a statement by office of the institution’s Registrar, Mr Gabriel Egbe, on Saturday came on the heels of a report online that the university had increased its charges.

Egbe referred to the news as untrue and a calculated attempt to cause disarray in the school.

“The report on some news platforms about increment in charges by the institution is false, misleading and malicious.

“It is a deliberate ploy by detractors to cause chaos in the reputable institution.

“Members of the public, as conveyed by the statement are enjoined to disregard the report as it did not emanate from the university,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Hage Geingob has extended a message of condolences to the wife, children and the entire family of former ambassador to Nordic countries, Hadino Hishongwa, who died on Friday at the age of 80.

Geingob, in a statement availed by the Presidency, here described the late Hishongwa as a leader who walked the difficult path of a freedom fighter and worked hard for the betterment of the Namibian people after independence.

“Through his exemplary deeds throughout his life, Ambassador Hishongwa personified selfless sacrifice towards the cause of Namibia’s independence. His life was filled with hard work in the pursuit of freedom, including on the diplomatic front where he fought tirelessly for Namibians to emerge victorious in their pursuit of their inalienable right to self-determination and self-rule”, he said.

Geingob further said Hishongwa made stellar contributions to the architecture of the liberation movement, SWAPO, the SWAPO Party Youth League, the work of the Constituent Assembly in 1989 and subsequently that of an independent Namibia, through the various roles he has served in the executive and diplomatic missions.

During this difficult time of bereavement, Namibia mourns a true son of the soil, a hero of the Namibian liberation struggle and one whose commitment to the development of the Namibian people shall not be forgotten by current and future generations, President Geingob added.

“On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, I convey my heartfelt condolences to his wife Esther Litauleni Hishongwa, children and grandchildren.

Ambassador Hishongwa served as the Swapo Chief Representative to Nordic countries, West and East Africa, Swapo Organizer for Returning Exiles, for Youth and Elections and Foreign Secretary of the National Union of Namibian Workers.

He also served in the executive as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport, Deputy Minister of Labour and Human Resources Development and has been a member of the National Assembly for 15 years. Following his retirement from public office, Ambassador Hishongwa went on to serve the community as Senior Headman of Omhedi District in the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority until his death.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

The youth at Oshakati on Friday gathered at the town’s Independence Stadium to commemorate the annual International Youth Day.

The day started with a street parade from the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service (MSYNS) office to the Independence Stadium.

In a speech read on his behalf, Oshana Region Governor Elia Irimari, said as Africa, Namibia embraces the Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint to achieving inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.

“We want the youth to champion, be in the forefront, and realise this vision so that in unison they can create a better future for the people.

Therefore, the government remains committed to empowering the youth, and integrating the youth within mainstream economy,” he said.

He further said a sustainable future is possible, and it is crucial to mobilise the young generation to forge a revitalised global partnership towards a common goal.

Speaking at the same occasion MSYNS Executive Director Erastus Haitengela said the International Youth Day offers a platform to honour the qualities of youth and the potential they hold towards developing Namibia and the world while acknowledging the challenges they face.

“Many young people contribute towards community development, protecting the environment and volunteering in various social projects,” he said.

He added that the MSYNS is playing its part by ensuring that the youth are included in socio-economic development by implementing the National Youth Policy.

The International Youth Day is held annually on 12 August, but the commemoration in Namibia was postponed, due to the busy schedule of the MSYNS.

This year’s commemoration was held under the theme ‘Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World’.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency