Zamfara Souvenir news

From : Our Reporter

Maiden edition of the Zamfara state 60 hizbs female African Qur’anic Memorization competition has commenced in Gusau, the state capital. 

Declaring the competition opened at the UBE Teacher Training Centre bye Pass, Gusau, the Chairman of the committee in Zamfara state, Malam Nura Alkali Mafara said, the competition which drew female participants across the state is the first of it’s kind organised by the Gaskiya Television, Accra Ghana in collaboration with Sheikh Ja’afar Mahmud Adam Foundation, Kano.

Malam Nura informed that, eight states including Zamfara were selected in Nigeria to participate in the competition, those who scored first to third positions according to him would represent the state at the national level scheduled for February 2022 in Kano state.

Highlighting on the reasons behind the competition, the Chairman informed that the competition was designed to encourage correct recitation and memorization of the holy book especially among muslim children and expressed hope that the state contingents will emerged victorious at both national and regional levels.

While commending the state steering committee members of the competition for their tireless commitment in making the event reality, Malam Nura Mafara however used the medium to commends individuals and organizations who contributed in one way or the other for the success of the event.

Earliar in their separate remarks matron for the competition, Hajiya Jamila Musa Kanoma, an Islamic scholar, Dr. Bashir Isah and Malam Murtala Aliyu Dabbagi  reminded Muslims about the significance of the holy Qur’an and called on all to always seek for knowledge for victory in  this world and the hereafter. 

“We enjoined all the participants to make the state proud by being good ambassadors wherever they might find themselves” they admonished.

Important personalities across the state witnessed the opening ceremony of the competition.

From : Aliyu Umar Gusau

Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle of Zamfara state has been commended for paying a condolence visit to the families of the victims of the  communities in Anka and Bukkuyum local government areas affected by the recent banditry attacks. 

Special Adviser to Governor Matawalle on Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Yusuf Abubakar Zugu made this known in a statement issued to newsmen in Gusau, the state capital.

Hon. Yusuf Zugu stated that the sympathy visit by Dr. Bello Matawalle to these affected communities had demonstrated his administration concern and sensitivity over banditry activities in the state.

While condolling and sympathizing with emirs of Anka and Bukkuyum,  (Sarkin Zamfara), HRH. Dr. Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad CON and (Sarkin Danko)HRH. Alhaji Muhammad Usman over the unfortunate happening.

Hon. Zugu described the relief materials provided to the victims of the attack by the state government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development as a well come development.

“This would in no small measure reduce the pain and losses incurred by the communities affected by the banditry  attacks” he noted.

Wazirin  Gummi prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased and grant the bereaved persons the fortitude to bear the sorrowful, painful  and terrifying  act.

He again prayed for those who sustained injuries and lost their properties a quick recovery and replacement of what they have  loss.

From : Aliyu Umar Gusau

Zamfara state government  has reaffirmed its unalloyed support towards improving the well-being of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)  and vulnerable households across the state.

Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hon. Fa’ika M. Ahmad reiterated this during a meeting with  officials of Food and Agriculture Organization under auspices of the  United Nations (FAO) in Gusau, the state capital.

Hon. Fa’ika Ahamd said the Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle’s administration is committed towards uplifting the socio-economic status of people in the state.

“The administration of Governor Matawalle through my ministry, is poised to swiftly  respond to humanitarian crisis, emergencies and coordination of all social protection programmes in the state” she maintained.

While commending  the management of the agency for their contributions to agricultural sector in the state the commissioner further  assured  of the state government’s  support to any organization or  stakeholders who are determined to relentlessly work for the betterment of the state.

Earliar in his remarks during, the leader of the delegation and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist of FAO,  Professor Salisu Muhammad stated that, they were in the state to assess the livelihood and Food Security needs of people in the state.

Professor Salisu informed the Commissioner that the consultative and stakeholders meeting was aimed at collectively identifying areas that may require  intervention.

“We are committed to ensure that we give all the necessary support and contributions for the development of agriculture in the state” he reaffirmed

From : Haruna Muhammad Gusau

Over 11, 723 orpharns and less privilleages drawn from 17 emirate councils in Zamfara state have benefitted from Zakkat and Endowment Board assistance within the last quarter of the 2021.

Executive Chairman of the Zamfara state Zakkat and Endowment Board, Sheikh Abubakar Ibn Sodangi Gusau made this known during a quarterly meeting with of the board members 
and distributions of valuable items, facilities to deserving citizens in the state.

Sheikh Sodangi informed that, in the last quarter of 2021, Zamfara state Zakkat and Endowment Board has recorded a tremendous achievements varied from assistance to Internally Displaced Persons, physically challenged, orphans victims of banditry, poor families and the vulnerable ones.
Most  of the areas being considered in giving out the assistance by the board according to him were the IDPs , education, health, emergencies, business, medication, settlement of loans, orphans,/ orphanages, transportation, shelters and community development among others.

Highlighting some of the areas the board offered assistance, the Executive Chairman said in the area of health over 7, 710 persons have received medication or medical attention in various hospitals across the state.

Other less privilleage assisted during the period under review according to him were 3,150 persons with emergency cases of shelter, rent and business men and women who had issues with their businesses respectively.

On the assistance to education, the chairman stated that the board within the last quarter of 2021 had assisted 518 persons studying in various schools and institutions within the state, nation and some neighboring countries, such the Republic of Niger, Benin and Mali in addition to the 50 wheel tricycles procured and distributed to 200 physically challenged persons across the state.

While commending the state government and it’s MDA,s, well meaning citizens of the state for cooperating and assisting the board accordingly to discharge it’s activities, Sheikh Sodangi prayed Allah to reward them.

He however urged wealthy individuals in the state to invest for the hear after, by giving out what is due to the board for onwards distribution to needy persons in the state.

During the programme, over 99 less privileged with various problem received cash assistance of N100,000, N70,000, N60,000, N50,000 N40, 000, N30,000 and N20, 000 respectively.

Among the personalities that graced the occasion also includes, Sheikh Umar Kanoma, Special Adviser to in the board, Hon yahaya Aliyu maradun, board’s directors among others.

From : Our Reporter

All Progressive Congress, APC  Governors Forum has paid a sympathy visit to Zamfara state Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle over the recent attacks on eight villages in Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government areas by bandits which led to the death of 58 innocent lives.

Speaking, the forum Chairman and Kebbi state Governor, Hon. Atiku Bagudu and his counter part of Katsina state Hon. Aminu Bello Masari have extended the solidarity of all APC Governors to Governor Matawalle at this trying moment facing his state and many Northern states of the federation.

Governor Masari said the forum noted the efforts and committment of Governor Matawalle towards ending the menace of banditry in the region, but such efforts, according to him must be complemented with the peoples support in order to succeed.

While calling on the state Governor to continue with his good work, the forum however urged the people to co-oprerate with Government policies and operational efforts of the security personnel in order to succeed. 

“No efforts by the government will succeed without the support and co-operation of the people.Likewise, efforts of the people will be in vain without Government support”, the forum noted.

Responding, Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle thanked the forum for its concern which also demonstrated the unity and strength of partnership among the APC Governors in the Country. 

“this was not the first time, the forum paid a similar visit to the state as it did the same when there was a fire outbreak which gutted one of the markets in the state capital last year and assured the forum that this government is very grateful to this concern and will not rest on its oars untill all the bandits in the state are neutralised” he re-iterated.   

Governor Matawalle said, the recent stringent measures the state government has taken to block supplies to the bandits, coupled with the intensification of military campaigns against their hideouts are yielding fruitful results. 

From : Our Reporter

Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle of Zamfara state has called on people of the state who were yet to be registered as voters to come out enmass  and register in the ongoing continuous Voter Registration exercise.

Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle of Zamfara state has called on people of the state who were yet to be registered as voters to come out enmass  and register in the ongoing continuous Voter Registration exercise.

He made the called on Wednesday when he received the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the state, Professor Sa,id Babura Ahmed mni who was in his office for an official engagement in Gusau, the state capital.

Governor Matawalle while welcoming the Resident Electoral Commissioner to Zamfara state, further assured that the people of the state will continue to support the commission in the conduct of its obligations.

“Zamfara state is a state that needs peace and tranquility, I,m assuring you  that, the 2023 general will be hitch free as my administration will not shirk the cardinal responsibility of securing lives and property of its citizens, at all times” he informed.

He however assured that, the state government will assist the commission with all necessary logistics and support for a hitch free, credible and peaceful 2023 General elections.

Commenting on the continuous Voter Registration exercise (CVR), Governor Matawalle expressed satisfaction with the turnout of eligible persons for the exercise and commended the commission for its support to the success of the CVR, and the smooth execution of its other official responsibilities.

Earlier in his address, the Resident Electoral Commissioner  Professor Said Babura Ahmed mni said they were at the Governor’s office in order to familiarize himself and to explore more areas of support and cooperation between the state Government and the commission for a hitch free 2023 general elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner informed the Governor that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise is going on smoothly, and thanked the state Government for its kind support to the commission at all times.

FROM : SURAJO MUHAMMAD

Police in Zamfara state have dislodged  armed bandits operating along Gusau – Tsafe – Futua road, where two (2) bandits were fatally injured while others escaped with a possible gun shot wounds.

Zamfara state Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Shehu Muhammad made this known in a statement issued to newsmen in Gusau.

SP Shehu stated that, On  the 4th January, 2022, Police Special Task Forces deployed along Gusau – Tsafe – Funtua road, recieved a distress call that, armed bandits on seven (7) MotorCycles with sophisticated weapons were sighted coming to attack some communities, block the road and kidnap innocent commuters and  proceed to their enclave at Mutu forest under Tsafe local government area. 

On receiving the distress called according to the statement, the Police Operatives swung into action and mobilized to the bandits location where a serious gun battle were ensued.
The statement however stated that at the end of the battle, Police dislodged  the hoodlums, and as result, two (2) bandits were fatally injured while others escaped with a possible gun shot wounds.

The statement however stated that at the end of the battle, Police dislodged  the hoodlums, and as result, two (2) bandits were fatally injured while others escaped with a possible gun shot wounds.

According to the statement some of the  exhibits recovered from the hoodlums includes, twenty two (22) rounds of live ammunition, one (1) operational motorcycle and two (2) Tecno Handset belonging to the bandits.

While commendimg the general public for their unalloyed collaborations and synergy with police and other security agencies in the state, command further urged them to sustain the tempo and continue given their maximum support to the command in order to tackled the insecurity challenges across the state.

FROM : SURAJO MUHAMMAD 

Zamfara state government has approved the immediate reopening of some selected weekly markets in the state.

The markets reopened with effect from Wednesday, 5th January, 2022 according to a statement issued to press by the Zamfara state Commissioner of Information, Hon. Ibrahim Magaji Dosara includes, Dansadau, Maradun,Bungudu and Maru weekly markets respectively.

Hon. Dosara explained that, the approval for the immediate reopening of the selected markets followed the satisfactory reports received by the state government on security situation in the affected communities.

“the decision to reopened the markets was informed by the series of reports received from the communities on some sanity in security, as well  as the agreement reached between the government and the markets leaders in ensuring that no criminal activity would takes place in the markets and lives and property of individuals in the markets are safeguarded.” the statement added.

While appealing to the general public to be law abiding in carrying out their businesses, the statement further  expressed government profound gratitude to the people in the state for the support and cooperation, as well as prayers they have been offering to the government and the security agencies who have been working tirelessly to safeguard the lives and property of the people in the state.

The statement however noted that the  recent onslaught on bandits in various parts of the state, particularly in the vulnerable communities have been yielding positive results as well as expressing deep appreciation to the security agencies for the ongoing operations of neutralising the bandits and flushing them out of the state.

The statement however noted that the  recent onslaught on bandits in various parts of the state, particularly in the vulnerable communities have been yielding positive results as well as expressing deep appreciation to the security agencies for the ongoing operations of neutralising the bandits and flushing them out of the state.

“Government will continue to work hand in hand with the security agencies and provide them with all the necessary support and assistance to make their job easier in the state” the statement re – imphasised.

FROM SURAJO MUHAMMAD

Zamfara state Police command in collaborations with other security agencies have rescued over 96 victims of banditry from various local government areas of the State.

Parading the kidnapped victims during a press conference held at the command headquarters in Gusau, Zamafara state Commissioner of Police CP Ayuba N Elkana explained that, 68 of the kidnapped victims that comprises 33 male, 7 male children, 3 female children and 25 women including pregnant/ nursing mother were from Shinkafi local government area, While the remaining victims held from Magarya, Maradun, Gusau and Sabon Birni local government in Sokoto state respectively.

“Police in collaborations with other Security agencies carried out extensive operation at various bandits enclaves, the operation have resulted to the arresting of a notorious bandits and also recovered sophisticated arms/ammunition and rescued of kidnapped victims that runs into hundreds”, he added.   

 In the same vein, CP Ayuba further stated that, on Monday 3rd, January 2022, Police Tactical Operatives deployed to Tsafe axis acted on intelligence report and stormed Kunchin Kalgo forest where 29 kidnapped victims were unconditionally released.

According to him the victims were abducted for over 60 days from Adarawa, Gaba and Bayawuri villages in Rijiya District of Gusau local government area.

“I want to use this opportunity to express our appreciation to the state government under the leadership of His Excellency Dr, Bello Matawalle MON, for his continuous support and assistance to the police and other security agencies in the state, the kind gesture has gone along way in making security operatives more effective and efficient in the discharge of their duties” CP Ayuba added.

From : Suraj Muhammad

Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle of Zamfara state has paid over N2. billion to retirees and workers as gratuities, pensions and salaries for the month of  December, 2021.

Zamfara state Commissioner of Information, Hon. Ibrahim Magaji Dosara disclosed this in a statement issued to press in Gusau, the state capital.

Hon. Ibrahim stated that, out of the figure, N400 million was paid to pensioners as pensions and gratuities, while the remaining sum of N1.9 billion was paid to workers as their December 2021 salaries respectively.

The gesture which is part of the government ongoing efforts to cushion the hardships of the retired civil servants who spent years serving the state according to him is also aimed at reinvigorating their welfare and wellbeing of their families.

“as part of the government efforts in ensuring adequate welfare of pensioners and workers across the state the administration of Governor Matawalle would not relent until all retirees are paid their gratuities in the state” he emphasised.

According to the statement, Hon. Magaji said despite the meagre resources at  disposal, government would continue to pay the gratuities of pensioners, until all are paid their entitlements. 
“From now onwards, pensions must be paid before the payment of workers salaries in every month.” the statement ordered. 

In the same vein the Commissioner further stated that the government has also constituted a committee comprising of prominent and prudent personalities to pay all Zamfara state students schooling abroad, their outstanding allowances to enable them pursue their education with vigor.

While assuring the general public on government commitment to improve their well-being, Hon. Dosara further solicits for their support, cooperation  and prayers towards achieving lasting peace in the state.