Zamfara Souvenir news

FROM : SURAJO MUHAMMAD

Zamfara state Government has directed the Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development to take stock of inventory of the inherited dilapidated structures of the state Remand Homes across the state with a view to improve the conditions of the organizations.

Commissioner for Information, Hon. Ibrahim Magaji Dosara made this known in a statement issued to newsmen in Gusau, the headquarters of the state.

Hon.Dosara said government was worried by the conditions of the Remand Homes across the state and therefore is working to improve their conditions with for the  welfare and wellbeing of the children living in the places.

“Already, the Commissioner, Ministry for Social Welfare and Community Development, Hon. Lawal Abubakar Zannah has since commenced the visitation of Gusau,Anka and Kaura Namoda Remand Homes, Disabled Centre Gusau and Aproved School Bungudu for assessing their structures and conditions for further action” the Commissiner informed.

According to the statement Hon. Dosara said during the inspection visits Hon. Zannah observed that there were some inmates who supposed to be released and reunite with their parents after spending three years at the rehabilitation centers in accordance with the law, but are still in the centre.

Reacting  to the report on the condition of the centres, the statement however stated that Zamfara state government under the leadership of His Excellency Governor Bello Mohammed Matawallen Maradun has ordered the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Junaidu  Kaura to immediately constitute a committee with a view to assessing the general conditions of the rehabilitation centers, inmates welfare and the number of those that are due for release for reunification with their families.

Already according to the Information Commissioner, the committee has since commenced working for the immediate action.

FROM : HARUNA MUH’D GUSAU

Zamfara State Zakkat and Endowment Board has distributed 400 bags of beans and 30  wheel bicycles to disabled people in the state.

Executive Chairman of the Board, Malam Abubakar Muhammad Sodangi disclosed this during the celebration of  the International Day for People with Disability,  held at the Zakat Board Conference Hall, Bye pass road, Gusau.

Mallam Sodangi said the  board in collaboration with Expanding Social Protection for Inclusive Development (ESPID) organized the programme with a view to improving  the lives of disabled people in the stateto celebrate World  International Day for disabled persons.

“every 2nd December is earmarked as World Disabled Day. I therefore call on well to do individuals in the state to assist them, so that their lives can be better” he noted.

According to him in line with the  intention of the state government in assisting disabled persons, the state governor, His Excellency Dr Bello Muhammad Matawallen Maradun has donated 400 bags of beans to be distributed to people with physical challenges in order to reduce hardship among.

As part of the board commitments to complement the effort of the state government, Mallam Sodangi further announced that the board has donated 30 wheel bicycles to disabled people,adding that the gesture will continue every year.

He further stated that plan are on the pipe line by the board to sponsor 50 Secondary School  graduates among  the people with disabilities for a training on computer for them to become computer literate.

Speaking during the event a  renown Islamic scholar and also the state Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr Tukur Sani Jangebe described people with disabilities as important and call onphilanthropists in the state to assist them. 

He advised the general public to always bring them near and assist them without showing any discrimination.

Responding, Governor, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government,  Alhaji kabiru Balatabe Saudaunan Dan Isa commended the efforts of the Zakat Board under the leadership of Malan Abubakar Muhammad ibn Sodangi for hosting this year’s event and promise to ensure the protection bill of disable people which is currently in the state house of assembly to be passed into law.

From : Shafatu Shua,aibu Shinkafi

Zamfara state First Lady and wife of the Executive Governor, Hajiya Aisha Bello Muhammed Matawalle has inaugurated state steering committee on GBV as part of the activities marking the 2021 Activism on Gender-Base violence in the state.

Inaugurating the committee members at the meeting held at Government House Council Chamber Gusau, the First Lady who is the Chairperson of the committee said the GBV is one of the issues that has taken top priority in her agenda for women and children in the state.

“let me express our sincere appreciation to his Excellency, Governor Bello Muhammad Matawallen Maradun for his tremendous support and solidarity to our activities and programmes on the campaign against GBV”.the first lady stated.

The Wife of the Executive who doubled as the Chairperson of the committee in the state informed that as an active member of the Nigerian Governor Wives Forum against GBV, she has  been in the fore-front in t campaigning against the ugly act against women and children.

Currently according to her the office of the first lady is championing the adoption of the Child Rights Act, which as a result of her influence, the draft document of the act has been reviewed by relevant stakeholders and development partners for speedy approval by the relevant authority.

While appreciating the contributions of the members in various activities and Programmes designed towards eliminating GBV in the state, the first lady however reiterated her commitment to war against GVB which she said had taken much attention in her pet project in the state.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Dr Rabi Ibrahim Shinkafi appreciated the wonderful policies and programmes initiated by Matawalle’s led administration as well as agendas of the First Lady Hajiya Aisha Matawalle in addressing various issues affecting women and children in the state.

She therefore commended the first lady who is the Chairperson of the Committee which is the  first of its kind in the state call on the major stakeholders in the committee  to deliberate on how to promote issues related campaign against GBV in the state.

Those inaugurated as members of the state steering committee comprises the First Lady as the Chairperson. Others are the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kabiru Balarabe (Sardaunan Dan’isa), Speaker state House of Assembly, Alhaji Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya, Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad, representatives of the state Council of Ulamas, Ministry for Religious Affairs and that of Women and Children Affairs.

From : Jamilu Isah Gusau

Zamfara state government has expressed dismay over a recent publication in one of the national daily  credited to 0ndo state government, alleging the involvement of Zamfara indigenes residents in the state into some unholy activities in the state. 

Addressing newsmen in his office, the state Commissioner of Information, Hon. Ibrahim Magaji Dosara stated that the Zamfara  state government under the leadership of Hon. (Dr) Bello Muhammad Matawalle condemned in strongest terms, the act of injustice and blackmail meted the good and law abiding citizens of Zamfara state indigenes resinding in the state who are innocently pursuing their legitimate businesses. 

“We challenges Ondo state government to provide proof, that Zamfara state indigenes are the owners of that night club shutdown by the state government due to drug peddling and commercial sex activities” the Commissiner called. 

If at all the unsubstantiated allegations leveled against the good people of Zamfara state residents in Ondo were true acording to Zamfara state government, the Ondo state government should have communicated for action, rather  than tribalism which may cause disunity and unnecessary and avoidable consequences within the communities of the hitherto friendly societies. 

“It is pertinent to note at this juncture that, Zamfara people who are good muslims and shariah compliant, have respect  for the rule of law anywhere they live, as well remain good ambassadors of our great state” Dosara reiterated.

 According to him the indigenes of Zamfara state who are very much  industrious, have been in various parts of Nigeria and beyond, without any reported cases of involvement in such immoral decadence.

He however described the allegations as false  and malicious, as well as an apparent attempt to, not only tarnish the image of Zamfara government and its good people in the eyes of both national and international communities, but also turn sour, the existing cordial relationship between the people of the two states.

The Commissiner while describing the incident as unfortunate further called on the Ondo state governmet in the spirit of unity and brotherhood to continue to treat Zamfara people living in the state to conduct their legal businesses with as other Nigerians. 

From : Surajo Muhammad

Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara state has presented a budget estimate of  N160,248,511,000 to the state Assembly members for the 2022 fiscal year. 

Speaking during the presentation to the members of the state Assembly held at the lagislatives council Chambers, Governor Matawalle said the 2022 proposed budget is made to be higher than that of the revised budget of N117,575,400,000 by 36% in order to address the huge socio-economic problems facing the state, such as insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and the desired capital projects.

“the estimates of the budget was drawn on the projected revenue of N80,181,655,000 for  recurrent and N80,066,856,000 for capital and was also formed into corresponding recurrent and capital expenditures of N63,165,511,000 and N97,083,000,000 respectively” Governor Matawalle further informed.

While reiterating his government commitment to develop all sector in the state, Governor Matawalle further outlined a few projects that will be executed in the 2022 fiscal year which included, among others, the construction of Gusau- Jauri- Dogon Kade road, rehabilitations of the Kotorkoshi – Mada, and Gusau – Dansadau road,reconstruction and completion of Shinkafi Referral Hospital and the construction of Maradun General Hospital respectively.

 Others projects to be executed during the period under review according to him also includes the construction of dispensaries in all the 14 Local Government areas, construction of Mada-Wonaka- Ruwan Bore road,construction of Maradun- Magami and Faru road, rural water and electrification projects and construction of Tsafe – Yankuzo- Yanwaren daji- Hayin Aljhaji- Chediya – ” Yandoton Daji road.

“the capital expenditure shows that the sum of N47,418,000,000, representing 48.84% of the capital estimate, is budgeted to take care of investments on economic empowerment through agriculture, public finance and fiscal management; private sector growth and development, road and transport infrastructure, water resources, as well as housing and urban development” he stated.

He further mentioned that the sum of N16, 573,000,000 representing 17.07% of the capital estimate, is earmarked for the Social Sector where sub-sectors of Education, Health, Information among others, will be addressed.

Ealier, in a review of the 2021 budget, Governor Matawalle said a lot has been achieved by the 2021 reviewed Budget despite low revenue generation occasioned by insecurity in the state.

He said his administration has joined the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and the Action Plan is currently being drawn, while the Steering Committee would be inaugurated immediately after the completion of the Action Plan before the end of December.

“We have signed the legislation to ensure social protection and have passed the audit law to ensure prudence, probity and accountability in the public sector” Governor Matawalle added.

Highlighting some of the achievements recorded by the present administration, Governor Matawalle said the state Government was able to build 147 Primary Health Centers in each of the Wards in the State and has built 966 classroom blocks in Primary and Junior Secondary Schools across the State. Similarly, the Government has completed the construction of General Hospital Birnin Magaji, reconstructed the General Hospital at Talata-Mafara, and is contructing the Gusau International Airport.

He however said the proposed budget promises a lot of hope for the state where ongoing projects including the International Airport, the new Government House and ongoing roads construction and hospitals will be completed 

FROM : SURAJO MUHAMMAD

Speaker, Zamfara state House of Assembly, Rt.Hon Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya has expressed dismayed with the level of work going on at the International Cargo Airport project, along Kaura Namoda road in Gusau, the state capital.    

Speaking during an official visit to the site of the project, Rt. Hon. Magarya said, the speed of the project is below expectations and further directed the client Ministries of Housing and urban development, it’s  counterpart of Works and Transport, consultants as well as the company handling the projects, Avics Engineering limited to hasten the speedy completion of the project as specified in the contractual agreement. 

As part of the measures to address the issues, the Speaker summoned all the stakeholders of the airport  project to his office for discussion, financial constraints and possible ways the House will interven to ensure that the project did not suffer unnecessary delay.

He however acknowledged the charismatic forsight of governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle for actualising the dream of Zamfara people of having  not just an  International Airport but second to known the state of the earth fercility international airport .

Earliar in his comments, the state commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Ahmad Muhammad Muktar Gusau said his Ministry is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the bill of quantity of the project is maintained, adding that a weekly project site visit is being carried out by his ministry in conjuction with the consultant of the project to ensure strict compliance. 

“the work will be finished on schedule but heavy downpour during the raining season was responsible to the delay in carrying out of the job, with the completion of the rain season the work will commence in earnest in order to meet the time frame of the project” the Commissioner informed.

While commending the Speaker for the official visit to the airport site, Hon. Muktar assured him his ministry’s commitments in ensuring that all contractual agreement between the contactors and the state have been followed during the execution of the  project.

During the visit, Hon.Speaker was accompanied by his Deputy, Hon Musa Bawa Musa Yankuzo, Chairman, House Committee on Urban and Regional Planning and some members of the state House of Assembly.

From : Haruna Muhd Gusau

Zamfara state Hajj Commission has called on Local Government Registration Officers (RO) in the state, not to collect any bank draft or cash from intending pilgrims in the name of 2022 Hajj registration until announce by the National Hajj Commission, Abuja.

Executive Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Lawali Isah Abdullahi Dan majen Kaura made this known while addressing 14 Loca Government Registration officers (RO) in his office at the Commission’s headquarters in Gusau.

“The collection of Hajj fares for 2022 is yet to be  announced by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCO)” he stated.

Dan majen Kaura however warned against fraudulent individuals who goes around collecting money from people for that purpose 2022 Hajj exercise, adding that the commission never assigned any person or group of people for that matters.

He therefore called on intending pilgrims who want perform this year’s Hajj to wait for an official announcement from the National Hajj commission (NAHCON).

In the same vein, the Executive Chairman also commended registration officers (RO) for their  commitment in the discharging  their responsibilities and call on them to keep it up.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the commission, Alhaji Anas shu,aibu Mafara advised the registration officers (RO) to continue enlightening intending pilgrims in their domains on Hajj Saving Scheme system introduced by the  National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).

According to the Secretary,  the new system is the most easies way for the interesting intending pilgrims to save their Hajj fares and called the attention of the registration officers (RO) to give more emphasis on Covid 19 vaccination as no single person will be allow to enter Saudi kingdom without taking the vaccine.

Responding on behalf of the 14 local government registration officers (RO) the forum Chairman, Alhaji lawali Ibrahim thanked the state Hajj Commission for organising the meeting with a view to assist them in conducting proper and acceptable work.

FROM : JAMILU ISAH GUSAU

Former Zamfara state Governor, Sen. Ahmad Rufa’i Sani Yarima has  commended the leadership of the APC Caretakers Committee Chairman, Hon. Kabiru Ibrahim Masari for conducting a successful state congress in the state.

The former Senator made the commendation while answering questions from Journalists on the out comes of the APC state congress at his residence in Gusau.

Yarima explained that, the committee leadership deployed to the state by the APC National Secretariat to conduct congresses at all level in the state have done a good job , pointing out that the leadership of the party led by the Yobe state Governor, Mai mala Buni has recognized Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle’s led party leadership in the state.

“the decision of the party leaders, followers, supporters and other stakeholders in ensuring that all congress at all levels are done through consensus and understaning of members as one single family stands as exceptional in the country” Senator Yarima stated.

While congratulating  the newly elected state executive council members Senator Yariman Bakura urged them to carry everyone along, so that the party can continue to enjoy the people’s support and goodwill in the state.

“All progressive party (APC) leaders in Zamfara has reiterated their committement for the unity of all members of the party in the state, I therefore however advised members who have not revalidated their memberships registration and further captured on the APC national website to do so, as the leadership of the party will no longer be considered defaulters as a member untill he/she been revalidate” he emphasised.

The former Governor re-iterated that those who deliberately choosing to challenged the leadership of Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle Maradun should know that they are challenging and testing the will of Allah who gives and takes away power wherever and whenever he chooses.

From : Our Reporter

GovernorGovernor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara state has announced the suspension of embargo on telecommunications in the state beginning from Monday, 29th Nov, 2021

The decision of the Governor to suspend the measure according to a statement issued to newsmen by the Special Adviser on Public Enlightement, Mediaand Communication, office of the Executive Governor, Mallam Zailani Bappa was informed by an encouraging report of peace attained in the nooks and crannies of the state as the bandits have taken the desired toll meant by the measure.

“I want to announce today that we have taken a decision to lift the ban on telecommunications in the state. God’s Willing, as from next Monday we shall have that effected. The decision, he said, was due to encouraging reports of successes achieved in the state from that stringe measure”, Matawalle announced

Speaking during the APC state Convention held at the Trade Fair complex in Gusau, Governor Bello thanked the people of the state for their patience and perseverance throughout the trying period and assured that his administration will continue to take any measure necessary to preserve peace and protect lives and property.

While commending the organizers of the state convention for carrying every body along Governor Bello further called on APC members in the state to extend their total support to the new Party Executive Council members in the state.

At the end of the event, Hon.Tukur Dan Fulani Gusau was returned as the newly elected Chairman of the APC in the state while Hon. Ibrahim Umar Dangaladima will serve as a new Secretary of the Party in the state.

The new EXCO was sworn in after the Caretaker Committee of the Party under Senator Hassan Muhammad Nasiha was dissolved via motion moved by the former Governor of Zamfara state, Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi. 

The convention was chaired by the Planning Committee Chairman from the National Headquarters of the APC, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari who announced a concensus of the Party in all the 36 elective posts of the Party.

The concensus motion was moved by Senator Sahabi Ya,u (Zamfara South) and seconded by a frontline member, Hon. Sani Jaji

FROM : SURAJO MUHAMMAD

A 30 year old woman, Fatima Lawal an indigenes of Kaura Namoda local Government area of Zamfara state has been arrested by the Zamfara state Police Command for supplying arms and ammunition to bandits in Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Katsina and Zamfara states.

 Parading the suspect who specializes in supplying arms and ammunition’s to bandits in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Katsina and Niger states together with eleven other criminals during a press conference at the command headquarters in Gusau, the Zamfara state Commissioner of Police, CP Ayuba N. Elkwna said, Fatima Lawali who hailed from Kaura-namoda local government area was arrested by the Police Tactical Operation in collaboration with FIB/STE led by DSP Hussain Gimba who are in the state for Tactical operation on Thursday November, 25th, 2021, by 9: 30pm at Gada Biyu, Sokoto road in Gusau, the headquarters of the state.

“Fatima Lawal was arrested at Gada Biyu area, under Bungudu LGA with nine hundred and ninety one (991) rounds of AK-47 live ammunitions conveying from Dabagi village in Sokoto state to be delivered to one notorious bandit’s kingpin Alies “Ado Alero” who has been terrorizing Zamfara and it’s neighbouring states” CP AYuba stated.

Following interrogations of the woman and other suspects arrested by the command,  CP Ayuba further stated that arms and ammunitions intercepted by the Police Tactical Operatives during the operations led to a serious gun battle with the bandits where unspecified numbers of bandits were fatally injured while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds.

“Ten assorted AK-47 rifles with magazines containing one hundred and forty three (143) rounds of live ammunition were recovered, indian hemp intercepted and seven people were arrested during the operations for various offences ranging from possession of Indian hemp, rape, criminal conspiracy, cattle rustling, and unlawful possession of firearms” CP Ayuba informed.

While commending Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle for  his continued support and assistance to the police command in the fight against banditry and other criminal activities, the commissioner further reiterated his command commitment to end insecurity challenges in the state.