Zamfara Souvenir news

FROM : SURAJO MUHAMMAD

Zamfara, Abia and Akwa Ibom states have been declared with the lowest rate of open defecation in Nigeria.

United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF)  made this declaration in a statement issued to newsmen in Sokoto during a 2021 World Toilet day celebration organised by UNICEF Sokoto field Officer in collaboration with Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states government.

As the world is celebrating world Toilet day according to the statement, it’s revealed that the states with the highest rate of open defecation are Kwara, Plateau, and Ebonyi which shows that there has been a limited progress over the last two years in the fight against open defecation in Nigeria.

“The rate of open defecation in Nigeria has ramained steady at twenty three percent, as many as fourty six million Nigerians still defacate in the open” the statement added.

While calling on the general public to avoid using open defacation, UNICEF further advocated that, more needs to be done to ensure that all Nigerinas have access to safe toilet to end open defacation across the country.

“There has been some progress on ending open defacation with 71 out of 774 local government areas now declared open defecation free as Nigeria is making some progress on Improving that access to water, sanitation and hygiene service to it’s population with 75 percent” the statement further reiterated

From : Our Reporter

Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamfara state has launched a free healthcare services for 34,000 vulnerable and less previleged drawn from all the 14 local government areas of the state.

Speaking during the official launching of the Programme’ to be coordinated through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund held in Gusau the state capital, Governor Matawalle said, a total of 231 beneficiaries will be selected from each of the 147 wards comprising 92 pregnant women, 116 under 5 children as well as 23 elderly and physically challenged persons to be enroll into the scheme by the committee to be constituted soon.

“with the construction of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) spread across the 147 wards, beneficiaries of the scheme will not have to travel far to access services aimed at addressing and reducing  maternal mortality and other health challenges especially at the rural area levels” he stated.

Already according to him, his administration has paid up to date its mandatory N100 million counterpart funds to access the fund for effective, smooth and immediate take off of the scheme.

While commending the state legislators, labour unions, CSOs, traditional and religious leaders for their support in the attainment of the laudable feat in the state, Governor Bello Matawalle further assured his government commitments in improving the healthcare services of the general public across the state.

Governor Bello Matawalle is the first governor to launched free healthcare services in the country that  will be extended to 34,000 vulnerable persons drawn from the 147 wards of the state for the next three years.

From: Our Reporter

Marafa Youth Ambassadors (MYA), a political group in support of former Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa has declared their unalloyed support to the leadership of Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle of Zamafara state.

Receiving the unexpected visitors at Government House Gusau, Governor Matawalle who was overwhelmed by the crowd said, his administration has maintained a level playing ground for all political parties and players in the state to ensure that politics and politicking are done without bitterness, intimidation or harrassment by anyone or group against anyone other group.

Governor Matawalle who expressed happiness over the youth decision further said that it was the realization of these facts coupled with the ways he is running his administration that has made him and his leadership style attractive to followers and supporters of other political parties who have continued to join him by the day.

” I,m happy today that thousands of my admirers that were with those who refused to choose the path of peace are also realizing my good intentions and abandoning their political leaders to join in my unity fashioned leadership” Matawalle stated.

While thanking the political group for choosing to join hand with him Governor Matawalle also pointed out that his government will continue to be regarded and treated as good party members like all others and that his leadership and the APC in the state will continue to grow stronger under one united house and leadership.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Disbanded Marafa Youth Ambassadors, Comrade Ahmed Ibrahim Aliyu who led the thousands of his members to the governor, thanked Governor Matawalle for receiving, describing the act as the governor’s mantra of politics without bitterness.

The Chairman said, their decision to abandoned their former political leader and former Senator Kabiru  Garba Marafa for Governor Matawalle was in realization of the good intentions and good governance style exhibited by the Barden Hausa.

“We left our political godfather in appreciation of Matawalle’s fight against insecurity and the effort of his administration to give meaning to the lives of youths through job opportunities and self reliance in the state” the youth leader re-iterated.

From : Our Reporter

Governor Bello Muhammed Matawalle of Zamfara state has directed Zamfara state Geographic Information System (ZAGIS) for the immediate issuance of electronic Certificate of Occupancy to the people of the state.

Hon. Bello Matawalle gave the directives during an official visit to the agency while inspecting the ZAGIS Modern Survey Equipments provided by his administration.

” The decision to improve the services of the centre was to ensure that all households, companies and other structures existing across the state were issued with electronic Certificate of Occupancy based on international standard” he stated.

While at the ZAGIS Headquarters in Gusau, Governor Bello also inspected I.C.T room fully equipped with modern survey equipments and presentation of GIS/LIS projects through satellite imagery and other necessary working materials put in place at the centre.

He however, directed the officials of organisation to ensure the smooth operation of their services through  online mode of payment of any type of application and the prompt printing and issuance of Electronic Certificate of Occupancy to the people of the state.

According to him, his visit to the agency was aimed at encouraging the staffers  of ZAGIS to discharge their responsibilities and also inspect the general equipments provided for the issuance of the Electronic Certificate of Occupancy and the Geographical Maps of Zamfara state.

While  expressing his satisfaction with the way and manner the officials of the ZAGIS are conducting their services Governor Matawalle further directed the management of the agency to continue sensitising people on the importance aspects of ZAGIS activities for general public to continue to paying their outstanding ground rent and recertifying their Certificates in due course.

“I will soon back to ZAGIS Headquarters for the official flag-off of the issuance of Electronic Certificate of Occupancy” he announced.

Earliar in his address, the Director General, Zamfara State Geographic Information System ZAGIS, Malam Hassan Idris Gusau said all necessary materials in terms of logistics support have been provided by the state government for the smooth operation of the agency.

While thanking Governor Bello Matawalle for finding time to visit ZAGIS headquarters, the Director General further assured of his staffers readiness to conduct their activities effectively.

During the visit Governor Matawalle was accompanied by the state Head of service, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Gayari, Chief of Staff, Government House Malam Suleiman Ibrahim, Commissioners of Information, Hon. Ibrahim Magaji Dosara and Commissiner of Health,  Hon. Aliyu  Abubakar MC respectively.

By : Zailani Bappa

The Peoles Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat through it’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Oligbondiyan yesterday reportedly made a press release to the media where the Party made stunning accusations against the APC in Zamfara state and particularly, the administration of Hon. ( Dr ) Bello Muhammed (Matawallen Maradun).

The Party accused Governor Bello Matawalle and the ruling Party in the state of deliberate attempt to frustrate the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 elections by denying it the opportunity to own an office accommodation in Gusau.
The Party also “cautioned” Governor Matawalle to let it be. It further said it has instructed its Lawyers to take up the matter just as it drew the attention of Human Rights Organisations to what it described as “reprehensible action”.

Against these background,  we find this allegation as spurious and a total disrespect to Dr Bello Mohammed who midwifed, nursed and nurtured the nearly obliterated PDP as a  Party in Zamfara state and sailed it to power in 2019.

The PDP must be reminded to the fact that it poses no threat to either the APC as a Party in Zamfara State, nor Dr Bello Mohammed himself. I fact, the new leadership of the PDP at the National level need to make its homework and find out how it was able to manage a second position in 2019 elections if not for the sheer and total efforts of His Excellency Dr Bello Mohammed.

Though we quite sympathise with the PDP since the exit of His Excellency, Dr Bello Mohammed, but his exit from the Party or its attendant problems in the State are no ground to make wild allegations as lowly as accusing the Governor of threatening their prospective Landlord. It is important that the PDP sorts out its tenancy problems without dragging the name of Zamfara State Government into it just to attract public sympathy.

If indeed, the PDP believes its allegations are true and it is preparing to go to Court, then its media allegation against the Government is a needless distraction and a mischievous attempt to smear the name of the Governor and his administration. 

It must be put on record that the total support  enjoyed by the APC in Zamfara state is not in doubt which was proven in 2011 when it routed the then PDP administration out of office. Today, the APC is even more rooted in the hearts of Zamfara electorates with the entry of Dr Bello Mohamned into its fold.

It is instructive therefore, that Dr Bello Mohammed cannot descend so low as to smash an ant with a sledge hammer or even flog an already dead horse. The PDP must also be cautioned to weigh its allegations next time as the state Government may be forced to take lawful and appropriate actions against such carelessness.

From :Aliyu Buhari Gusau

Zamfara state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has pledged to partner with state branch of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) for the development of Agriculture in the state.
Commissioner of the Ministry, Hon. Ibrahim Jibo Magayakin Kaura made this known when the executive council members of the association paid him a courtesy call in his office in Gusau.           

Hon. Ibrahim Jibo Magayakin Kaura, Zamfara state Commissiner of Agriculture made this known when the executive council members of the association paid him a courtesy call in his office in Gusau.           

while commending the leadership of the association for proper coordinatoin of the activities of farmers in the state Hon. Magayakin further narrated that, All Farmers Association of Nigeria is being an umbrella body of all Agricultural associations  and a major stakeholder in the formulation and implementation of Agricultural policies in the country. 

According to the statement issued to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Malam Bashir Abashiya stated the the Commissioner while appreciating the visit further assured members of the association his ministry commitments to carry all farmers along in the state throughout his staying as commissioner for Agriculture.

Hon. Ibrahim Jibo in a statement further stated that, the present administration of Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle has  demonstrated a renewed commitment in Agriculture especially in the recent visit to Turkey  where he signed an MOU with Agricultural Investors in the country.

While soliciting for the support and cooperation from the AFAN in the state for the government to succeed, Hon. Magayaki moreover stated that many agricultural intervention programs will be introduce to boast food production and employment generation to the youths in the state.

Earlier speaking, the Chairman, All Farmers Association, (AFAN), Zamfara state, Hon. Mohammad Umar Wamban Birnin Magaji said they were in Commisioner’s office to congratulate him  over his recent appointment as the Commissiner of Agriculture and also to brief him on the activities of the  aassociation.

Applauding the effort and commitments of the commissioner in managing the affairs of the ministry the AFAN Chairman therefore solicited for the intervention from the ministry to regulate the activities of the private Anchor Borrowers Association to prevent exploitation of farmers and ensure transparency in the conduct of their activities in the state.

FROM HARUNA MUH’D GUSAU

Zamfara State Zakkat and Endorwnmemt Board has organised a Walima to 120 orphans selected from 17 emirates council of the state as part of the efforts to mark this year’s world annual orphan day celebration.

Executive Chairman of the board, Sheikh Abubakar Muhammad Ibn Sodangi made this known while delivering a speech during a celebration of this year’s annual programme of the  World Orphans Day held at Zakkat Conference Hall in Gusau the state capital.

Sheikh Sodangi said the participants who have been selected from all the 17 emirates council in the state was given a welfare packages as part of the board commitments in improving the lives of orphanages and less privileged across the state.

“United Nation Mark’s every 8th, November of every year as a World Orphans Day with a view to showi a special caring to orphans in the world, that was why here in Zakkat Board we always give special treatment to orphans” Sheik Sodangi reiterated.

While advising the philanthropists and well to do individuals in the state to emulate the state government efforts by organizing similar Walima package to orphanages, the Chairman further commended Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle for given Zakkat board full financial support and assured his office determination to support all government Programmes and policies.

Earliar in their separate contributions, the Acting Governor and Speaker, Zamfara state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasiru Muazu Magarya and a re known Islamic scholar, Sheikh Umar Ahmad Kanoma while commending the management of the Zakkat Board for organising the walima event further explained the importance of assisting orphans and less privileged in the society.

They therefore called on muslims ummah to redouble their efforts by ensuring that orphans were  given a special cares for Allah reward here and there after.

 “Allah SWT promised to build a house in the Aljannat fiddausi for those people who are assisting orphans and given special caring them” they emphasised.

Important personalities who graced the occasion includes, the Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmad Muhammad, (Sarkin Zamfaran Anka),  Emir of Kaura Namoda, Dr Sanusi Muhammad Ahmad Asha ( Sarkin Kiyawan Kaura Namoda),  Emir of Maru, Alh. Abubakar Gado Mai Gari ( Banagan Maru) and Chairman,  Zamfara state Hisbah Commission , Malam Ashahabu Badamasi Zauma, among others.

FROM : JAMILU ISAH GUSAU

Over 500 orphans and less previledge in Zamfara state have been enrolled into school to acquire both western and  Islamic education.

Zamfara state Vulnerable Households, Women’s and Children’s Organisation Chairperson, Hajiya Farida Abdulrazak A Tigana made this known during a celebration of the “2021 World Orphans Day” held at UBE Teacher’s Training Development Centre along bye pass road Gusau.

Hajia Farida said taking care of orphans and vulnerable children which is part of  the responsibility of the Organisation will no doubt assist in reducing and curtailling crime in the society.

” if we look at the meaning of children who are the most valuable creature on earth, children’s are the  Allah gift, that funds cannot buy”, she added.

Hajiya Farida while encouraging the general public to actively participate in raising the vulnerable children’s in the state further urged Zamfara state government to bring change right from our young generation by providing quality education, protection of their health, good food, as well as good shelter for a better living.

Earliar in his address, the Emir of Kaura Namoda HRH, Alhaji Ahmad Muhammad Asha has commended the Chairperson of the organisation, Hajia Farida for her tremendous effort and commitments on the Vulnerable Household Women and Children in the state and urged her to keep it up.

“Only Allah (SWA) will reward you for sponsored orphans and less previledge across the state to schools to acquired knowledge at all level” he stated. 

Emir of Kaura Namoda used the occasion to call on Islamic scholars to continue praying to end the security challenges in Zamfara state

From : Our Reporter

Governor Bello Muhammed Matawalle of Zamfara state has been commended for his cosmopolitan approach in solving the lingering crisis in the state.
Former British Prime Minister and initiator of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Mr Tony Bair made the commendation when he received the Governor at the Institute in London.

In a statement issued to newsmen by the Special Advisers to Governor on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communication, Mallam Zailani Bappa said the former Prime Minister was impressed by the reach-out to the international community by the Governor as an added effort at solving the internal crisis facing his state.

According to the statement Mr Tony Blair who is delighted over the Governor visit also promised to use his capacity in mobilising support, resources and investors to Zamfara state as his own contribution and concern to the human crisis facing the state.

He added that his Institute will assist in the area of security and development, adding that the Governor’s interaction with the United Nations on this matters of concern is not only a welcomed development but a step in the right direction.

Earlier in his address, Governor Bello Matawalle commended the former Prime Minister and his Institute for their unbriddled support to the needy and promised to continue to liaise with the Institute for the betterment of the international community.

He noted the contributions of the Institute to African Countries such as Ghana, Togo, Ethiopia, Vote d’ Voire, among others. 

“We have also seen how this Institute has helped improve public policy, governance, and service delivery in a number of states”, the Governor added.

Governor Matawalle said Zamfara state is in dire need of support in the area of security, humanitarian crisis and healthcare.

FROM : HARUNA MUH’D GUSAU

A re-known Islamic scholar and  Commissioner for Religious Affairs in Zamfara state, Hon. Sheikh Tukur Sani Jangebe called on the general public to continue praying for the restoration of peace in Zamfara state and nation at large.

Speaking during the official handing over of the affairs of the Ministry in Gusau, Sheikh Tukur Jangebe expressed gratitude to Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle Maradun for giving him another chance to serve as the commissioner in the Ministry.

While commendimg the entire staffers of the Ministry for their support and determination in service delivery, Hon. Jangebe further enjoined well to do individuals in the state to assist needy and less previlledged in their domains.

“I appeal to all and sundry in the state to always support programmes and activities of the state government in order to fulfill it’s mandate of delivering better to citizen of the state” he called.

He however solicited for the cooperation of staffers for the  rapid development and progress of the Ministry and  assured that he will do everything posible to move the ministry forward