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Prepare to receive herders, NEF tells northern govs

Published

4 years ago

February 13, 2021

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has urged governors of the Northern states to start preparing to receive law-abiding Fulani herders who may be compelled to relocate from their present abodes in different parts of Nigeria, following conflict with various host communities.

On the same day, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State faulted the statement made by his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, supporting the free movement of herders with AK-47 rifles.

The NEF made the appeal in a statement signed by its spokesman, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, where it alleged that some groups are fuelling tension in the country in order to achieve their selfish aims.

A number of communities across the country have issued herders qit notices following bloody fracas over grazing lands.

Baba-Ahmed told THISDAY last night that the northern governors should start working on land and infrastructure to accommodate the herders, their families and cattle.

He also talked about planning ahead for the health and security needs of the herders, to ensure hitch free resettlement.

The group likewise urged Northerners to assure people from other parts of the country of their safety

Baba-Ahmed said NEF “is planning to meet with governors in the North and South” to improve on collaboration and synergy.

The statement further condemned attacks on Fulani communities, declaring: “Fulani who have broken no laws must be protected from abuse wherever they are.

“We ask all governments to identify criminals among the Fulani and subject them to the laws of the land.

“Similarly, we demand the cessation of threats and attacks by local ethnic defenders on Fulani communities.

“People who have broken the law by attacking and harassing Fulani for just being Fulani must be brought to book.”

The forum called on “all law-abiding herders to stay put and seek protection, and if they cannot be protected, to relocate to safer areas in the country.”

Baba-Ahmed said the country “is under imminent threats” by those bent on pushing the country to disaster for their nefarious goals.

He said the forum was constrained to draw the attention of Nigerians to sustained attempts by some people to create tension and fear in the country to achieve their objectives.

“Northern Elders Forum is constrained to invite the nation’s attention to the dangers of sustained attempts to raise tensions and create fears among Nigerians until, presumably, they lead to major crisis involving groups and regions in the country.

“In the last few weeks, the Forum has led many responsible groups and individuals to appeal for restraint and respect for the law in the way we engineer developments that cause tensions, or react to them.

“Now, the nation is facing imminent threats from persons who are bent on pushing all of us nearer to disaster, to help them achieve their nefarious goals,” the statement said.

Baba-Ahmed adds: “Continuing narratives and threats, including comments from seemingly responsible Nigerians and even elected officials who swore to protect the rights of all citizens and the survival of the country, are raising fears and passions that could make it easy to break more laws of the land and pitch citizens against each other.

“There are efforts to create multiple sources of falsehood in videos and other inflammatory materials in the media clearly targeted at inciting people to act violently against each other.

“Allegations of planned or actual genocide are being made with reckless abandon, and even the international community is being lobbied in futile efforts to sell the fiction that some groups are intent on mass extermination of other groups.

“The latest communication by the Yoruba Council of Elders to the United Nations is an example of lamentable desperation of some groups to erode our security and integrity as a country, and it is more regrettable that it is the handiwork of so-called elders who should forfeit all rights to that honour.”

The statement said that NEF would continue to work to retrieve the country from the dangerous cliff where it has been placed by irresponsible people, many of them in positions of responsibility.

“We urge all northerners to assure Nigerians from other parts of the country that they are safe and welcome to continue to stay in the north.

“The forum repeats: it is not a crime to be member of any ethnic group, and no one has the right to attempt to expel any Nigerian from places where they live lawfully.

“The Forum advises President Muhammadu Buhari and Governors to consult and explore measures that will lower tensions and assure all Nigerians that we live in a country where laws have meanings, and all citizens have equal rights to live under secure environments.

“The fight against armed criminals must be pursued on all fronts and with a lot more seriousness.

“The criminal must not reap from the suspicions and fears which his activities also generate,” the forum said.

Ortom Tackles Bauchi Gov on Herders’ Right to AK-47

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State yesterday faulted the statement made by his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, which supports the free movement of herders with AK-47 rifles.

Mohammed said the herders use the weapons to protect themselves from the dangers in the forest and also from cattle rustlers.

Faulting the Governor’s declaration, Ortom, in a statement through his spokesman, Terver Akase, wondered which law Mohammed cited to support his stance.

The statement reads: “Governor Ortom wonders which section of the law the Bauchi State Governor cited to support herdsmen’s free movement around the country with sophisticated weapons.

“He recalls that it was the same Governor Mohammed who once said on national television that a Fulani man is a global citizen and, therefore, does not need a visa to come to Nigeria and that the forests belong to herdsmen.

“Governor Ortom wonders if his friend and colleague in Bauchi State knows a thing or two about the horrendous activities of herders in parts of the country to warrant the emotional defence and justification that he has repeatedly put forward in their favour.

“The Governor finds it unfortunate that those who are trusted with the people’s mandate, and should ordinarily uphold truth and justice have chosen to mislead the country. He stresses the need for leaders to be cautious and retrace their steps which are capable of leading the country to anarchy.”

In reference to Governor Mohammed’s comment that there are Benue people freely doing business in Bauchi and elsewhere, governor Ortom states that Benue indigenes in Bauchi have been law-abiding and do not carry arms to attack their hosts, noting that Fulani, as well as many other Nigerians residing in Benue who respect laws of the land also live peacefully with their hosts.

Ortom said his administration had not driven away any law abiding Nigerian in Benue State.

metro

New terror group now operating in Kebbi, Sokoto – Defence HQ

Published

7 days ago

November 7, 2024

Trends Admin

New terror group now operating in Kebbi, Sokoto – Defence HQ

The Nigerian Military has said that a new terror group has been identified in the country.

The Defence Headquarters on Thursday morning said the group is in operation in Kebbi and Sokoto States.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, revealed that this group is affiliated with jihadi organizations in Mali and Niger.

New terror group now operating in Kebbi, Sokoto – Defence HQ

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A Life of Impact: Celebrating Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole

Published

2 weeks ago

November 1, 2024

Trends Admin

A Life of Impact: Celebrating Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole

BY SAKA GBEMINIYI

Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole, a remarkable woman, left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her. Although she may not have had formal education, her wisdom, kindness, and entrepreneurial spirit inspired countless individuals.

Her passing leaves a void, but her legacy endures.

Born into a humble family, Alhaja Fausat’s determination and resilience shaped her future. She started very early in life as she ventured into business, leveraging her natural talent for herbal remedies.

Her expertise in traditional medicine earned her respect and recognition within her community.

As a recognition of her commitment to her profession, she was in 2019 honoured as APESIN of Alagbo of Ibadanland by her professional body.

Her successful business acumen provided for her family and created endless opportunities for others.

Alhaja Fausat’s commitment to community service was unwavering. As a dedicated member of the Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, she actively participated in various charitable initiatives.

Her selflessness and generosity inspired others to follow suit. She provided support to the less fortunate, offering guidance, shelter, and financial assistance whenever needed.

And as a mark of honour, the Oyo State chapter of Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria took over her burial and ensured that all Islamic injunctions pertaining to burial were dutifully carried out.

As a mother, her greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind a loving husband, Alhaji Abdu Waheed Bankole and children among whom are Mogaji (Alhaji) Abdu Akeem Adewale Bankole, Mr Sharafadeen Adebayo Bankole, Mrs. Ahmad Amidat Olaide and Mrs. Rufai Rukayat Adeola. Her grandchildren affectionately called her Grandma or Iya Agbo.

Her death will for very long time remained a mystery to some of her acquaintances as nobody expected her to leave at the time left.

Alhaja Fausat passed away at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan after a brief illness surrounded by loved ones and family members (both nuclear and extended).

The outpouring of love and respect was evident during the 8th day Fidau prayers, held at Aweni Arena, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.

Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects, sharing stories of Alhaja Fausat’s kindness, generosity, and impact.

Those who knew Alhaja Fausat described her as a pillar of strength, wisdom and a generous benefactor to her community.

Her legacy extends beyond her immediate family. She touched the lives of countless individuals through her business, community service, and kindness.

Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole’s life serves as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and compassion.

Rest in peace, Alhaja Fausat Fadeke Atoke Bankole. Your life was a blessing to many, and your memory will continue to inspire generations to come.

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NAJA commended, holds training on CNG initiative Thursday

Published

2 weeks ago

October 28, 2024

Trends Admin

NAJA commended, holds training on CNG initiative Thursday

The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) will this Thursday October 31, 2024 holds a training/capacity building workshop on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternative fuel for vehicles in Nigeria.

Already, key stakeholders in the Nigerian automobile industry have commended the association for its initiative to organise the workshop.

The one-day training is slated for Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) building, Ikeja, under the theme: CNG/LPG/EV Initiative: Challenges, Sustainability, Opportunities, Alternative to Fossil Fuels in Nigeria’.

Some of the industry stakeholders said NAJA was showing the lead in the auto industry by propagating the government’s initiative, which they noted would bring succour to motorists and Nigerians in general.

Managing Director, Jet Systems Limited, Mr. Derek Ewelukwa, said the training and capacity building on the CNG initiative was timely.

He spoke in an interaction with the training committee, saying that by holding the workshop, NAJA was taking an important step in helping the public and key stakeholders to better understand the government’s CNG initiative.

He insisted that auto journalists as a vehicle of information dissemination and a channel of enlightenment, play a critical role in breaking down complex issues like the CNG initiative, stressing that through this platform, the media was helping to promote greater awareness and acceptance of cleaner energy options.

He enjoined other beat associations to emulate NAJA in propagating government schemes.

Ewelukwa said, “We want the public to understand the benefits of transitioning to CNG, as an alternative fuel to petrol and diesel, particularly in terms of cost savings, environmental impact, and energy sustainability.

“A key part of our participation, we will focus on addressing safety concerns and skepticism about the use of CNG, especially with fears surrounding gas explosions and/or fires.

“We will aim to educate and clarify that CNG systems are rigorously tested and designed with strict safety standards, making them a safe and reliable alternative.”

In his comment, Operations Manager, Mikano Motors, Mr. Syam Abdul-Kadir, said that the training would further bring to the fore necessary steps required by all; government, stakeholders and the public to make the new initiative work.

Abdul-Kadir also lauded the leadership of NAJA and its members for embracing the initiative, stressing that it would go a long way in boosting its public acceptance.

He maintained that as a new development, sensitising and educating the public with accurate and factual information was key.

He posited that by sharing the facts and statistics with the public, the company also intended to prevent a widespread fear of the unknown and provide them with renewed hope for a better Nigeria.

He added, “everybody is a stakeholder, whether you choose to use CNG powered vehicles or not, the CNG initiative on transportation will support the ease-of-doing business. It also has less emissions than fuel, so everyone is impacted”.

“It is critical to emphasize that all stakeholders need to be aware that the correct certifications and adherence to global standards for CNG use must be implemented. From the appropriate certified tanks and parts to the correct standards for dispensing, the goal is to encourage the use of CNG vehicles correctly.”

Chairman of the 2024 Annual Training/Capacity Building Workshop Committee, Adrian Egonu, said through the training in the past, many members of the auto journalists’ association had enhanced their knowledge base of the industry.

He explained that NAJA was intentional with the 2024 theme, noting that the Federal Government in the last 16 months had taken some giant steps to promote Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Electric Vehicles (EV), in line with global best practices for cleaner burning automotive fuels.

Egonu said that the 2024 edition would further ensure improved knowledge and skills of the journalists and commended sponsors for partnering with the association in its drive to contribute to the auto industry not just in Nigeria, but around the world.

He declared that the training would afford industry investors and sponsors the opportunity to showcase their products and reach a wider audience.

Chairman NAJA, Mike Ochonma, in his comment, commended the sponsors and partners for associating with NAJA.

He stressed that NAJA as the fourth estate of the realm would continue to play its critical roles of information, education and opinion molding without bias.

Other industry leaders that have confirmed participation include, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), C

FAO Mobility, Fixit45 Limited and Pi-CNG.