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The Nasarawa State Government has begun training of its financial officers on the application of the National Chart of Account (NCoA), to ensure a realistic annual budget for the state.
Mr Daniel Agyeno, the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning, while declaring the two-day training open on Tuesday in Lafia, said that it was apt as budgeting was vital to government meeting its set objectives.
Agyeno said that the training would enable the participants to know how to harmonise all the variables in the budget using the NCoA that would be in tandem with international standards.
The commissioner pointed out the need for the state to have a realistic budget in view of the uncertainties in the financial inflow to the state.
He urged the participants to be attentive, make maximum use of the opportunity to learn and apply the knowledge as the government was looking up to them for a more realistic and achievable budget.
“We want to stop doing things the old way; we want to do things the realistic way in order to achieve results,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Emmanuel Alidzi, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said the training was for officers concerned with financial planning drawn from all Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state.
According to him, the training will enable participants to be able to communicate effectively within and with the outside world in terms of financial planning.
Alidzi explained that the world system had evolved a financial system to integrate all countries in such a way that you could access economic activities of every nation with the touch of a button.
“They have prepared a coding system where every item that you name according to that code is known everywhere,” he said.
He challenged the participants to actively participate in the exercise in order to step it down to others in their various MDAs.
In his remarks, the state’s Accountant General, Mr Zakka Yakubu, said that the training would enhance the budget performance as the budget would be more realistic.
He noted that the budget performance in the state had been very low due to the bogus size of the budget in contrast to the reality of the resources.
Also, Mr Peter Ataka, Director of Budget in the ministry, said that the training would improve on the effectiveness of the budgeting process in the state.
He said that the delay and discrepancies often witnessed in monthly or quarterly returns would be addressed with the application of the NCoA template.
“At the end of the training, every participant is expected to know how to prepare budget using the NCoA template.
“Going forward, monthly report and budget performance reports from MDAs will be done electronically,” he added.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Nasarawa State assemblyman Mohammed Omadefu has urged Nigerian women to embrace and preserve their cultural heritage for future generations.
Omadefu, representing Keana Constituency, gave the task while receiving a women group, called Kwararafa Women Association of Nigeria, Nasarawa state chapter, in Lafia on Monday.
Omadefu, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Information, urged the women to continue to preach the message of culture, unity and peace for the country’s overall development
The lawmaker said culture play critical role in the promotion of unity, peace and national development.
While appreciating the women for the visit, Omadefu charged them to promote and preserve their cultural heritage for the benefit of upcoming generations.
According to him, the cultural heritage of the people should be promoted through various traditional festivals that abound in various localities.
“I want to appreciate you for the visit and for decorating me with the Kwararafa attire.
“I want to assure you of my support at all times.
“I want to use this medium to call on Nigerian women particularly, and all Nigerians generally, to preserve their cultural heritage in the interest of peace and development,” he said.
Speaking in the same vein in their respective remarks, other lawmakers, including Abdulaziz Danladi (AA-Keffi East), John Osewu (APC- Doma South) and Musa Iyimoga (ZLP-Doma North) also urged women to always promote their cultural values.
They cautioned that if care was not taken and people did not promote their culture, one day, the culture of some people will go into extinction.
The lawmakers also urged Nigerians to support and promote the Federal Government efforts to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Besides, they called on the people of the state to embrace unity, peace and tolerate one another, irrespective of their affiliations.
Earlier, Hajiya Kaltume Suleiman-Ogah, the Chairperson of the state Kwararafa Women Association in Nigeria, said the visit was to identify with their members in the House.
“We are here to identify with our Hon. Members of Kwararafa extraction and to initimate them of our existence.
“Our visit is also to foster the existing unity, peace, love, neighbourhliness among us and other Kwararafans,” she said.
She restated their commitment to promote Kwararafa culture at all times for societal development.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
NAN) Mr Abdullahi Angibi, member representing Lafia Central Constituency at the Nasarawa State House Of Assembly, has received scores of APGA members into his party, the APC, at his constituency.
Angibi, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, received the defectors into APC during at a reception organized in his honour on Monday in Lafia.
He assured the defectors of equal treatment while urging them and other people of the constituency to work for the victory of APC in 2023 and beyond.
The lawmaker also urged the people of his community not to allow anyone to deceive them to vote for any other political party except the ruling APC.
“APC has all what it takes to take you people to the promise land.
” Gov. Abdullahi Sule has performed well and still performing.
Let us all work tirelessly for his re-election, my re-election and all other APC candidates to win in 2023.
“I have also embarked on construction of boreholes and provision of other social amenities, providing employments and empowerment of my constituents
” I will consolidate on my laudable achievements, if voted for the second tenure in office come 2023,” he said
He promised to lobby the state government to establish hospital in Agyaragu community to meet their health needs and ensure the completion of some ongoing projects.
The assemblyman encouraged members of the party in the area to work in unity and vote for all candidates of APC in next year’s election.
Also, An APC stalwart in the area, Alhaji Saleh Asiri and ECDA Chairman of Agyaragu community, Mr Joseph Apla, both said Angibi had done well, hence the need for the people of the constituency to re-elect him in 2023.
They said that the lawmaker deserved second tenure to do more for the people of his constituency and to enable the people to enjoy more dividends of democracy .
In their separate submissions, the Conveners of the programme, Augustine Akpu and Emmanuel Ayuba, said they organized the event to appreciate Angibi for his numerous contributions to the development of Agyaragu community.
They assured him of their support for his victory in 2023 election.
Responding, Mr Abdulmumin Maibile, a former APGA chieftain in the state and leader of the defectors, said they joined APC due to the achievements of the lawmaker and APC government in general.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, has urged politicians in the country to shun campaign of calumny and play politics with utmost fear of God, maturity and decorum.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State council of Traditional Rulers, stated this during a special prayer marking his 70th birthday and 19 years on the throne at his Wadata Palace, Bida on Sunday.
He underscored the need for all Nigerians, irrespective of religious,
political or ethnic affiliations to put national interest above self interest.
This, he said, was the only way to ensure free, fair, credible and
peaceful conduct of the forthcoming polls and the peace, uniy socio economic prosperity of Nigeria.
“The country must exist first, harmony must thrive amongst citizens only in such environment we all will be able to pursue our various endeavours, including politics.
” he said.
Similarly he urged youths in the emirate, state and the country at
large to shun thuggery during the campaigns.
Abubakar also called on his people at home and in the Diaspora to be united wherever they were resident.
The Etsu Nupe, who was overwhelmed by the mammoth crowd from within and outside the country who came to felicitate with him, told the people to co-exist peacefully with their neighbours.
He said such act would attract the desired progress within the Nupe kingdom, Niger state and indeed Nigeria.
” I want to appreciate all and sundry who have come to rejoice with me during 70th birthday anniversary, may celebration be our lot always” he said.
Gov. Abubakar Sani Bello was represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso; the APC governorship candidate, Mohammed Bago and the Emir of Kagara, Alhaji Ahmed Garba.
Others were representatives of emirs of Agaie, Lapai, Lafiagi, Patigi, commissioners from the state, House of Representatives member, Saidu Musa Abdul, all traditional title holders of kin Nupe, among others.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Nasarawa Amazon FC of Lafia on Saturday walloped the Braveheart Ladies of Benin 10-1 to seal a spot in the quarter finals of the ongoing 2nd Betsey Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) in Benin.
The Amazons, a Nigeria Women Football League team, proved their might against the Benin amateurs in one of the day 3 matches at the University of Benin Sports Complex.
The Lafia girls had earlier secured a 2-0 victory over Robo Queens FC of Lagos, thereby amassing the six maximum points to lead Group A.
Meanwhile, in a Group B match, Royal Queens FC of Warri recorded a 2-0 victory over the RoyalToms International.
With the victory, the Royal Queens have similarly zoomed to the next stage of the women event, joining the Edo Queens in Group B to book a place among the last eight.
Similarly, Heartland Queens of Owerri had a walk-over on the Osun Babes FC of Osogbo, due to their failure to turn up for the game.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Jikadan Labarin Nupe, Mohammed Baba-Busu, has described the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, as a beacon of hope for the downtrodden in Bida Emirate, Niger and Nigeria in general.
Baba-Busu, who is an Assistant Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria and its Bureau Chief, Lafia, Nasarawa State said this in a message on Saturday to felicitate with the Etsu Nupe on his 70th birthday and 19 years anniversary on the throne of his forefathers.
Baba-Busu said, “we are living witnesses that since the Etsu Nupe ascended the throne of his forefathers, he has become a huge blessing.
”He always wipes off the tears of the poor and the downtrodden, both within and outside his domain.
“At his palace and anywhere the royal father visits for a short stay, one sees the deluge of people seeking his attention over one challenge or the other.
”
The NAN Senior Editor also added that the ”philanthropic royal father” always attends to the people to the best of his ability and within the limited resources at his disposal.
He averred : “This act of benevolence inherent in the traditional ruler is indeed a rare gift to very few mortals by Almighty Allah.
“This has vastly endeared him to the people of his domain as the King’s benevolence clearly depicts the unblemished sense of humanity in him.
“This explains the excitements and high spirits in the entire Nupe Kingdom as Abubakar and his subjects celebrate his 70th birthday and 19th year on the throne.
”
Baba-Busu also stated that Nupe Kingdom has witnessed remarkable accomplishments leading to unprecedented development of the Nupe race, Bida Emirate, Niger State and Nigeria in general.
“”He has shown immense quality of leadership in his 19-year reign.
”This has brought so much glory, attention and recognition through viable initiatives, creativity and credible leadership.
“Honestly, his open door policy has brought Nupe people all over the world to feel a sense of belonging as His Royal Highness continues to promote peace, unity and progress amongst them,”he added.
According to the Jikada Labarin Nupe, ”Etsu Nupe is a rare gift to humanity and this is manifest in the way and manner he touches the lives of the less-privileged positively.
”
Baba-Busu prayed to the Almighty Allah to grant Etsu Nupe” good health and more wisdom as he continued to deliver efficient and rewarding leadership to the people of Nupe kingdom.
“Once more, our dear humble, pious and patriotic Royal Father, congratulations on the throne of your forebears and happy birthday.
”This is even as I wish you longer reign, perfect health, happiness and Allah’s abundant blessings, including the wisdom to do more for humanity.
”
NAN recalls that the 13th Etsu Nupe succeeded the late Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Umaru Sanda-Ndayako, on Sept. 11, 2003.
He was born on 12, 1952, in Bida, Niger and he hails from one of the ruling houses of Bida Emirate, Etsu Usman Zaki house.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Cutting Edge Network (CEN), A Christian Faith Organisation, has donated a borehole to Angwan Nungu community of Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
Speaking at the inauguration and formal handing over of the project to the community on Friday in Lafia, Rev. Yusuf Akila, President of the group, said the gesture aimed at addressing the lack of access to potable water in the area.
He also said that it was aimed at impacting positively in the society toward addressing some basic needs of the people.
The president explained that the association’s aim was to train Clergymen and also embark on projects within their limited resources to complement government’s effort.
”This borehole was drilled 50 feets down the ground to enable access to clean water at all the seasons of the year from it.
”As clergymen, it is our responsibility to also give hope to those going through hardship by being practical in approach.
”So, this is part of our mandates and we will continue to intervene through the provisions of amenities that will better the living condition of people in various communities,” he said.
Akila advised the community to take ownership of the borehole and maintain it for their benefit.
On behalf of the community, Sidi Bage-Mohammed, the Emir of Lafia, commended the group for the gesture and assured that the traditional council would ensure that it was guarded jealously, to serve its purpose.
The emir, who was represented by Ishiaka Dauda, the Madakin Lafia, also called on other spirited individuals and groups to emulate Cutting Edge Network, adding that government alone could not provide all the needs of the people.
Mr Yakubu Kwanta, the State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, represented by Yusuf Madiko, expressed gratitude to the group for complemeting government’s efforts in the area of provision of social amenities.
The commissioner expressed government’s readiness to partner towards the development of the state and expressed optimism that the borehole would curtail the outbreak of communicable diseases in the area.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Mr Ahmed Yahaya, Nasarawa State Commissioner of Health has tasked women to access family planning services in order to reduce maternal mortality in the state.
He gave the advice at a one-day media forum on the status of Family Planning in the state, organised by the Pathfinder International, in collaboration with Community Link for Health and Family Planning Advocacy (CLHFPA), on Thursday in Lafia.
Represented by the state’s Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs Salome Aya, the commissioner said that family planning could reduce maternal mortality in the state by 30 per cent and called for collaborative efforts of all stakeholders for more uptake.
Yahaya said that the state government was doing all within its powers to bolster efforts aimed at institutionalizing family planning.
The commissioner added, ”although the uptake of family planning in the rural area was low, the sustained advocacy and support by Pathfinder International, the CLHFPA as well as other collaborators has helped in the reduction of maternal and infant mortality in the state.
”
Yahaya commended the media for playing role along with other partners in driving the family planning messages, adding that, traditional and religious leaders, who were initially reluctant, were now keying into the initiative.
Yahaya,however, said a lot needed to be done in getting women and men in rural communities to embrace the use of contraceptives and other preventive methods.
He mentioned health facilities were women could access professional family planning services across the state to include the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Lafia and the Federal Medical Centre Keffi.
Such services can also be accessed in all the 18 General hospitals, 539 Primary Healthcare Centres as well as 70 private hospitals.
Also speaking at the forum, Mrs Mary Asheneye and Mr Kalu Idika, chairman and secretary of CLHFPA, respectively, said the group aims to influence improved budgetary allocation for family planning in the state.
They commended the state government for reviewing the Family Planning budget from a paltry N5 million in 2017 to N30 million in the 2022 budget.
They also noted the prompt release of the money would hasten the implementation of the programme.
Representatives of Pathfinder International, Bayo Ewuola and Kosi Izundu, said the advocacy was intended to strengthen the capacity of the media to effectively report Family Planning and other sexual reproductive health issues in the state.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, member representing Lafia North constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has renewed his commitment to provide quality representation.
Alkali gave the assurance on Thursday while speaking with newsmen in Lafia.
The lawmaker, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, urged his constituents to support the good policies of Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s administration to succeed beyond 2023.
“This is to enable my constituents and other people of the state enjoy more dividends of democracy.
“First, I want to thank my supporters for always standing by me by supporting me to succeed
“This shows they are very happy with my leadership.
I will continue to provide them with good leadership.
“I also want to assure them of more purposeful leadership at the state legislature,” he said.
Alkali also promised an inclusive leadership in order to give everybody in the constituency a sense of belonging.
“I will always carry everybody along irrespective of religious and ethnic affiliations,” he said.
The lawmaker urged his people and other Nigerians to continue to be law abiding, respect constituted authorities and live in peace for development to thrive.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
A Federal High Court in Lafia on Wednesday reserved judgment on a case filed by Mr Labaran Magaji against Shehu Mr Tukur, Nasarawa West Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr Labaran Magaji, an aspirant at the APC senatorial primaries, took the party and the winner to court for alleged irregularities during the primaries.
Justice Afolabi Nehizena, trial Judge of the court reserved the judgment after listing to submissions from the counsels representing various parties in the matter.
The judge said that the day fixed to deliver the judgment would be communicated to all parties.
Meanwhile, Ghali Ahmed, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the lead counsel to the plaintiff, told newsmen that the processes took place at the sitting of the court that lasted for more seven hours.
He said the processes include, presentation of a witness, debate on preliminary objection that the court lack jurisdiction to handle the matter by the defenders and debate on all the processes filed on the substantive suit.
He added that everything is now before the court and they believed that justice would be served based on the facts and evidences the brought before it.
On his part, Mubarak Adekilekun, counsel to the first defendant (Shehu Tukur, APC Senatorial candidate), said that they filed objection that the court did not have jurisdiction to entertain the matter because in is an internal affairs of the party.
Also speaking to journalists, the plaintiff urged his supporters to remain calm and deliver the party in all elections at the 2023 general elections.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
