News

Bauchi To Benefit From $500m NG-CARES’s Financing – Mohammed

Published

10 months ago

March 3, 2025

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has directed the State Implementation Unit for the NG-CARES programme to urgently work out the necessary modalities of assisting the State to access additional financing from the programme.

The Governor gave the directive at the official launching and distribution of ICT Enhancement facilities to 7,000 Beneficiaries under the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES) Bauchi-Cares Result Area 3 MSEs held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi.

Mohammed said that presently, the World Bank has provided an additional financing package of $500 million to support the rollout of the next phase of NG-CARES 2.0 where participating states would access $12 million with additional $46 million set aside as unallocated funds to be redistributed during the programme’s mid-term review meeting.

He observed that the successful implementation of the NG-CARES Result Area 3, in Bauchi that focuses on strengthening the capacities of small and medium enterprises through the distribution of ICT enhancement facilities worth over N1 billion was made possible through the assistance of the World Bank.

According to him, the distribution of the ICT enhancement facilities marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts to harness the power of technology for the sustainable development of the state and to alleviate poverty through the empowerment of the people.

“With these tools, our youths, small business owners, farmers, and traders will now have the means to expand their businesses, improve their livelihoods, and contribute to the economy in a more meaningful way.

“This programme is not just about distributing technology, it is about creating a sustainable ecosystem where businesses can thrive and poverty can be reduced.

“My administration remains fully committed to tackling poverty in Bauchi State as we have shown with this programme, addressing poverty requires multi-faceted solutions.

“This is why we will continue to work closely with the World Bank and other development partners to expand and strengthen our social protection programmes,” he said.

He reiterated the unwavering commitment of his administration towards empowering its citizens with the tools needed to create opportunities, build resilience, and participate meaningfully in economic development.

Mohammed added that his vision for Bauchi was to be a state where every citizen regardless of background, has access to the resources required to succeed.

On his part, Abdulkarim Obaje, the National Coordinator of NG-CARES programme, congratulated Bauchi on the milestones achieved in the implementation of the programme and highlighted that the distribution of the ICT gadgets is a key component of the NG-CARES initiative.

Represented by the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Atiku Musa, Obaje explained that the programme was designed to promote digital inclusion and empower beneficiaries with the skills and tools needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world.

On his part, Sadiq Shira, the state’s Commissioner for Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, said the initiative reaffirmed governor Mohammed’s vision of leveraging technology for economic growth and underscored the state’s commitment to empowering its citizens in the digital era.

According to him, the distributed gadgets include smartphones, tablets, laptops, and POS machines providing recipients with access to digital tools that would help them improve their businesses, education, and overall livelihoods.

“I would like to express my profound gratitude to the state governor for his visionary leadership and continued support for the advancement of small and medium enterprises in Bauchi State and for making this initiative a reality.

“We are not in this for notoriety, but to paint the right colors on the fabric of history so that posterity will be right by us”. He said.

News

YULETIDE: Edo Sports Commission Boss Preaches Unity, Peace

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended warm Christmas greetings to athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, and the people of Edo State, urging them to uphold the enduring values of love, peace, and unity that define the festive season.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to collective progress and shared responsibility.

“I sincerely appreciate all stakeholders in the sports sector for their cooperation, resilience, and unwavering support throughout the year. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of sports in Edo State,” he said.

He further commended Edo athletes for their dedication and discipline, noting that their consistent performances have continued to bring pride and recognition to the state at both national and international levels.

According to him, the Commission remains committed to athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports development, and the creation of opportunities that will enable talents to flourish.

Enabulele also called on residents of the state to celebrate responsibly and show compassion to one another, particularly the less privileged, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence are vital for sustainable development.

He reaffirmed the Edo State Sports Commission’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the coming year, with increased focus on excellence, transparency, and inclusive sports development.

The Sports Commission boss concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater achievements.

News

MOWAA: Okpehbolo Receives Edo Assembly Resolution Indicting Obaseki

Published

15 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, received report and resolutions of the Edo State House of Assembly which indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki on the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel projects.

Recall that the Edo Assembly raised a five-man committee to investigate funding and ownership of both projects following a request by Governor Okpebholo.

Okpebholo, who spoke after receiving the report said its findings and recommendations would be fully implemented.

Okpebholo said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would be invited to further examine issues raised in the recommendations.

According to him, the Edo State Government has significant stakes in the MOWAA and Radisson Blu hotel having invested ₦3.8bn respectively in both projects.

He said changes in the structure and nomenclature of the MOWAA project made the investigation unavoidable.

Okpebholo said it was unacceptable to suggest Edo State has only 10 per cent stake in the Radisson Blu hotem despite investing over ₦28bn.

“Edo State has spent over ₦3.8 billion on this project, yet some people are saying the state has no stake in it. That is totally unacceptable. I will work with your recommendations and forward them to the relevant authorities to investigate what truly happened. We will also involve the EFCC.

“Our investment in this project is over ₦28 billion. We must invite the EFCC to step in and determine if this is how businesses are conducted in Nigeria,” he said.

In its recommendations passed by the Assembly, the five-man committee headed by Hon Addeh Isibor, urged the Edo State Government to take possession of both projects.

It asked Governor Okpebholo to contract competent hands to complete renovation of the Hotel and take all steps to put the Hotel to use.

The recommendations urged the Edo State Government to revoke “the fraudulent Certificate of Occupancy to the property issued in the name of Hospitality Investment and Management Company Limited and revert same to the Edo State Government that purchased the property.

“That the Edo State Government initiate legal action and work with relevant Anti-graft Agencies to retrieve both the complete statement of account and the balance of the Seventeen Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N17,500,000,000.00) Bond proceeds still in the possession of the Escrow Agents. Meristen Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.

“The title to the MOWAA Property having never been revoked, same remains the property of the Central Hospital, Benin City

“That the Edo State Government immediately takes all necessary step to put the property to good use in the best and overriding public interest of the people of Edo State.”

Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, said the facts about MOWAA and Radisson Blu Hotel were now clearly documented in resolutions and outcomes.

News

Sheikh Gummi Sues Two Over Alleged False Facebook Publication

Published

17 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Editor

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gummi, has approached the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna, seeking the issuance of a criminal direct complainant summons against two Facebook users over alleged criminal conspiracy, attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation.

The application, filed at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna, listed the defendants as George Udom and Bello Isiaka.

According to him, the defendants allegedly published a “Breaking News” statement on their respective Facebook pages on December 23, 2025, between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, attributed to him, threatening that the family of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not stopped.

Gummi alleged that the publication was falsely attributed to him, as his photograph was allegedly used alongside the statement, giving the impression that he issued the threat against the Defence Minister.

The Islamic scholar stated that following the publication, he received numerous phone calls from concerned members of the public who believed he authored the statement and was attempting to intimidate the Minister of Defence in the discharge of his official duties.

He further maintained that the publication portrayed him as a troublemaker and a threat to public peace, despite his long-standing reputation as a cleric known for preaching peace and harmony within and outside Nigeria.

The complainant argued that the alleged publication was capable of inciting public disorder in Kaduna State, particularly Southern Kaduna, and could expose him to danger by presenting him as a prime suspect in the event of any attack on the Defence Minister’s family.

He also contended that the actions of the defendants amounted to an attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation of his character.

Dr Gummi told the court that the alleged acts contravened Sections 59, 57, 372, 116 and 117 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.

The application, dated December 24, 2025, was filed by a team of lawyers led by Suleiman Danlami Lere, with the complainant urging the court to summon the defendants to answer to the allegations.