Tag: Niger State

SERAP gives Niger Gov. 48 hours to reopen Badeggi FM

Aminu Imam
SERAP gives Niger

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP), has given Governor Umar Bago, of Niger state, 48 hours to reverse what it described as the “arbitrary and unlawful” shutdown of Badeggi FM 90.1, an independent radio station in Minna, the state capital. In an open letter dated August 2 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation asked the governor to reinstate the station’s licence, withdraw threats to demolish its premises, and stop profiling its owner, Shu’aibu Badeggi. “Your vague, unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations of ‘inciting violence’ against Badeggi…

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IBAN, NBMOA slam Niger State govt. over closure of Badeggi FM station

Aminu Imam
IBAN, NBMOA slam Niger Govt.

…Demand immediate reopening Aminu Imam Media industry stakeholders have strongly condemned the closure of Badeggi FM 90.1, a privately owned radio station in Minna, Niger State, following an order issued by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago. The action, which involved the sealing of the station, demolition of its building, and arrest of its owner, has sparked outrage from the Independent Broadcasting Association of Nigeria, (IBAN), and the Northern Nigeria Media Organisation, (NBMOA). In separate but coordinated statements released yesterday, both groups described the governor’s actions as a gross abuse of power…

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13% derivation: Niger State drags FG to Supreme Court over exclusion 

Aminu Imam
Niger State drags FG

The Niger State government has filed a suit against the Federal Government at the Supreme Court, seeking to be included among beneficiaries of the 13 percent Derivation Fund allocated to states producing natural resources. In the originating summons filed by a legal team led by senior advocate Mohammed Ndarani, the state listed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice as the sole defendant. The state is asking the apex court to determine whether it qualifies as a resource-producing state under Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as…

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Niger: Many feared dead as another boat capsizes 

Aminu Imam
Niger capsized boat

At least 25 people are feared dead, after a boat carrying traders and goods capsized in Gunu village, in Shiroro local government area of Niger State on Saturday, in yet another tragic incident highlighting the dangers of inland water travel in Nigeria. According to the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, (NSEMA), the boat was en route to Kwata, Zumba Market, when it capsized around 11:45 a.m.  NSEMA’s Director of Information and Special Duties, Ibrahim Hussaini, said the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed as search and rescue operations continue.  However,…

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Northern Elders raise alarm over Niger flood disaster

Aminu Imam
Northern Elders raise alarm

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating flood disaster that has struck Niger State, claiming the lives of over 160 people and destroying billions of naira worth of infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods. The Forum called on the Federal Government to take swift and comprehensive measures to support flood victims, including the deployment of relief materials, provision of medical and psychosocial support, and restoration of essential services. In a condolence message issued by its spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the Forum conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the…

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Niger: Over 200 lives, hundreds still missing in Mokwa flood

Aminu Imam
Mokwa flooding

…Survivors plead for urgent aid More than 200 people have been confirmed dead, and over 500 remain missing, following catastrophic flooding that swept through Mokwa local government area in Niger State last Thursday.  The disaster, described as the worst in the region in six decades, has left thousands homeless and in desperate need of basic necessities. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), quoting local official Musa Kimboku, reported that rescue operations have been suspended as authorities no longer expect to find survivors. The floods, triggered by torrential rainfall, devastated communities in…

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Niger Flood: Death toll rises to 151, over 3,000 displaced

Aminu Imam
Niger flood

At least 151 people have been confirmed dead and eleven others injured in the aftermath of the devastating floods that displaced more than 3,000 residents of Mokwa town, in Niger State. Spokesperson of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Ibrahim Husseini, confirmed the figures in a phone interview. According to him, the floods, which affected 503 households, displaced 3,018 people. “Two bridges and two roads were washed away, he added, noting that the disaster affected three communities in the town”, he stated.  According to reports, the floods submerged many…

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Niger: Unknown illness strikes Bida, 24 hospitalised 

Aminu Imam
Niger unknown illness

A mysterious illness has affected 24 residents in Bida, Niger State, leading to their hospitalisation.  Reports indicate that 20 individuals have been discharged after more than a week of treatment at the Federal Medical Centre and Umaru Sanda Ndayako General Hospital.  The illness, which causes sudden collapse and loss of communication abilities, has caused alarm in the community. Niger State Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, Dr. Bello Tukur, attributed the outbreak to untreated severe typhoid and malaria. He noted that the Disease Surveillance Unit responded to the case on…

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60 confirmed dead in Niger tanker explosion

Aminu Imam
Niger tanker explosion

No fewer than 60 people have been recovered from the scene of the tanker explosion at Dikko junction along Abuja /Kaduna  expressway, Gurara local government area of Niger State, while injuring several others. The Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kumar Tsukwam, who revealed the number in an update yesterday afternoon, informed newsmen that the tanker, with the number plate: KBG-103-XAX, belonged to a company,  HMY Oil and Gas, and was driven by one Mohammed Modu. According to him, the tanker had loaded 60,000 litres of…

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Niger Gov. advocates Hausa for teaching; to boost northern enrolment

Aminu Imam
Niger Gov. advocates

Niger State governor, Mohammed Bago, has called for the adoption of Hausa as the medium of instruction in primary and secondary schools across Northern Nigeria. Speaking at the National Literary Colloquium, which was held on Tuesday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of literary icon, BM Dzukogi, founder of the Hilltop Arts Foundation, Bago said this move would tackle the region’s high rate of out-of-school children and encourage greater enrolment in formal education. The Governor highlighted the importance of language in education. He urged other northern States governors to review the…

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