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How I have governed Kaduna in one month- Nasir El-Rufai
Published
9 years agoon
I welcome you all with humility and gratitude to the very first Town Hall meeting we are hosting as a government. It is not yet one month since we were sworn-in, but to the extent that it has pleased Allah to bestow His grace upon us, we have set about doing the work of change that you mandated us to do.
During the campaign, we promised that we shall be engaging and interacting with the public regularly. We pledged that we will provide you regular updates and listen to your feedback, including criticisms and suggestions. Here we are before you today to do as we pledged. As we have started, so we intend to continue, always striving to get better at achieving results.
Immediately after we were sworn-in on 29 May 2015, we reported for duty with the sense of urgency that you demanded. As we expected, we met a state that is broke, and whose schools, hospitals and roads are in poor shape. We knew that a lot of sacrifice will be required to restore the state to good health. This government’s priority is actually growth and development in a safe and secure environment; because we understand that the things that matter are the public goods of quality schools, decent hospitals and good roads; we know that leaders must pursue the creation of a climate that promotes security, social harmony and is therefore conducive to bringing jobs and economic opportunity. Thus our first step was to announce that the deputy-governor and I will be taking a 50% pay cut.
As we took briefings from the ministries, departments and agencies in our very first week, the depth of the financial problem became clearer to us as well as the impact the decades of impunity have had on the mental attitudes of the institutions that constitute the public service. As one astute observer of the situation commented recently, the public service does not serve the public; rather it considers itself as the public and thus serves only itself.
We emphatically reject this mentality. The new government of Kaduna State has therefore declared that the resources of the state will be devoted to serving the public, with schools, hospitals and roads; aiding our farmers and doing our utmost to create jobs. To do that, we must cut the cost of running government. Ours will no longer be the state that has too little left for the needs of the majority of the people.
That is our guiding principle as we reduce costs. And we have taken concrete action in this regard. We have restructured our ministries from 19 to 13. We have also decided that we will have only 13 commissioners, ten special advisers and 12 special assistants. You all remember that the previous government had 24 commissioners, 41 special advisers and about 400 special assistants. But good governance is not about recruiting vast numbers of political appointees. It is about the smallest number that can provide the quality of service that is required.
We are saddened by the condition in which we found the state. But we shall never use that as an excuse for non-performance. It is our duty to do our best always. That is why we are finding creative even if difficult ways to deliver on our promises.
What we have done
In our first month, we have done the following things:
Governance Reforms
Prioritising the People: We have made clear our intention to devote a larger chunk of the state’s resources to providing public services. We have signalled that a government elected by majority vote should serve the majority.
Pay cut: the governor and the deputy governor have taken a voluntary pay cut of 50%, and we have urged other political official holders, elected or appointed, to follow this example.
Cost-cutting: ministries have been reduced from 19 to 13; while your government has committed to appointing only 13 commissioners and the handful of needed special advisers and special assistants. The selection of the Commissioners, Advisers and Assistants will be based on merit, capacity and experience because what is priority to us is getting the necessary skill sets that will facilitate moving the State forward.
Biometric verification: Our government is already conducting biometric verification of its employees in order to update the payroll and provide reliable data as to the precise number of personnel in the public service. Two of Nigeria’s leading banks, UBA and Zenith, are working with us on this project.
Tax Reform Committee: We have set up a committee chaired by Ifueko Omogui, former chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, to review our internal revenue generation structures, systems and laws. The committee will recommend ways by which we can improve our internally generated revenue. This will reduce our dependency on the federal government. We will be masters of our own fate.
Transparency: We have signed up to Open Budget, a tool that enables you to track what we are doing with your money.
Health
Your government has already convened a summit of Kaduna State Healthcare partners to set out the state’s priorities in the Health Sector, and to also ensure that all funds in the health sector are streamlined to ensure an effective coordinated service delivery. The donor community and multilateral agencies attended, along with businesses that are active in the state’s health sector.
Kaduna State has signed an Memorandum of Understanding with General Electric Healthcare to modernise our primary health centers and public hospitals. Both parties have committed to identifying the specific needs of the centers and hospitals, so that modern equipment can be installed to improve the diagnosis and management of patients.
We have signed the 2015 Kaduna State-UNICEF 2015 workplan. The state government is ready with its counterpart funding for the agreed initiatives in healthcare, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, water, sanitation and child protection.
Installation of two dialysis machines and the repair of three dialysis equipment at Barau Dikko Hospital. Arrangements are being made to purchase consumables for the next 12 months so that dialysis will be affordable to Kaduna citizens.
Security
Peace Committee: A committee, chaired by the respected General Martin Agwai, is working to identify the causes of conflict and insecurity in Southern Kaduna and thereafter recommend ways of tackling the problem.
Interstate cooperation: Kaduna State is working with Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi and Niger States to design a collective approach to common security challenges in the forest ranges that strides our respective States. A meeting is being held today with the respective State Governors and Security Agencies to advance the implementation of this initiative.
Presidential support: Kaduna State has briefed and updated the president on the security challenges, and the president has pledged FG support for the comprehensive security plan.
Relief: We have conducted multiple aerial surveys of the Birnin-Gwari area and have visited affected communities there and in Southern Kaduna, offering medical assistance and condolences.
Prisons: we have visited prisons in Kaduna and Zaria, pursuing rehabilitation of facilities and decongestion. As a result of these efforts, 98 persons awaiting trial for minor offenses were released by the Chief Judge of Kaduna State.
Infrastructure
Zaria Water Project: We have ordered accelerated work to complete this project as a priority item for our government. We have visited the site of the project and reviewed it with the contractors. A firm decision has been taken to commit funds monthly so that the project can be completed by early 2018.
The African Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank, the major funders of the project, have been consulted and they share our desire to speed-up completion. In addition, we are working on a project to upgrade the capacity to supply water to Kaduna residents through a new Kaduna Water Project.
Job creation
Kaduna Cabs: We have initiated a scheme to revive taxi services in our major urban centres. The aim is to create jobs for owner-drivers who will help improve the commuting experience with their comfortable cars and excellent customer service. The scheme is starting with 200 vehicles in Kaduna, and is being implemented in collaboration with Peugeot. We have already placed adverts to invite participation in the scheme.
Indorama: Our drive to attract new investors to the state has attracted positive response from Indorama, a leading player in petrochemicals. They have selected Kaduna as their regional distribution centre. They will be building warehouses, fertilizer blending plant and a training centre in Kaduna.
Shopping Mall: Our main urban centres, including the state capital Kaduna, are lacking modern shopping malls. We have indicated our readiness to partner with capable investors in this sector.
Agriculture
Fertilizer: One of our first actions in office was to stop the unfair practice of allocating subsidized fertilizer to prominent persons to the detriment of ordinary farmers. We launched the 2015 fertilizer sales season in Kachia with a clear structure that sells fertilizers to interested persons from designated sales point. We shall be reviewing and improving the process of procuring and distributing fertilizer to make access easier for the farmers.
A New Agricultural Policy is being prepared with the aim of enhancing the capacity of the sector to create viable jobs; improve farm productivity and raise the involvement of Kaduna citizens in the value chain.
Sanitation
Clean city agenda: We have met the sanitation contractors and have expressed to them our dissatisfaction at the squalid state of our urban areas. We want our towns and cities to be clean, and we shall do it.
Sports
Kaduna has, for the first time in a long while, hosted an international football match when the Super Eagles played a friendly match with Chad at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium. Our people turned out to see the game, showing that Kaduna is a sports city. That impressive turnout has now placed us on the radar to host many competitive matches because the football authorities now know that our great people will actually come to the stadium, fill it up and cheer the players.
What we intend to do
In the following months, we shall be focused on the following issues:
Education: we shall begin implementing our comprehensive agenda to improve education. School repairs, and the provision of facilities like furniture, water and toilets will begin as we fulfill our responsibility to provide a better learning environment. Alongside this, we shall begin to enhance the capacity and quality of the teachers generally, and we shall pay extra attention to getting more and better teachers in English, Maths and Science.
Health: hospital upgrades, in terms of facilities and equipment, will be accelerated as our MoU with GE Healthcare is steadily implemented. We have a commitment to properly equipping our hospitals so that most of our people’s healthcare needs can be met by our own public hospitals.
Township Roads: neighborhood and township roads in our major urban centres will be upgraded to the extent we can within this rainy season.
Transport: our multilayer transport architecture will be executed. That includes preparations, studies and projects to put in place:
– the new cab scheme and expanding to Zaria and Kafanchan,
– a BRT system for mass transit starting with Kaduna,
– a major project to establish Kaduna-Zaria light rail system between Shika and through the Kaduna Metropolis and up to the Refinery,
– new bus and truck terminals in Kaduna, Tafa, Mararaban Jos and Zaria
Security
Comprehensive security plan for Southern Kaduna and the Birnin-Gwari/Giwa axis
Forensic laboratory under the control of our State Internal Security outfit – Operation Yaki – to enhance the investigative capacity of law-enforcement agencies
Clean Cities: We would not allow our urban centres to continue to be defaced by waste. We shall be improving waste collection, then we would introduce sanitary inspectors and engage the public in a voluntary commitment to make our cities clean.
Rural and community development: Under the leadership of our Deputy Governor, we shall be mainstreaming the Millennium Village Pampaida programme as a viable model across our rural communities. It will have components to improve education, healthcare, rural roads and the farming activities that engage most of our rural residents.
Job Creation: your government will undertake direct recruitment of qualified doctors, nurses and teachers to urgently raise the quality of service in our hospitals and schools. We shall also employ at least 50 youths per ward over the next four years, in our initial efforts for traffic control and environmental enforcement. But try as it might, government can only employ a minority of youths who need jobs. Thus we remain focused on creating a favourable climate for the private sector to create jobs.
Textile Revival: We have the support of Mr. President to work on policies and schemes that will revive this sector as viable and sustainable employer of labour. We are cooperating with current and potential textile investors on a package that stimulates the value-chain from cotton farming to garmenting.
There is so much to do, with fewer resources. But we have no option than to deliver quality performance for the people who have invested so much hope in us. We need your understanding and support for the difficult decisions that we must take if we are to serve you to the best of our ability. We will need committed people in and out of government to contribute to achieving the goals we have set out.
We are not shrinking government for its own sake. We are making government leaner so that it can work better for you. Let us all make sacrifices for change.
The call
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]
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In Search of Justice: Alhaja Enitanwa Muibat Lanre Shittu’s Plea for Recognition and Dignity
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5 days agoon
November 9, 2024In a world where the bonds of love and faith should transcend earthly judgments, Alhaja Enitanwa Muibat Lanre Shittu finds herself battling not only for justice but for the affirmation of her dignity and place within her late husband’s legacy.
Alhaja Enitanwa, the widow of renowned business mogul Lanre Shittu, faces an overwhelming injustice as she appeals a ruling by the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court. This court dismissed her case by claiming it lacked the jurisdiction to do so.
This judgment, for Alhaja Enitanwa, represents a painful contradiction. The Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court had been specially designated to hear cases rooted in Islamic law—a foundation of faith and tradition that defined her marriage to her beloved husband. How, then, can this same court deny its duty to preside over the case she brings forward, a case so deeply tied to her faith and rightful place within her family?
At the heart of her appeal is a plea for recognition, not only for herself but for every Muslim woman whose rights are meant to be upheld by the legal protections guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution. Her counsel, Barrister Kayode Ademiluyi, stresses that this Constitution embraces Sharia law as a personal and protected path for Muslims, enshrining the rights of individuals like Alhaja Enitanwa to have their marital bonds honored by the law.
The Customary Court Law of Lagos State further cements these rights. By law, designated courts are empowered to adjudicate in matters of Islamic law—marriage, divorce, and family bonds. Yet, for reasons unknown, the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court has chosen to ignore this mandate, casting aside the deeply personal matter Alhaja Enitanwa brought to its doors.
She seeks more than validation; she seeks justice. For Alhaja Enitanwa, this appeal is an urgent call for the court to correct a decision that, in its oversight, has left her in limbo, questioning the very foundations of her marriage and her place within a family she holds dear.
Her appeal will journey through the Customary Court of Appeal, a court of immense authority, with the power to oversee customary law matters. Here, the court will have the solemn duty to interpret her case in the spirit of fairness, upholding the principles of religious and personal freedoms granted under Nigerian law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s case is not just about her suffering but about restoring the dignity of every Muslim woman who looks to the law to honour her faith and protect her rights.
Let us remember that at the heart of this case lies a woman—a mother, a widow—whose only desire is to protect the bond she shared with her late husband and to honour the life they built together under Islamic law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s struggle resonates far beyond her plight; it is a struggle for justice, for the rights of Muslim women, and for the values enshrined in the law.
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Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss
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6 days agoon
November 8, 2024Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss
Sahara Weekly Reports That Edutainment guru and Founder of The Big Break Moment Africa, Tayo Folorunsho (Teeflo), is set to launch his highly anticipated book, The Campus CEO, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
The Campus CEO is a comprehensive guide for aspiring student entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of African entrepreneurship. Drawing from Folorunsho’s extensive decade-long experience working with various talents and luxury brands, the book offers invaluable insights, practical advice, and actionable strategies for success. The launch event will not only celebrate the release of this essential guide but also serve as a platform to recognize and honor his dedication and commitment to student eentrepreneursacross Nigeria.
Folorunsho, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, has made significant contributions to the education and entertainment/creative industries. His initiatives have empowered numerous students from selected higher institutions with knowledge, skills, and platforms, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.
The Campus CEO promises to be an indispensable resource for any student entrepreneur seeking to make their mark. Packed with real-world examples and expert guidance, it is poised to become the go-to guide for navigating the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Tayo Folorunsho has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and creativity within the Nigerian education and entertainment sectors. His work has profoundly impacted countless students, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive world of business.
The launch event will also feature a Celebration of Life, a book presentation, and a project unveiling, highlighting Folorunsho’s ongoing commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and his latest endeavors to further support student-led innovation and growth.
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Investigation: How Unhygienic State Of Oko Oba Abbatoir Poses Health Hazards To Lagosians
Published
1 week agoon
November 6, 2024
Time was when the Oko Oba Abbatoir was the cynosure of all eyes.
The professionalism and neatness depicted by the Butchers and the distribution Unit of the Abbatoir was applauded by all.
Conveying the neatly packed Meats in an enclosed Van called ‘Eko Meat Van’ to various locations saw the Lagos State Government receiving accolades from opposition Parties, Lagosians alike for the initiative.
Years down the line, the once celebrated initiative has become a shadow of itself.
For a first timer visiting the Oko Oba Abbatoir, what greets the person is an offensive odour oozing from the Canals that passes behind the Abbatoir.
The stench is very strong. It fouls the air. It often even triggers breathing discomforts in people not used to such a sudden and unpleasant odour.
The drainage at the entrance of the facility is filthy. It is a major source of the pungent stench disturbing passersby and visitors to the abattoir.
This however poses health threats to Lagosians who inhale this offensive odour.
Aside the Canals, the environment of the Abbatoir is in a pathetic state, as dirt litters the environment with bloods of the butchered Cows stagnated at some potholes in the Abbatoir.
This is however unhygienic to the health of Lagosians who consume the Meats.
The safety of meat processed at Oko-Oba Abattoir, Agege, Lagos, has become a source of concern to beef consumers in the state owing to the unhygienic practices and poor sanitation that characterise meat processing at the facility.
Aside from the dirty drainage, the slaughter slabs where animals are slaughtered are not only dirty but also reek of the foul smell of cow dung as well as that of decomposing animal waste and blood.
The once upgraded processing equipment and units of the Abbatoir have become a shadow of itself.
Experts say poor handling of meat in abattoirs could lead to physical contamination, stressing that a situation where all manner of people accesses the slaughterhouse without check is inappropriate for a place where meat is processed for human consumption.
Investigation reveals that the handlers of the Abattoir are the one causing major problems by not allowing external body or professionals to handle the situation because of their selfish interest.
Moreso, it was also gathered that past administration has also put measures to salvage the situation but all to know avail as the activities of the centre is allegedly run by one family.
The said family is been alleged to be sabotaging the efforts of the Lagos State Government in changing the narratives in this regard, by monopolizing the administration of Abbatoir.
Sources who are in the know of the politicking happening at the Abbatoir that has made it leveraging on its past glory, say that if other Companies are saddled with the responsibilities of maintaining the Abbatoir, there will be drastic changes in the affairs of the Abbatoir, that will be a far cry from its present state.
It was also gathered that the Sub Concessionaire approved by the Ministry who has certain projects at the Abbatoir is allegedly been frustrated by the Main Concessionaire in connivance with the Commissioner.
This has further added to the pathetic situation of the Abbatoir.
Investigation also revealed that there are Shanties at the Abbatoir where some people allegedly live and pay rent to certain individuals at the Abbatoir.
This poses Security threat to the Abbatoir and residents around the Abbatoir, at a time when the economic fortunes of the nation has dwindled.
Sources revealed that the Abbatoir is porous, which exposes the State to impending danger that needs to be urgently addressed before it escalates.
No doubt, the present state of the Abbatoir is a far cry from what the Abbatoir was known for years back, leading to the call on the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu led administration, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health and the Ministry Of Agriculture to wade into this issue and earnestly address the worrisome and abysmal state of the Oko Oba Abbatoir, no matter who ox is gored.
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