Senator Gaya grieves over Hajia Fanta’s demise

The Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District, Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya (APC), has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Hajiya Fatima Mohammed (Fanta).
Hajia Muhammed is the younger sister of late head of state, General Sani Abacha and the mother of Senator Basheer Mohammed (Lado), a federal commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Senator Gaya in his message of condolence, expressed deep sorrow and sympathies with the bereaved family and entire Kano people over the death.
The former Kano State governor described the late Fatima as a philanthropist, a mother and a community leader that touched the lives of many in different ways over times.
He said that the late Fatima has died at a time that her wisdom is most needed in the global epidemic ravaged time and other challenges in the country.
Senator Gaya enjoined Senator Basheer to take solace in the Almighty Allah at this trying times, adding that death is a garment of all mortals, explaining that all will taste it when the time is due.
The former Kano State governor explained that the late Fatima lived an exemplary life that has impacted on all that was closed to her in her life time.

The Kano South Senator further calls on the family and entire Kano people to pray for the repose of the soul of late mother, Kano State and Nigeria at large for peace and development at the unending threat of insecurity in the country. He prayed Almighty Allah to grant the late philanthropist AljanatulFirdausi.

Kogi first lady commends husband on gender sensitivity

By Aisha Audu

Wife of Kogi State governor, Mrs Rashida has commended her husband, Alh Yahaya Bello for being the most gender sensitive governor in Nigeria.
Mrs. Bello made the statement on the occasion of conferment of an award of ” the most gender sensitive governor in Nigeria and as a goodwill ambassador of Nigerian women” to Governor Yahaya Bello by the national council of women societies (NCWS) at glass house Lokoja.
According to her (NCWS) is a reputable umbrella body of notable women of integrity, from across Nigeria and the choice of my husband for this award is very well deserved.
She said she is not surprised because her husband right from the inception of his administration has demonstrated strong commitment towards active involvement and participation of women in leadership positions, governance as well as politics.
She noted that under the administration of her husband, key government positions such as SSG, Head of service, Kogi pension Board, Teaching Service Commission, Vice chairmen of the 21 Local government of the state as well as female councillors among others.
Mrs. Rashida Bello indicated that Governor Bello has maintained a clear lead in the implementation of the 35 percent women affirmative action policy of the Federal Government.
She saluted the courage of the leadership and members of National Council of Women societies while praying that their courageous efforts continue to uplift the voices and standard of women across the country.

Spare Old Okene Sec. School, Alumni Association begs Bello

By Friday Idachaba

The Okene Secondary School Old Students Association has appealed to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State to spare the school as one of the legacy colleges of old Northern Nigerian Government rather than cede it to the military for use as Barracks.

The Alumni association made the appeal in a statement issued by its national President, Abubakar Abdulsalam to newsmen on Thursday in Lokoja.

The association said the school, formerly known as Okene Teachers College before it transmuted to a secondary school in 1970 had produced a lot of great Nigerians in all fields of human endeavour.

“There is no doubt that the institution has produced a lot of alumni and former employees, who are doing it proud in several areas both at home and abroad” the statement said.

“One of such was the late Alhaji Bello Ipemida Ochi (the father of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello) may his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

“Many God reward him for his love for the children of other parents he laboured to cater for while in the school as an employee, Amen.

“The school where Pa Bello’s humane attributes were exhibited and remembered might no longer exist as it is currently being proposed to be a military barracks.

“We wish to use this medium to appeal to you to use your good offices to ensure that the school is spared and retained so that it can continue to turn out quality products with legacies as an institution of repute.”, the alumni added.

The association used the occasion to thank Gov. Bello for the appointment of Prof. Salawu Sadiku, an old student of the school, as pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara in the Central Senatorial District of Kogi.

“We, the entire old students of OSS, Okene worldwide, wish to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello for appointing one of us, Prof. Salawu Sadiku as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of CUSTECH, Osara.”

The alumni described the appointment as a good one saying that the appointee was eminently qualified academically and had over the years, garnered the necessary cognate experience for the task ahead.

“We thank you for providing us the opportunity to showcase the stuff the products of the great Iresu-pogo College are made of through the appointment of Prof. Sadiku.

“We the old students pledge to collaborate with the government to turn around the fortunes of the school and continue to make it a centre of excellence that it has always been known for”, the alumni pledged. (NAN)