News
Nasarawa State Palliatives: Monthly Stipends For Civil Servants And Pensioners – Governor Sule
By Tambaya Julius
In response to the removal of fuel subsidies and to alleviate the financial burden on its citizens, Nasarawa State has introduced a comprehensive set of palliative measures.
Civil servants employed in both state and local government areas within Nasarawa State will receive a monthly stipend of N10,000 for a generous duration of six months.
This financial support is aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of the subsidy removal on their livelihoods.
Governor Abdullahi Sule unveiled this vital initiative during the distribution of palliatives to vulnerable individuals, hosted at the majestic palace of His Royal Highness Luka Panya Baba, the Esu Karu of Karu local government area.
In addition to civil servants, the state government is extending its support to local government pensioners, ensuring they receive a monthly stipend of N5,000 for the same six-month duration.
This demonstrates the government’s commitment to standing by its retired employees during challenging times.
Recognizing the importance of affordable transportation, Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration is taking significant steps to reduce the cost of commuting for its citizens.
The government has announced plans to procure a fleet of buses that will operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
These eco-friendly buses are not only an environmentally responsible choice but also promise reduced transport fares, directly benefiting the people of Nasarawa State.
In addition to monetary support, beneficiaries of the 50kg bags of rice distributed as part of the palliatives will receive an extra boost. Each recipient of a 50kg bag of rice will also receive N5,000 in cash.
This thoughtful gesture ensures that individuals receiving essential food supplies are further empowered to meet their immediate needs.
Governor Abdullahi Sule emphasized that these palliative measures are in response to an initiative by the federal government, specifically designed to alleviate the hardships caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.
A substantial sum of N5 billion has been allocated to each state as part of this initiative.
However, it’s important to note that this financial aid won’t be disbursed entirely in cash.
Nasarawa State has received an initial N2 billion, with another N2 billion expected to follow. Additionally, N1 billion in the form of grains is also on its way.
To expedite aid distribution, the government initially purchased 50kg bags of rice, which were then repackaged into 7.5kg bags.
This approach was chosen to ensure that a larger number of citizens could benefit from the relief measures.
However, due to the extended process, the decision was made to distribute the 50kg bags directly, especially considering the pressing need for assistance among the populace.
Moreover, the government is proactively addressing the transportation challenges faced by its citizens through the acquisition of CNG-powered buses.
These buses will offer affordable and sustainable commuting options, further easing the financial strain on Nasarawa State residents.
By Our Reporter
The Management of Federal Housing Authority FHA, under the leadership of Hon Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo has asked residents of its estates in Abuja to provide approvals and approved documents and building plans for commercial purposes to the office of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Housing Authority FHA, Abuja forthwith.
A Press statement issued by the management and signed by the Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Chigelu on behalf of the authority directed the submission to be carried out at the Authority’s Head office, Julius Nyerere Crescent, Asokoro , Abuja beginning from Wednesday , 3rd April , 2025.
The directives covers all buildings irrespective of the approval dates , that became expedient , following management discovery of sharp practices by commercial outlets ,as most of this buildings are built either without approval and or in contravention to the granted approval.
Chigelu stated that management discovered that some commercial buildings are in contravention of approval granted them, through alterations in total contravention to the development control regulations of the Authority.
Following the danger posed , management will not allow such negative consequences that will pave way for indiscriminate building collapse, therefore, a controlled demolition was carried out by the authority, with a building with structural defects in March , 2025, on 5th Avenue, Gwarimpa Estate.
Consequently, owners of commercial apartments, which included Hotels , Supermarkets, Hospitals, Schools and Banks including shopping malls through this announcement are expected to submit their approved plans for revalidation.
Management expect strict compliance to this directive, as violators will attract heavy sanctions with authority’s non negotiable stance .
The release further said ..
SPECIAL PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
“The Management of Federal Housing Authority, FHA hereby calls on all owners of commercial properties in FHA Estates in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory to submit their approved building plans to the office of the Managing Director and Chief Executive, at the Authority’s head office, No 26 Julius Nyerere Crescent, Asokoro Abuja from Wednesday, April 3rd, 2025.
“This directive which covers all buildings irrespective of when the approval was given, has become expedient following Management’s discovery that most commercial outlets in these Estates are built without approvals, or developed outside the granted approval.”
” Management has also discovered that some commercial buildings are in contravention of the approval granted them for alteration, in total contravention and disregard to Development Control regulations. ”
“Following the dangers posed by this development, the Management of FHA would not fold its hand to allow this looming disaster to happen. It is to avert the ugly incidence of building collapse that the Authority carried out a controlled demolition exercise of one of its buildings with structural defect on Monday, 24th March. 2025 in 5th Avenue. Gwarinpa estate.”
“Consequently, all owners of commercial outlets: hotels, supermarkets, hospitals, schools, banks, shopping malls etc through this announcement are requested to submit their building approved plans for revalidation. All such buildings must undergo an integrity test.
Strict compliance to this directive is not negotiable as severe sanctions await defaulters. “
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The Taraba State Government, in partnership with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), has successfully intercepted eight trafficked children who were en route to the South East and Cameroon.
In a statement to journalists in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, revealed that the children had been deceived and transported to various southeastern states in Nigeria.
According to her, the children were trafficked to locations such as Aba, Onitsha, and Imo State under the false pretence that they were orphans.
The interception took place in Gembu, the headquarters of the Sardauna Local Government Area, where it was reported that the traffickers were seeking additional children to abduct.
Mrs. Sinjen affirmed, “Thanks to the prompt response from the Ministry and NAPTIP, eight of the children have been safely returned to Taraba State.
“The primary suspect, Mrs. Patience, along with several of her accomplices, has been apprehended and is currently in custody as legal proceedings commence.
“Search and rescue operations for other trafficked children are ongoing.”
She further emphasised that the state government will not tolerate any unscrupulous individuals who exploit children’s rights for illicit gain.
“This administration is wholly committed to ensuring justice, rehabilitating victims, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration to combat child trafficking,” she stated.
“We urge all residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as the welfare and protection of our children is a collective responsibility.”
In the meantime, authorities in Taraba have reiterated the importance of community vigilance and reporting any suspicious activities, stressing that safeguarding children requires a unified effort.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has assured that all security challenges facing the nation will be effectively addressed by the year’s end.
This statement was made during the launch of attack drones and the demonstration of locally produced bombs, developed by a homegrown technology firm.
The event was attended by security specialists and senior government officials, as General Musa showcased the indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to the audience.
Accompanied by Ajao Adewale, the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, and Caleb Mutfwang, the Governor of Plateau State, General Musa emphasized the ongoing bureaucratic obstacles in acquiring military equipment from abroad.
Governor Mutfwang stressed the urgency for decisive measures against insecurity, calling on leaders to prevent any entity within the nation from possessing military capabilities.
The operational features of the UAVs were also demonstrated, with General Musa expressing satisfaction with this advancement, labeling it a pivotal step in combating insecurity in the country.