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Smah George Emerges New Leadership Of SWAN, Nasarawa State Chapter
Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Nasarawa State Chapter, have elected a new leadership to pilot the affairs of the Association for the next three years.
During a bye-election held at the Conference Hall of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Press Centre in Lafia, the State Capital, on Tuesday, 9th July, 2024, former Secretary of the Association, Mr. Smah George of the State’s Broadcast outfit, Nasarawa Broadcasting Service, NBS, emerged as Chairman through a landslide victory after garnering a total of Eighteen(18) out of Twenty-Seven votes cast, with Nigeria Television Authority’s Solomon Abari, coming behind with Nine(9) votes.
Both Chairmanship candidates had tied on Thirteen(13) votes each in the main election held on 6th June, 2024, in Lafia, with the Sun Newspaper’s Leonard Abel winning the Secretary’s position after amassing Nineteen(19) votes against Option FM’s Michael Umudjon who scored Seven(7) votes.
Daily Trust’s Umar Muhammed clinched the Vice Chairmanship position unopposed, just as Esther Akaa of the Voice Newspaper, and Nehemiah Gwamna of Precious FM(Radio Nigeria) emerged unopposed for the Treasurer and Financial Secretary’s positions, respectively.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee (SWANECO), Comrade Isaac Ukpoju of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, issued Certificate of Return to the winners.
National Secretary-General of SWAN, Comrade Ikenna Okonkwo, who supervised the election, administered Oath of Office to the newly elected officials, congratulating them on their victory while urging them to understand the significance of the task before them by upholding the responsibilities and duties associated with the offices they are occupying.
The elected Chairman, Smah George, thanked members of the Association for finding him and other elected officials worthy to pilot the affairs of the Association.
He commended the Electoral Committee for conducting a free, fair, credible and transparent election, even as he extended his appreciation to the national leadership of SWAN headed by Comrade Benjamin Isaiah, for ensuring a rancour-free process.
While commending his predecessor, Isah Mohammed, for doing his best for the Association, Smah promised to operate an all-inclusive administration to engender positive transformation, strengthen ties, support the growth and development of sporting activities and stakeholders in Nasarawa State and foster the spirit of conviviality among members of the Association in order to be at par with their sister chapters in other States of the Federation.
He disclosed that there were neither winners nor losers in the election, noting that “we are all winners, and we are ready to carry everyone along to achieve our common goals.”
Certificates of Recognition were presented to the three members of the Electoral Committee, which also had Ibrahim Danjuma(Radio Nigeria) and Amina Mohammed(Voice of Nigeria), by the new Chairman of the Association.
A coalition of civil society organisations in Zamfara Central has publicly called on philanthropist Yazeed Danfulani to contest for the senatorial seat in the National Assembly in the 2027 elections, citing his extensive humanitarian contributions and commitment to community development.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group’s spokesperson, Nuraddeen Garba Gusau, emphasised that the growing support for Danfulani transcends mere political sentiment.
“This is about Yazeed Danfulani’s proven dedication to the welfare of our people, demonstrated consistently without ever holding elected office,” Gusau said.
Danfulani, a prominent figure in Zamfara Central, has earned widespread admiration for his charitable initiatives.
He has funded the education of numerous children, offering opportunities to those who previously faced bleak prospects.
” His generosity also extends to providing financial and material aid to the less fortunate, helping families meet their basic needs.”
He said “Beyond individual support, Danfulani has bolstered small-scale entrepreneurs by distributing cars, tricycles, and financial capital, enabling many to achieve self-reliance.
“His efforts have significantly improved livelihoods across the region. Additionally, as a key supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, Danfulani has played a vital role in strengthening the party’s unity and presence in the state.
The coalition believes Danfulani’s track record as a private citizen is a testament to his potential as a legislator.
“His selfless contributions are merely a glimpse of what he could achieve with the authority to legislate and attract development at the national level,” Gusau added.
News
Kaduna: Group calls EFCC, National Assembly, Kaduna state government’s intervention on alleged diversion of public funds
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Executive Director of a non-governmental organization, Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative (EBYTDI), Mr Daniel Ejembi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and Kaduna state government to intervene on alleged hijacking of a federal constituency project intended for public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement issued by the Executive Director described the alleged diversion of the public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a.
According to him, “This diversion of public resources to a private entity is a grave injustice to the children of Dokan Mai Jama’a. We demand swift intervention by the Kaduna State Government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the National Assembly to recover misused funds and prioritize education for all.”
The statement stated that investigation reveals that a federal project sponsored by Yakubu Umar Barde, former member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, was alleged to have been unlawfully diverted to Fatima Academy, a private school owned by Abdulhadi Abubakar.
Ejembi explained, “The project, initially earmarked for constructing a public school, was instead executed at Fatima Academy, which lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”
He added that the contractor, Amrah Farms Nigeria Limited (RC-1523474), with directors including Abdulyekin Bello Tahir and Bello Halimat Sadiq, executed the project in violation of its original mandate, lamenting that public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a faced severe deficits, including dilapidated classrooms, lack of sanitation facilities, and inadequate learning resources, exacerbating educational inequalities.
The Executive Director called for immediate probe into the alleged diversion of funds by relevant anti-corruption agencies and also called for urgent construction and renovation of classrooms, toilets, and perimeter fencing in the public schools.
He also appealed for the provision of desks, learning materials, and safe water systems for students and advised for legal action against unregistered institutions like Fatima Academy and accountability for involved parties.
Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced on Easter Monday morning.
Late Pope had been in and out of hospital in the last few weeks. He made a surprise appearance at the Easter Sunday service at Vatican on Sunday.
Details Later…