Kano govt speaks on government house round about demolition, to build new one

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Following the outpouring criticism that followed the demolition of the monumental Kano State Government House roundabout, the state government said it is done in the interest of the public.

The demolition was scathingly criticized by the residents, including supporters of the New

Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP and Kwankwasiyya movement.

In a swift reaction, the state government, in a statement by Sanusi Bature DawakinTofa, Chief Press Secretary to the governor of Kano state, Abba Yusuf said it consulted professional engineers before taking the decision.

In the statement, the government explained that the engineers had ascertained to the fact that the roundabout construction was substandard and has the tendency to collapse between 2023 and 2024.

It added that ;”this is because it is done with used foam work and too much sandy materials instead of normal cement concrete.

“Also, the structure is too tall to be placed in front of the government house as it defaces its main gate which blocks the view for security surveillance.

“Additionally, it poses traffic challenges around the area because of its size, blocking the view of drivers accessing all routes linked through the roundabout,” the government said.

The statement however stated that the government would immediately rebuild what it called a befitting roundabout at the spot of the demolished one to ensure visibility of the government house entrance and safety of motorists.

10th Assembly: Uba Sani calls for mutual executive-legislative relations

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani has called for a strong and cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in Kaduna State.

This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Muhammad Lawal Shehu and made available to the media.

The Governor also congratulated Honourable Yusuf Liman and Honourable Magaji D. Henry on their election as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly respectively.

He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and cooperation in achieving sustainable development and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every citizen.

Uba Sani assures both the newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker, as well as all members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, of his unwavering support and commitment to working together for the betterment of the state.

The Governor while wishing the new principal officers and other members of the 10th Assembly a successful tenure in office, promised to ensure independence of the legislative arm, to enable the Assembly function effectively.

Governor Sani also commended the transparent and fair process that led to the emergence of the two distinguished lawmakers as leaders of the legislative arm of government in Kaduna State.

Experts task young directors on mentorship, diversity

Experts have emphasised the need for young directors to adopt diversity, mentorship and inclusion as innovative strategies to drive organisational sustainability in Nigeria.

They spoke at the Institute of Directors (IoD) Young Directors Forum and Appreciation Cocktail with the theme: “Inclusion: A Pathway to Organisational Sustainability,” on Tuesday in Lagos.

Mrs Naomi Nwokolo, the Executive Director, United Nations Global Compact Network, Nigeria, said it was important for young directors to align with and embrace the interplay between diversity and inclusion to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Nwokolo said the network’s recent survey showed participant’s resolve to preserve and protect diversity and inclusion was clear with 92 per cent of companies surveyed revealing ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives. She charged leaders to be catalysts of change by embracing inclusive leadership.

Nwokolo said that this would foster trust and empower teams, resulting in higher levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.

The director quoted a study by Catalyst (2020), which found that companies with a higher representation of women in executive positions experienced a 53 per cent higher return on equity.

Nwokolo also said that organisations that implement inclusive practices and policies such as flexibility, mentorship, diversity training, and inclusive recruitment created an environment where all employees could thrive.

“There are numerous positive impacts of inclusive policies within organisations which extend beyond the realms of financial performance, innovation, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement, further emphasising the strategic value of inclusion.

“For companies ready to go from talking the talk to walking the walk, they must set targets for women on boards and senior management and then choose timelines for meeting those goals”.

IBBUL matriculates 7,192 students for 2021/22, 2022/23 sessions

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai has matriculated no fewer than 7,192 students for its 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic sessions.

The Vice-Chancellor Professor Abu Kasim Adamu made the disclosure during the matriculation of the newly admitted students who came through JAMB UTME and DE consisting of regular degree programmes to include 612 Part Time Degree Programme in ICEel and 156 for Long Vacation Training Programme (LVTP).

Professor Adamu warned the newly admitted students into the institution to stay clear of exam malpractice, drug abuse, cultism, sexual harassment or face the wrath of the institution law and regulations, adding that 20,000 applied as their first choice.

Professor Adamu said the university had zero tolerance for any form of crime and indiscipline, advising students to abide by the rules and regulations guiding activities in the school accordingly.

He noted that all it’s courses are accredited hence the university had admitted the first set of students into its medical programmes, adding that they consist of two set due to coronavirus pandemic and the prolong strike by ASUU.

The Vice Chancellor advised the newly admitted students to made effective use of the university properties and equipment as well report any challenge to Heads of Department and other appropriate offices instead of taking laws into their own hands.