WOYEIN, UNWOMEN Train 200 GBV Survivors in Yobe

From JOE Hemba 

The Women and Youths Empowerment Initiative WOYEIN in partnership with UN Women with support from the Japanese Government has commenced the training of 200 women Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors in Yobe state. 

The 200 women beneficiaries of different sorts of GBV experiences comprised of 50 each from various communities in potiskum, Damaturu, Gaidam and Gujba. 

 The training is centred equipping the survivor with skills in peace building and other crafts that will help them to becoming self-reliant. 

The Program Lead Hajiya Husna Ibrahim at the training of the first 50 batch of beneficiaries of the initiative at Potiskum said the objective of the project is to train the survivors across communities in the state by building their capacities to be able to be actively involved in their various community peace building processes. 

She called on the society to take advantage of the added advantage that women possess as home makers which if properly utilised will be a big asset to the society. 

“The women as we have been monitoring, are becoming agents of change and have become courageous to participate in decisions affecting them. They have been mobilizing and sensitizing their peers on GBV, while also encouraging other women on self reliance and economic empowerment for protection against GBV,” Hajiya Husna Ibrahim said. 

 Hajiya Ibrahim also noted the need for early detection of problems in the society which according to her will bring early solutions as well. 

“One important take home of this training is that conflict is inevitable where people exist but the important thing is to know to prepare for it's prevention, reports early warnings, response and manage conflict well and take it to transformational level which has both peace and development for all,” she said. 

Some of the participants that spoke to journalists at the workshop showed positive enthusiasm that the training will add to the building of their communities. 

GBV participants @ training

ImpactOnlineNigeria revealed that some of the women have already formed groups and transformed into ambassadors in their various communities championing the course of the eradication of Gender Based Violence Against women in the state. 

“This workshop, will boost our effort to use even the little we have in building peace in our communities and creating avenue for sustainable development. There are some of our women that are already campaigning against this trend and with this training, the sky will become our limit,” Fatima Abubakar, one of the participants informed. 

 The participants appreciated  WOYEIN,the Government of Japan who through UNWOMEN for  given them the opportunity to participate in the training. 

 It could be recalled that these women have undergone training on GBV, trauma healing, skills training and apprenticeship, and given starter kits for their economic empowerment and self reliance.

It is also important to stress that some of these women are now producing reusable sanitary pads and diapers for sales in their communities, while cosmetics and snacks produced by yet other among them can easily be found in stalls and shops in Potiskum.

Share:

Read More

Zone C Concerned APC Stakeholders Drum Support for Machina

 

Hon. Bashir Sheriff Machina

From JOE Hemba 

 A group of stakeholders under the umbrella of APC Zone C Concerned Stakeholders have thrown their weight in support of the senatorial aspirant of the party for the Zone, Hon. Bashir Sheriff Machina. 

 The group praised the courage of Machina who has refused to step down for Senate President Ahmed Lawan who lost out at the presidential election of the party. 

The leader of the group Abba Maina Yusafari in a press statement made available to journalists in Damaturu also called on the senate president, Dr. Ahmed Lawan to show gratitude to his people who have elected him for 23 years since democracy and not to engage in clever moves to drag the seat with the current candidate. 

 “We urge on our brother, Dr. Ahmed Lawan at this juncture to express thanks to the good people of Zone C for the support he has experienced from them since the revival of democracy in Nigeria in 1999 and not to be dragging a senate seat that he abandoned for an eye for the presidency. A piece of cake can't be eaten twice in the same sitting,” the statement said. 

 

The statement explained that, with the zoning system between six Local Government Areas of the senatorial Zone, the people have decided that Dr. Lawan should give way for his brother from another Local Government to represent the people having being elected to the National Assembly from Bade Local Government in the last 23 three years running. 

 The statement reads in part; 

 “Gentlemen of the Press, we want to use this opportunity to present this Press Release free of any sentiment but with every sense of duty for the development and unity of our political landscape, Zone C Senatorial District. 

 “For keen observers of Yobe politics, no one is blind to the fact that our senatorial zone has enjoyed relative political peace and stability both at the House of Representative and even more at the senate with our brother, The Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan been in the saddle for a record three times. By the end of 2023, our beloved brother Sen. Ahmed Lawan will be spending 24 years at the National Assembly ie 16 years as a senator and 8 years as a member of the House of Representative. 

 “While we remain committed and dedicated to propagating our cherished unity and stability, we also believe that for the interest of democracy, equity, justice and fair play, our brothers from the old Nguru Emirate which now constitutes other three Emirates of Machina, Nguru, and Yusufari should equally have a feel of what our brother Emirate of Bade have been enjoying in the last 24 years. 

“Ladies and Gentlemen it is against this backdrop that we make bold to throw our support behind our brother Alhaji Bashir Sheriff Machina to take over from Sen. Ahmed Lawan come 2023,” the statement explained. 

 It further added that Hon Bashir was picked with the popular support of the people and therefore an attempt of replacement will amount to working against the general agreement of the people of the zone.

“As you are aware, Alhaji Bashir Machina is the candidate that was picked as a consensus candidate of our great party, APC in the just ended primary elections. Any attempt by Sen. Ahmed Lawan to replace him from the seat will be a complete betrayal of the will of the people and a clog in the wheel of the peace, unity and stability the people. 

“Suffice that the mandate Alhaji Bashir Machina is the mandate of the people and not that of an individual. The voice of the people is the voice of Allah. We therefore wish to caution that, an attempt to silence the voice of the people by any individual either by his involvement of any type of machination or antics will be running against the concept of democracy and moral fairness. 

 “We are set to work hard and achieve the success of our candidate Hon. Bashir Machina and the victory of our party at all levels. “Let it be made plain that we do not subscribe, support or encourage the thought of Hon. Bashir standing aside for the Senate President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan whom we supported to emerge as the presidential candidate of our party but Allah in his infinite wisdom made it different,” the statement disclosed.

Share:

Read More

NNL: 10 Man Yobe Desert Stars Holds Jos Mighty Jets Draw at Home

Desert Stars pose at Jos Stadium

 From JOE Hemba 

 Yobe Desert Stars Fc on Saturday grabbed a critical away point against Mighty Jets Fc Jos with a hard-fought draw.

 

The match was played at the main bowl of the new stadium Jos, Plateau State. 

In the 19th minute, the visiting team was hampered by the dismissal of goalkeeper Mohammed Abdullahi alias Murillas for a reckless challenge on a home side player.

Goalkeeper was sent off for rushing out of his area to block one of the home team's best chances, but instead of keeping his eyes fixed on the ball, he missed it, leading to a straight red card.

 

With an extra player on the field, the home team failed to take use of their superiority in ball possession and midfield and attack control.

Until the final whistle, the Desert defense stood strong against their opponents, exhibiting self-assurance and resiliency in the penalty box.

At the beginning of the game, one of the home team's defenders nearly broke the deadlock with a shot, although  the goalkeeper was clearly beaten the deadly shot hit the post sending the ball wide from play.

 

In the last minutes of the game, the visiting team had two threatening counterplays, but they were unable to convert them into goals that would have stunned the  home crowd at the stadium.

An attack on Yobe Desert media coordinator Jibo Zakari for photographing a risky challenge by one of their players on a Desert player nearly ruined the game for the mighty jet fans. Security personnel, on the other hand, were able to keep the situation under control.

 

Captain of the visiting Desert Fc, Bagayan Ismail said the point was vital for them as the team is now reinforcing their safety in the Nigerian National League. 

“Getting an away draw in the NNL is not a small thing at all. This has shown to us how confident we are getting week after  week,” Bagayan remarked. 

With three home games and one away game left, the Desert Captain is confident that the team will amaze 10 point from the remaining matches and finish strong in the league. 

“We have three home games and one away. We are going to get nine point from the three home matches. You know that we never lost our home matches. And maybe we get a draw away and we are good to go,” Bagayan declared. 

Coach Enerst Gushel, aka Jupiter praised his boys for their courage and confidence which he noted earned the team the crucial away point. 

"Football is not a physical game, but rather a mental one. Today, you've witnessed exactly what I've described. This draw is a result of the bravery and determination of the boys. We had a red card in the early half of the game, but the boys held their ground and won the match. Mentality is everything. 

He said, "When you exhibit it, you get the consequence," Coach Jupiter.

Yesterday’s draw takes Yobe Desert Stars to sixth position on table of Group A1 of the NNL 2021/2022

 season.

Share:

Read More

NNL: Home Victory Takes Yobe Desert FC Out of Relegation Zone

Yobe Desert FC

From JOE Hemba

 

Yobe Desert Stars Football FC have moved two places away from the relegation danger zone in the group A1 of the Nigerian National League(NNL) 2021/2022 season  following a home victory over FWC Champions of Abuja played over the weekend in Damaturu.

 

The Desert boys secured their victory in the early 15  minutes of the first half through a penalty from their captain, Bagayan , while the other two  goals  came from two substitutes, Rotshak and Obina  the 56^th , 90^th minutes respectively.

 

The early penalty awarded to the home team almost marred the flow of the game with protest from the visiting team but the decision of the referee prevailed as the penalty was eventually taken and Desert Stars Fc took an early lead.

 

The home fans were entertained with  superb display of fluid passes and artistry football show greeted with drums from the supporters club and intermittent cheers across the stands in the August 27 Stadium.

 

The visiting team which posed some grim threat through their No 10 Jersey, Joel Okoro however could not penetrate the back of the Desert net due to a cohesive defense pair of Hamza, Fa’iz and Obi coupled with the first class display of Morillas, the goal keeper.

 

Speaking with Sports journalists  in a post-match interview, the Chairman of FWC Champions Abuja, Mr. Botar Emmanuel expressed worry over the issue of officiating in the league.

 

According to him, the private sector in the business needs to be encouraged as the government continues to buy the results of matches through referees.

 

“The issue of officiating has been a worrisome one in this league. For those of us coming up into the game should be encouraged because, the government teams are taking over the league because they have the way to do with the referee and you see them winning over us.

From L-R: Dr. Ago and Mr. Botar, Chairman FWC Abuja granting press interview 

 

“For this game, I am really satisfied because of the courage of the referee. He did very well. The two goals are ok but the first goal is one of the things that I am complaining about but the other two goals are excellent ones,” he said.

 

Mr. Botar also advised the league managers to take NNL very seriously because of its importance in the quality of league club football for the country.

He said; “The NNL is a league that must be nurtured because. It must be properly taken care of. This is where we get players that go to our premier league. Due to the mismanagement of this league, we don’t have excellent clubs that would represent Nigeria at the  club level. This is the problem. If you want to get the best of the league, the NNL must be properly taken care of. Those of us in the private sector should also be protected because the referees are not helping us at all,” he advised.

 

The Director of Sports, Yobe State, Dr. Abdulrahman Ago who represented the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports  and Acting Chairman of Yobe Desert Fc described the victory as vital to the team.

 

He also attributed the victory to the motivation that the management has given to the team by paying all the outstanding salaries of coaches and match bonuses of the players, while thanking Gov. Mai Mala Buni for his commitment to the success of the team.

 

“Motivation is the key that energizes performance. We have to thank the commitment of Gov. Mai Mala Buni for motivating the players by settling  all the outstanding match bonuses and salaries of coaches.

 

Yobe Desert Fc dugout led by coah Jupiter from left

“We are enjoyed the victory, the fans enjoyed the play.

 

“Our focus on the NNL. Before this game, we were at the bottom for relegation. Any loss here would have spell doom for us. We will finish the business here and then face the federation cup and then AITEO CUP. The players and the coaches as you can see are ready.

 

“We are calling on the support of the fans behind the team. Please, pray for the team. Support the team in cash, kind and prayers,” Dr. Ago said.

 

The coach of Desert Stars,  Jupiter said  he expected his team to win the game with five goals but praised his boys for the deserved victory.

 

Coach Jupiter said the remaining matches of the league would be approached with all seriousness with nothing less than a victory.

Share:

Read More

APC Nothern governors support power shift to south, call on northern aspirants to withdraw

 

From JOE Hemba

The Norhern APC members have met and taken farreching decision on the current political situation in their party ahead of the presidential primary election.

The governors in a statement at the end of theur meeting gave a strong back for their party to shift power to the southern part of the country after eight years of President Buhari's tenure as president.

Consequently, the party advised President Mohammadu Buhari to focus his search for a successor in south just as the called on all northern aspirants to withdraw from the race. 

The statement strongly stated that their decision was not influenced based on what another party has done but hinged on a pure moral ground of justice, equity and fairness.

Below is the full statement.

Statement by Northern States’ APC 

Governors and Political Leaders

APC governors and political leaders from the northern states of Nigeria today met to review the political situation and to further support our Party in providing progressive leadership amidst our national challenges. During our discussions, we welcomed President Muhammadu Buhari’s invitation to governors and other stakeholders to contribute to the emergence of a strong presidential candidate for the APC.  

After careful deliberation, we wish to state our firm conviction that after eight years in office of President Muhammadu Buhari, the presidential candidate of the APC for the 2023 elections should be one of our teeming members from the southern states of Nigeria. It is a question of honour for the APC, an obligation that is not in anyway affected by the decisions taken by another political party. We affirm that upholding this principle is in the interest of building a stronger, more united and more progressive country.

We therefore wish to strongly recommend to President Muhammadu Buhari that the search for a successor as the APC’s presidential candidate be limited to our compatriots from the southern states. We appeal to all aspirants from the northern states to withdraw in the national interest and allow only the aspirants from the south to proceed to the primaries. We are delighted by the decision of our esteemed colleague, His Excellency, Governor Abubakar Badaru to  contribute to this patriotic quest by withdrawing his presidential aspiration.  

The APC has a duty to ensure that the 2023 elections offer a nation-building moment, reaffirming that a democratic pathway to power exists for all who value cooperation and build national platforms. This moment calls for the most sober and inclusive approach to selecting our party’s candidate, and we call on all APC leaders to fulfil their responsibility in this regard. 

Signed, 4th June 2022:

1. Aminu Bello Masari            Governor of Katsina State

2. Abubakar Sani Bello            Governor of Niger State

3. Abdullahi A. Sule            Governor of Nasarawa State

4. Prof. B.G. Umara Zulum        Governor of Borno State

5. Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai        Governor of Kaduna State

6. Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya        Governor of Gombe State

7. Bello M. Matawalle            Governor of Zamfara State

8. Simon Bako Lalong            Governor of Plateau State

9. Senator Aliyu Wamakko        Former Governor of Sokoto State

10. Dr. A.U. Ganduje            Governor of Kano State

11. Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu    Governor of Kebbi State

Share:

Read More