The Kebbi State Government has commenced preparations to sponsor a mass wedding for 300 couples in the state scheduled for Feb. 27.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, told newsmen on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi that the wedding is organised in collaboration with an NGO, Nafisa Nasir Charity Development Foundation (NANAS).
He said that various committees had been set up with specific tasks such as pregnancy test, genotype test, HIV/AIDS test and other lawful prerequisites for marriages in the state.
Argungu said that the mass wedding was in fulfillment of a promise made by Gov. Nasir Idris during the last mass wedding that it would be held periodically to assist the less privileged to get married.
“The administration of Gov. Idris is going to provide N180,000 as dowry for each bride from the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
“Other additional items will be provided such as room furniture and foodstuffs to all the couples to consolidate their marital relationship.
“The wedding will be solemnised after wide consultations with Islamic scholars in consonance with the practice of the Noble Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (SAW),” Argungu said. (NAN)
Governor Nwifuru appoints new VC for Ebonyi State University, recalls suspended commissioners
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru on Sunday in Abakaliki approved the appointment of Prof Michael Awoke as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the Ebonyi State University (EBSU).
The announcement of the new VC is contained in a press statement signed by Dr Monday Uzor, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor and made available to newsmen in Abakaliki.
The statement said that the approval of Awoke followed the recommendations of the Governing Council of the University.
Awoke, before his appointment, was a Professor of Agricultural Economics and a former Vice Chancellor, Academics of the EBSU.
Awoke is taking over from Prof. Chigozie Ogbu who was proceeding on retirement after completion of his tenure.
Also appointed are Prof. Ike Ogba, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, and Prof. Michael Ajanwachukwu as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration.
Other appointees are Mrs Ugochinyere Mba-Uka , Registrar; Mrs Roseline Nwuzor, Bursar and Mrs Victoria Nwalli, Librarian.
“The Governor who announced the appointments shortly after a church service at the Government House Chapel , said the newly appointed principal officers will be sworn- in on Tuesday, Feb. 11,” the statement said.
Nwifuru also recalled four commissioners and the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency who were suspended last November.
“The governor recalled some suspended commissioners; Dr. Moses Ekuma, Health; Mr Chinedum Nkah, Water Resources, Mr Francis Orie, Housing and that of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Uchenna Igwe,” the statement added.
On the recent killings at Amegu Nkalaha community, the governor disclosed that the preliminary investigation by security agencies showed the dastardly act was perpetrated by some criminal elements from the community and not herdsmen as alleged.
He warned contractors handling government projects to ensure speedy execution or face the the wrath of the government. (NAN)