Niger gov raises alarm over fake facebook account purporting to be giving N950k youth empowerment

 The Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello has raised an alarm over a Facebook page with the name of Abubakar Sani Bello, in which he is purported to be giving out the sum of #950,000 to all people of the state for youth Empowerment.

Describing the said Facebook account as a scam, the governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mrs Mary Noel-Berje said “We want to alert the general public that the said page is a scam and an evil machination of some dubious people to defraud Nigerians of their hard earned money.

“Neither Governor Abubakar Sani Bello nor the state government is spending any such amount of money on any Youth Empowerment and wish to categorically dissociate the governor and the state government from that illegal Facebook page.

“The general public is warned to disregard the posts on the illegal Facebook page and beware not to easily fall prey to the defrauding activities of scammers.”In another development, the state government has approved the dualization of 2.4km Tunga-Round-About to Imani Hospital Road junction at the cost of over N1.2b.

This was made known during post-Executive Council Briefing held at Government House Minna.

The commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ibrahim Mohammed Panti, explained that the council agreed that the contract for the project will be awarded immediately and would be completed within 18 dry months to reduce the heavy traffic being witnessed on the road.

The council while noting that roads and provision of electricity play vital roles in the standard of living of the people also decided that some other six roads be approved for construction in addition to the ongoing construction projects ongoing in Kontagora.

The council also noted that the role of infrastructure is compelling which is the reason the present administration is poised to deliver on infrastructure to the people.

Journalists were informed of some of the resolutions reached, during the council meeting, including that council directed Ministry of Commerce and Investment to set up a committee that will checkmate the activities of microfinance banks in the State for effectiveness and efficiency.

Ministry of Investment also presented a memo proposing for investment attraction with a Canadian trade development partner, as well as approved the review of procurement advertisement under open competitive bidding in the state.

This council means, that any contract under any ministry has to go through procurement processes.

Council then constituted a committee for the smooth and effective running of the government and the committee is expected to come up with a robust strategic plan for the state agricultural sector.

The committee has the Secretary to the State government, Alh. Ahmed Ibrahim Matane as the Chairman, while Commissioners of Agriculture, Investment and Planing are to serve as members.