The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • 40,000 Tarabans to benefit from Govt’s livestock initiative

    40,000 Tarabans to benefit from Govt’s livestock initiative

    A total of 40,000 people in Taraba are set to benefit from the ongoing Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) programme initiated by the federal government.

    No fewer than 1.43 million Nigerians will as well benefit from the project.

    The State coordinator of L-PRES, Hananiah Albert, during the inauguration of the Taraba State Steering Committee (SSC) and the State Technical Committee (STC) of L-PRES in Jalingo, said 30 per cent of the beneficiaries would be women.

    Read Also: NRC: 63km Port Harcourt-Aba railway project

    He said the project emphasized the state’s deliberate focus on livestock value chain, including cattle, sheep, goat, and poultry, due to its advantageous position in the North-East geographical zone.

    According to Albert, prospective beneficiaries range from livestock producers, feed suppliers, equipment dealers, marketers, transporters, processors, input suppliers, and off-takers.

    “The project aims to support livestock farmers and sector operators with extension services, animal health services, and investments in infrastructure such as the construction and rehabilitation of livestock markets, abattoirs and slaughter slabs.

    “Furthermore, the initiative will facilitate the provision of manual and motorized boreholes, installation of weigh bridges and loading ramps in livestock markets, and the establishment of an Artificial Insemination (AI) Centre, among other measures,” he said.

    Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Prof Nicholas Namessan, affirmed the project’s potential to enhance livelihoods in secondary and pastoral communities.

    Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, through his deputy, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, pledged a robust support for the two committees, ensuring their effective functioning in implementing the L-PRES project.

    He stated that the initiative was a significant step towards fortifying the livestock sector and uplifting communities across Taraba state.

  • Zulum signs N358.7bn budget into law

    Zulum signs N358.7bn budget into law

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum  yesterday signed the state’s N358.7 billion 2024 budget into law.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Zulum said that the budget was made up N208.4 billion capital expenditure and N150.4 billion recurrent expenditure.

    He charged heads of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and members of the state executive council to ensure compliance with the budget in all their official engagements.

    The governor also commended the state House of Assembly for approving the budget on time.

    Read Also; Iwuanyanwu: Tinubu should prioritise restructuring Nigeria

    “We have to commend the leadership of the House of Assembly, we also have to commend the maturity of the house,” Zulum said.

    He also expressed optimism that the budget would impact positively on the lives of the people.

    Earlier, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdulkarim Lawan, commended the governor for the quality projects he had executed across the state in the last four years.

    The speaker said that the upward review of the original budget by the House was to capture some areas that were critical to the lives of the people.

    The speaker was accompanied by his deputy, Malam Abdullahi Askira, and other principal officers of House at the ceremony.

  • NCS commits to ending petroleum products smuggling in 2024

    NCS commits to ending petroleum products smuggling in 2024

    The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has expressed commitment to end petroleum products smuggling in 2024.

    The Comptroller General (C-G) of NCS, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, also said that the service would block all attempts to smuggle weapons and other contraband into the country.

    Adeniyi made this known yesterday in Abuja, at a news conference on the NCS activities in 2023.

    “Our zero approach towards smuggling, especially that of petroleum products out of the country –  rice, arms and ammunition – would be rigorously enforced.

    “We remain resolute on addressing border management challenges, balancing security concerns with trade facilitation,“ he said.

    Adeniyi added that the NCS had conducted vigorous campaign against smuggling and illicit trade in 2023 which resulted in 3,806 seizures of illicit items, including artifacts, antiquities, drugs, food products, and endangered species of flora and fauna, among others.

    Read Also: NRC: 63km Port Harcourt-Aba railway project

    “Remarkably, we also achieved during this period, a total of 52 convictions, 11 of them specifically linked to illicit trade in animal wildlife.

    “This is also a record performance through diligent prosecution of our cases and the successful conviction of some of those criminals that were apprehended,“ the C-G said.

    Adeniyi said that the service would continue to sanitise trade activities and strengthen its anti-smuggling strategies, as part of efforts to achieve its 2024 revenue target of N5.7 trillion.

    He announced that the service in 2023 generated N3.2 trillion, the highest ever recorded in the history of the NCS.

    According to him, this represents 21.4 per cent increase in the revenue generated compared to the same period in 2022.

    He explained that their 2023 performance was remarkable given the fact that the NCS recorded revenue shortfall of N532 billion in the first half of 2023.

    He, however, said that the service still has operational challenges in the area of inadequate infrastructure, delay in policy implementation,  social and political factors.

    Adeniyi explained that measures such as the establishment of a revenue recovery team, streamlining of enforcement operations and extensive stakeholders engagement were being taken to reverse the operational challenges.

    The C-G pledged that the service services would adopt innovative measures and deploy technology in its operations to align with global best practices.

    He added that they would revamp the electronic auction platform for more robust operations, prevent infiltration by hackers, and ensure transparency and efficiency.

  • Strike threat: ‘We’re doing reviews to accommodate labour’s demands’

    Strike threat: ‘We’re doing reviews to accommodate labour’s demands’

    • Kwara govt to dialogue with labour leaders

    Kwara State Government says it is  doing some reviews to  accommodate organised labour’s demands.

    The aim, it said, is to stave off any strike being contemplated by organised labour.

    Organised labour had on Tuesday served the state government 14-day ultimatum strike notice over non-implementation of N35,000 minimum wage palliatives as a result of fuel subsidy removal and other sundry agreements.

    In a statement, Commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bola Olukoju, said the state government preferred to dialogue with the unions.

    “The administration favours dialogue, mutual respect, collective bargaining and commitment to sustainable economic growth over any other thing. 

    Read Also; Iwuanyanwu: Tinubu should prioritise restructuring Nigeria

    “Already, the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mahe, has been asked to initiate a new round of dialogue with the unions,” Olukoju said.

    She added:  “From the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff to the Governor and Office of the Head of Service, among others, the door of the government is always open to leadership of the labour unions for constructive engagement. 

    Kwara State Government wishes to restate its commitment to promote the welfare of workers and the people of the state. 

    “This administration, despite being among the third lowest recipients of federal allocations, has fewer rivals in the country in terms of prompt payment of salary and general welfare of workers.  “In the wake of and since the removal of subsidy by the Federal Government, the administration has committed additional N1,392,135,000.00 every month to payment of palliatives to the workers alone.”

    “As things stand today at the state level, an average of 74.06 per cent of federal allocation to the state goes into payment of salaries and allowances of workers alone. 

    “This does not include the cost of providing government services or any public emergency. At the local government level, between 80 per cent and 95 per cent of their monthly allocations go into paying workers’ salary alone. 

    “This leaves just a pittance for the rest of the population and developmental projects. It is worse at the local government level. 

    “This often forces the government to resort to different financial strategies, including loans, to maintain or expand existing infrastructure and develop new ones to ensure socio-economic growth and human capital development. 

    “Regardless, the administration understands the critical roles  workers play in the implementation of projects, policies and programmes of government, and will continue to pay attention to the welfare of workers in a sustainable way. 

    “We therefore urge the labour unions to embrace dialogue and continue to reciprocate the goodwill of the government over the years in the overall interest of the taxpayers and the public.”

  • Rep Ambaiowei reiterates commitment to legislation for constituency development

    Rep Ambaiowei reiterates commitment to legislation for constituency development

    A member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Rodney Ebikebina Ambaiowei has reiterated his resolve to sponsor bills that would lead to the establishment of institutions and developmental projects in his constituency.

    The lawmaker who represents Southern Ijaw Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, said the primary responsibility of a lawmaker revolves around quality representation, lawmaking and the exercise of oversight duties to ensure good governance.

    He highlighted the district’s potential for crude oil production, education, and tourism, expressing his intention to propose bills to promote growth and advance these areas.

    He also assured his constituents that he would ensure a balanced equation, emphasizing that his focus was on moving the Federal Constituency to the limelight of Bayelsa State.

    Read Also: Wanted: A smoke-free country

    Ambaiowei particularly expressed concern over the incessant boat and craft mishaps in coastal areas, emphasizing his commitment to addressing issues that his constituents face.

    He also raised concerns about the federal government’s plan to provide electric buses or compressed natural gas (CNG) as palliatives to commuters.

    Recognizing that the majority of his constituency relies on waterways due to the lack of motorable road networks, Ambaiowei expressed his intention to bring this issue to the floor of the house.

    Ambaiowei further highlighted the outdated shore protection in Amassoma community, set to be addressed in the upcoming National Assembly session.

    He expressed his love and dedication to Southern Ijaw, promising to tackle the challenges faced by both his State and Federal constituencies.

    Ambaiowei urged the Ijaw people to unite under organizations such as the Ijaw National Congress and the Ijaw Youth Council, with a shared goal of making the Ijaw nation great.

    He called upon all Ijaw governors to support the Governor of Bayelsa State Sen. Douye Diri, emphasizing the importance of unity for the advancement of the Ijaw people.

  • Bago attends Havard seminar to boost agribusiness in Niger

    Bago attends Havard seminar to boost agribusiness in Niger

    In the bid to position Niger State as the most agriculturally productive in the country as well as leverage its vast resources and potential for growth, Governor Mohammed Bago, is attending the Agribusiness Seminar at the Harvard Business Campus in America.

    The event, scheduled from January 7th to 10th, 2024 is a long-standing event where global business leaders discuss the evolving and volatile agribusiness sector.

    Since assuming office, Governor Bago had pledged his administration would give priority to agriculture to harness the vast arable land and abundant water resources of the state to make it a major agricultural hub in Nigeria.

    In its bid to harness its agricultural potential and improve the livelihoods of its rural population, Bago has embarked on various initiatives aimed at promoting food security.

    Read Also: Wanted: A smoke-free country

    The seminar focuses on exploring industry challenges and innovation opportunities, seeking to shape the future of agribusiness and discover techniques for long-term success.

    Target attendees are experienced leaders across the food and agriculture industry, including heads of subnationals, senior executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders from agribusiness-related government agencies and NGOs.

    The program intends to improve resilience and flexibility, defend against commodification, improve decision-making and operational efficiency, create transparent supply chains, and manage risks associated with climate change, environmental pressures, and logistical challenges.

    It also covers understanding market shifts, regional and global trends, and responding to government regulations.

    Participants will learn through faculty-led discussions, group work, and insights from industry speakers.

    Topics include strategic objectives, mitigating risks, preparing for trade disruptions and geopolitical upheaval, balancing sustainability with short-term and long-term goals, meeting diverse consumer demands, leveraging new technologies, assessing new business models, attracting industry innovators, and repositioning older brands.

  • Chibok leaders call for security outposts

    Chibok leaders call for security outposts

    Chibok leaders under the auspices of Kibaku Area Development Association have urged President Bola Tinubu to order the deployment of more troops to stem the resurgence of terrorists attacks in the area.

    The Abuja branch Chairman of the association, Mr Mutah Nkeki, made the call while briefing newsmen yesterday in Abuja, on the recent terrorist attacks on some Chibok communities in Borno.

    He said no fewer than 15 villagers had been killed by the terrorists in three separate attacks in the last two weeks.

    Nkeki said that it was imperative for the president to order the deployment of more troops to Chibok and surrounding villages to protect the people.

    Read Also: Fed Govt to empower Chibok community with N210m farming equipment

    He particularly called for the establishment of security outposts at Kwarangilim in Chibok West 2, Gatamwarwa in Chibok East, Shikarkir in Chibok South West and Kuburmbula in Chibok North East.

    Nkeki also implored the president to direct the military to re-enforce existing security points in Kwada-kautikari in Chibok East to halt the activities of the terrorists.

    He said that while the main Chibok town had remained safe, the surrounding communities have continued to suffer frequent attacks from the terrorists.

  • National Assembly members hail Bello

    National Assembly members hail Bello

    Members of the National Assembly from Kogi State, yesterday, visited Governor Yahaya Bello, to congratulate him on the peaceful and credible conduct of the November 11 Governorship election.

    The lawmakers, comprising senators and members of the House of Representatives, seized the opportunity to congratulate the governor on what they described as the resounding victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the emergence of Usman Ododo as Governor-elect of Kogi State.

    According to them, the November election was adjudged peaceful, credible, free and fair by local and international observers.

    Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, representing Kogi East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, commended Governor Bello for his sterling leadership, which paved the way for the resounding victory.

    Senator Sunday Karimi applauded the governor’s ingenuity and called for magnanimity in putting the election’s challenges behind with a view to expanding the APC’s space in the state.

    Read Also: Gov. Bello appoints 21 LG caretaker chairmen

    Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Halims, applauded Governor Bello’s wisdom and exemplary leadership.

    Governor Bello commended their contributions to the victory of the governorship election.

    He emphasised the importance of being genuine, truthful, and committed, while urging them to do more in delivering the best to their respective constituencies as they had been doing.

    He urged the lawmakers to support the Governor-elect, Usman Ododo, in consolidating and continuing the positive trajectory set by his administration.

    Ododo hailed Governor Bello’s leadership style in fostering unity across the state without ethnic or political bias.

    He recounted the governor’s dedicated efforts in supporting National Assembly members during party primaries, general elections, and post-election legal challenges and appreciated his selfless commitment to placing individuals in key positions and ensuring a peaceful and secure Kogi State.

  • Join hands with Alia to develop Benue, Ganduje tells opposition

    Join hands with Alia to develop Benue, Ganduje tells opposition

    The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje yesterday told the opposition parties in Benue State to join hands with Governor Hyacinth Alia to move the state to the next level.

    He gave this advice while congratulating the Benue State governor over his victory at the Supreme Court.

    Ganduje in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu in Abuja last night, noted that the verdict by the apex court confirmed Governor Alia’s well-deserved victory in the 2023 governorship election.

    He then called on the opposition and well-meaning people of Benue state to join hands with the Governor to ensure the socioeconomic development of the state.

    Read Also: Join hands with Alia to develop Benue, Ganduje tells opposition

    He said: “The Supreme Court ruling is a confirmation of both the perfect will of God and the undeniable choice of Benue state people.

    “It also reinforces the confidence our people have in the judiciary. This is a good development for the advancement of democracy in our dear nation Nigeria.

    “The APC and our teeming supporters in Benue state are satisfied with the transparent and accountable leadership you have exhibited since you took the oath of office and allegiance on May 29, last year.

    “Please accept my warm congratulations on your victory and my best wishes for your success as you prepare to take up the responsibilities and challenges of your high office.

    “I wish to assure you and the people of Benue state of the continued support of the party. It is time for the people of Benue state from all political parties and all ethnic subgroups to rise and support you as our God-ordained Governor”, the APC chairman wrote to the Governor.”

  • Shettima seeks peace among Benue political elite

    Shettima seeks peace among Benue political elite

    The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has called on Benue political elitist to live in peace with one another, saying without peace there would be no development.

    Senator Shettima spoke at the first expanded National MSME Clinics yesterday in Makurdi, Benue state capital.

    He said “Without peace no matter the high number of Benue sons occupying position at the national level, nothing can be achieved.”

    The Vice President was said to be reacting to the seemingly cold political war between the camp of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Governor Hyacinth Alia.

    Speaking on MSME, Shettima said the occasion is not just a fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise of job creation and accessible capital to Nigerians, but also a homage to the unparalleled spirit of industriousness that defines the people of Benue State.

    Benue, he said, is a land known for its commitment to hard work, excellence in art, pursuit of creativity, elevation of agriculture, and promotion of commerce and  stand as a testament to the remarkable productivity ingrained within the core of Benue State.

    Read Also: Akesan festival for Shettima, Abiodun, others

    “Benue has no reason to be poor that’s why you are called Food Basket of the Nation. If you plant money, it will grow and the reputation earned by the diligent efforts of every person in this food basket of the nation is a beacon of inspiration for us all, and I am honored to join you today.

    He announced plans by the President Tinubu’s administration to establish a world-class fashion hub in Makurdi.

    He explained that the world-class fashion hub, to be dedicated to the state’s thriving tailoring cluster, would be operational within 90 days.

    Shettima also revealed the Federal Government’s plans to formalise one million businesses across the country at a discounted rate.

    Benue state Governor Hycinth Alia said the state has taken decision to ease the way of doing business in the state.

    “We have ban collection of illegal tax, stop extortion in buy of land and all forms of ill egal barrier bottlenecks,” he said.