The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Report

  • ‘Fed Govt to cultivate 70,000 hectares wheat farms’

    ‘Fed Govt to cultivate 70,000 hectares wheat farms’

    The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the Federal Government will cultivate 70,000 hectares wheat farms this dry season in Jigawa.

    Kyari said this when he paid homage to the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar-Maje, yesterday in Hadejia.

    The minister had conducted facility tour at Malam Alu Farm in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area and a 10 hectares rice farm at Marma, a farming community between Kirikasamma and Guri LGAs.

    Kyari said the tour was part of the ministry’s fact finding mission to appraise the preparedness of the Jigawa government and the selected demonstration farms for growing high breed wheat seeds.

    Read Also: Fed Govt secures $163m AfDB loan for wheat production

    He said the decision to start the demonstration farms in Jigawa was informed by Governor Umar Namadi’s zeal and commitment towards making the state one of the leading wheat growers in the country.

    The state, he said, allocated 70,000 hectares of land to the ministry for wheat cultivation, adding that President Bola Tinubu was commited to enhance food security through effective utilisation of smart agriculture in the country.

    While interacting with farmers at Marma village, Kyari said the ministry would distribute improved variety seeds for irrigation activities to boost food security programme in the country.

    He said the federal government had made adequate arrangements to equip wheat growers with the necessary farming implements.

    He said the ministry had set up a climate change monitoring committee with the responsibility of providing experts assistance on wheather related issues to the growers from planting to harvesting period.

    Responding, Abubajar-Maje, commended the federal  government for choosing Jigawa as pioneer state of the wheat programme.

    Represented by Alhaj Usman AbdulAziz, the Galadiman Hadejia, the Emir called for the commencement of the wheat season in earnest, adding that, “the time to start planning for growing wheat is now”.

    The royal father admonished farmers selected for participation in the programme to reciprocate the gesture by being honest in their operations.

  • NESG seeks urgent domestic, foreign investments

    NESG seeks urgent domestic, foreign investments

    The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has emphasised the urgency of attracting domestic and foreign investments into the economy.

    The group said such investments should especially be in infrastructure, education and healthcare.

    Director of Research NESG, Dr. Olusegun Omisakin who made the call, said this strategy will not only stimulate economic expansion, but also generate employment opportunities, and drive sustainable development.

    Omisakin’s call was made known yesterday in a press statement by Strategic Communications Specialist, NESG Francis Jakpor.

    Read Also: NESG to tackle unemployment

    Jakpor said Omisakin made the call in preparation for the group’s 29th Economic Summit (NES 29) scheduled to hold from 23 – 24 October.

    He said the summit will be highlighting themes on optimising resources, embracing innovation, and enhancing skill acquisition and how Nigeria can shore up its domestic and global competitiveness.

    He also stated that the NESG has tasked stakeholders to leverage existing resources as a pipeline towards stimulating Nigeria’s economic recovery.

    According to Omisakin, “Strategic trade expansion in non-oil sectors with a focus on exports will diversify external revenue sources, reduce reliance on the oil and gas industry and elevate Nigeria’s economic complexity on the global stage. Additionally, it will leverage the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), build resilience against external shocks, and forge a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economy that benefits all Nigerians.”

  • APC will rule Benue for years, says Alia

    APC will rule Benue for years, says Alia

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has declared that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has come to stay as a ruling party in the state and shall rule the state for a long time.

    He said as the leader of the party in the state, he is poised to do everything possible to ensure the party and the entire Benue people enjoy the benefits of the hard work they had put in, which led to his emergence as the governor of the state, adding that his good work will surely endear the people the more.

    The Governor made the declaration on Monday, while addressing the expanded Exco meeting of the party, held at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat in Makurdi.

    He also called for more synergy between the government and the party leadership in the state, to enable his administration to deliver the yearnings and aspirations of the masses.

    Read Also: APC will rule Benue for years, says Gov Alia

    Represented by his Chief of Staff, Paul Biam, the Governor assured that his administration will not fail the party, promising to make the party proud by addressing the yearnings and aspirations of the masses.

    He added amongst other things that the goodwill the people of the state gave to him and the party was massive; hence he must not disappoint.

    He reiterated his desire to lead APC to victory all the way; all the time.

    In his response, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Comrade Austin Agada, pledged the readiness of the party to support the efforts of the Governor, aimed at repositioning the state to greatness.

    He urged all local government party chairmen to always make it a sense of duty to grace, in their numbers, any function either organised by the government or for the governor to show support and solidarity.

  • Fintiri kicks-off building of N21bn road

    Fintiri kicks-off building of N21bn road

    Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri yesterday kicked-off the construction of a 20.8 kilometres super high way in Yola-South Local Government Area at the cost of N21 billion.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project begins from Welcome to Yola to Rumde Kila down to AA Lawan Junction in the state capital.

    Fintiri, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, said the project was awarded to Messrs Triacta Nigeria Limited to cover culverts, bridges and drainages.

    According to him, the project will be completed in 30 months. He added that when completed, the road would open the capital city to more residency and other activities.

    Read Also: Malcomines, Fintiri highlight 2023 Yola Polo Festival

    The governor said the road project passes through the ongoing project of  1,000 housing units at Malkohi, which further justified its significance.

    He asserted that the project represent the bold step of his administration towards delivering good governance to the people, adding that it will also expand Yola currently attracting new inhabitants and investors.

    Commissioner for Works and Energy, Alhaji Adamu Atiku, assured that the ministry would ensure diligent supervision of the project in line with its specifications.

    He said that additional 500 metres link road to the new Correctional facility would be constructed for connectivity with communities.

  • Fuel subsidy: FCT minister distributes palliatives to Abuja residents

    Fuel subsidy: FCT minister distributes palliatives to Abuja residents

    From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), yesterday commenced the distribution of assorted food items to vulnerable residents of the territory.

    FCTA said the development is aimed at easing the hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

    FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, who performed the distributions of over 17,222 bags of rice, 8,400 bags of maize, assured that every deserving family in the six area councils and 17 chiefdoms of FCT will receive the free items.

    Mahmoud also assured that apart from the food items which would be released in stages, government is actively exploring other avenues to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.

    She said: “There is no doubt that the policy has had a ripple effect on transportation, inflation and an overall burden on the citizenry.

    “It is in realization of these challenges that the Federal Government has been taking several measures to bring succour to Nigerians amongst which is the release of assorted food items from the National Strategic Reserve for urgent distribution to Nigerians. We will ensure that every deserving family in the FCT receive these items free of charge.”

    Read Also: Fuel subsidy: Otti rolls out measures to ameliorate effects on workers

    While calling on FCT residents to exercise prudence in their daily lives, she noted that the present administration under the dynamic leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was committed to implementing measures that would stabilize prices, encourage economic growth, and promote prosperity and well-being for citizens.

    The minister, however, charged beneficiaries to use the food items wisely and endeavour to share with those who are most in need, stressing that Mr. President is striving to reposition the Nigerian economy and win the war against hunger and the attainment of self-sufficiency in food production.

    On his part, the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, noted that the administration, through relevant arms, has put in place measures to monitor the distribution of these essential food items to ensure that they got to the targeted beneficiaries in all the area councils.

    The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director Operations, Planning and Strategy, Mr. Samuel Attang, also noted that the distribution was part of series of efforts being put in place by government to address the economic challenges and create an environment of stability and prosperity for all.

  • Adamawa floods claim 33 lives, displace households

    Adamawa floods claim 33 lives, displace households

    Some 33 lives have been lost to floods that have continued to cause havoc in some communities in Adamawa State.

    This was disclosed yesterday at an emergency meeting  organized by the state government with humanitarian actors and some relevant agencies to discuss the way forward.

    The developments are on the heels of increase volumes of water from the river banks, notably the banks of River Benue running through many local government areas of the state.

    As a result of the ravaging floods, the state government through Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) has established 11 camps  across the mostly affected local government areas of Yola North, Yola South, Lamurde, Numan and Demsa.

    Read Also:Ogun, Cross River, Zamfara, Adamawa highest in cholera cases, says NCDC

    According to the Executive Secretary of ADSEMA, Muhammed Suleiman, about 1,600 displaced households, comprising 9,960 individuals are taking shelter in the 11 camps.

    Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri who spoke during the emergency stakeholders meeting through his deputy, Prof Kaletapwa Farauta, said as people-driven government, his administration is up and doing to reduce the impact of the floods on the citizens.

    The governor said he had approved measures to ensure that the basic needs of affected people are provided, and that though some schools have been occupied by the flood victims, the government was taken steps to see that the situation does not hinder learning.

    At the stakeholders meeting, the commissioner of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Reintegration, Bello Hamman Diram and his counterparts from Ministry of Information and Strategy Neido Geoffrey as well as that of Women Affairs and Social Development Wunfe Anthony said the meeting was necessary to save lives and property.

    They said the unprecedented displacement of people by the floods is now a source of concern, hence the need for stakeholders engagement to see how best to tackle emerging needs.

  • Ex-Gov Bello’s tenure stood as a beacon of responsible governance, says Etsu

    Ex-Gov Bello’s tenure stood as a beacon of responsible governance, says Etsu

    A social critic, Bilal Umar Etsu has applauded the tenure of former Niger governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, describing it as one which stood as a beacon of responsible governance, marked by genuine dedication to the welfare of the citizens of Niger State.

    Etsu said: “It is on this standpoint that an astute Administrator, an uncommon politician in the person of Senator Abubakar Sani Bello the immediate past Governor of Niger State was resilient, unwavering, and unyielding in his commitment to public service for the advancement of Niger State despite the anomalies carried out before he assumed office.

    While clarifying some claims made by former governor Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, highlighted that Bello’s tenure stands as a testament to dedicated and prudent governance that left an indelible mark on the state.

    He added: “Senator Sani Bello throughout his administration, refrained from employing titles as a deceptive tool to ridicule the people of Niger State, instead, he opted for a modest life without noise, residing in a 3-bedroom government lodge, and prudently managing taxpayers’ funds. He left behind a state-of-the-art Government House, a symbol of responsible governance.

    “Senator Sani Bello prioritized the state’s infrastructure and ensured the proper utilization of taxpayers’ funds. In the face of economic challenges, Senator Sani Bello’s administration adeptly managed resources, focusing on impactful projects that had a direct bearing on the people of Niger State.

    Read Also: Niger wasted eight years under your leadership, Ex-gov Aliyu slams Sani-Bello

    “Notable efforts were made in healthcare, education, agriculture, and road infrastructure among others, transforming the state and repositioning it as a key player in Nigeria’s journey towards food security and self-sufficiency.

    “Education received a considerable boost, with significant upgrades and renovations in primary and secondary schools, as well as the establishment of the Niger State Professional Teachers Development Institute, an initiative aimed at training the young ones to become professional teachers and also enhancing the skills of teachers ultimately improving the quality of education in the State.

    “Agriculture, a vital sector for economic growth, witnessed substantial investments and collaborations with local and international investors, leading to Niger State’s recognition as Nigeria’s top rice producer.

    He added: “Sen. Sani Bello’s administration supported numerous farmers and promoted dry-season farming, contributing significantly to the Country’s food production. This initiative, coupled with the rehabilitation of irrigation schemes and the procurement of tractors and farming inputs, empowered farmers and resulted in their economic transformation.

    “Road construction constituted a pivotal pillar of Senator Sani Bello’s enduring legacy. His notable projects include the construction and rehabilitation of more than 500 kilometres of roads, effectively linking over 390 rural communities through the World Bank Assisted Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP). This strategic initiative facilitated the seamless transportation of agricultural produce from rural areas to consumer markets, fostering stability in market price.”

    “His tenure as Governor also witnessed an impressive array of road projects in Minna the State capital which include the dualization of Broadcasting Road, extensive reconstruction of Bosso Estate Roads, construction of Goodluck Jonathan Way (Imani Junction) and Morris Fertilizer Road, Tungan Goro-Tagwai Dam Road, City Gate-Chanchaga dual carriageway, Gbeganu-Fadikpe Road, Kongila-Makera Road, Brighter-Himma School Road, Garima Road

    “Other roads: Tunga Police Station Road, Makera-New Market Road, Unguwan Daji Road, Abattoir Road, Orphanage Road, Sarkin Bosso Road, Maitumbi Township Road, Maikunkele Township Road, Tudun Fulani Road, UK Bello-Sabongari Road, Custom Barrack Road, Old Alheri Road, Deeper Life Church Road, Dattijo Aliyu-Tunga Police Station Road, as well as completing the Old Airport-New Market dual carriageway Road.

    “Senator Sani Bello’s unwavering commitment to public service remains steadfast, guided by the desire to fulfil his duties and honour his oath of office as a true representative of the people.”

  • Bauchi to pay female pupils for school attendance

    Bauchi to pay female pupils for school attendance

    Bauchi State government will now pay girls in junior secondary schools N5000 per term and those in senior secondary schools will be paid N10,000 per term respectively to boost girl-child enrolment in schools.

    This is courtesy of the state’s Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) programme.

    AGILE, a World Bank-assisted project of the Federal Ministry of Education, is geared at improving secondary education opportunities for adolescent girls aged between 10 and 20.

    The Commissioner of Education, who also doubles as the coordinator of the AGILE programme, Jamila Dahiru, told journalists that the AGILE programme is aimed at doing things differently to improve education in the state.

    Read Also: FG looking into gas exploration, solid minerals

    Dahiru said: “The project aimed at assisting the students who dropped out of school due to economic problems. The target is the poorest of the poor who do not have any means of payment of school fees and other requirements; mechanism has been put in place to determine those that will qualify.

    “Apart from boosting enrolment of the girl child in school, the AGILE project will ensure that the standard and quality of education did not decline but rather improved upon greatly as teachers will be motivated and well equipped to impart knowledge on the students.”

    Apart from paying pupils to attend schools, the AGILE programme will also build new spaces for learning in secondary schools, improve existing infrastructure and recruit more teachers.

  • Plateau ban Okada

    Plateau ban Okada

    In a bid to swiftly address the rising concerns over public safety, the Plateau State Government has issued a ban on commercial motorcycles, known as “Okada,” within the Bukuru-Jos Metropolis.

    Also, tricycles, commonly referred to as “Keke Napep,” are now subject to strict operational time restrictions, limiting their hours of operation to between 6am and 6pm.

    The Plateau State Commissioner of Information, Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, made this known, in a press briefing in Jos.

    Ashoms emphasized that strict adherence to these new regulations is mandatory, and any violations will be met with firm enforcement.

    The decision echoes a similar ban imposed during the previous administration under Governor Simon Bako Lalong.

    The previous ban on commercial motorcycles and operational time restrictions for tricycles was implemented with the aim of curbing the incidence of crime in the state capital.

    Hoever, in recent times, there has been a resurgence of violent crimes within the Jos and Bukuru metropolis, prompting the reinforcement of these measures under the leadership of Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

    Read Also: EFCC nabs six suspected internet fraudsters in A’Ibom

    The Governor’s administration has prioritized public safety and security in light of these developments.

    Recall a tragic incident that occurred a few weeks ago when a young resident of Jos, Fwinbe Gofwan, was brutally murdered by suspected commercial motorcycle riders along Domkat Bali in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    This incident, among others, has raised concerns about the safety of residents and the need for stringent measures and strict regulations governing the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles.

    The government urged all concerned parties to comply with these measures in the interest of public safety.

  • Nasarawa: ‘stop heating up the polity’

    Nasarawa: ‘stop heating up the polity’

    Concerned People’s Democratic Party (PDP)  Muslim Leaders in Nasarawa State have called on politicians to refrain from seeking to use religious leaders to influence legal proceedings.

    The group said there was an attempt to infuse religious sentiment into the outcome of the Nasarawa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s verdict which sacked the governor of the state, Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress.

    The tribunal, on October 2, nullified the election of Governor Sule of the APC and declared David Ombugadu of the PDP as the winner of the March 18, governorship election in the state.

    Speaking with reporters yesterday, spokesman for the group, Ja’afaru Ibrahim stated that attempts to involve religion and religious leaders in the Nasarawa judicial process come with the risks of compromising the integrity of the nation’s legal system, undermining the rule of law, and upholding impunity.

    Read Also: FG looking into gas exploration, solid minerals

    “Instead, let us all respect the principles of fairness and impartiality that is the cornerstone of our legal system,” he said.

    He reiterated the commitment of the leader to pray for peace, unity, and justice in the state, and nation.

    He said: “We encourage all politicians and especially our friends in the APC to resolve any differences amicably or by legal means and to respect the decisions of our judicial institutions rather than whipping up religious sentiments.”

    He lauded President Bola Tinubu for his plans, policies, and promises of reforms, praying for the country and wishing the leaders well in the discharge of their services to the nation.