The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Don hails Abdulrazaq’s ‘unrivalled, breaking’ achievements in six years

    Don hails Abdulrazaq’s ‘unrivalled, breaking’ achievements in six years

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s record of service in six years has been excellent, impactful, and unrivalled by his predecessors, university don Saudat Sallah Abdulbaqi said on Friday.

    Prof Baqi, who keynoted a maiden personality lecture organized in honour of the Governor, spoke on the theme: “Kwara Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: The giant strides of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq”.

    The programme organised by the state Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) was sponsored by the Non-Executive Director of NNPCL Dr Muhammed Gali Alaya. 

    Chaired by Engr. Abdulrahman Giwa, the occasion was attended by former Grand Kadi Shari’ah Court of Appeal, Justice Salihu Olohuntoyin Muhammed; senior government officials; APC Chieftain Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin; NUJ Chairman, Ahmed Lanre Abdullateef; APC women support groups; and journalists.

    Prof Baqi said Kwara was far behind other legacy states in infrastructural development and other things, commending the breathtaking road and economic projects and other infrastructure by the Governor.

    Backed with testimonial footages in which people across communities expressed their joy and satisfaction with the administration’s policies and programmes, Prof Baqi said the ascension of Governor AbdulRazaq has changed the narratives of the state.

    She said AbdulRazaq has made his mark in infrastructural development, with particular reference to the urban renewal project, rural-urban road networks, waste management system, inclusivity, teachers’ recruitment, and regular payment of salaries and gratuity.  

    Read Also: Abdulrazaq flags off Kwara agro input fair, recommits to food security

    “If you look at the administration, you will see that all strata of society are captured. You have men and women, you have young and old, and you have people with disabilities and people without disabilities. With this, everybody is having a sense of belonging and will be able to identify with the policies of the government,” she said. 

    One of the key achievements of his administration is the management of the state finances, including efforts to address kwara debts and shore up its revenue base, she said. 

    The university lecturer said Governor AbdulRazaq is magnanimous and financially prudent, and referenced some of the capital projects his government had inherited and completed, commending him for not making Kwara a mortuary of abandoned projects.

    She advised the government to sustain its good work and be focused on how to get a good successor that will strengthen the gains of the present.

    “Sustaining these giant strides is a business of all,” she added. 

    AbdulRazaq, who was represented by his Senior Adviser and Counselor, thanked the State Council of NUJ for the honour and for creating a good platform to further showcase the achievements of the government.

    The Governor described the gesture as a practical demonstration of existing cordiality between the media practitioners and the administration.

    He commended Prof Baqi for her intellectual efforts and how she fairly assessed the administration.

    Justice S.O Muhammed said Governor AbdulRazaq has performed excellently across key sectors, and has impacted positively on the vast majority of kwarans, saying his achievements are much more felt than they are reported. 

    He announced how the Governor recently approved full payment of gratuities owed to retired judges and Kadis.

    Giwa, who chaired the occasion, called the Governor a silent achiever, whose projects are both seen and unseen. 

    “We have a Governor who is moving in geometric progression, whereby every part of the state is positively touched in terms of his impactful achievements,” he said.

    NUJ Chairman, Ahmed, said they organised the programme to further project the good work of Governor AbdulRazaq to the general public.

    He said it became imperative for the union to begin to set an agenda for people ahead of the 2027 general elections without heating up the polity.

  • Arewa Think Tank hails Tinubu’s economic policies as food prices drop

    Arewa Think Tank hails Tinubu’s economic policies as food prices drop

    The Arewa Think Tank (ATT) has said the recent decline in food prices across Nigeria, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, is proof that the country’s economic policies are working. 

    However, the group lamented that President Bola Tinubu has not been given due credit for these improvements, facing continued criticism instead.

    In a statement, ATT Chief Convener, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, urged Nigerians to remain patient with Tinubu’s administration, assuring that more positive developments are on the way.

    “Before now, the Arewa Think Tank had appealed to Nigerians to be patient with Mr. President and give him more time. Today, we are glad that our advocacy was not misplaced, as Nigerians can now witness positive changes in the country’s socio-economic development,” Yakubu stated.

    Read Also: Troops kill 217 terrorists, arrest 122 oil thieves in February

    “However, we are still pleading with Nigerians to exercise more patience because they will see more positive developments than what they are seeing now on a progressive pedestal in some periods of time.

    “What Nigerians need to know in 2025

    For the first time since President Tinubu took office in May 2023, Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis has started to be on the easy side of life.

    “When we followed recent market survey in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, it showed that the prices of key food staples declined in February 2025, easing the financial burden on cash-strapped Nigerians who have endured soaring inflation since the 2020 pandemic.

    “The market survey indicated that a 50kg bag of foreign parboiled rice now sells for N85,000, down from N110,000 five months ago. Local parboiled rice dropped to N95,000 from N105,000 in three months. The price of a big basket of fresh tomatoes plummeted 70 percent, from N120,000 to N35,000.

    “Also a 4-litre paint container of garri now costs N2,500, down from N3,500 five months ago, while a 60kg bag sells for N37,500. A big tuber of yam now sells for N2,500 in Abuja and Onitsha, compared to N5,500 five months ago. In Port Harcourt and Abuja, N1,000 can now buy six to ten pieces of onion, compared to three or four pieces three months ago.

    “The drop in the price of beans, yam, and garri is a big relief for low-income earners because it has improved every family’s diet.

    “We view the drop in food prices as a welcome relief, though concerns remain about overall affordability because of financial constraints.

    “We are calling on government action by ensuring that this price relief is sustained and expanded across all essential commodities in the country”. The statement said.

  • Kaduna LG chairmen pass vote of confidence on Tinubu, Uba Sani

    Kaduna LG chairmen pass vote of confidence on Tinubu, Uba Sani

    The 23 local government chairmen in Kaduna state have passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, dismissing recent criticisms against his administration as the handiwork of “political jobbers.”

    Addressing the press at a conference in Kaduna on Friday, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State chapter, Hon. Abubakar Jamilu Albani, the council chiefs reaffirmed their loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, commending the governor’s achievements in governance, security, and economic development.

    Albani said, “We, the 23 Local Government Chairmen of Kaduna State, unequivocally acknowledge the strides recorded under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani. His administration has ensured accountability, transparency, and synergy across all tiers of government,” the statement read.

    The ALGON chairmen described Uba Sani as a “unifying governor” who has fostered peace across religious, ethnic, and political divides in the state.

    “He has provided an environment where all citizens can pursue their livelihoods without fear of intimidation or harassment. His administration has also been proactive in addressing security challenges through strategic and diplomatic interventions,” they added.

    On job security, they noted that the governor had safeguarded the rights of public servants by ensuring employment stability and preventing arbitrary dismissals.

    Read Also: Troops kill 217 terrorists, arrest 122 oil thieves in February

    “Unlike in the past, civil servants in Kaduna can now work without fear of sudden retrenchment. This has boosted morale in the public sector,” the chairmen stated.

    They also highlighted his administration’s efforts in rural development, economic growth, and financial inclusion, saying:

    “Over two million new accounts have been opened for underserved and vulnerable persons under Governor Uba Sani’s watch. His administration has also invested in agricultural initiatives, healthcare, and education, improving the lives of rural dwellers.”

    The chairmen urged critics of the governor to stop making statements capable of destabilizing Kaduna State, warning that political stability should not be sacrificed for personal interests.

    “As members of the APC, including those of us who worked closely with the previous administration, we believe true statesmanship requires supporting one’s successor and ensuring the smooth continuation of governance,” they said.

    They called on political actors to uphold decorum and respect the leadership of Governor Uba Sani.

    “In the interest of stability and good governance, we strongly urge these political merchants to refrain from unguarded statements that could destabilize Kaduna and Nigeria as a whole,” they concluded.

  • NASENI holds workshop to promote made-in-Nigeria products

    NASENI holds workshop to promote made-in-Nigeria products

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has held a special seminar for the northwest region to promote local manufacturing, innovation and made-in-Nigeria products.

    The event, held at Tahir Guest Palace, Kano, brought together government officials, industry leaders and innovators to shape policies for Nigeria’s industrial growth.

    Engr. Ambali Abdulfatai of the Hydraulic Equipment Development Institute (HEDI), one of the departmental institutes of NASENI, said the agency (NASENI) has various development institutes across the country, with a very wide scope in terms of engineering and scientific infrastructure development, yet it is being faced with so many problems that hinder patronage of Made-in-Nigeria products.

    Read Also: Troops kill 217 terrorists, arrest 122 oil thieves in February

    “One of the obstacles is the attitude of Nigerians towards patronizing locally made products. And this is a very serious challenge. Government has to come in by stopping series of attempts at importing every foreign product.

    “By the time the issue of imported products is dealt with, the ones available in the country will get patronage. We will then be able to focus on the locally made goods and see how to improve on them once there is patronage.

    “However, in a situation where there is no patronage, we develop some of these facilities and products and just keep them and incur huge losses.

    “Actually it’s a big challenge and we hope, with this kind of attention by the NASENI in this kind of programme, bringing so many stakeholders together to have this kind of discussion and awareness, we believe in the next possible shortest time, we shall move out of this challenge and be able to patronize our own made in Nigeria products,” Dr. Abdulfatai, a Mechanical engineer, said.

    Arafat Ibrahim Umar, a project officer at Bank of Industry, said the bank’s key mission is to transform Nigeria’s industrial sector, so the gathering was key to the bank because it could put an impact on the Nigerian economy.

    “The bank is focusing strategically on six thematic areas, from gender to youths and skills to climate infrastructure and so on. Also, the bank is opening windows such as the rapid programme where even rural areas have access to financing at very cheap rates from the federal government and MSME funds that the bank is rolling out,” he said.

    Commenting on the general fear that goods made in Nigeria are usually substandard, Umar explained: “With adequate funding, our industries should be able to make quality products. And I think this is where a gathering like this will have impact on what our industries are able to do and of course with substantive or adequate finance, the industries should be able to do better.”

    In his contributions, Professor Sani Muhammad Gumel, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Bayero University Kano (BUK) said NASENI and the varsity as partners, would use the forum to reach to Nigerians who have the talents, and support them with what they need, to motivate and encourage them. “With this, there will be hope for this country,” he added.

    Salma Ahmed Dambappa, Chairperson, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Kano branch, said, “The meeting was interesting, inspiring and motivating. It boosted our capacities in whatever means we can afford to, and at the same time, tolerate each other, persevere in the work and make it as excellent as expected.”

    The participants also observed that in promoting made in Nigeria products, we must make use of the available natural resources in the country.

    “We have numerous natural resources in this country, why not utilize them? For example, we can take advantage of the sun and manufacture solar using products. I think these are the kinds of things we should make use of.

    “I believe we are now reaching an encouraging level. What mostly is causing people to actually not patronize Nigerian products, is the issue of quality and standard. But with available resources that you have everywhere in the country and with this kind of support that Nigerians are now receiving, definitely people will sit down and produce quality products, which are cheaper, which are produced using our local materials.

    “I am assuring Nigerians that with what NASENI is doing today, definitely quality is going to be assured. So let them start patronizing Nigerian goods. It is through testing that they will know the quality,” Abdulfatai assured.

  • VC lauds TEAM Nigeria for support, urges corporate social responsibility

    VC lauds TEAM Nigeria for support, urges corporate social responsibility

    The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Katsina State, Professor Umar Adam Katsayal, has commended TEAM Nigeria Ltd for its continuous support since the institution’s inception.

    Speaking at the opening of a two-day university-wide seminar, organized in collaboration with TEAM Nigeria Ltd, Katsayal emphasized the importance of corporate social responsibility and engagement with host communities. 

    The seminar, themed “Planning, Development, and Management of Transportation Infrastructure in Nigeria,” provided insights into the role of infrastructure in economic growth and mobility.

    Professor Katsayal praised TEAM Nigeria Ltd for following the example of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) by offering pro-bono consultancy services during the university’s construction phase. 

    He urged other companies operating in Nigeria to emulate their commitment to education and development.

    Read Also: FAO boosts business skills of veterinary paraprofessionals through training

    During the seminar, TEAM Nigeria Ltd’s team leader, Engineer Precious Ebare, who also manages the Kano-Kaduna Railway Project, highlighted the company’s expertise in engineering, urban planning, and architecture, with offices across three continents. 

    She underscored its dedication to delivering world-class services to both private and public sector clients.

    Electrical and Electronic Engineer Talha Ali delved into transportation infrastructure, discussing various modes, including road, rail, air, and sea. 

    He also traced the history of Nigerian railways, noting that the country’s 3,505 km of narrow-gauge lines were built between 1898 and 1964. 

    Ali further explained the significance of the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri Railway, the first standard-gauge line in Sub-Saharan Africa, designed to support Nigeria’s steel industry.

    The seminar featured discussions on infrastructure lifecycles and a technical interaction session among engineering professionals. 

    Presenters encouraged students to remain motivated, highlighting the university’s distinction as Africa’s first transportation-focused institution.

  • Rep. Agbese slams Bafarawa over criticism of Tinubu’s administration

    Rep. Agbese slams Bafarawa over criticism of Tinubu’s administration

    …says Tinubu’s economic reforms yielding results 

    Philip Agbese, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in Benue State, has criticised former Sokoto state Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, over his open letter to President Bola Tinubu.

    In a statement, Agbese accused Bafarawa of distorting the realities of Tinubu’s administration and attempting to undermine its achievements. 

    He dismissed the former governor’s claims of authoritarianism and economic mismanagement, arguing that they failed to recognise the tough decisions necessary to stabilise Nigeria.

    “I respect your decades of political experience and your service to Nigeria, and I acknowledge your right to express concerns about the current state of our dear country. However, as an elder statesman, your role ought to be one of guidance based on fairness and objectivity, rather than engaging in narratives that do not align with the realities on the ground,” Agbese stated.

    The lawmaker also defended Tinubu’s approach to insecurity, emphasising that the challenges predated his administration and could not be resolved overnight. 

    Read Also: Sultan urges Muslims to look out for Ramadan crescent from today

    He highlighted the president’s efforts in reforming the security sector, including appointing new military and intelligence chiefs and strengthening regional collaborations.

    “Insecurity that has plagued Nigeria, from terrorism in the North-East to banditry in the North-West and IPOB insurgency in the South-East, did not begin under President Tinubu. The previous administration, despite its best efforts, struggled to fully contain these threats. No sincere observer of Nigeria’s governance landscape would dispute that the country was in dire straits when President Tinubu took office,” he said.

    Agbese also tackled Bafarawa’s assertion that the administration was stifling opposition, arguing that Tinubu had been more inclusive than his predecessors. 

    According to him, the president has assembled a government based on merit rather than political affiliations.

    “For the record, no Nigerian democratic President in history has demonstrated as much commitment to inclusivity as President Tinubu. This is evident in his carefully assembled cabinet; a diverse representation of the country, not just in terms of geography, but in professional expertise and competence,” he said.

    On economic reforms, Agbese defended the removal of fuel subsidies and the restructuring of Nigeria’s financial system, stating that previous administrations had failed to make difficult but necessary decisions. He argued that Tinubu was correcting past economic mismanagement at great political risk.

    “The removal of fuel subsidies, for instance, was not an easy decision, but it was a necessary one. The subsidy regime had become a black hole of corruption, benefiting only a few while draining national resources that could have been channeled into infrastructure, education, and healthcare,” he said.

    He further dismissed Bafarawa’s claim that Tinubu was working towards a one-party state, describing it as “baseless” and a distortion of the president’s long history in opposition politics.

    “The insinuation that he is now attempting to stifle the opposition is a contradiction that does not stand to reason. Tinubu himself rose to power through opposition politics. To suggest that he would now seek to undermine the very system he helped build is both ironic and unfounded,” Agbese said.

    The lawmaker urged Bafarawa to adopt a more objective stance and contribute to national development instead of fueling division. 

    He maintained that while Nigeria faced serious challenges, Tinubu’s leadership was steering the country towards recovery.

  • Benue judicial crisis: Group seeks visa ban on Chief Judge, registrar, others

    Benue judicial crisis: Group seeks visa ban on Chief Judge, registrar, others

    • By Jide Orintunsin – Abuja

    The faceoff in the Benue State Judiciary has taken a new turn with members of the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) demanding visa ban on the Chief Judge and the Registrar of the court.

    The diplomats also asked for global restriction on all individuals allegedly involved in judicial interference in Benue state.

    The State Government and the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese have been at loggers head over allegations of granting wavier to petitioners of local government election tribunal among many other infractions.

    Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, UN-WCD Secretary, Ambassador Tunji Ashaolu, expressed concern that public confidence is being eroded on the judiciary due series of conflicting court pronouncements.

    He complained that the ugly scenario is gradually spreading across the states of the country, citing similar incidents of conflicting Court judgements in Rivers and Osun states.

    According to him such incidents “are completely against the core objectives of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) which are to: Promote adherence, by each State Party, to the universal values and principles of democracy and respect for human rights; and also the principle of the rule of law premised upon the respect for, and the supremacy of the Constitution and constitutional order in the political arrangements of the State Parties; which is Nigeria in this case. “

    Ashaolu said the group had earlier pushed for similar visa ban for those allegedly involved in judicial interference in Rivers.

    Read Also: Lagos-Calabar highway: U.S. investors seek president’s intervention

    He said the crisis in Benue deserved special attention because of the security challenge in the state.

    “The Benue State Chief Judge, the Registrar of the court, the current Senate Minority Leader, and all those who supported the actions of the Chief Judge publicly should be sanctioned and have their existing visas canceled and visa ban issued against them just as we advocated in the case of Rivers State and INEC officials who purposely sabotaged democratic principles during elections.

    “Benue State is of particular interest to the international community having been under security threats which led to Internally Displaced Persons Camp, IDPs across the state.

    “The human rights community has warned that, should the world allow Judicial Officers to destroy institutions like democracy and rule of law, the state would find it more difficult to develop.

    “We have it in good authority that the National Judicial Council is yet to even constitute investigative panel to unravel the allegations against the Chief Judge, a resolution passed by the Benue State Legislative Arm of Government which recommended outright removal of the Chief Judge from office.

    “We believe by now that the Chief Justice of Nigeria who is a proactive officer should have set up a probe panel to immediately investigate the chief Judge even if the NJC is not willing to investigate the previous petitions against the CJ, the recent one passed by the State House of Assembly and forwarded by the Benue State Government to the NJC should have been under investigation by now.

    “In light of the reactions from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the National Judicial Council (NJC), we urge caution and restraint in passing judgment before a thorough investigation is conducted.

    “The presumption of innocence and due process must guide our approach to addressing allegations of judicial misconduct.

    “As the international community observes these developments, we emphasize the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for all public officials, including judges.

    “Any acts of misconduct or abuse of power must be met with swift and decisive action to maintain public trust and confidence in the judiciary.

    “We can assure you that we will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for ethical governance practices in Nigeria and beyond.

    “The Forum called ” on the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation to initiate an independent panel to thoroughly investigate the allegations of financial irregularities and breaches of ethical standards attributed to Chief Judge Ikpambese of Benue State.

    “It is essential to ensure that due process is followed and that justice is served in the interest of public trust and accountability.”

  • Yiaga Africa calls for clean-up of voter register 

    Yiaga Africa calls for clean-up of voter register 

    Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, has urged called for an audit of the voter register.

    Itodo urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to clean-up the register by removing dead, underage voters from the register. 

    He also urged INEC to carry out period validation of the register where voters would validate their credentials.

    Itodo said this would reduce the cost spent by INEC in conducting election.

    He said this during a roundtable to present a report on voter turnout in Abuja on Thursday. 

    The research, sponsored by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, highlights the need for improved voter education, better election management, and reforms in the registration process.

    Itodo said the country does not need a new voter register but a thorough clean-up of the existing one, which is the largest database of registered voters in Africa.

    He suggested a revalidation exercise for voters registered since 2011. 

    “If a voter does not show up to revalidate their details, they should be removed from the register,” he said.

    Itodo also raised concerns over the cost of elections, explaining that ballot papers are printed based on the total number of registered voters. 

    With only 27% turnout in the 2023 elections, he noted that millions of ballot papers went to waste, amounting to billions of naira that could have been invested in healthcare, education, or small businesses.

    He further questioned the continued use of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), advocating for a system where national identity cards or passports could serve as valid voter identification.

    He said: “Many Nigerians were disenfranchised in the last election because INEC did not produce their PVCs. If we already have their details in the voter register, why not allow them to vote with an accepted national identity document?”

    Speaking at the presentation in Abuja, Lead researchers, Prof Okechukwu Ibeanu and Dr. Remi Aiyede from the University of Ibadan identified key measures to boost participation. 

    These include enhancing voting services, ensuring security, and addressing logistical and psychological barriers that discourage voters.

    “Strict and unbiased enforcement of electoral laws—such as penalties for voter intimidation, hate speech, and violence—is crucial to building trust and accountability,” the report noted.

    The study emphasised the need for a multi-platform approach to reach diverse audiences.

    “Social media can engage younger, urban voters, while radio and television remain vital for older and rural populations. 

    “Community outreach, town halls, and grassroots initiatives should target marginalised groups, including women, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities, with materials in local languages and accessible formats, they said. 

    The report identifies three predominant models of voting behaviour in Nigeria:Self-interest voting, collective well-being voting and candidate/party loyalty voting.

    INEC’s Director of Research and Documentation, Ibrahim Sani, acknowledged the challenges in cleaning up Nigeria’s voter register.

     “There is no clear legal provision in Nigeria on how to remove ineligible voters from the register. This creates legal, cultural, and technical obstacles for INEC,” he explained.

  • NGO to engage one million women, youth in smart farming project

    NGO to engage one million women, youth in smart farming project

    …plans smart farm settlements

    A non-governmental organization has announced plans to engage one million women and youth in its upcoming smart farm settlement project aimed at boosting agriculture and tackling poverty. 

    Amb. Jonathan Okwudiri, Director General of the Green Revolution Farmers Feed the Nation Foundation (GRFFNF), stated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to eliminate poverty and hunger across the country. 

    According to Okwudiri, the project will span all six geopolitical zones, providing training and empowerment opportunities for farmers.

    The smart farm settlements will serve as hubs where beneficiaries will receive skills and resources to enhance agricultural productivity. 

    He further revealed that the organization has secured 150,000 hectares of land in each geopolitical zone to facilitate the project. 

    Emphasising the importance of the initiative, Okwudiri noted that it is a crucial step toward ensuring food security and combating hunger in Nigeria.

    He said: “The summary is that we are going into agriculture fully, having known what Nigerians are going through today, when it has to do with food security.

    “We have acquired hectares of land, about 150,000 each in each of the political zones, and we are going into agriculture fully.

    “And also we have launched an agricultural project fund, an empowerment initiative, whereby about one million women and youth in Nigeria will be empowered financially.

    “The Green Go Smart Farm Settlement initiative is an innovative initiative that aims to engage women and youth in sustainable agricultural practices.

    Read Also: How Oborevwori executes project without borrowing, curbs financial waste

    “The initiative involves the establishment of a smart farm settlement across Nigeria. Where women and youth will be trained in modern agricultural practices”

    He added, “We are targeting that about one million Nigerians, women and youth, will be employed in this farm settlement as food management partners. That is our main desire.

    “By engaging one million women and youth in Nigeria, engaging them automatically by giving those jobs, which they can’t get themselves. Contributing to the nation’s economic growth.”

    He explained that there are lots of potentials in agricultural sector which needed to be tapped.

    “Especially when it comes to achieving food security, reducing poverty, and creating job opportunities for its citizens. Because this agricultural sector, which has the potential to drive economic growth and development, is largely underdeveloped.

    “However, the initiative to create a smarter farm settlement is set to change this narrative by engaging women and youth in sustainable and productive practices. Thereby, preventing hunger, hardship, and poverty.”

    He explained that challenges like access to land and market will be addressed by the Green Go Smart Farm Settlement by providing women and youth with the training, resources, and support they need to succeed in agriculture.

    He stressed: “Participants will have access to markets whereby they can sell their produce. He said participants would also have mentors and support to ensure sustainability.”

    Okwudiri therefore  solicited for the support of the government at various level in ensuring the success of the project by partnering with us, providing the seedlings, fertilisers, and creating an environment for these farmers to go to the farmland and cultivate effectively.

    “The operation will equally help the government to reduce unemployment in Nigeria, because we are going to engage them in our green farm settlement,” he added.

  • NGOs must contribute to security, development – Radda

    NGOs must contribute to security, development – Radda

    Katsina Governor Dikko Umar Radda said Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) and allied bodies must constantly engage in training and re-training to contribute their quota in the overall security and development of the people 

    Radda, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of Katsina State,Adullahi Garba Faskari, spoke at a three-day capacity building workshop for Hisbah personnel organised by the State Government in collaboration with the Katsina State Police Command.

    The Governor also emphasised the importance of security in society and noted that various organizations are responsible for maintaining security.

    Read Also: Lagos, private sector begin exchange programme for workers

    He encouraged participants to actively engage in the training and apply the knowledge gained for the benefit of the state.

    He also expressed gratitude to all security agencies for their efforts in improving security in Katsina State.

    Katsina Commissioner of Police, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lawal Aliyu, appreciated the Katsina State Government for establishing the Hisbah Board and expressed hope that the workshop would be beneficial to both Hisbah personnel and the citizens of the state.

    He outlined some of the objectives and tasks of Hisbah personnel and urged participants to pay close attention to the training sessions.

    Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, highlighted the significance of the workshop in fostering moral discipline and strengthening security in the state.

    He stressed that security is a collective responsibility and that equipping Hisbah personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills would enhance their effectiveness.

    The State Commander of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Abu Ammar, described the initiative as a testament to the Katsina State Government’s commitment to ensuring that Hisbah operates efficiently.