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Tag: Kebbi

  • SMEDAN empowers 160 in Anambra, Kebbi

    SMEDAN empowers 160 in Anambra, Kebbi

    The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has begun the empowerment of 160 young business owners in Anambra and Kebbi states.

    Kicking off the exercise in Awka, the Anambra State capitalko Umaru Radda, said the empowerment has two components – enterprise management training and payment for workspaces for one year.

    According to the him, the two components are part of the solutions designed by the agency to mitigate business failures recorded by young business owners.

    He noted that the training would sharpen the business management skills of the beneficiaries which would enhance their performance while the payment for workspaces would reduce their financial burden and free some funds for daily operations.

    Urging them to make the best of the window of opportunity opened by SMEDAN, Radda, who was represented by the Southeast Zonal Coordinator of the agency, Mr. Levi Anyikwa, stressed that sustenance of the Young Business Owners in Nigeria (YBON) initiative was imperative for addressing the unemployment situation in Nigeria, which has reached a crisis level.

    The target beneficiaries of the programme are youths between 20 and 45. The goal is to create new opportunities for enterprise growth for start-ups and for employment.

    Selection criteria for beneficiaries include: technical capacities of the promoters, available raw materials, markets, available skills, access to appropriate technologies, among others. Needs assessment was conducted, which formed the basis for the design of the empowerment package.

    Furthermore, the delivery of a tailored Business Development Services (BDS) package would include mentoring, linkages to markets and sources of equipment and provision of workspace.

    For sustainability of the programme, small business advisors would be assigned to each beneficiary/group to provide critical hand-holding supports to ensure the realisation of the set goals prior to the agency’s project-exit.

  • Police rescue abducted boys, arrest 8 suspects

    Police rescue abducted boys, arrest 8 suspects

    The Police Command in Kebbi, said on Thursday that it had rescued two boys from suspected kidnappers who demanded N2.5 million ransom from their parents, resident in the state.

    The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Kabiru, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the boys, aged 10 and 11 were rescued unhurt in Dakinkowa of Kontagora in Niger State.

    Kabiru said that eight suspects had been arrested in connection with the abduction and no ransom was paid before the boys were rescued.

    He said that on December 5, one Christopher Nnagbo of new prison area, Birnin Kebbi, reported at the Divisional Police Headquarters, Birnin Kebbi that his son, 10, had been missing since November 30.

    He said that the boy was on his way home from Anglican Church, Birnin Kebbi when he was abducted.

    “On the 5th of December, a hidden number called the victim’s mother, Mrs Angela Christopher with a view to negotiating for ransom and demanded N2.5 million before the child could be released.

    “On receipt of the report, the police swung into action. The principal suspect was arrested and the victims rescued,” Kabiru narrated.

    He said the second boy was also rescued along with the victim.

    “Effort is now underway to locate the parents of the second boy who was rescued in the operation,” he said.

    Read also: Police arrest 18 suspected criminals, recover 11 stolen cars

    The commissioner said the victims were immediately taken to Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, for necessary observation and medical treatment.

    According to the police commissioner, the principal suspect said he was pushed into the act by the desire to settle his debt.

    Kabiru advised against people borrowing more than they could repay to avoid similar incidents.

    NAN

  • Argungu Fishing Festival: FG, tourism stakeholders to partner Kebbi State

    Argungu Fishing Festival: FG, tourism stakeholders to partner Kebbi State

    Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria ( FTAN ) says it will partner with the Kebbi State Government to revamp the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival.

    Mr Nura Sani Kangiwa, the Vice President of FTAN ( North West Zone ), made this known in an interview in Abuja on Monday.

    Kangiwa said that this was part of the decisions reached at the 9th National Council on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation conference held in Dutse, Jigawa State recently.

    The National Council on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation is an annual gathering aimed at bringing together stakeholders to discuss ways the sector can contribute effectively to improve the country’s Gross Domestic Products ( GDP ).

    Kangiwa said that part of the decisions reached at the meeting was the revamping of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as it was set to make a big comeback.

    “Based on the resolution recently reached by the National Council on Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, it was agreed that the Federal Government and all tourism stakeholders will partake in the revamping of the festival.

    “So, all tourism stakeholders are going to partner with the Kebbi State Government to ensure that the festival, which has been comatose for some years is revived in order to promote our country as a tourism destination,” he said.

    He said that the Federal Government in its effort to diversify the economy had recognised the creative industry, which  culture and tourism were integral part aimed at creating jobs and improve foreign exchange earnings.

    Read also: Argungu Festival shines at UNESCO’s session

    “This was reflected in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 to 2020.

    “Cultural Tourism is a source of revenue generation. As an “invisible export” it creates a flow of foreign currency into the economy of a nation.

    “The Culture and Tourism Sector is gaining more recognition and visibility and evolving economic activities capable of reducing extreme poverty, creating jobs and generating revenues for national growth and development.

    “Therefore, in line with the mission of the current political dispensation for diversification of economic activities, revamping the Argungu International Fishing Festival will no doubt satisfy the yearnings of our people,” he said.

    Kangiwa, who is `Turakin Kebbi’ described the Argungu International Fishng and Cultural Festival as “second to none in Africa’’.

    “It has been a beehive of activities for fun seeking tourists for decades. It is a cornucopia of cultural heritage and it astonished the world in both authenticity and variety of contents.

    “It is a festival that is already a tourism product that is acclaimed worldwide; no doubt UNESCO inscribed it in its prestigious list of Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity.

    “A study from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) reveals that 80 per cent of international tourists visit destinations on the world heritage list.

    “This no doubt gave Kebbi honour, dignity and pride,” he said.

    The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival is expected to hold in March 2018.

    The four-day yearly festival held in Kebbi is one of Nigeria’s internationally recognised tourism attractions.

    The festival has not been held since the last edition in 2009 largely due to the security situation the country has been faced with and this had posed a huge revenue loss to the local economy and the country.

    On the issue of security, Kangiwa said Kebbi State was undoubtedly the safest state in the country in spite of its diverse religious and ethnic groups, adding that the level of youth restiveness and religious crisis remained the lowest.

    NAN

  • 1,070 Nigerians died in road accidents – NBS

    1,070 Nigerians died in road accidents – NBS

    The National Bureau of Statistics ( NBS ) said on Wednesday  that at least 1,070 Nigerians died in road accidents in the third quarter of this year.

    The NBS Road Transport Data for Third Quarter, 2017 posted on its website on Wednesday showed that 89 out of the victims were children.

    The report stated that 981 of the 1,070 Nigerians that died, representing 91.7 per cent of the figure were adults while the remaining 89 Nigerians, representing 8.3 per cent of the figure were children.

    The breakdown of the figure showed that 815 of the number were males, representing 76.2 per cent while 255 were females, representing 23.8 per cent.

    According to the report, 2,478 road accidents occurred in the third quarter.

    It, however, attributed the major cause of accidents to speed violation, which it said accounted for 44.51 per cent of the total accidents reported in the quarter.

    It stated that loss of control and dangerous driving followed closely as they both accounted for 10.41 per cent and 9.52 per cent of the total accident recorded respectively.

    Meanwhile, the report stated that a total of 6,803 Nigerians got injured in the accidents.

    Read also: Nigeria’s population hits 193.3m, says NBS report

    It stated that 6,419 of the 6,803 Nigerians that got injured, representing 94.4 per cent of the figure were adults while the remaining 384 Nigerians, representing 5.7 per cent of the figure were children.

    It further stated that 5,110 male Nigerians, representing 75 per cent, got injured in road accidents in the quarter while 1,693 female Nigerians, representing 25 per cent got injured.

    According to the report, estimated vehicle population in Nigeria as at third quarter was put at 11,547,236 with the total population of the country puts at 193.3 million in 2016.

    It stated Nigeria s vehicle per population ratio was put 0.06

    In addition, it stated that data on the category of vehicles involved in road accident reflected that 58 per cent of vehicles were commercial (2,000), 40.6 per cent were private (1,401), 1.4 per cent were government (48) and the remaining were diplomat (0).

    It stated that FCT recorded the highest number of road crashes in the quarter, closely followed by Kaduna and Kogi States while Borno and Bayelsa States recorded the least.

    The report stated that 200,565 national driver’s licenses were produced in the period under review.

    It stated that Lagos and FCT produced the highest number of driver’s licenses while Zamfara and Kebbi produced the least numbers of national driver’s license.

    Similarly, it stated that 75,958 vehicle number plates were produced in the quarter.

    It also stated that Delta and FCT produced the highest number of vehicle plate numbers while Ekiti and Rivers produced the least numbers of vehicle plate numbers in the quarter.

    NAN

  • Emir Sanusi attributes quest for illegal migration to poverty, unemployment

    Emir Sanusi attributes quest for illegal migration to poverty, unemployment

    The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has attributed the excessive quest by Nigerian youths to engage in illegal migration to poverty and unemployment.

    The Emir made the remark on Thursday in Kano when the President and members of Pan African Institute for Global Affairs and Strategy ( PAIGAS )paid him a courtesy visit.

    According to him, the hunger to move across the shores of this country in an elusive search for greener pasture abroad can be effectively tackled when viable alternatives are made available to engage youths.

    He called on the leadership of the country to rise up to the challenge by creating an enabling environment that would encourage wealth creation and empower the youth population in Nigeria.

    The monarch commended PAIGAS for the initiative to partner the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to sensitize corps members against illegal migration.

    According to him, as leaders, we must do everything possible to give the youth population in Nigeria a hope of a better future.

    Earlier, President of PAIGAS, Amb. Martins Uhomoibhi informed the emir that their visit to Kano was to sensitize corps members on the dangers associated with illegal migration.

    According to Uhomoibi, the sensitisation is part of the NGO’s contribution to the development of the society.

    “My youth service year experience in Koko; Kebbi, inspired me to rededicate my life to serve Nigeria throughout my life time on earth,” he said.

    Uhomoibi described the emir as a unique personality who combined the rare attributes of royalty, tradition and diplomatic experience.

    He expressed delight for the honour to visit the emir.

    NAN

  • Smuggling: NCS intercepts 506 bags of foreign rice

    Smuggling: NCS intercepts 506 bags of foreign rice

    Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS ) said its command in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara zone had intercepted 506 bags of foreign rice concealed in bags of beans smuggled into the country.

    The command’s Controller, Mr Nasir Ahmad, made this known to newsmen on Wednesday in Sokoto, and said that the seized consignment had payable duty value of N12.5 million.

    Ahmad said that the items were intercepted on Friday officers of the command on patrol along Sokoto-Illela road.

    He said that the command had competent intelligent officers, investigating specialised activities.

    The controller explained that smugglers deployed different tactics in perpetrating their illegal businesses and reassured the public of the command’s readiness to confront smuggling and enforce government regulations.

    He called on people residing in border communities to assist Customs authorities with useful information to combat smuggling of goods into the country.

    “The present case is different as smugglers packaged two bags of rice in bigger beans bag disguising that they were conveying beans in the truck,” Ahmad said.

    According to him, smugglers are using various structures, including residential buildings, to store smuggled items in peace-meal before uploading to a truck.

    Ahmad said smuggling was crippling the nation’s economy as it deprived it of revenue, crippled industrial growth, endangered population and employment.

    He commended Comptroller-General and officers of the Service for supporting anti-smuggling and revenue generation drive of the present administration.

    NAN

  • Police arrest 10 over clash between farmers, herdsmen in Kebbi

    Police arrest 10 over clash between farmers, herdsmen in Kebbi

    The Police in Kebbi have arrested 10 suspects in connection with the recent  violent clash between farmers and herdsmen in Bakoshi Community of Suru Local Government Area of the state.

    The Commissioner of Police, Kabir Ibrahim, who accompanied Gov. Atiku Bagudu to the scene of the clash on Friday, said more suspects were being tracked down.

    The clash led to the destruction of foodstuff and livestock, with one person dead.

    The commissioner said that the discovery of the corpse of a farmer, Shehu Bakoshi, 30, close to the settlement of the herdsmen resulted in the reprisal attack by farmers.

    The District Head of Bakuwai, Jagwadeji Tukur, commended the police for their quick intervention by arresting identified persons who attacked herdsmen in the community.

    The governor directed the immediate resettlement of the dispersed herdsmen with a promise to provide basic amenities to the new settlement.

    He blamed rumour mongers for the escalation of the clash and warned that perpetrators would be penalised.

    The Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Umaru Miagandi, said the council would provide assistance to the victims.

    Miagandi also said that awareness campaign would be embarked upon to educate the people on the need to avoid “violent resolution of disputes”.

    NAN

  • Kebbi explores improved livestock breeding

    Kebbi explores improved livestock breeding

    •As governor visits FrieslandCampina WAMCO

    Kebbi State Governor Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has paid a visit to dairy giant FrieslandCampina WAMCO, makers of Peak and Three Crowns milk, to explore the potential for livestock breeding, local milk sourcing and development.

    The exploratory visit, during the week, was aimed at boosting the state’s revenue drive and the livelihood of farmers in Kebbi State.

    During the visit, governor Bagudu received insight into the company’s operations through a tour of factory facilities and dairy development sites in Oyo State.

    He was also briefed on the company’s key dairy development activities including artificial insemination, cattle feeding and breeding for high yield milk quantities.

    The Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr.Ben Langat, who welcomed the governor, said the governor’s visit underscored the company’s objective of ensuring best dairy farming practices that guarantee the flow of good quality milk from grass to glass.

    “FrieslandCampina WAMCO is honoured to share and support Kebbi State to replicate our tried and tested Dairy Development Programme (DDP) model that enables small scale dairy farmers to improve the quality and yield of their milk production and earn reasonable income.

    ”Partnerships such as this with Kebbi State will go a long way to strengthen dairy development in Nigeria” Langat said.

    Responding, Bagudu praised FrieslandCampina WAMCO for her commitment in leading dairy development in Nigeria.

    He said: “We are seeking to modernise the agricultural sector as this will help to solve many national issues. We need WAMCO’s intervention to demonstrate what can work for our farmers in Kebbi.

    “That is why we are here. The Federal Government has actually spearheaded a number of programmes in the country to boost agriculture, so that as a nation, we produce what we eat and eat what we produce.”

    The visiting team from Kebbi State included Bagudu; the Permanent Secretary, Animal Health, Dr. Usman Shehu Umar; Mallam Bello Ahmed Jega, the Director, Livestock Services, Ministry of Animal Health, Mallam Bello Ahmed Jega; and Special Adviser to His Excellency on Agricultural Activity, Hon. Usman Balkore.

    Langat received the Kebbi State delegation in company of the Corporate Affairs Director, Mrs. Ore Famurewa; Operations Director, Mr. Doyin Ashiru; and Dairy Development Manager, Mr. Adekunle Olayiwola John.

    Preparatory to such strategic partnerships with states, FrieslandCampina’s Global CEO Roelof Joosten visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last year.

    The purpose was to discuss the company’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s dairy sector through its unique sustainable DDP backed by technical expertise from The Netherlands.

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s DPP started in August 2010, with the company signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in April 2011.

    The MoU was renewed in June 2016. ”We are unwavering and remain committed to supporting local farmers and leading dairy development in Nigeria,” Famurewa said.

  • Measles vaccination: Kebbi deploys 215 special teams to border towns – official

    Measles vaccination: Kebbi deploys 215 special teams to border towns – official

    The Kebbi Government has deployed 215 special measles vaccination teams to effectively cover communities at the border of Benin and Niger Republic in the state.

    Hajiya Halima Dikko, Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health , said this during the official inauguration of the 2017/2018 measles
    vaccination campaign on Saturday in Bagudo.

    Dikko said the state had trained and deployed 1131 teams for the entire exercise, adding that the exercise commenced on Nov. 9 in 11 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

    She said the exercise was in two phases, with 11 local government areas benefiting from the first phase.

    These LGAs are: Bagudo, Dandi, Danko Wasagu, Fakai, Koko Besse, Ngaski, Sakaba, Suru, Yauri and Zuru.

    She added that the state would mop up and review the exercise before the commencement of the second phase of the exercise, which begins on Nov. 19 and ends on Nov. 24.

    Dikko said the second phase of the exercise would be conducted in Aliero, Arewa, Argungu, Augie, Birnin Kebbi, Bunza, Gwandu, Jega, Kalgo, and Maiyama local government areas.

    According to her, the state intends to vaccinate not less than 850,000 children at the end of the exercise.

    Similarly, the State Governor, Sen Abubakar Bagudu, urged traditional leaders and other key stakeholders to support the exercise.

    He, however, appealed to the leadership of herdsmen and fishermen, to ensure that all eligible children, especially the children around border towns are adequately vaccinated against measles.

    Bagudu said Bagudo local government area was one of the largest local government areas in the state, adding that the local government shared borders with Benin Republic

    According to him, there was high influx of people from the neighbouring Benin and Niger Republic through Bagudo.

    While speaking on behalf of the partners, Mr Yahaya Akuso, State Coordinator, National Primary Health Care Development Agency commended the timely release of funds for the exercise.

    He reiterated that the commitment of partners to work with the state would bring better health outcomes.

    NAN

  • Customs intercepts 365 bags of smuggled rice in Sokoto

    Customs intercepts 365 bags of smuggled rice in Sokoto

    Mr Nasiru Ahmad, the Controller of Nigerian Customs Service ( NCS ) in Sokoto /Kebbi/Zamfara Area Command, said the command had intercepted two trucks with 365 bags of foreign rice.

    Ahmad, represented by the command’s Spokesman, Mr Magaji Mailafiya, said on Thursday that the seizures were made last week Thursday and Friday along Illela-Sokoto road.

    Ahmad said the seized trucks belonged to Dangote Group, while the duty paid value of the 50kg bags of rice was N8.7 million.

    He said the foreign rice were among the items prohibited from entering the country through land boarders, adding that the action contravened Federal Government’s fiscal policy on rice importation

    He said that the contraband rice were arrested as a result of the vigilance of his men on border patrol.

    “The contraband has a Duty Paid Value of N8, 748,320 and the two suspected importers along with the contraband items were arrested.

    “They are in our custody and will soon be prosecuted accordingly,” Ahmad said.

    He urged Nigerians to complement government’s efforts on rice cultivation and other agriculture development programmes by establishing processing industries  geared toward viable economic development in the country.

    He enjoined individuals, traditional and community leaders as well as groups to assist government to achieve “smuggle-free” society.

    Ahmad described smuggling as “cripplers of nation economy which deterred employments, revenue and nation’s security progress”.

    NAN