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Tag: Nasarawa State Government

  • Climate change: Nasarawa govt secures $160,000 grant for clean energy

    Climate change: Nasarawa govt secures $160,000 grant for clean energy

    The Nasarawa State government has secured a $160,000 grant from the African Climate Foundation to develop a climate investment platform aimed at boosting clean energy solutions and reducing the effects of climate change in the state.

    The African Climate Foundation, in collaboration with the Nigerian Off-Grid Market Acceleration Program (NOMAP) and Murty International Ltd, is supporting NASIDA in developing three key deliverables for the platform.

    These deliverables include creating a science-based climate policy and action plan for Nasarawa State, developing a climate financing strategy to attract both local and international investors, and providing technical assistance and capacity building for local businesses to adopt energy-efficient technologies.

    Speaking in Lafia during a stakeholders’ engagement event for the platform’s development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NASIDA, Ibrahim Abdullahi, stated that the comprehensive framework of the investment document would address the impacts of climate change and align with national and international climate goals.

    The MD/CEO told Journalists: “The grant in question is from the African Climate Foundation, it was given to multi-international to help develop the Nasarawa State climate investment platform, it’s the first of its kind, there is no state in Nigeria that has developed such before, the state is going to be the first.

    “I’m excited that the African Climate Foundation has given such a grant to Multi International to help develop an investment platform for Nasarawa State, so we are beneficiaries of this initiative and we will utilize this initiative for the growth and benefits of Nasarawa State

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    “The climate investment platform is going to be created as a hub to put together projects that are key to ambition to cleaner energy solution, such as climate-smart agriculture, construction, and other climate-smart investment initiatives, we understand that it is very important to nip it in the board, there is a key role for policymakers and political actors to play in ensuring that our journey to a cleaner energy transition is smooth and also sustainable

    “The grant is about 160,000 USD dollars granted to multi internationals to help develop this for us, and as you all know the impact of climate change to our environment as our economic activities devastating, the impacts of flood and other climate-related accidents and hazards that continue to impact negatively on our environment.

    “This also impacts economic opportunities, directly or indirectly, the resources for instance that could be deployed to solve very critical infrastructure are continuously being put to address the challenges of floods and other climate-related issues.

    “But if we nip this into the board by ensuring that investment and projects from planning and initiation stages are climate resilience and friendly key into our overall ambition in ensuring that our environment continues to be safe and our activities both economic and social take into cognizance that whatsoever we do affect the environment

    Nasarawa state climate investment platform which is the first of its kind will be a hub for nurturing project smarts but not only that, nurturing and sharing ideas as to how best to improve policy formulation, direction, and implementation because as a government, we have the responsibility to create an enabling environment for projects like this to thrive, that is why our inputs are very important and critical towards ensuring that the state investment platform not will be created but sustainable and implemented.

    Speaking earlier, the director general of Nasarawa State human capital development agency, Habiba Sulieman, recently her agency partnered with the federal government to distribute cook stoves, a climate-friendly device that she said helps to address challenges of climate change and reverse environmental degradation.

    She noted that such efforts curtail the use of firewood by 80 percent, adding that the major cause of deforestation in Nigeria is the widespread use of firewood, which results in the cutting of trees.

  • Nasarawa, others sign pact to establish gold firm

    Nasarawa, others sign pact to establish gold firm

    To boost the local economy and Nigeria’s standing in the global mining sector, the Nasarawa State Government, Aerthmetal, and Boxmoor have formally signed a tripartite agreement to establish Uke Gold Company.

    This partnership aims to explore, develop, and produce gold mineral resources in the Uke community, promising substantial economic benefits and sustainable development.

    The Uke Gold Company project is expected to bring numerous benefits to the region, including job creation, infrastructure development, and enhanced local business opportunities.

    The initiative also prioritizes environmental sustainability and community involvement, ensuring that the growth is inclusive and responsible.

    The official signing ceremony, held in Lafia, was attended by key government officials, business leaders including executives from Aerthmetal and Boxmoor, and representatives from the host community. This collaboration underscores the commitment of all parties to harnessing Nasarawa State’s rich mineral resources responsibly and efficiently.

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    The Chief Executive Officer of Aerthmetal, Mariam Yahaya-Shiru, said: “We are deeply grateful to the Uke community for their warm welcome and unwavering support. This partnership is a testament to the strength and potential of collaboration. Together with Boxmoor and the Nasarawa State Government, we are committed to establishing Uke Gold Company as a model of excellence in the mining sector”.

    Yahaya-Shiru further emphasized the broader implications of this venture, noting, “The establishment of Uke Gold Company is not just about mining; it is about positioning Nigeria as a formidable leader in the global mining industry. We aim to set new standards in sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, showcasing Nigeria’s capabilities on the world stage”.

    Also speaking during the partnership signing ceremony, the Managing Director, Nasarawa Investment (NASIDA), Ibrahim Abdullahi stated that s “this initiative aligns with the States strategy to participate in the mining sector, generate revenue and create jobs”.

  • Pensioners drag Nasarawa Government to court over entitlements

    No fewer than 1, 189 pensioners on Wednesday sued the Nasarawa State Government  before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Makurdi, over nonpayment of gratuity and pension arrears.

     

    Addressing the court, counsel to the claimants (pensioners), Mr Sunday Okpale, said that his clients were being paid monthly pensions in percentages since September 2016.

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    The counsel said that the case was scheduled for hearing, but the respondents – the state government, the state pensions board and the board’s director-general – were not represented in court.

     

    He, therefore, prayed the court to grant summary judgment in the case to compel the government to pay his clients the balance of their entitlements.

    Justice Salish Danjida adjourned the case until Feb. 11, 2019, for summary judgment

    NAN

  • Nasarawa Govt. to purchase over 240,000 bags of fertilizers

    Nasarawa Govt. to purchase over 240,000 bags of fertilizers

    Nasarawa State Government has concluded arrangements to purchase more than 240,000 bags of assorted fertilizers for distribution to farmers at subsidized rate.

    Mr Jameel Zakari, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lafia.

    Zakari said that this would ensure that genuine farmers access adequate amount of the commodity as the rains set in, adding that government had signed an agreement with suppliers through the governors’ forum for the product.

    He pointed out that that the over 400 truckloads of the product expected from the agreement would last beyond the coming rainy season.

    Zakari pointed out that given the commitment of the state government to make fertilizer available early enough, it had worked out the necessary modalities for the prompt supply of the commodity.

    “We would soon begin to take delivery of the fertilizer in the state for distribution to farmers taking into cognizance of the fact that the earlier farmers got it, the more beneficial it would be towards improving crop yield,” he said.

    He explained that there was already a template for the equitable distribution of the commodity to genuine farmers to allay the fear of diversion of the commodity.

    The commissioner said that Gov. Tanko Al-Makura had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a Chinese firm, during his recent visit to China, for the establishment of four fertilizer-blending plants in the state.

    “As we speak, the Chinese partners are already in the state to put finishing touches to the MoU and start work on the plants,’’ he said.

    Zakari said that the persistent cases of scarcity of fertilizer would be over in the state when the plants start production.

  • Nasarawa sacks five principals for charging fees in schools

    The Nasarawa State Government says it has removed five principals from different schools for charging fees from students.

    Ramatu Ajuji-Abubakar, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, made this known during interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Lafia on Tuesday.

    “From our investigation so far, we discovered and have removed five principals of different schools for charging students fees”, she said.

    She further threatened to sanction any principal in public schools caught collecting fees from students.

    According to her, the free education policy of the State Government is still in force from primary to secondary levels.

    “Students are not supposed to pay any money and any principal caught extorting money from the unsuspecting students in the name of school fees would be sanctioned.

    “Students in all the public boarding schools across the state are not to pay money or give any food item as the government has taken full charge of their feeding”, the commissioner said.

    She explained that the state government, through the ministry, had set machinery in motion to check illegal practices by principals.

    Ajuji-Abubakar added that, the government has provided massive infrastructure at both primary and secondary schools in the state in order to provide environment conducive for teachers and students.

    She said in spite of the huge investments of government in providing infrastructure and feeding for boarding students, government was still battling with the high influx of students from private schools.

    She cautioned the leadership of Parent-Teacher Association in the state not to charge the students any money without permission from the ministry as doing so would not be tolerated.

     

  • Nasarawa to partner River Basin on agriculture

    The Nasarawa State Government is to partner the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA) to boost agriculture in the state.

    The state’s Deputy Governor, Mr Silas Agara, made the announcement while meeting with LBRBDA officials at Rinze Community in the Akwanga Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday.

    Agara said the partnership would also enhance training in farming techniques.

    The deputy governor said the partnership would similarly; address unemployment problems among youths in the state.

    Agara, who received the visitors on behalf of Gov. Tanko Al-Makura, assured that government would provide technical and moral support for the success of the partnership.

    “I want to assure you that government will do everything possible to ensure the success of the partnership and will sensitise communities to key into the project to boost food production,” he said.

    According to him, the project will go a long way in complementing the Federal Government’s diversification policy on agriculture.

    He advised youths in the state to embrace agriculture.

    Agara said that the project site was part of some 50 hectares, abandoned by LBRBDA over 30 years ago.

    The Managing Director of LBRBDA, Mr Ovey Angbazu, said the community-based agro business project, was expected to empower young graduates on modern agriculture.

    Angbazu disclosed that the project would be inaugurated on Oct. 31 by the minster of water resources.

  • Nasarawa Poly to establish Radio/TV station

    Nasarawa Poly to establish Radio/TV station

    Dr Silas Gyar, Rector of Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, said the institution had concluded plans to establish a local Radio and Television station.

    The rector disclosed this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in his office in Lafia.

    According to him, the decision is to strengthen the Mass Communication Department of the institution.

    “The station will not just strengthen the department, but will also help in disseminating information within the campus and the entire state.

    “The management is working round the clock to secure a broadcast license so that the Mass Communication Department can start transmission on Naspoly Broadcasting Service (NPBS).

    “The NPBS, when established, will help in disseminating information about activities on the campus to the immediate community and its environs,” he said.

    The rector said that the department had secured state-of-the-art equipment, and has competent manpower to run the stations.

    He said that the polytechnic was awaiting full accreditation by National Board for Technical Education to commence the project.

    Gyar commended the Nasarawa State Government for building male and female hostels in the institution, and appealed for more support.

  • Nasarawa Govt. to employ more physically-challenged into civil service

    Nasarawa Govt. to employ more physically-challenged into civil service

     

    The Nasarawa State Government has planned to employ more persons living with disability into the state civil service in order ameliorate their condition.

     

    The Commissioner for Special Education, Science and Technology, Mr Idris Mohammed, made the disclosure on Thursday in Lafia, while receiving state officials of the Joint Association of Persons with Disability (JAPED).

     

    Mohammed said that the ministry had commenced the compilation of applications received from members of JAPED to engage them into the civil service.

     

    “The state governor had also approved the registration of members of this association into technical colleges across the state to enable them have Western education and be trained in one skills or the other.

     

    “During the celebration of the last International Day for People Living With Disability, the governor promised to improve the living conditions of the disabled,’’ he said.

     

    The commissioner assured the physically-challenged that the state government would soon provide the association with a befitting office accommodation and a vehicle to ease their operation.

     

    Earlier, the Nasarawa State Chairman of the association, Mr Innocent Ladan, said the visit was meant to introduce new officials of the association to the commissioner and to pledge their support for the state government.

     

    Ladan said that the state government should urgently do something to take members begging, off the street by considering those with Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), Diploma, NCE, Degree and Masters degree for employment.

     

    He commended the state governor for always coming to the aid of the association.