Farming crucial to tackling insecurity in Northern Nigeria — Niger Gov.

Farming crucial to tackling insecurity in Northern Nigeria — Niger Gov.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago has said that the insecurity challenges in the Northern part of the country can be addressed sufficiently with a return to land cultivation.

The Governor stated this on Saturday at the 10th edition of the Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Saturday, organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in collaboration with the Borno State Government.

The lecture is coming in the wake of rising cases of banditry and kidnapping in the Northern part of the country with Plateau State the biggest hit.

The lectures had the theme, “Creating pathways for peace: Tackling banditry and insurgency through good governance for sustainable development.”

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Bologi Ibrahim, Bago acknowledged the role of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, who made the region famous for its agricultural production.

“Prior to the discovery of oil in Nigeria, the northern region was globally recognised as a giant in agriculture. So, there is the need to change the narrative by reverting to the old days and reduce the dependence on the Federal Government monthly allocation,” the statement read in part.

Bago also revealed the Niger State Government’s plan for the agricultural sector saying he intends to use all ungoverned spaces which are responsible for banditry activities, with huge resources already in place for clearing of land, preparatory for agricultural production.

He also suggested the need to deploy technology to make farming easier and attractive to young Nigerians who are out in search of white-collar jobs.

On education, the governor said the North needs to sit down and chart a new course on ways to improve the sector.

He further called for a review of school curricula in tandem with what is obtainable globally to enable teeming youths to have skills that guarantee sustainable employment.

FG not relocating agencies to Lagos, says Shettima.

FG not relocating agencies to Lagos, says Shettima.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has debunked claims that the Federal Government is planning to relocate some federal agencies and institutions to Lagos.

He was speaking through his Political Adviser, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, at the 10th Ahmadu Bello Annual Memorial Lecture which held in Maduguri, on Saturday, January 27.

“There is no truth in the rumours that the Federal Government plans to relocate agencies and institutions out of Abuja beyond effecting administrative changes that will not disadvantage any part of this country, “Shettima stated.

“I repeat, this administration (Tinubu administration) will not disadvantage any part of the country in favour of another, “ he stressed, assuring, “We seek a balanced and inclusive growth.”

The Vice President appealed: “I would like to use this forum to appeal to leaders and elders with responsibility to resist the temptation to act on these spurious rumours.”

Turning to security, which formed the major talking point of the lecture, Shettima reminded the audience that securing the country was the first priority of the Tinibu administration.

“Every strategy that can end violent crimes and conflicts within communities will be pursued vigorously by this administration,” he assured.

Anambra Seeks Partnership With Nigerian Government on Youth Empowerment.

Anambra Seeks Partnership With Nigerian Government on Youth Empowerment.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, the Anambra State government is actively seeking a partnership with the Nigerian government to enhance youth empowerment. Commissioner for Youth Development in Anambra State, Patrick Mba, and his team recently engaged the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, to explore collaboration, particularly focusing on the innovative "1 Youth 2 Skills" program launched by the Minister.

The "1 Youth 2 Skills Solution" program, inaugurated in October 2022 under Governor Charles Soludo's administration, aims to create 1000 youth millionaires annually and generate private sector jobs in Anambra State. Rooted in the Igbo Apprenticeship Model, the initiative draws inspiration from a tradition that has produced successful entrepreneurs globally.

Commissioner Patrick Mba emphasized the program's success under Governor Soludo, stating that it empowered 5000 beneficiaries in 2023 alone through the N2 Billion Business Financing Scheme. Additionally, 20,000 youths were equipped with super-tech digital skills under the Solution Innovation District (SID).

Mba highlighted the community-based approach of the initiative, integrating Apprenticeship, Entrepreneurship, Cooperative Formation, Business Financing, a One-year Mentoring Scheme, and meticulous Monitoring and Evaluation. This ensures a sustained impact on youth empowerment.

Aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision for youth development, the Anambra State government actively seeks collaboration with the Nigerian government to combat youth restiveness, unemployment, and endemic poverty. Mba affirmed that the government is also digitizing the learning process, allowing beneficiaries to acquire skills conveniently.

Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, expressed his sincere appreciation for the partnership visit from Patrick Mba and his team. He stated, "I look forward to fostering a collaborative partnership with Anambra State on Youth development, aiming to scale up the impactful '1 Youth 2 Skills' program. This commitment reflects a shared vision for empowering the youth and building a more prosperous and secure future for the nation, aligning with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda.

Empowerment: FG awards PWDs, other entrepreneurs start-up kits.

Empowerment: FG awards PWDs, other entrepreneurs start-up kits.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has provided start-up kits to some persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.

The Director General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, announced this on Friday in Abuja.

ODI said the empowerment was done under the agency's National Business Skills Development Initiative (NBSDI).

He reiterated the federal government's commitment to ensuring an inclusive government that will leave no one behind, especially the youth, women and the disabled.

It was reported that at least 55 persons were trained in the Federal Capital Territory and awarded certificates and start-up kits.

Of these, 35 participants who took training in fashion designing got industrial machines and 10 participants who took training in catering got a mixer, gas cylinder and an industrial oven.

The participants undergoing training in leather work were also equipped with the machines required for their business.

This training is expected to run simultaneously across 13 states of the federation, with 55 participants in each state, giving a total of 715 participants empowered by SMEDAN.

The SMEDAN boss also said the government recognizes the importance of small businesses in national development and will do everything possible to support them.

He said: “India and China transformed their economies because they focused on people like you, small businesses.

“This administration, we are not pretending to be for SME development, and that is why we are doing all this today and planning to do much more.

“We understand that times are challenging, so what we have done is reduce the cost of acquiring this knowledge and skills and the cost of acquiring the equipment.”

He further urged them not to sell the kits given to them but use them and ensure to empower others around them to create more employment for Nigerians.

Odi said: “55 people were trained. If each participant employs only five persons in the next six months, this training alone will create 275 more jobs.

“When you create jobs, you will reduce the high rates of violence in our society.

“So, do your part, put into action the knowledge you have acquired and we will support you.

“The Minister has also made a commitment, and I will hold him to it, that as many people create jobs and employ people, I will make sure they get more support, that's the only way we can stop poverty Are.”

He charged them to be good ambassadors of the agency by creating more jobs and publicizing the good work being done by the government to reduce unemployment and insecurity in the country.

He also called for greater collaboration locally and internationally to enable the agency to reach more states and more Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Youth, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, who presented items and certificates to the participants, urged them to ensure that they become employers of labour.

He said, “If we are determined, 55 people can transform this country.”

“So, each of you should try to train at least 10 others before the next six months.

“Imagine what a multiplier effect that would be if every person you trained trained five additional people?

“And there will be a reward for participants who are able to do so,” Olawande said.

He stressed the importance of every Nigerian youth acquiring at least two skills rather than waiting or relying on white collar jobs.

He said: “If a productive youth had two or more skills, we would be much further ahead than where we are today.

“Furthermore, it would be a crime for any local government in this country not to have products to sell to the public. Every state should start producing something or the other.

For example, if 18 local governments in Ondo State are producing something and exchanging it with other local governments, before you know it, they will be exchanging with different states.

“So, we are moving towards ‘no skills, no nature and no product, no nature’, and that is why we want to partner with SMEDAN to work towards building a better nation. Are here.”

Mr. Adero Umar, an awardee from the PWD community, thanked SMEDAN and the government for the opportunity provided to be a part of the training.

Omar said: “I am happy for this opportunity and the material in leather work that I have got today.

“I will not beg on the streets because I have acquired a skill and will be able to not only start my own shoe business but also employ people like me to join their businesses.”

Also, Aashiru Abdullahi, another PWD and already a fashion designer, thanked the agency, saying that the industrial sewing machine she received will enable her to expand her business.

Caterer Miss Okeogheni Akeva said she was happy to have the opportunity to learn the skills and was also excited about the kits.

“Even though we were told that we would be given things, it was still a surprise for me and I am very happy.

“I thank the agency and the federal government and pray that they have the means to continue the program so that more people can benefit from it.

(NAN)

Ekiti primary school teachers to enjoy car, housing loans, other benefits, Gov Oyebanji assures.

Ekiti primary school teachers to enjoy car, housing loans, other benefits, Gov Oyebanji assures.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has said his administration would address the issue of non-disbursement of car and housing loans to primary school teachers in the state, with a view to getting them to start enjoying certain benefits that their counterparts in secondary schools have been enjoying in the state.

Governor Oyebanji gave the assurance in Ado-Ekiti during the week  when he met with Education Secretaries across the 16 local government areas in his office.

According to a statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode and made available to journalists in Ado- Ekiti on Sunday, Governor Oyebanji met with the Education Secretaries to get first hand information on some complaints by the teachers, which were hitherto unknown to him.  

The Governor expressed concern over some of the revelations at the meeting, and promised that government would also look into the issue of career progression of degree holders in primary schools with a view to allowing them reach Grade Level 16 or 17 as the case may be.

The Governor also promised to address other issues affecting the teachers including redistribution of teachers to ensure that rural areas get their fair share of teachers as well as provision of incentives to those serving in rural areas.

He also said Government would consider the implementation of the newly recommended retirement age of 65 and years or 40 years of service for teachers. 

While cautioning concerned authorities against inviting  teachers to seminars with inadequate or no provision for their welfare, Governor Oyebanji said teachers should henceforth be well treated and respected  as moulders of future leaders.

“I am absolutely grateful for the feedback and it means that our work is cut out for us. I have identified those key areas that we need to act on- levels enhancement to Grade Level 16, car and housing loans for primary school teachers, implementation of the new retirement age and other issues that would make them more effective and fulfilled on the job.  Government will act on these very soon”, the Governor said. 

On recent complaints by teachers over paltry training allowances paid to them, the Governor said: “This is what I am going to advise, if they reduce the training grant, its better you have a smaller number or sit down with the teachers before the commencement of any seminar and tell them what is available. There must be conversation, if they have this information, maybe they will show understanding, then they can align their movement and other things to make the seminar convenient for them. But, I am opposed to the idea of inviting teachers to seminars and making inadequate or no provision for their welfare. That should not happen again. “, he added.  

 Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji  said that his administration would continue to provide avenue for everyone to participate in his government so as to effectively chart the way forward in all sectors of his developmental agenda.

The Governor commended teachers in the state for their commitment to duty and determination to ensure that the administration succeed in its education and human capital development efforts. 

In their separate comments, the Head of Service, Engr. Sunday Komolafe, Commissioner for Education, Dr (Mrs) Bimpe Aderiye and Chairman,  State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), Prof Femi Akinwumi, restated the commitment of the  government to the welfare of teachers and entire workforce in the state.

The Executive Secretaries, who admitted that the meeting with the Governor was the first of its kind in the history of the state, commended Governor Oyebanji for giving them the rare opportunity to bare their minds on issues touching on the education sector in the state.

Super Eagles Soar to AFCON Quarter-Finals with Lookman’s Brace Against Cameroon.

Super Eagles Soar to AFCON Quarter-Finals with Lookman’s Brace Against Cameroon.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

In a thrilling round of 16 clash at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, the rejuvenated Super Eagles of Nigeria secured their spot in the quarter-finals by defeating the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon with a 2-0 victory on Saturday night at the Houphoet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

The tension-soaked match witnessed an impressive offensive display from the high-flying Super Eagles, with Semi Ajayi initially finding the back of the Cameroonian net early on. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.

Ademola Lookman emerged as the hero for Nigeria, netting a brace in the 36th minute, courtesy of a Victor Osimhen assist, and sealing the victory with another goal on the dot of 90 minutes after a Calvin Bassey cut-back.

Despite a setback with goalie Stanley Nwabali's injury in the 76th minute, Francis Uzoho stepped in to maintain the defensive line for the Eagles.

With this triumph, Nigeria advances to the quarter-finals, where they are set to face Angola on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 6 pm. The Super Eagles' exceptional performance and Lookman’s standout contributions mark a promising journey in the quest for AFCON glory.

King Charles spends second day in London hospital after surgery.

King Charles spends second day in London hospital after surgery.

Britain’s King Charles III spent a second day in hospital on Saturday, where he was visited by his wife Queen Camilla following scheduled prostate surgery.

Camilla was seen arriving by a back entrance at the London Clinic, a private hospital in the capital, where he underwent the procedure on Friday, according to AFP.

The British monarch was admitted to the hospital on Friday to undergo a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate on Friday, Buckingham Palace said.

“The king was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment,” the palace said in a statement.

Reports have disclosed that Charles, 75, was expected to spend two days in hospital and that he was “doing well” after the surgery.

Charles’s daughter-in-law Catherine Princess of Wales, 42, is currently also at the hospital where she has spent 12 days following abdominal surgery.

Royal officials took the unusual step last week of issuing a bulletin on the king’s health, disclosing that he had an enlarged prostate but the condition was benign.