Northern elders to discuss economic, security agenda with Fed Govt.

Northern elders to discuss economic, security agenda with Fed Govt.

Northern elite under the aegis of Arewa New Agenda (ANA) are set to engage the Federal Government with a set of proposals on how to stem insecurity and poverty, especially in the North and the country in general.

According to the elders, the proposals, if considered and implemented, would pave the way for lasting prosperity for the entire country.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Yayale Ahmed, revealed this at the opening of the “Follow-on Conference on Tackling Poverty in Northern Nigeria” in Abuja at the weekend.

ANA Convener, Ahmad MoAllahyidi, presented the proposals to the elders that included former governors- Isa Yuguda and Sani Yerima-; Jonathan Zwingina, Babangida Ngoruje, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Danladi Kifasi; Fatima Adams and Chairman, National Hajj Commission, Jalal Arabi.

Ahmed said: “As elders, we agreed and submitted to the service of Nigeria and to the upliftment of the northern part of Nigeria, not because we are broken but it’s because we are realists.

“We want to change our style and strategies in dealing with the issues and problems of northern Nigeria.

“Our responsibility is not to just say the Government is not working, government must work through our contributions, the government must be responsible through our being responsible, the government must be committed through our commitment.

“We are a patriotic group of Nigerians, the outcomes of these efforts will be communicated to the people that are in power for improvement of the generality of the people.”

ANA also emphasised the need for the Federal Government to actively support the North in leveraging the Nigerian Start-Up for Businesses Act of 2022. This, it said, would enable companies in the region to conduct research, provide training, and develop globally impactful products.

The proposals, according to ANA Convener Ahmad MoAllahyidi, are Pathway to Prosperity Approach, Farming and Agriculture as well as the establishment of Integrated Enterprising Productivity Inclusion Platforms in each of the 19 Northern states.

The Pathway to Prosperity Approach involves matching vulnerable households and communities with the necessary skills to participate in the local economy actively. It will in the first instance support 100,000 vulnerable households per state to increase production and productivity within 15 months.

On Farming and Agriculture, ANA proposes the expansion of arable land in the country to 65 percent within four years.

ANA also plans to see 10 million jobs created for youth and other demographics through the Integrated Enterprising Productivity Inclusion Platforms.

MoAllahyidi said: “The model has the potential to generate over N50 trillion cumulative per capital income annually, while insurgency, banditry and other social vices will be reduced drastically.

“It will also boost our foreign reserve earnings and stabilize our economy

“Training of youths on renewable energy systems (solar, wind and biomass) as a component of livelihoods enhancement and a response to climate change.

“Passing on the gift is a social intervention concept and the anticipated result from the scheme is to service up to 1,000 households per state for the 19 States.

“Another proposal is the tissue culture for propagation of seedlings which is a simplified neglected intervention. This is a concept that builds an average of two million seedlings a year using micro-propagation.” 

ANA also appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider some policy measures, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sanctions on Niger Republic, particularly the closure of borders.

It noted that the reconsideration was necessary due to the negative implications for the economy of the states in the North.

Babalola seeks urgent solution to inflation, naira devaluation.

Babalola seeks urgent solution to inflation, naira devaluation.

In Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State capital yesterday, elder statesman and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Afe Babalola admonished President Bola Tinubu to adopt solution-driven interventions for the economic and security challenges facing Nigerians.

Elder statesman Babalola listed inflation, naira depreciation and kidnapping as issues that have put Nigerians in pain.

Babalola, at the sixth induction of 161 Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) medical doctors, said the surge in inflation and the “worthless” value of the naira had further imposed hardship on Nigerians and eroded the production capacities of small and medium-scale enterprises.

The ABUAD founder added that the economic pressure propels some frustrated Nigerians into criminal activities, including kidnapping.

Describing the recent killing of some monarchs by kidnappers as “an unusual development,” the elder statesman said, “something has to be urgently done about the issue of kidnapping.”

Babalola also stressed the urgent need for the Federal Government to boost local food production and for the migration of Nigerians, otherwise known as Japa syndrome, to be checked.   

He specifically enjoined the inducted medical doctors to shun the urge to ply their trade abroad.

His words: “The Japa syndrome is a development in the country. This syndrome has to stop and the only way to stop it is to increase the salaries and wages of workers, which in my case I did by increasing the salary of my workers by 35 percent.

“Many farmers have left their farmland now because of kidnappers, something has to be urgently done about the issue of kidnapping. Farmers have to be encouraged to go back to their farms.

“It is saddening that monarchs are killed, it is an unusual development. what is behind all these is that we have no money, our money has no value and our currency is as worthless as toilet paper. Something has to be done about the naira and productivity. “I have seen people, especially, in the North agitating because the naira is getting worse, food prices are high, no employment, and those who get it are not paid. Something has to be done about it.”

Sanwo-Olu to launch Trader Money.

Sanwo-Olu to launch Trader Money.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will on Wednesday launch the N50, 000 cash transfer to 15,000 beneficiaries under the Lagos Market TraderMoney initiative.

Commissioner for Agriculture Ms. Abisola Olusanya said this at the weekend during a one-day sensitisation for traders at the Lagos Fresh Food Agro-Hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin.

Over 500 market men and women from Ikeja and Oshodi Local Government Areas attended the sensitisation on market hygiene, food safety, cleanliness, storage, marketing and transportation.

She said: “We are dealing with two local governments. Last week, we had over 500 of them here from Mushin. The idea is as we have the hub, and it becomes operational, we must sensitise and train traders to understand that this is the new direction for a 21st century Lagos of our dreams.

“It is for them to understand that this is how it should be; they need to unlearn and relearn trading and the act of selling, merchandising, hygiene and more. It is also an avenue for government to also have a one-to-one, personalised interaction with the traders to be able to address their needs, local government by local government and community by community.

“We know the informal sector makes up 60 per cent of our population, and so this is a wonderful avenue for the government to ensure inclusivity for everybody, especially for them.

“That is why we are here today talking to our traders on hygiene, food safety, preservation storage, marketing, transportation. We are also discussing welfare packages that the government has for them.

“By Wednesday, which is Valentine’s Day, Mr. Governor will be showing love to our traders in Lagos. He promised them N50, 000 each for 15,000 beneficiaries.”

On how to address food insecurity in the country, Ms. Olusanya called for partnership among food producing states.

The commissioner said partnership remained the only sure way to address the growing menace.

AFCON 2023: House Of Representatives Hails Nigeria Super Eagles.

AFCON 2023: House Of Representatives Hails Nigeria Super Eagles.

- “Nigeria has been more united by their sterling performance at the tournament” - Speaker Abbas

The House of Representatives congratulates the National Male Football Team; Super Eagles for clinching the Silver Prize at the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 for a fifth time.

The House celebrates the entire players and Coaching Crew for their spirited efforts; as well as the Team Captain, William Troost Ekong for emerging ‘Man of the Competition’ hosted by Cote’d Ivoire.

Being a country with a vibrant youth population, we are confident that this achievement; nonetheless, would inspire not just the multitude of sports talents across the country, but our countrymen and women in other spheres of influence to do more for their fatherland.

As contained in a statement by Musa Krishi, Media Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen PhD, also hails the team for uniting Nigerians across religious, ethnic and political lines.

Noting that the country has been more united by their sterling performance at the tournament, he commends the Super Eagles for giving a good account of themselves during the tournament.

“The Super Eagles, based on their performance at the tournament, deserved victory but narrowly lost the AFCON trophy. Nevertheless, they have proven that Nigeria remains the giant of Africa in sport and other endeavours. During the tournament, Nigerians showed that we are one great nation. Nigerians are proud of you,” the Speaker told the Super Eagles at end of the game.

Speaker Abbas adds that the House under his leadership will continue to support programmes and policies that promote sports and youth development.

Nigeria to become food exporter through mechanised farming – Tinubu.

Nigeria to become food exporter through mechanised farming – Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, said his administration was keen to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production and become a net exporter of agricultural products through what he called “aggressive mechanisation.”

He affirmed his administration’s support to give ease and succour to the 2024 Hajj pilgrims.

“Nigeria will become a net exporter of food through aggressive mechanisation,” Tinubu told a delegation from the Global Tijaniyya Movement, led by Khalifa Muhammad Mahe Niass, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Sunday.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu emphasised the importance of spiritual endeavours in nation-building, vowing to support religious activities.

The statement was titled, ‘President Tinubu: We are determined to achieve food sufficiency for Nigeria.’

On Agriculture, he said, “Nigeria will become a net exporter of food. We are bringing thousands of tractors. Food production will be greatly expanded through aggressive mechanisation. We must be productive as a people. That is the Sunnah and the principles I grew up understanding.”

He also outlined plans to bolster agricultural productivity through various initiatives, including the expansion of farmlands, the provision of low-interest loans to farmers, and significant investments in irrigation infrastructure.

Tinubu highlighted the need for collaboration between political and spiritual leaders to advance the nation’s interests and promote unity among the people.

“We are dedicated to equipping hospitals with modern equipment, providing healthcare professionals with training, and ensuring social welfare for every citizen, including comprehensive health insurance coverage,” he added.

On his part, the Khalifa of Tijaniyya, Sheikh Mahe Niass, who spoke on the delegation’s behalf, commended Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s peace, progress, and stability.

Niass “expressed confidence in the President’s leadership and conveyed the fervent support and prayers of members of the Global Tijaniyya Movement to the Nigerian leader,” read the statement.

During their visit, the delegation offered prayers for the nation’s progress, unity and prosperity and for Almighty Allah to grant President Tinubu wisdom, strength and success.

Cote D’Ivoire win AFCON 2023, defeat Nigeria 2-1.

Cote D’Ivoire win AFCON 2023, defeat Nigeria 2-1

The Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire have won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 on Sunday.

Nigeria looked set to repeat their 1-0 victory over the Ivorians here at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium during the group stage when captain William Troost-Ekong -– who had netted a penalty to decide that first meeting -– rose to head in the opener late in the first half.

However, Franck Kessie equalised just after the hour mark and Haller turned in Simon Adingra’s cross in the 81st minute to spark wild celebrations among the sea of orange in the Abidjan stands.

Ivory Coast’s success sees them add this year’s title to those claimed in 1992 and 2015, while this win also allows them to join Nigeria on three Cup of Nations triumphs overall.

Only Egypt, Cameroon and Ghana have won the title more often, with the Super Eagles squandering the opportunity to match their Ghanaian rivals on four victories.

Spearheaded by reigning African player of the year Osimhen, the Nigerians had looked the most formidable team in the competition over the last month.

But Ivory Coast’s sense of destiny was simply too overpowering, as they became the first host country to win the AFCON since 2006.

Didier Drogba captained the Elephants team that lost on penalties to Egypt in Cairo in that final 18 years ago, while this time he was among the spectators to witness a stunning victory for his country.

It is an incredible achievement for a side that was on the brink of elimination in the group stage after losing 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea on January 22.

That was their heaviest ever home defeat and the Ivorians then parted company with coach Jean-Louis Gasset, replacing him with Emerse Fae, a teammate of Drogba’s in 2006.

They then began a remarkable turnaround which saw them oust holders Senegal on penalties, beat Mali with a last-gasp goal in extra time, and edge out DR Congo with a Haller goal in the last four.

Their supporters packed out the stadium to its 60,000 capacity, with many fans having to watch the game from vantage points on stairways.

Anyone wanting to dampen the excitement levels might have pointed out that Cup of Nations finals tend to be low-scoring affairs.

There were just 10 goals scored in the last 11 finals, five of which were decided on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate.

Indeed, Ivory Coast’s four previous final appearances had all ended goalless before going to penalties, two of which they had won.

This looked set to be another nervy, low-scoring affair with chances few and far between early on.

However the home side then had a great chance on 34 minutes when Kessie found Adingra on the left and his shot was turned away by Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

That proved crucial as Nigeria went ahead just four minutes later when Ademola Lookman’s corner from the left was touched on and Troost-Ekong headed in from the edge of the six-yard area.

Earlier in the tournament the Ivorians would have crumbled in such a scenario, but they deserve great credit for regrouping at the interval and throwing everything at Nigeria.

Max-Alain Gradel’s netbound shot was blocked in front of the line by Calvin Bassey five minutes after the restart, before Nwabali turned an Odilon Kossounou long-range piledriver around the post on 62 minutes.

They drew level from the corner which followed that, as Kessie -– whose late penalty had rescued the hosts against Senegal in the last 16 –- appeared at the back post to head into the net.

It seemed inevitable that a second Ivory Coast goal would follow and it duly did with nine minutes of the 90 to play as Haller got his studs to Adingra’s cross and diverted the ball into the far corner.

Behind for the first time since their opening match, Nigeria could not react, and Ivory Coast held on for victory

Tinubu approves establishment of Military Base in Plateau.

Tinubu approves establishment of Military Base in Plateau.

Following the tragic attacks resulting in the loss of over 200 lives across three local government areas in Plateau state – Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi, President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate establishment of a Military Barracks.

The Barracks will be located in Miller Farm (Gada Biyu) Mbar District of Bokkos local government area.

President Tinubu directed General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff, to coordinate the implementation of this initiative to address the security challenges facing the region.

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Former governor of Plateau state, Joshua Dariye had made efforts to facilitate the establishment of the Barracks to halt the continuous attacks that have resulted in loss of life, widespread looting, and destruction of property.

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Once operational, the Barracks will swiftly intervene to address the relentless attacks and killings in Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and neighbouring Nasarawa state.

This initiative is especially crucial following the simultaneous sacking of certain communities, widespread looting, and loss of life on Christmas Eve of 2023 in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi local government areas.