NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foundation donates borehole to Imo community

Foundation donates borehole to Imo community

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By Peter Okolie

The Ike Odoeme Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has inaugurated a borehole facility in Umuakpa, Onicha Uboma, Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo.

 

The gesture has brought an end to the community’s long-standing struggle with access to clean and safe water.

 

The project is executed under the foundation’s CleanWater Initiative, which aims to provide safe and potable water to underserved rural communities.

 

The Ike Odoeme Foundation (TIOF) is dedicated to transforming lives and building resilient communities in Nigeria.

 

Speaking at the inauguration, the foundation’s Executive Director, Mrs Sylvie Marie, said the project reflected the organisation’s commitment to grassroots development.

 

“This borehole is more than a water source; it is a commitment to health, dignity, progress, and sustainable development,” she said.

 

“We believe every community deserves access to clean water as a basic human right,” Marie added, urging the community to safeguard the facility for the wellbeing of current and future generations.

 

Community stakeholders and leaders described the donation as a life-changing intervention that ended decades of hardship.

 

Chief Uwadoka Aaron, Secretary of the Eze’s Palace, said: “This borehole is the fulfilment of a long-awaited dream. Over the years, we heard many promises from government officials, but none came to fruition until now.

 

“The Ike Odoeme Foundation has done what many in government could not do for decades”.

 

Also speaking, Chief Joseph Okoro, described the borehole as a symbol of hope and renewed trust.

 

“Our people can now access clean water without trekking long distances or depending on unsafe streams,” he said.

 

Chairman of Umuakpa Village, Mr Emeka Egonu, described the day as “historic”, noting that the organisation had etched its name in the hearts of the people.

 

“They have given us water, and we will not forget this gesture,” he said.

 

The community’s youth leader, Mr Princewill Ogu, and women leader, Mrs Mercy Ike, also expressed gratitude.

 

“Water is life. This borehole will ease the suffering of our women who wake up early and walk long distances to fetch water,” Ike stated.

 

“We pledge to protect and maintain the borehole as a treasured community resource,” Ogu assured the foundation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Sanwo-Olu at 60: Legacy forged in crisis, defined by progress

Sanwo-Olu at 60: Legacy forged in crisis, defined by progress

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By Aderonke Ojediran, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

 

When Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu assumed office as the 15th governor of Lagos State in 2019, he did not foresee that his first term would be shaped by two of the most defining crises of this decade — the COVID-19 pandemic and the #EndSARS protests.

 

Yet, as he marks his 60th birthday on Wednesday, residents and observers note that the state has survived stronger.

 

“It wasn’t easy during COVID 19,” said Mrs Funmilayo Ogundipe, a nurse in Agege.

 

“But governor Sanwo-Olu came on TV every day, reassuring us, telling us what the government was doing. That daily update gave me confidence and hope,” she said.

 

In his leadership, Lagos State set up isolation centres, introduced telemedicine, and rolled out an Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba at record speed, a resident observed.

 

It is in record that the governor collaborated with private partners to provide protective equipment when global supply chains seemed to have collapsed.

 

“In the heat of the #EndSARS protests, Sanwo-Olu was the first governor to visit protesting youths and acknowledge their concerns.

 

“He walked with them, listened to them, and later established a judicial panel of inquiry into police brutality a decision that attracted both praise and criticism, Rilwan Ajibola, a youth activist in Surulere, noted.

 

For the benefit of hindsight, Sanwo-Olu had earlier built a solid career in the banking sector.

 

He held senior roles at Lead Merchant Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and was Managing Director of First Atlantic Bank (now part of FCMB).

 

His financial background gave him a firm grip on resource management, project execution and public-private partnerships tools he would later deploy to great effect in governance.

 

He also had significant public service experience, having served as Special Adviser on Corporate Matters, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, and Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions.

 

In these roles, he spearheaded the digitisation of pensions and improved public sector efficiency.

 

These private-public sector experiences moulded him into a well rounded technocrat combining fiscal discipline with people centred leadership.

 

For instance, the long-awaited Blue Line Rail now glides across the city, reducing travel times from Marina to Mile 2. The Red Line, currently in advanced stages, promises even more relief to the residents.

 

“Since the rail started, I get home earlier, the extra time with my children means the world to me.” said Ngozi Umeadi, a teacher who commutes from Orile.

 

In public transportation, he replaced commercial motorcycles in key areas with safer First-and-Last-Mile buses, expanded ferry services through the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and introduced solar-powered traffic lights in major intersections.

 

The introduction of area traffic control systems and digitised LASTMA operations has also begun to untangle the city’s perennial gridlock.

 

The governor has also tackled the urban housing deficit head on. Through the LagosHOMS initiative, he delivered many affordable housing units across Ikate, Sangotedo, Badagry, and Epe.

 

“I never imagined owning a home in Lagos, but the flexible mortgage plan gave me a real shot,” said Adamu Musa, a civil servant in Alimosho.

 

Also, in his administration, food security and affordability took centre stage with the completion of the 32-metric-tonne Imota Rice Mill, one of the largest in Africa.

 

Alongside the Ounje Eko programme — Sunday markets that sell food at subsidised rates — these interventions have cushioned the harsh economic realities of subsidy removal.

 

In education, he launched the EkoDigital School programme, deployed coding and robotics laboratories to public schools, and built new classrooms with gender-sensitive sanitation.

 

His administration has trained thousands of teachers and introduced smart tablets to enhance and sustain remote learning a lesson carried from the pandemic, residents attest.

 

Residents in flood-prone areas such as Ajegunle and Bariga acknowledge the impact of the extensive drain and canal dredging projects.

 

“It used to be terrible here during the rainy season, now, at least we can sleep during the rains without fear,” said Kehinde Lawal, a trader.

 

They note that with due diligence, land grabbing and fraud have become a thing of the past.

 

From the digitisation of the land registry to the ongoing house numbering system through the Lagos Enterprise GIS project, Sanwo-Olu’s government is building a smarter, more responsive Lagos, according to them.

 

Real estate transactions are now more transparent, and emergency services can locate properties more easily.

 

Lagos State residents also note that security has not been left behind in Sanwo-Olu’s administration via the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

 

The state procured patrol vehicles, surveillance equipment and supported police operations, and the citywide CCTV rollout is gradually taking roots, and police visibility has improved.

 

“There’s more calm at night now in places such as Lekki and Apapa”, said Ahmed Kareem, a ride-hailing driver.

 

“Healthcare delivery has also received attention. LASUTH has seen expanded facilities, while 15 new primary health centres have been built.

 

Health has the highest number of Permanent Secretaries to ensure system-wide efficiency. The government’s maternal and child healthcare policy has reduced infant mortality in underserved areas,” he said.

 

Observers note that even in environmental sustainability, Sanwo-Olu made bold moves, banning single-use plastics, inaugurating tree-planting drives, and retrofitting public buildings with solar power.

 

According to them, empowerment programmes for women, persons living with disabilities, and the elderly show a leader attuned to inclusivity.

 

In sports and youth development, Lagos under Sanwo-Olu hosted tournaments like the Prime Atlantic Squash event, Lagos Marathon, and Eko Beach Games. Stadiums like Teslim Balogun and Mobolaji Johnson Arena have been rehabilitated.

 

“The state government supported our training all year, that helped me to win at the national level,” said Yusuf Quadri, a junior squash champion.

 

“As a technology-driven governor, he established innovation hubs, funded research grants via LASRIC, and introduced smart ID systems for Lagosians.

 

“His administration is digitising MDA operations, courtrooms, and civil service processes a key step toward transparent governance.

 

“Lagos was among the first and most proactive states to take advantage of the 2023 constitutional amendment that removed electricity from the exclusive legislative list, allowing states to legislate on electricity,” he said.

 

In 2024, Lagos passed the Lagos State Electricity Law, establishing the Lagos State Electricity Market and setting up a regulatory framework through the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Authority (LASERA).

 

Civic engagement has remained a cornerstone of his leadership. A quarterly town halls, youth inclusion in cabinet roles, and diaspora investment desks demonstrate a government that listens and evolves.

 

“You can’t govern Lagos by force. You govern it by conversation,” said Olabisi Ojo, an analyst.

 

Observers note that at 60, Sanwo-Olu’s journey speaks to more than age it is the chronicle of a technocrat who became a crisis-tested leader.

 

From rail to rooftops, clinics to classrooms, courts to canals, the imprints of his governance stretch across the city.

 

“The challenges were plenty, but we never lost focus, Lagos is not just a city. It’s a people. And for them, we’ll always do more,” Sanwo-Olu said at the inspection of new rail coaches.

 

As residents reflect on the governor’s milestone birthday, it is clear that his legacy is not just in policies, but in the daily lives of those who benefit from them.

 

The mother who sleeps easier during floods, the youth with a tech grant, the student learning robotics, and the commuter who finally gets home in daylight. (NANFeatures)(www.nannews.ng)

 

**If used, please, credit the writer as well as News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

@60: UK firm celebrates Sanwo-Olu’s visionary leadership, sustainable progress

@60: UK firm celebrates Sanwo-Olu’s visionary leadership, sustainable progress

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By Aderonke Ojediran

TEXEM UK, a leading executive education and leadership development consultancy, has saluted Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state on the occasion of his 60th birthday, commending his transformational governance and sustainable development.

 

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos, the organisation described Sanwo-Olu as “a distinguished public servant whose strategic vision and disciplined execution have contributed significantly to Lagos’ emergence as one of the most dynamic sub-national governments globally.”

 

TEXEM, which partners with governments, multinationals and public institutions across the world to strengthen leadership capacity and improve strategic outcomes, praised the governor’s ability to combine physical infrastructure with deep institutional reforms.

 

“Governor Sanwo-Olu exemplifies what it means to lead with intent, resilience and results,” the statement read.

 

“Whether steering Lagos through the unprecedented disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, or delivering signature projects like the Lagos Blue Line — West Africa’s first intra-city electric train — he has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of pragmatism, foresight and bold innovation.”

 

The firm noted that while the governor’s infrastructural strides have drawn widespread commendation, his deliberate and systematic investment in human capital may be the most enduring part of his legacy.

 

According to TEXEM, Lagos under Sanwo-Olu has made measurable progress in professionalising the public service, with thousands of state officials across all cadres benefitting from strategic leadership development programmes tailored to global standards.

 

“These initiatives reflect the governor’s understanding that lasting progress is not built solely on concrete, but on competent people and strong institutions,” the statement said.

 

“By embedding a culture of continuous learning, critical thinking and adaptive governance, he is laying a foundation for generational impact.”

 

Dr Alim Abubakre, Founder of TEXEM UK, hailed Sanwo-Olu as “a servant leader who governs with both vision and heart.”

 

“At 60, His Excellency has earned the admiration of his peers not through noise, but through quiet, strategic achievement,” Abubakre said.

 

“He understands that governance is about creating value — not just through infrastructure, but by shaping systems that empower people to think differently, lead courageously, and execute effectively. His emphasis on executive education and global best practices reflects a leader who is not just managing a state, but building a legacy.”

 

Abubakre noted that TEXEM has had the honour of collaborating with Lagos State on multiple executive development interventions, each designed to enhance strategic clarity, governance agility, and institutional excellence.

 

“We are proud to support leaders like Governor Sanwo-Olu, who see beyond their term in office and focus on building systems that outlast them,” he added.

 

TEXEM, which has delivered programmes in the UK, UAE, and Nigeria for senior leaders in sectors ranging from energy and finance to government and manufacturing, emphasised that Sanwo-Olu’s approach to leadership is aligned with global trends in digital transformation, ethical governance and systems thinking.

 

“Lagos, under his stewardship, is demonstrating what 21st-century public service should look like — strategic, agile, accountable and people-driven,” the statement said.

 

The firm noted that the governor’s belief in continuous learning is not symbolic but institutional.

 

“7His administration has prioritised global benchmarking, performance management, and executive immersion programmes to prepare the public sector for a rapidly changing world.

 

“As the world contends with volatility and complexity, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership offers a roadmap for how governments can lead with calm clarity, elevate standards and leave enduring value,” it added.

 

“As he marks his 60th birthday, we celebrate not just the passing of time, but the measurable impact of thoughtful leadership.”

 

TEXEM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting strategic leaders and organisations across the world in their journey towards excellence, resilience and long-term success.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Nigerian artisans, technicians commend FG’s skill up programme

Nigerian artisans, technicians commend FG’s skill up programme

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By Aderonke Ojediran

Nigerian artisans and technicians, under the platform of the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) have commended the Federal Government’s Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme.

 

It said that the programme has made a significant impact on Nigerian artisans and technicians by enabling them to improve their skills and productivity.

 

Mr Adeshina Akinyemi, National Coordinator of ASNAT, disclosed this at a press conference on Monday in Abuja.

 

It was during the activities and appraisals of the SUPA Programme implemented by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Federal Government’s SUPA programme, managed by the ITF, is an initiative to empower 10 million Nigerian artisans.

 

The programme aims to up-skill, license, and provide artisans with access to toolkits, and promoting industry standards.

 

Akinyemi said that the programme had helped members scale up and add value to economic growth.

 

He commended President Bola Tinubu for designing the programme and the new leadership of ITF led by Dr Oluwatoyin Ogun, for its implementation.

 

He enjoined the government to focus on implementing programmes that would help the administration achieve its Renewed Hope agenda.

 

The National Coordinator said that ASNAT would continue to collaborate with the ITF to promote the growth and development of artisans and technicians in Nigeria.

 

He said: “Having appraised the activities of the Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme and its positive impact on all Nigerian artisans and technicians, we, therefore, pass a vote of confidence on the programme and score the executorial agency, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) A1, in the implementation and operations of SUPA.’’

 

He decried the negative assessment of the programme in some quarters, saying it was not a true reflection of the benefits enjoyed by the artisans and technicians.

 

“This claim, by a faceless group called Concerned Citizens Advocates for Institutional Accountability, is not only false but also malicious and blackmail.

 

“We urge the public, the National Assembly and the President to disregard this faceless group and its publication and focus on the numerous achievements and successes of the ITF under Dr. Ogun’s leadership.

 

‘’We also call on the President to, as a matter of urgency, call to order or caution those angry minds who are disturbing and distracting the Director General of ITF.”

 

Also speaking, ASNAT Lady President, Mrs Jaiyeola Olatunji, explained that 100,000 artisans have been trained and the next phase of training of artisans would be rolled out soon.

 

The National Secretary of ASNAT, Mr Bari Moses, disclosed that the purpose of the SUPA Programme was to equip Nigerian artisans to world standard.

 

‘’We as artisans are the direct beneficiaries of this programme, and it is important that we come out to state clearly that it was for our own benefit and we benefited from it,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Mr Mohammed Oshioke, a member of the National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), FCT chapter, urged governments to empower artisans and technicians with start-up funds after training.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Indigenous solutions vital for Nigeria’s emission reduction goal – Alfa Designs GMD

Indigenous solutions vital for Nigeria’s emission reduction goal – Alfa Designs GMD

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By Yunus Yusuf

Mr Fatai Quadri, Group Managing Director of Alfa Designs Nigeria Ltd.,(ADNL), says Nigeria possesses the inherent capacity to effectively manage fugitive emissions within its borders.

 

He said this during the inauguration ceremony and  media facility tour of the company in Lagos on Monday.

 

Quadri emphasised the critical need to cultivate local expertise and infrastructure to address the challenges posed by Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and fugitive emissions, particularly those escaping from industrial equipment and facilities.

 

Quadri said that fugitive emissions, which are often unintentional leaks of gases such as methane and carbon dioxide, represent a significant yet addressable environmental concern in Nigeria’s oil, gas, and industrial sectors.

 

He stressed that, with proper investment in technology, training, and regulation, Nigeria could become a leader in emission monitoring and mitigation across West Africa.

“There is no need to rely solely on foreign interventions.

 

“We have the technical talent and innovation potential to manage these emissions right here in Nigeria,” he said.

 

Highlighting the company’s role in advancing sustainable environmental practices, Quadri called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector, and academia to develop a robust local capacity for fugitive emission detection and management.

 

He also urged policymakers to create enabling laws and incentives that support indigenous solutions.

 

“What we need now is commitment, both from government and industry players, to prioritise environmental integrity through locally driven solutions,” he added.

 

He said that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) guidelines on GHG emissions are aimed at reducing environmental and social impact, caused by the emissions of components of natural gas including methane and other compounds.

 

The expert explained that embracing cleaner technology would help to mitigate carbon output, especially carbon soot being emitted by a fuel engine, contributing majorly to environmental pollution and health hazards.

 

”As it is now, we are supposed to be winding down on all diesel-powered engines in the country, based on the GHG emissions statement.

 

”Nigerian government had already pledged that by 2030 we are going to cut down our methane emissions, stop flaring completely and also do away with carbon soot formation, a bye-product from diesel-fired engines.

 

”We have to do away with all these things because they normally absorb infrared radiation that comes from the outer space.

 

“Once they absorb it, they keep the earth warmer than what is anticipated and that’s the effect on the climate change,’’ he said.

 

Quadri explained that in view of high cost of diesel and the abundance of an alternative energy (gas) in the country, there was need to be economically wise and encourage usage of CNG.

 

”However, staring us in our face is a solution of an alternative that all of us are supposed to come out and really agitate to see how this can be implemented as soon as possible to reduce impact, ” he said.

 

He added that in the bid to promote cleaner and affordable energy in the country, the Alfa Designs Nigeria Ltd., a leading oil and gas company, would soon begin conversion of diesel-powered engines to CNG in the country.

He said that Nigeria signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in Sept. 2016; and, consequently, began the implementation of several initiatives aimed at reducing emissions from all sectors of the economy.

 

“As part of Nigeria’s commitment on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, in 2021, it committed to reducing GHG emissions by 47 per cent in 2030, conditional on international support.

 

The pledge followed the signing into law of the country’s first climate bill after the UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021, having set an ambitious global net zero targets by 2060.

 

To achieve Nigeria’s emission reduction targets of the NDCs, the key abatement measures are: elimination of routine gas flaring (100 per cent gas flaring eliminated by 2030) and fugitive emissions/leakages control (60 per cent Methane Reduction by 2030).

 

These measures were established under the NUPRC operators’ guidelines on the actions and mechanisms for the management of fugitive methane/GHG emissions from the upstream oil and gas operations.

 

He said that the company had invested between 17 million dollars and 18 million dollars in infrastructures and equipments to enhance Green- House emission control.

 

Quadri said that the company had selected 13 Nigerians from six geopolitical zones to undergo a “train-the-trainers” course on greenhouse gas (GHG)/fugitive emission detection and quantification, using the EyeCGas 2.0 Optical Gas Imaging Camera.

 

Also, Mr Mubarak Abdul, Chief Operating Officer of ADNL, advised the Federal Government to actively encourage indigenous companies to enhance local capacity in environmental management.

 

Abdul urged both the government and oil and gas companies to engage the services of in-country companies like Alfa Designs Ltd. to address the nation’s emission challenges.

 

He also highlighted ADNL’s partnership with OPTGAL Optronics Manufacturer in Israel to detect and address gas leakages in facilities, noting their extensive work with major companies in Nigeria.

 

According to him, they include Chevron, NNPCL, ND Western, and Seplat.

 

Miss Louisa Kpohearor, one of the trainers, commended Alfa Designs training and certification programmes, which aim to further retrain more Nigerians.

 

She confirmed that they were now verified in Optical Gas Imaging and are capable of conducting investigations and surveys in any oil and gas facility.

 

Miss Oghobi Sandra, another OGI trainer, emphasised that the training provided by Alfa Designs demonstrates their status as the only authorised and certified trainers for detecting gas leakages in facilities.

 

ADNL is an indigenous Engineering, Procurement, Installation, Commissioning & Asset Integrity Management (EPICA) Company, incorporated on July 20, 2006.

 

The company is dedicated to continuously identifying and exceeding client needs in technical expertise through total service delivery.

 

lt also focuses on clear communication, superior performance, talent, teamwork, professional integrity, and cost-effective solutions for its private, government, and energy engineering clients.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

Board opens portal for paramilitary recruitment

Board opens portal for paramilitary recruitment

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By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Board (CDCFIB) has called on qualified candidates to apply for full-time employment into the various paramilitary agencies from Thursday.

This is contained in a statement by the Secretary to the board, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, on Monday in Abuja.

He urged applicants interested in being employed into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Fire Service to apply online through the board’s portal: https://recruitment.cdcfib.org.

“Applications should be submitted online within three weeks from the date of this  publication and note that the application is absolutely free,” he said.

He emphasised that applicants must apply to only one of the four agencies of their choice as multiple applications will automatically call for disqualification.

He added that vacancies were available for the positions of Superintendent, Inspectorate and Assistant cadres.

“For Superintendent of Corrections (CONMESS 09), which is applicable to only NCoS, applicants must be holders of a Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) in medicine and surgery.

“For Assistant Superintendent I (CONPASS 09), applicable to FFS only, applicants must be holders of  Degree in Law or a BSc in any of the following: Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Water or any related field.

“For Assistant Superintendent II (CONPASS 8), applicable to NSCDC, FFS and NIS, applicants must possess a BSc or Higher National Diploma,” Jubril said.

The Secretary further stated that for the position of Inspector (CONHESS 06), applicants must be registered nurses or midwives, adding that the position was only available for NCoS, NSCDC and FFS.

“For Assistant Inspector (CONPASS 06), applicants must be holders of National Diploma or NCE in any related field.

“For Assistant II (CONPASS 04), General duty, applicants must be holders of GVE, Ordinary level, SSCE/NECO or other equivalent with a minimum of five credits in not more than two sittings.

“For Assistant III (general duty), applicants must be holders of GCE, O level, SSCE/NECO or other equivalent with a minimum of four credits in not more than two sittings,” he said.

Jubril further stated that the mandatory requirements for the recruitment exercise are Nigerian nationality, requisite qualifications, and medical fitness.

Others, he said, are free of conviction or financial fraud records, between ages 18 and 35 among others.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Ismail Abdulaziz

Professor, who sells vegetables, advises youths on small businesses

Professor, who sells vegetables, advises youths on small businesses

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By Zubairu Idris

Prof. Nasir Hassan-Wagini of Biology Department, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYU), Katsina, who produces and sells vegetables, has advised students and youths to key into small businesses rather than wait for white-collar jobs.

 

Hassan-Wagini gave the advice on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a weekly market in Batsari, Katsina state, where he sells the produce.

 

The professor said he was born by a farmer, grew up as a farmer, and went into produce businesses at an early stage of life.

 

He said that his story became popular after he was promoted to the rank of professor.

 

“My call to the NCE, Diploma and degree graduates is that they should feel free and start small businesses in their communities instead of staying idle.

 

“I’m a professor of plant resources at UMYU, I want youths and students to look at me, know my rank and position, and I still engage in small business of this nature.

 

“That may clear their minds because they feel shame and too big to go into such type of small businesses.

 

“What matters is what you are contributing to the society. So, stop staying at home doing nothing when you did not get job, start with small businesses like this one.

 

“Our youths should stop going to other places looking for job, they should get into farming and other small businesses to become self-reliant.

 

“Self-reliance is key to successful life. Try to merge your education with vocational skills for your own good,” he said.

 

One of his neighbours in the market, Malam Uzairu, said that they enjoy staying with the professor in the market.

 

He described the professor as trustworthy, humble and kind in his interaction with people.

 

“We respect him and he respect us. In fact, he is a nice person who knows how to relate with all categories of people,” he said.

 

NAN reports that the price of a 100 kg bag of onion in the market cost N65,000 and above depending on its quality.

 

A 100 kg bag of dried red pepper sells at N115,000 and above, 100 kg bag of dried tomatoes, N60,000 and above, while 50 kg bag of fresh hot pepper, N100,000 and above.

 

NAN was told that in the next few months, farmers would start harvesting fresh tomatoes, red pepper, onions, among others.

 

NAN also reports that security in the area has improved, and has allowed for business activities to thrive.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NAHCON boss lauds media reportage on 2025 Hajj operation 

NAHCON boss lauds media reportage on 2025 Hajj operation 

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By Deji Abdulwahab

Prof. Abdullahi Usman, the Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has described the media reportage on the just concluded Hajj operation as contributions toward defending and projecting positive image of Islam.

Usman said this at a farewell dinner organised for the NAHCON National Media Team in Makkah on Sunday.

He said that the dinner was organised to appreciate and celebrate the media representatives who added value to the success of the 2025 Hajj operation.

“We gather here to congratulate ourselves, to celebrate our success in this Hajj operation. We thank almighty Allah and thank you all.

“I have no word in my mind than to express what I feel about your positive cooperation.

“You are our eyes, you are the only way to the world to know and see what we are doing here. Actually, you have done your own.We thank you and thank almighty Allah for making it possible for us to work together,” he said.

In his remarks, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Policy, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), said that the media performance towards the 2025 Hajj operation was commendable.

According to Yagawal, this year is different from the previous years in terms of media services.

“You know, your assignment is very dangerous. You can change black to white and white to black if you like, with your tongue and pen.

“This year, Alhamdulillah, your performance to NAHCON has been very positive. You worked tirelessly to improve our distorted image for the better,” he said.

The NAHCON commissioner recalled that last year, the commission got little positive reportage on the Hajj operation, describing this year’s media services as commendable.

“Last year, we suffered a lot, but this year, inshallah, with what we have seen, your coverage right from Medina, Mashair, back to Makkah, all your reports to the National Hajj Commission is positive,” he said.

Prince Anofi Elegushi, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, thanked the media for sharing the commission’s success stories on the 2025 Hajj operations.

Elegushi said, “I want to use this medium to say a big appreciation to the media team for the wonderful job they have done and they are still doing because the job is not limited to here in Saudi Arabia.

“We believe in you, that you will continue to report the positive side of us because all what you have done is very positive,” he said.

The NAHCON’s Commissioner of Finance, Malam Aliyu Abdulrasaq, also lauded the objectivity in the media reportage.

”I want to say you do not just own the pen, but you possess the truth.

“Objectivity in your reportage can go a long way to help this nation. The misconception that we are facing today is because of those that want to mislead the public.

“With your courage in reporting the truth, I believe we will be very far apart from those that want to tarnish the image of Nigeria.

“I want to say again that we are happy for the job well done,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Go into agro-business for sustainable employment- Gotomo

Go into agro-business for sustainable employment- Gotomo

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By Ahmed Dantala

Mr Abubakar Gotomo, founder of Gotomo Farms and Wildlife Services, has urged the youths to explore agro-business as a pathway to sustainable employment.

 

Gotomo made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Diko, Niger on Sunday.

 

NAN reports that agriculture offers a significant pathway to sustainable employment in Nigeria, particularly when focusing on sustainable farming practices.

 

These practices, such as crop rotation, agro-forestry, and efficient water management, can boost yields, reduce costs, and improve resilience to climate change.

 

“People should aspire to come into agriculture to pursue such a business that they can be rich within the shortest possible time. When you pursue it, you do it according to the best practice, be rest assure you will make your money.

 

“Here at Gotomo farm, we have about 36 concrete fish ponds, we have over 10 earthen farms for fish production. But I’m just giving a simple example of one pond farm which has the capacity to store 2,500 catfish.

 

‘’2,500 catfish, if well fed, within 100 to 120 days, they can grow to the table size. Three of them can give you one kg, averagely, If you are lucky, two can give you one kg, but three can give you one kg.

 

‘’At a conservative price now, a kg can give you 2,000. Now imagine, as a graduate, you have one pond farm of 2,500 catfish. You manage it in 120 days; you’d be rest assured of going with a profit of two million Naira.’’

 

He added that the agriculture sector remains a veritable means of opportunity, saying the value chain is even more significant.

 

‘’Even if it’s in the service of input, providing input, selling, marketing, transportation, actively performing on the farm. So, I encourage our graduates, don’t wait. You have no time to wait.

 

‘’You are a fresh graduate from the NYSC, come, try to get that orientation. As soon as you finish your NYSC, please go to the farm, the job is there waiting for you.’’

 

Gotomo said that the search for economic independence was his drive and motivation to go into agri-business.

 

“I left the civil service very early because I have been naturally an independent person. And at the civil service I realised that I have a lot of restrictions and limitations and I can’t achieve my aspirations as a civil servant.

 

“With the civil service I discovered that promotion is your limit, you can’t go beyond promotion. Your competency, your experience, your expertise is not enough for you to secure any job.

 

‘’You have still to go and start lobbying here and there. I feel, no, I have to look for something more independent. With food production, people must eat and you have access to market when you produce, people must buy.

 

‘’The fact that you graduate does not mean that you should go and be a servant to anybody. That education should serve as a light that will help you to pursue any venture, so I went into adventure,’’ he said.

 

Gotomo said that contamination of the soil, chemical application, post-harvest management, application of preservatives and pesticides, are factors affecting the quality and health of the food.

 

He said that the Gotomo farm uses organic principles in order to give out products that are healthy enough and safe for human consumption.

 

“We are trying to train people, all the people working here with us, then those coming in to get training, we give them those principles. And with that, gradually, we can scale our food system and ensure food security.

 

“Food security is not just about the availability of food alone. It is also about the quality of that food,’’ he said.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Young farmers urge local food production, livestock expansion

Young farmers urge local food production, livestock expansion

196 total views today

By Daniel Obaje

Young agriculturists in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, have called on the Federal Government to increase support for local food producers to boost livestock farming and reduce dependence on imported animal products.

 

The farmers made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at their integrated livestock and crop farm in Mararaba, as part of a field report on sustainable agriculture and youth participation.

 

Mr Ogese Samuel, an economist and co-manager of the farm, said that the project was set up to promote food security, create employment and demonstrate the profitability of agriculture among young people in Nigeria.

 

“We rear catfish, broilers, local chickens, turkey, rabbit, snail, earthworm and pigs. All are sold locally and the business is very profitable.

 

“Our goal is to support the national food system and create jobs. But we need funds to expand. With the population rising, the demand for protein is increasing daily.”

 

He noted that in spite of the challenges of manpower and capital, the farm continues to grow.

 

He highlighted the need for government-backed loans, youth-targeted grants and access to reliable markets to scale up their impact.

 

“Agriculture has inelastic demand; people must eat every day. What we need is support to grow our capacity”

 

He also emphasised the importance of food safety, saying the farm maintains strict hygiene standards and collaborates with Nasarawa State inspection teams to ensure compliance with health regulations.

 

Miss Maranata Fadawa, a director in the farm, encouraged young Nigerians to embrace agriculture rather than turning to crime or fraud.

 

“Farming is hard work but comes with dignity and reward. We need to stop being lazy and do what will bring us honest income”

 

The experts urged the government and development partners to invest more in training and mentorship programmes that can expose young people to manage modern farming techniques.

 

They added that with the right support, agriculture can become a key driver of youth employment and national economic growth.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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