NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Turkey culinary enriched by countless civilisations- Envoy
Foreign

Turkey culinary enriched by countless civilisations- Envoy

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By Mark Longyen

Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, says the country has one of the world’s richest culinary traditions because Turkish foods have been enriched by traces of countless civilisations for centuries.

The envoy made this known during an interactive session with select diplomatic correspondents whom he hosted to a dinner on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was part of activities lined up to celebrate this year’s Turkish Cuisine Week in Türkiye and around the world.

The event is celebrated annually from May 21 to May 27 through various events across the world and in the country.

Poroy explained that centuries of peoples’ migration from different cultures and races to Turkey had culminated in Turkey becoming a melting pot for all aspects of life, including culinary traditions.

According to him, through the annual Turkish Cuisine Week, Turkey has continued to share its rich ‘gastronomic culture’ with the rest of the world.

He said that this year’s celebration aimed to build intercultural bridges with a focus on the backbone of Turkish cuisine’s “Classic Dishes.”

Commenting on the bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and Turkey, the ambassador disclosed that plan was underway to scale up the current trade volume to a target of 5 billion dollars.

He said the high number of travelers between the two countries with about 16 flights weekly required bolstering bilateral ties, and expanding visa centres to other big cities, apart from Abuja and Lagos.

 

NAN reports that Turkey’s Classic Dishes symbolise its cuisine’s traditional, healthy, and waste-free culinary heritage, which stand out as the shining gems of the cuisine, embodying natural rich flavors with unique preservation and cooking techniques.

Each dish reflects the traces of centuries-old traditions from Anatolia’s fertile soil and showcases the diversity of the Turkish cuisine and its universal value through their simplicity and natural flavors.

In Turkey, traditional dishes are far more than a collection of recipes, they are an intrinsic part of its culture, often bringing people together at the dinner table in a way that fosters connection and shared understanding.

They also offer a family-friendly start for those who want to get to know Turkish culture better as the basic recipes and products that shape the local cuisine of 81 provinces offer a colorful range of flavors in national celebrations.

The events at Turkey’s foreign missions reflect the warmth of the traditional Turkish hospitality, where different cultures come together at the tables and get to know each other without prejudice.

Dignitaries who attended the weeklong event, which began earlier in the week, included members of the Diplomatic Corps, comprising many foreign ambassadors to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

Also, some top officials of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs were in attendance.

The business community, including Mr Uche Osoka, Co-chair, Nigeria-Turkey Business Council, and Mr Tevfik Demirel, Head of Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association’s Nigeria branch, among others, also graced the event.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Lagos state says has no issue of LG autonomy
General News

Lagos state says has no issue of LG autonomy

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By Aderonke Ojediran

The Lagos State Government has reiterated that the issue surrounding the local government autonomy was not applicable in the state.
It said that the council chairmen had unfettered access to their federal allocations.
Mr Bolaji Robert, the  Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, stated this during the Ministerial Press Briefing marking the second year of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, held at Alausa, Ikeja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Supreme Court, in a landmark judgement on July 11 2024, affirmed the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s 774 local government councils.
The court had granted them the authority to manage their funds, collect revenues, and allocate resources without interference from state governments.
The ruling was hailed as a major step toward strengthening local government independence and improving grassroots governance.
In spite of this, several state governors have opposed the ruling, resulting in delays in its implementation over the past year.
Robert said: “The issue of Local Government autonomy is alien to the government of Lagos State. Our local governments are receiving their funds without hindrance. We do not owe any local government.
“This is why Lagos local governments are ahead of others in terms of roads, healthcare, and infrastructure.
 “Investigations will show that the state has no involvement with local government funds since this administration began.”
On traditional rulers in Lagos, Robert disclosed that since Sanwo-Olu’s administration commenced, 50 Obas had been installed, including 17 first-class.
He highlighted the installation of Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, as a notable example, noting that further appointments were underway.
Also, Robert announced that families of deceased staff from the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Local Government have received N775.07 million in insurance benefits to support the bereaved.
“The ministry has continued to engage with council chairmen through periodic meetings and strategic tours across the 57 Councils, promoting adherence to administrative guidelines.”
”In the past year, the Ministry approved 85 capital projects for local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs), and issued N775,071,226.16 as insurance benefits to 271 beneficiaries.
”To ensure due process, the ministry issued 14 circulars regulating council activities, 43 special licences, 12 church licences, and supplied 176 marital documents for conducting marriages within the State’s LGAs and LCDAs.
”These efforts underscore the administration’s commitment to strengthening local governance and social welfare across Lagos State, ” he said.
On rural development, the commissioner said the ministry provided 80 water and sanitation projects, while it also issued 61 approval letters of state recognition to traditional rulers in the state.
He also announced a comprehensive plan to significantly advance agriculture and community development through several key initiatives.
The commissioner said that more than 2,000 young people and women farmers were receiving extensive training in aquaculture and digital skills, aimed at empowering them with new capabilities.
Robert said, ”The government is supplying crucial tools and resources to strengthen food production, including land and essential equipment, to two hundred farms.”
He said the initiatives highlight the state’s dedication to fostering economic prosperity, enhancing living standards, and cultivating robust, resilient communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Esenvosa Izah / Ekemini Ladejobi
Dangote, Niger forge multi-billion Naira agric partnership
Agriculture

Dangote, Niger forge multi-billion Naira agric partnership

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In a major boost to commercial agriculture in Nigeria, the Dangote Group and the Niger State Government are fostering sectoral partnership worth billions of Naira.

The conglomerate said significant investment has been deployed into the company’s rice production infrastructure in the state, even as it is partnering the Government on the Niger Food initiative.

The Niger Food initiative is an agricultural development programme launched by the State Government in partnership with private sector players like the Dangote Group.

Senior Special Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Fatima Abdurrahman, said the company’s state-of-the-art rice mill in Wushishi is “progressing steadily and on track for completion.”

Speaking Thursday at the official opening of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, she said: “As part of our commitment to advancing agriculture, we plan to establish one of the largest rice mills here in Niger State.”

Dangote Group is one of the sponsors of the 21st Trade Fair organized by the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA).

Speaking on the theme: Commercial Agriculture as the Major Contributor to Sub National Economic Growth and National GDP, she said: “This initiative is expected to enhance food security and generate significant employment opportunities for the state’s population.

“This landmark project represents a significant step forward in bolstering the food security initiatives of the State. Upon its delivery, the mill is expected to enhance local rice production, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the agricultural development of Nigeria.”

According to her, the 32 Metric Tonnes Per Hour Mill is a cutting-edge facility developed on a 30-hectare site, designed to enhance rice production and storage capacity in the State.

“This state-of-the-art facility incorporates the latest innovations in rice milling technology, ensuring high efficiency, minimal waste, and premium-quality output. Once operational, it will not only boost local rice production but also strengthen the entire agricultural value chain, from farm to market,” she added.

She said the project was expected to generate employment opportunities, support local farmers with necessary inputs like fertilizer and seedlings, and contribute to the State’s food security goals.

“We will source the rice from local out growers and act as 100% off takers of the production at competitive market prices. The Dangote Rice Mill will also feature an on-site captive power generation facility capable of producing 5.8 megawatts of electricity. The project aligns with broader efforts to reduce reliance on the national grid.”

She added that close to Wushishi, the company is constructing 32 silos, each with a storage capacity of 2,500 metric tons of paddy rice.

In his remark, Gov. Muhammed Bago, who was represented by the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Aminu Takuma, said the state government was opening up the state for investment in commercial agriculture.

He commended the Dangote Group, and urged it to take advantage of several investment opportunities and the conducive environment in the state.

He also announced that plans was afoot to make the Niger Trade Fair an international event.

Speaking earlier, President of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Dr Bisi Adeniyi, called on the private sector to take advantage of the massive land in Niger State, and invest in agriculture.

In his remarks, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, who was represented by Dr Suleiman Ladan, said commercial agriculture is central to the President Bola Tinubu economic development agenda.

Niger trains 50 as business development service providers
General News

Niger trains 50 as business development service providers

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By Rita Iliya

Niger Government has completed a three-day training for 50 first class graduates as Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to assist small business start-ups and existing businesses.

The training, organised by Niger government through the Office of the Special Adviser to Gov. Umaru Bago on Social Investment Programme, Hajiya Hauwa Bako, was facilitated by the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students were selected from the Association of First Class Students in Niger State.

At the conclusion of the training on Thursday, Bako said that the training was aimed at equipping the participants with skills to become consultants and support small businesses in their communities.

Bako said that the participants were expected to be self-reliant and give back to their communities what they learned during the training.

She said the training was part of a fully-funded Niger state government project that hoped to provide every local government with an expert in business development.

Bako disclosed that the state government was in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre on a funded programme with MasterCard Foundation to train about 10,000 youths, particularly females, in the state.

The special adviser said that the participants would be equipped to support small businesses in various aspects, including business planning, operations, and financial management.

She advised the participants to see the training as a lifetime opportunity to become consultants, not only in the state, but also globally.

Bako also disclosed that the trained BDSPs would receive certificates and continuous virtual training, enabling them to support small businesses and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

The facilitator at the training,  Mr Adegboyega Adebajo, said the training focused on analytical skills, business planning, operations, and human resource management.

“The participants will be able to solve problems and come up with solutions that would work for small businesses,” he said.

In their remarks, Sahadatu Mua’zu, Mohammed Mohammed, and Yakubu Abdullahi, who are participants, described the training as interactive, impactful, and educative.

“The training brought about networking and taught courses that people pay outside to get, but it has been brought to us for free,” Mohammed said.

Abdullahi said that the training has been impactful as it has added to their business knowledge and expressed their commitment to apply the skills acquired to support small businesses in their communities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Joe Idika

Senior Advocate says Benue Appeals Tribunal verdict upheld judicial integrity
Judiciary

Senior Advocate says Benue Appeals Tribunal verdict upheld judicial integrity

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By Kayode Adebiyi

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and international human rights lawyer, Mohammed Ndarani, says the Benue Appeals Tribunal has exhibited commendable judicial integrity in the appeals from the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal.

 

Ndarani, who spoke in Abuja on Thursday, said the judgments at the tribunal earlier given by non-judicial panel members, was an undermining of the judiciary.

 

He asserted that the new judicial officers currently handling the cases would rectify all the challenges and lapses of the former panel members, and restore confidence in the nation’s judiciary.

 

Ndarani, who is lead counsel for the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, spoke after judgments in seven appeals were delivered on Thursday wherein the election and return of incumbent elected councillors was upheld by the appeal tribunal.

 

He reaffirmed that the judiciary owed an obligation to God, their conscience, and the society, adding that the judgments so far delivered were a reflection of the glaring attributes of competent judicial officers.

 

Meanwhile, other appeals in the cases pending before the appeal tribunal are to be heard on May 26 after which judgement would be awaited.

 

Ndarani appreciated the team of Legal practitioners working for and on behalf of the state and independent candidates for their tireless efforts, and also appreciated the judiciary for the industry put into the sound judgments.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

2025 Hajj: NAHCON tasks clerics on sensitisation
Foreign

2025 Hajj: NAHCON tasks clerics on sensitisation

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By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged its Ulama team to sensitise Nigerian pilgrims on the rudiments of the pilgrimage before performing Hajj rites.

 

Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, NAHCON Commissioner Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), said this while speaking with newsmen in Madina on Wednesday.

 

“Yesterday I was busy with Ulama team. I had three meetings with them, with their groups, where we sensitised them about their responsibilities in this Hajj operation.

 

“We categorise them into three. There are those that are preaching to enlighten our pilgrims on how to perform their Hajj, and there are those who are to pray for our country.

 

“There is one group that will ask and answer pilgrims’ questions. If any pilgrim has problem in knowing what to do, they will ask and they will get answers, ” he said.

 

He said before he left Nigeria for Madina, the Hajj operation was going smoothly.

 

“In terms of airlifting the pilgrims, all our centres of evacuation, our pilgrims were okay. And I know also, before coming, I was hearing the report from Madina that everything is going smoothly,” he said.

 

He said the commission’s medical team also briefed him on how it had been performing since the beginning of the operation.

 

“I met with some of our medical doctors and they briefed me on how they have been going through since the beginning of the operation. Alhamdulillahi, there is no challenge that they cannot solve,” he said.

 

He said that the medical team had drugs, amd it had established medical outposts to attend to patients.

 

“They are treating our pilgrims without any problem. So far, so good. They have not told me any case that is difficult for them to solve,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

25,075 Nigerian pilgrims transported to Makkah with Nusuk cards – NAHCON
Foreign

25,075 Nigerian pilgrims transported to Makkah with Nusuk cards – NAHCON

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By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says 25,075 Nigerian pilgrims have so far been transported to Makkah from Madina with their Nusuk cards.

Alhaji Abdulkadri Oloyin, the Coordinator, Madina NAHCON Office, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Madina on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made it mandatory for pilgrims from all countries participating in the 2025 hajj to have Nusuk cards displaying their details.

The ministry explained that the card was for easy identification of genuine pilgrims as well as for gaining access to the holy sites in Makkah.

Oloyin, who said that no pilgrims left Madina for Makkah without Nusuk cards, said that NAHCON had already collected 25,075 Nusuk cards.

“They have already been collected by Nigeria and distributed to our pilgrims. And if you compare it with the number of those that have left Madina for Makkah, it is accurate.

“Anyone that has not collected it, there may be those who will move among officials ahead, but they have registered them, and they will collect their Nusuk cards.

“As for ordinary pilgrims, all their Nusuk cards have been issued already,” the NAHCON coordinator said.

According to him, NAHCON’s work has been very commendable but in everything, there must be challenges.

“But there is no serious challenge that has not been attended to.

“The biggest challenges that we had when we started the operation in Madina was cooperation from the local authorities,” he said.

Je said that instead of issuing the Nusuk cards in Makkah, the Saudi authorities brought it down to Madina.

He said that this was done to ensure that no pilgrim left Madina for Makkah without having Nusuk.

“This is done so that it will not cause a lot of traffic at the eve of entering Mashair.

“All pilgrims, including officials, were issued an urgent visa. They directed us to drop our passport at the airport.

“The purpose of dropping the passport at the airport is for them to make arrangements for each one of the Nusuk,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

U.S. shifting to ‘investment-led’ strategy in Africa- Senior official
Foreign

U.S. shifting to ‘investment-led’ strategy in Africa- Senior official

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U.S. trade with Africa ‘will be much more focused around a reciprocal relationship, one that addresses the needs on both sides,’ says ambassador Troy Fitrell.

Ambassador Troy Fitrell, senior official at the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, said that Washington is “very directly, very intentionally” shifting toward an “investment-led” strategy in Africa.

“The future of the U.S. trade with Africa “will be much more focused around a reciprocal relationship, one that addresses the needs on both sides,” Fitrell said at an online news conference.

He said trade reflects an “exchange between equals” in an activity, unlike the assistance-led paradigm that the U.S. had in the past, which involved “a donor and a recipient, instead of having it being negotiated with equals.”

Fitrell said he tasked ambassadors to “go out and find” commercial opportunities to advocate for US companies, identify opportunities, push for market reforms to enhance the business environment and engage host governments on those issues.

He said as the U.S’ African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) marches to its end date, “it is our Congress who has the responsibility to revise, renew, or re-establish it.”

The envoy added that “if there’s going to be a renewal of AGOA, it will probably reflect the modern world rather than the one from 25 years ago when it was first founded.”

AGOA is a special law enacted in the year 2000 that grants duty-free access to nearly 40 sub-Saharan African nations to US markets.(AA/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Mark Longyen)

Dangote funds women entrepreneurs in Benue
General News

Dangote funds women entrepreneurs in Benue

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In a bold boost for women entrepreneurship in Nigeria, Dangote Cement Plc has empowered businesswomen in host communities in Benue with cash grants, thus deepening business activities in the State.

 

The women empowerment programme came months after the Dangote Cement in Gboko increased bursary payments to students of host communities by more than 100 per cent.

 

Mr Wakeel Olayiwola, Group Head, Social Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, disclosed this at the ceremony on Wednesday in Gboko.

 

“Through this scheme, selected women entrepreneurs in host communities will receive ₦100,000 grants each to strengthen and expand their businesses.

 

“The financial support aims to boost local enterprise development at the grassroots level, empowering female business owners with capital to scale their operations.

 

‘’Each beneficiary will use the funds to address specific business needs, from purchasing inventory to upgrading equipment, creating tangible economic impact in their communities.”

 

Olayiwola said that the empowerment would boost ability to invest in their families’ education, health, and well-being as well as break the cycle of poverty and enable positive change in their communities.

 

He said the programme would also enable the women to generate more income to reduce over-reliance on their husbands.

 

He said the money is a grant and would not be paid back to the Dangote Cement.

 

Olayiwola said traditional leaders of Quarry, Tse-Kucha, Amua, Mbazembe, Mbatur and Pass Brothers host communities, as well as the Dangote Community Consultative Committee were involved in the selection of beneficiaries.

 

He said the company would monitor progress of the women entrepreneurs and evaluate how the money is being invested.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Dangote Cement Plc and six host communities signed a historic Community Development Agreement (CDA) in 2024.

 

The acting Plant Director, Munusamy Murugan, said the empowerment would be an annual event.

 

Murugan, who was represented by Tavershima Soom, said that other economic empowerment programmes lined up include farmers programme and youth skill acquisition programme.

 

In his remarks, Head of the Social Performance, Gboko Plant, Johnson Kor, said that the company would continue to support members of the communities, urging them to be good ambassadors of the Dangote Cement Plc.

 

Ruth Tser, a beneficiary, said she would invest the money in her cassava farming business, while commending the company for the support.

 

Similarly, Mrs Vishigh Msurshiona, pledged to use the money to grow her trade in commodities.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Niger assembly approves governor’s N70bn bond request
Economy/Business

Niger assembly approves governor’s N70bn bond request

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By Rita Iliya

The Niger State House of Assembly has approved a ₦70 billion bond request by Gov. Umaru Bago to finance infrastructure projects in the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bond was approved during the plenary session in Minna on Tuesday following its review by the House Committee on Finance, which presented its report to the House.

 

Chairman of the Committee, Aliyu Wushishi, said the bond request was part of a planned ₦100 billion Private Bond issuance for 10 years.

 

The House unanimously adopted the committee recommendation and approved the request of its report

 

The Speaker of the House, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, directed the Clerk of the House to transmit the formal approval to the executive.

 

NAN recalls that the house had on May 15 during its plenary session presided by Afiniki Dauda, Deputy Speaker, read the executive correspondence announcing Bago’s desire to seek the bond.

 

The correspondence revealed that the State Executive Council, at its 55th sitting on April 22, approved the issuance of the N70 billion out of the N100 billion Niger State 2025 bond raise programme.

 

In the letter to the House, the governor disclosed that the bond issue aimed to finance critical projects in healthcare, education, infrastructure, water supply, and inter- and intra-state connectivity. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Ismail Abdulaziz

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