The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it will review its operating procedures to encourage safety awareness, following Saturday’s tanker explosion in Niger.
Mr Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive, NMDPRA, said this on Sunday when he visited the site of the petrol tanker explosion.
He said after receiving a preliminary report of the accident, the authority would carry out further investigation, and come up with measures to prevent reoccurrence.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that scores of residents were burnt to death with several others sustaining varying degrees of injuries following the explosion of a petrol-laden tanker at Dikko Junction, Gurara, Niger.
The inspection team included oil stakeholders such as the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), branch of NUPENG.
(2nd Left) Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community, NMDPRA, during a visit to the site of the petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara, Niger
Ahmed, represented by Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community, NMDPRA, said the authority would collaborate with relevant stakeholders to enhance public awareness to avoid reoccurrence.
“From what we learnt, there was an accident, and from the accident, there was a spill, and people were scooping fuel. And this led to the incident that caused the loss of many lives yesterday.
“We will work with the stakeholders to review our standard operating procedures; we should have a proper safety arrangement to prevent such accidents.
“We have requisite training within the sector that encourages safety awareness,” he said.
NAN also reports that the NMDPRA team visited the Musa Yar’Adua Memorial Hospital, Sabon-Wuse, Niger, where the explosion victims were taken for medical attention.
Dr Musa Lafaruma, Head, Hospital Services, confirmed that 28 people were brought to the hospital on the day of the explosion, but three of them died leaving only one survivor.
According to him, many of the victims were taken to other hospitals for medical attention by their family members. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Tchiani’s rhetoric: Time to silence Nigeria’s adversaries by crushing insurgency
News Analysis by Abdullahi Mohammed, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
The Niger Republic’s maximum ruler, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, during his 2024 Christmas Day nationwide broadcast alleged that Niger’s neighbours are backing terrorists operating in his territory.
Tchiani also alleged that a military base for France was about to be set in Borno, a Nigerian state, sharing a border with the Republic of Niger, a development he considered a threat to Niger’s
sovereignty.
“Before the blink of an eye, a French military base will be physically seen in Maiduguri, perhaps before the New Year and they will ‘fight’ Boko Haram.
“Then will begin to explore and prospect huge mineral resources and surely begin to exploit, harass, intimidate, kill, incapacitate, and annihilate the local people, which is typical of France’s presence in Africa,” he alleged.
Nigeria has debunked the allegations, as the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.- Gen. Edward Buba, dismissed the claim as fake and mischievous.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby state unequivocally that this information is fake, totally false, and mischievous. It would be recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, recently addressed this matter in various media forums, where he debunked such news and speculations.
“Accordingly, the general public is urged to disregard these claims and speculations that are still circulating in some quarters. It is clear that these are the antics of mischief makers,’’ he said.
Similarly, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesman in Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the allegations as baseless.
“These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety.
“It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, and it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
“The ministry assures that Nigeria will continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries,” he said.
The Political Counselor to the Embassy of France in Nigeria, Mr Bertrand de Seissan also described Tchiani’s allegations as groundless.
“This has never been discussed or suggested by either France or Nigeria,” Bertrand said, adding that the topic has never been discussed nor even suggested by either France or Nigeria.
Rather than raise unnecessary dust and hit up military tension, what is expected from the Niger military ruler is maximum cooperation with Nigeria to protect the lives and interests of peoples of the region, be they Nigerians or Nigeriens.
Rather than raise unnecessary dust and hit up military tension, what is expected from the Niger military ruler is maximum cooperation with Nigeria to protect the lives and interests of peoples of the region, be they Nigerians or Nigeriens.
Even residents of the Lake Chad area find Niger government’s public utterances ill conceived.
“The Boko Haram issue on Lake Chad should be a subject of discussion for Tchiani, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, President Idriss Déby of Chad and President Paul Biya of Cameron.
“Certainly not this fictitious France Military base,” said Bulama Sa’adu, a resident in one of the Lake Chad communities.
Sa’adu is right, especially when looking at the challenges faced by Gov. Babagana Zulum in his Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement efforts for no fewer than two million Boko Haram insurgency survivors.
Alhaji Abubakar Gamandi, the Chairman, Lake Chad Basin Fishermen Association of Nigeria, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the Boko Haram insurgents were not out for reconciliation.
Gamandi expressed optimism that the best option was to fight them and free the teeming farming and fishing communities who have been subjected to economic and social slavery by the insurgents.
Gamandi predicted that the Nigerian military would crush the insurgents within three to four months if they are pushed to do so.
There have been concerns about the safety of the survivors in most of the communities where Zulum administration is planning to resettle them as they remain vulnerable to trans-boundary attacks.
When he visited some southern Borno communities in November for that purpose, he said he would push for the establishment of a Brigade Command in the area to combat the security challenge.
To many, the decision of the governor to lobby for the establishment of Brigade Command is a welcome development.
The Emir of Askira, Dr Albdullahi Askirama II, told the governor that out of the 12 district heads under his domain, eight have abandoned their communities and are currently staying with him.
“The soldiers are trying their best but your esteemed office must intervene and call for reinforcement of security forces in our communities.
“We share borders with Sambisa, Chibok and other volatile communities where the insurgents can easily attack.
“We want you to continue to help us as it were and help our district heads to return to their communities,” the traditional ruler pleaded with Zulum.
For instance, when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt– Gen. Olufemi Oluyede visited Borno in December, he pledged to boost the morale of the troops to end Boko Haram attacks.
“I believe we can make an end to this insecurity within the region.
“I am soliciting more support from you, the governor and also to request the people. It is high time we stop the whole thing because we will continue to be on the same course.
“We have been fighting this for the past 15 years. I think it is time for us to put an end to it,” he said.
No matter the insinuations by Niger, for strategic reasons, security experts say Nigeria cannot give up any inch of its territory in the Lake Chad Basin.
There is evidence of crude oil reserves and other materials in the area. It is also rich in maritime resources, including fish.
“Ninety five per cent of those fishing on Niger’s territory in Lake Chad, including the traders, are Nigerians.
“Again on the side, Chad, about 50 per cent of the fishermen too, and those trading in fish are Nigerians.
“Similarly, about 60 per cent of those fishing on the Cameroonian side of Lake Chad, and those trading in fish too, are also Nigerians,” said fishermen chief, Gamandi.
He also explained that the Nigerian market in Doron Baga is the central market where all the traders from Niger, Cameroon and Chad supply their goods.
“But unfortunately this lucrative business is no longer booming, partly due to insurgency and the inaction of the military who are not handling the matter as serious as it should be,” Gamandi said.
The Doron Baga market alone, according to the fisherman, has been supplying from 50 to 70 truckloads of smoked-fish weekly to Nigerian Markets.
He said that the market’s weekly turnover is worth more than one billion naira on the average, from every week consecutively for three months in a year.
“It is estimated that about one million people benefit from fishing value chains on the Nigerian side alone throughout the year.
Given its enormous contribution to the wellbeing of the peoples of the Basin, Gamandi says partnership was vital to ensure that the decline in productivity in the area was halted.
“As we speak, the productivity in this business has gone down by about 90 per cent due to insurgency problems.
“Today Boko Haram insurgents are collecting royalty before allowing citizens to cultivate or embark on fishing.
“People pay at least N50, 000 before they will be allowed to farm in a small farmland while fishermen pay about N30,000.
“Those who think that the Lake Chad Basin has little value to offer to Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon are making a mistake,’’ Gamandi said.
His assertions are corroborated by Zulum who says the Lake is capable of providing employment opportunities to the vulnerable and underserved populations.
“Unfortunately because of insurgency, the entire shore of Lake Chad has become deserted. Nobody is there and the area has become a safe haven for members of Boko Haram insurgents.
“The socio-economic dynamics of insurgency has to be looked into not necessarily kinetic measures. We cannot deal with them completely using kinetic measures.
The Boko Haram insurgency is an international terrorist group. Boko Haram killing and banditry affect Nigerians, Nigeriens, Chadians and Cameroonians alike.
Rather than stoke security tension, political and security actors such as the Nigerien ruling junta should continue to explore military and political cooperation options.
A review of the fight against insurgency in West Africa is long overdue. Tinubu being Chairman of ECOWAS should champion the process.
To crush Boko Haram and silence enemies of Nigeria is a task Nigeria’s military must accomplish. The time to do the needful is now. (NANFeatures)
**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says the 2025 budget is predicated on 2.062 million barrels crude oil production at 75 dollars per barrel.
Nigeria’s current production is averaging 1.7 million barrels leaving a deficit of about 350,000 barrels to be bridged.
Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC made this known on Thursday in Abuja at the inaugural Petroleum Industry Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Komolafe said in order to avert the budget deficit and revenue gap, the commission inaugurated the “Project One Million Barrel per Day Incremental Production Initiative” during its third year anniversary in 2024.
This initiative, he said, entailed that every player within the upstream value chain could operate in one-stop shop economic system as against operating in silos thereby failing to leverage optimum capability and economic of scale.
He said the Commission had developed a template to identify the “Needs“ of every player within the value chain with a view to meeting the gaps arising from the needs of each player which could be met by another player.
“This is expected to create synergy, networking and leveraging on the capabilities of every player within the value chain.
“The Commission in 2024 set an agenda for the industry through the rolling out of Regulatory Action Plan (RAP) focused on regulatory predictability, future licencing rounds policy and implementation, among others.
“The Commercial Bid Conference for the 2024 Bid Round was conducted December 2024, where winning and reserve bidders emerged for each block on offer.
“The conference was conducted real-time online via technology adoption in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Finance, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), and the General Public,” he said.
The bid round, he said, was in accordance with the provisions of Section 74 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) to ensure an open, transparent, and competitive bid process as provisioned in Section 73(1)(a) of the PIA.
He said the adoption of a real-time online Commercial Bid Conference which was the first of its kind in the nation’s over 70 years in exploration and production history was to entrench transparency and attract investor’s confidence.
He said in line with boosting Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming the energy hub of the continent, the NUPRC, through the National Data Repository (NDR) had provided a building to host the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) Headquarters in Abuja.
The gesture, he said, would fast-track the operationalisation of the bank, which would dovetail into job creation and oil and gas business financial support.
He said the upstream sector experienced growth in the national oil and gas reserves by 1.45 per cent and 0.206 per cent respectively in 2024.
According to Komolafe, the active rig count increased from an average of eight in 2021 to 38 currently, representing 79 per cent growth.
He said with effective collaboration with the security agencies, the theft and deferment had reduced drastically by more than 40 per cent in 2024.
Komolafe, however, lauded the ministers of state petroleum resources oil and gas for their leadership in steering the industry growth at this period when the economy is focusing on the oil sector to bridge production gap to fund the 2025 budget.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum offers the stakeholders an opportunity for broad assessment of the industry, identifying challenges and brainstorming, with a view to proffering solutions for sustainable development in the sector. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The National Hydro Electric Power Producing Areas Commission (N-HYPPADEC), says the rehabilitation works of the over 20 years moribund Bida water works has reached 90 per cent completion stage.
Dr Itilatyaa Daniel, the Director of Engineering and Technical Services in the commission, said this during the confirmatory test of five MVA transformers purchased by the commission at the site in Bida on Thursday.
Represented by Suleiman Ajibola-Adebara, the director said the rehabilitation would solve the perennial water scarcity in Bida and environs.
According to him, the five MVA transformers will be install soon to fasttrack commissioning of the project.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the revitalisation of the Bida Mana Water Works has gained momentum with the supply of transformers by the commission to hasten power supply to the upgraded treatment plant.
The Head of Electrical Division of the commission, Ibrahim Adamu-Haruna noted that the transformers for the running of the treatment pumps purchased by Niger Government over time, had been test-run and confirmed satisfactory.
Adamu-Haruna said that the 11 KVA line was upgraded to 33 KVA, which was sufficient to run the pumps accordingly.
He said the plant was designed with 5,000 cubic metres capacity per hour, thereby alleviating the sufferings of an estimated two million beneficiaries in the area.
The contractor handling the project, Shafi’yi Yabagi said the project covered expansion of reticulation system, provision of more booster stations, treatment plant and reservoir, among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Available statistics from the UNICEF shows that Nigeria accounts for over two million un-immunised children, including zero dose children globally.
According to health experts, zero dose children are children that lack access to or were never reached by routine immunisation service providers.
The UNICEF Chief of Kano Field Office, Mr Rahama Mohammed-Farah, said recently that there are over 500,000 unimmunised children in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, perhaps the worst hit region in the country.
He said this in Kano at the inauguration of a immunisation song entitled: “No More Zero Dose” aimed at motivating parents to give their children and wards more access to immunisation services.
Mohammed-Farah said the song featured some top music stars and UNICEF supporters from Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Cameroon and Guinea, like Cobhams, WAJE, Master Soumy, Sekouba Bambino and Ali Nuhu, among others.
“The #NoMoreZeroDose song sheds the light on the urgent and critical need for increased immunisation coverage in West and Central Africa.
“We, therefore, need to spread the message through this song of the importance of immunisation, and the imperative of getting every child under five fully immunised,” he urged.
According to him, in Katsina State alone, there are 171,491 zero dose children, pointing out that “zero dose children are at risk of vaccine preventable diseases, including polio”.
Experts urge UNICEF to produce the song in the local languages, especially the country’s three major languages namely: Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, for it to make desired impact.
To change the narrative in Katsina State, the state government in collaboration with development partners such as UNICE continue to evolve strategies to ensure that all eligible children are immunised.
The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda recently said that: “vaccination is a fundamental right of every child”.
He said this at the inauguration of healthcare and routine immunisation coordination center, incinerator and distribution of 163 motorcycles to health workers.
Radda said healthy children were the foundation of any prosperous society, adding that it was the duty of his administration to eliminate all barriers to immunisation and other health services.
“With these motorcycles, our health workers will be better equipped to reach remote and un-served areas, ensuring that no child is left behind,” he said.
Mohammed-Farah explained that the UN institution supported Katsina government with the 163 motorcycles as part of the strategies to reach all eligible children across the state.
“They are part of the GAVI-funded Primary Healthcare Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“It is a three-year initiative aimed at strengthening Routine Immunisation (RI) and primary healthcare systems to reduce morbidity and mortality, amongst children,” Mohammed-Farah said.
Meanwhile, UNICEF in collaboration with Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative (SASHIN) of Katsina governor’s wife, Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko-Radda, inaugurated another strategy called: “Gender Mainstreaming,” popularly known in local parlance as: “Majalisar Rigakafi”.
Zulaihat said the initiative was aimed at increasing immunisation acceptance by engaging male parents in routine immunisation and other primary healthcare-related issues.
“Over the years, we have made remarkable progress in improving access to healthcare.
“However, some challenges remain low immunisation uptake, misconceptions about the vaccines, and limited access to primary healthcare services.
“It is evident if we are to succeed in overcoming these challenges, we must adopt innovative, community-focused strategies that leverage the collective power of our people,” she said.
She said the new strategy was a platform that empowers both men and women to engage in open informal discussions about immunisation, antenatal care, child nutrition, and other primary healthcare services.
“In many communities, women bear the primary responsibility for health of their families, yet, they face barriers such as lack of support from their male counterparts or cultural norms that limit their decision-making power.
“Another unique feature of this initiative is its reliance on informal settings where people feel comfortable and heard, whether is a conversation under a tree, in market square, or during a family gathering.
“These interactions create opportunities to share accurate health information, dispel myths, and inspire action,” Zulaihat said.
Speaking as a panelist at the event, Takudzuwa Kanyangara, UNICEF Gender Development Manager, said recent Demographic and Health Survey showed good news for Katsina state on immunisation uptake.
“The good news is that, in Katsina State, the rate of immunisation is higher than 45 per cent.
“Gender plays a crucial role in both polio and routine immunisation efforts, as men are often the decision makers in households,” she said.
Still, in a goodwill message, the UNICEF Chief of Kano Field Office, represented by UNICEF Health Specialist, Hajiya Saudat Basheer, believed that engagement of men and fathers would significantly improve the immunisation coverage.
“Our children should not be dying from diseases that are easily preventable with vaccines.
“Fathers and men have come together to help us achieve the goal of zero dose and polio-free Katsina State.
“Our vision is to scale up this initiative so that all men and fathers become committed members, dedicated to making a difference in improving immunisation coverage and supporting global polio eradication,” he said.
The Executive Secretary, Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHDA), Dr Shamsudeen Yahaya, said the government engaged community health extension workers and midwives to boost healthcare services for women and children under the GAVI initiative.
Yahaya said that 1,260 community health influencers and promoters were trained to providing effective primary healthcare services, including routine immunisation in rural communities.
He further said the government rehabilitated 102 primary healthcare centres to boost healthcare services delivery for children and women, especially in rural areas across the state, among other.
Yahaya, during the distribution of the 163 motorcycles to health workers, identified insecurity as one of the major factors responsible for the law coverage of the immunisation in the communities affected by the menace.
He added that inadequate health workers was also hindering effective primary healthcare services delivery, as the state has only about 1,700 primary healthcare facilities.
“As we know, a lot of health workers are retiring, if we can have automatic replacement policy, it will go a long way to address human resources challenge in future,” he advised.
He also called for upward review of casual workers salary from N10,000 to at least N30,000 per month due to the current economic situation in the country.
The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Musa Adamu, also said that health is among the priority sectors of the present administration in the state.
According to Adamu, the state government will continue to take measures to boost effective healthcare service delivery.
However, in spite these efforts, the sector encounter some challenges that affect immunisation coverage and effective healthcare service delivery in the state.
Stakeholders should partner to comprehensively address all factors militating against immunistion, child survival and maternal health, says a health expert, Abdulbasir Kabir.
Some of the factors, he said, are misconceptions, poverty, and lack of commitment from the health workers.
On his part, Malam Abdulkadir Waisu, a gender advocate, said sometimes, parents deny their children and wards access to immunisation if they reacted to the previous one they took.
Whatever the challenges maybe experts urge governments and their development partners to intensify immunisation campaign through religious leaders and traditional rulers.
They say doing so would increase immunisation coverage and make children healthier with other multipliers implications for their future. (NANFeatures)
**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria.
An eonomic expert, Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu says the coming on stream of more refineries in the country is expected to crash the prices of petroleum products.
Ekechukwu, the Chief Executive Officer, Dignity Finance and Investment Ltd. said this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
According to him, this is in view of the re-streaming of the Warri Refinery.
Ekechukwu, who was skeptical on speaking about the functionality of the Warri refinery due to recent controversy and criticism surrounding the workability of the Port Harcourt Refinery, however, observed that there would be free market economy.
NAN reports that the Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company (WRPC) in Warri, Delta State, managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) commenced operations on Monday, after years of being moribund.
The 125,000 barrels per day (bpd) Warri refinery, which was currently operating at 60 per cent of installed capacity, resumed operations after the NNPC Ltd. restarted the 60,000 bpd old Port Harcourt refinery in November.
Though the prices of petroleum products had been staggering, but recently, Dangote refinery reduced the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its loading gantry, to sell at N935 per litre at retail outlets nationwide.
The NNPC Ltd. had also announced a reduction in the ex-depot price of petrol from N1,020 to N899 per litre, which is expected to trigger price war among marketers.
Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu, Economist/Chief Executive Officer, Dignity Finance and Investment Ltd.
The expert, while reacting to the awaited industry competition and economic potency of the coming on stream of Warri, Port Harcourt and Dangote refineries in the country foresaw more innovations.
“Free market economy means that there should be free entry and free exit. It also brings competition and prices of goods and services lower.
“That is what competition does. In fact, more refineries should come on board, and that will force the prices lower in the long run.
“It leads to more innovations, better quality and standards.
“That is what the existence of the refineries will bring on the table of downstream oil marketing in Nigeria.
“With the Dangote Refinery, Port Harcourt, Warri refineries and other modular refineries coming on stream, we are better for it as a country and as an economy,” he said.
He however said that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would also be enhanced while more employments would be created.
NAN reports that the Warri plant will focus on producing and storing critical products such as Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel), Household Kerosene (HHK), Naphtha, and Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO).
The plant, which is currently processing 75,000 barrels bpd which translates to 60 per cent of installed capacity, produces 2.9 million litres of diesel, 1.9 million litres of kerosene and 4.9 million litres of fuel oil.
NAN gathered that the production PMS, known as fuel will follow in the days ahead as other units of the refinery come on stream.
The 125,000bpd capacity Warri Refinery was commissioned in 1978.
It was shut down for rehabilitation in 2021 with Daewoo Engineering as the EPC contractor. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Yobe located in north-east Nigeria is being ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency, desert encroachment and other environmental challenges, a trend inhibiting sustainable social and economic development of the state.
With an estimated population of 3.6 million according to 2022 official records, over 75 per cent of the people engage in farming and animal rearing.
A substantial number of the inhabitants are engaged in local commercial activities leading to proliferation of village markets across the state.
Trading activities mainly on agricultural produce and livestock, especially in Potiskum, Nguru, Geidam, Yusufari, Gashua and Damaturu attract entrepreneurs from neighbouring states, as well as Niger and Chad.
Potiskum is one of leading cattle markets in West Africa, which suffered the brunt of the insurgents’ attacks in the past 10 years.
However, Yobe is not faring well in terms of the much-needed Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to stimulate infrastructure development to herald industrial and economic growth in spite of huge trade existing in major towns inYobe.
Yobe’s IGR in 2022 was N10.5 billion, making it one of the three lowest-performing states in Nigeria. The IGR has increased from N4.375 billion in 2018, to N8.515 billion in 2019, and N10.5 billion in 2022.
The improvement in IGR is attributable to the tax reforms being implemented by Gov. Mai Mala Buni since assumption of office in 2019.
To further build a sound foundation for rapid economic transformation, Buni initiated viable infrastructure development projects, agriculture and business support as well as youth and women empowerment programmes.
Postiskum
Potiskum modern market
The programmes, an integral part of the post-conflict recovery process, are designed to provide livelihoods, create jobs, reduce poverty and enhance wealth creation in the society, while encouraging industrial growth through public private partnerships.
To actualise his drive to transform the state’s economy via improved trade, the government constructed four modern markets with 3,200 shops in Potiskum, Damaturu, Nguru and Gashua.
Each of the markets was designed with 800 shops; 28 stores, a police station, parking slots, dumping sites, road network, a fire fighing unit, an administration block, etc.
An entrepreneur, Hashim Bomoi, said the establishment of the markets significantly provided an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He said the gesture would also boost trading activities and improved state’s revenue base.
In 2023, the Yobe government expended several billions of Naira on procurement and distribution of fertilisers, inputs, and equipment to small holder farmers across the 17 local government areas of the state.
More than 17,500 farmers each received fertilisers, seeds, chemicals, a planter, a power tiller, and knapsack sprayer, while a fleet of tractors and harvesters had been launched under a subsidised hiring scheme, to encourage agric mechanisation and boost productivity.
To encourage productivity, agriculture value addition, processing and export of cash crops, the Buni administration accomplished yet another milestone project by constructing a cargo airport, to ease transportation of agricultural produce and woo investors to the state.
Buni distributes free inputs/equipment to farmers
It has also completed the construction of a six-tonne per hour capacity sesame aggregation and processing plant in Machina town, while works on three other plants were at various stages of completion at Nguru, Potiskum and Damaturu.
Alhaji Kaigama Umar, Commissioner for Commerce, said that, “this is necessary because Yobe is a leading sesame producer in the country.
“The idea behind the establishment of sesame seed cleaning, processing and packaging factories was conceived by Mai Mala Buni shortly after assuming office.
“Factories like this accelerate industrialisation, which will help our farmers and enhance our IGR,” he said.
According to him, Yobe is the largest producer of sesame in the country, noting that the produce is being cultivated in a commercial quantity in Geidam, Yunusari, Nguru, Machina, among others.
He said sesame farmers in the areas would no longer have to travel to Kano to process their crops as the factory would be at their doorsteps.
“We are also inviting sesame farmers outside the state to come and take advantage of the facility,” he said.
The Buni administration prioritised promoting partnership with development partners, federal agencies and private sector to accelerate industrialisation of the state.
Fleet of tractors/harvesters
In this regard the state government has allocated 300 hectares of land to the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Agency (NEPZA), to support its activities, and establish its office close to the cargo airport.
“You should ensure efficient and speedy use of the land to enhance development.
“Government deliberately allocated the land to the agency close to the Cargo Airport, to stimulate trade and business activities in the state.
“You have great role to play in promoting export of agricultural produce including sesame seeds, gum arabic, livestock and other crops that are produced in great commercial quantities in the state,” Buni said while presenting Certificate-of-Occupancy to the NEPZA, Executive Secretary, Usman Bakori.
To further propel its development programme, the state entered into a similar partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), to enhance job creation for unemployed graduates.
Buni, who has expressed worry and shared the pain of unemployed youths, reiterated commitment to securing employment opportunities to the unemployed graduates, to enable them to meet the expectations of their families and live their lives with dignity and prosperity.
The government, therefore, began massive recruitment of unemployed university graduates, diploma holders, and National Certificate of Education graduates across the 178 wards in the state.
Buni believed that the youths trained by the state in various trades were not only gainfully employed but also employers of labour.
“This partnership occupies a very special place in the heart of our administration, and we are committed to secure more jobs for our youth.
“The government will explore the potential in each of the 17 local government areas to provide means of livelihood and economic prosperity to our youth,” he said.
Farmer support programme
Also, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, said the agency would partner the state towards providing employment opportunities for unemployed graduates.
“SMEDAN will drive, stimulate and coordinate development of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Yobe state, to promote self-sufficiency.
“The partnership will provide the benefitting graduates with skills to accelerate self-employment for economic prosperity,” Odii said during a visit to Buni.
While consolidating on the gains of partnership with SMEDAN, the Buni administration sealed another cooperation agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development (BADEA) on energy and agriculture development.
This followed successful negotiations, which focused on job creation and enhance security and infrastructure in the state.
The agreement seeks to encourage agricultural productivity, vocational training, infrastructural and energy development, as well as quality education and healthcare service delivery, and security to safeguard the environment.
Buni, who spoke at the signing of the agreement, said that, “we are passionate about agriculture being the major preoccupation of our people to improve food sufficiency, food security and economic development.
“Vocational training for our youth is another key sector to provide employment opportunities and economic growth in our reconstruction and recovery programme.
“The state government is also committed to improving the infrastructure to enhance socio-economic development in our quest to recover from the destruction by insurgency”.
He added that in spite of his administration’s huge investment in education, the sector still required more support in view of its capital intensive nature.
Dr Sidi Tah, the president of the bank, expressed satisfaction with the efforts made by the state government in the reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery efforts after decades of Boko Haram insurgency.
“We are impressed with your efforts and commitment to improving the lives of your people, we are ready to partner with your state to improve on the achievements made,” the president assured.
Experts are of the view that the Yobe government needs to initiate comprehensive tax administration reforms, to block leakages and boost state revenue base, to sustain the feat so far achieved in the economic recovery process. (NANFeatures) (www.nannews.ng)
**If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria
The Ahmadu Bello University Teaching University (ABUTH), Zaria, says it has concluded arrangements to engage 518 health professionals, to mitigate the impact of medical brain drain and enhance healthcare service delivery.
Prof. Ahmed Umdagas, Chief Medical Director of the hospital, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Zaria.
He said the hospital has a shortage of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health workers caused by the migration of healthcare professionals abroad, known as ‘Japa syndrome’.
Umdagas said the hospital had received over 7,500 applications at the expiration of the vacancy advertisement, while it got approval to recruit only 518 workers.
“We have completed the exercise and by the first quarter of 2025, the hospital will have additional 518 staff towards improving the human resources for health in the hospital.
“We believe that injecting this cohort of staff would greatly strengthen health outcomes in the facility,’’ he said.
On manpower development, Umdagas said the hospital trained 460 staff both local and overseas, geared towards improving health outcomes, adding that such training would improved in 2025.
According to Umdagas, the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has trained staff members on better ways to improve patient care, adding that the facility was working towards strengthening partnership with key stakeholders to enhance health outcomes.
He said the hospital was collaborating with the University of Miami, USA, on the treatment of ovarian cancer, under which a research initiative would be conducted on 70 patients globally.
“Of the 70 patients ABUTH would assess 20 patients, 10 would be done at Bahamas and the remaining 40 would be assessed at the University of Miami’’. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Former First Lady Aisha Buhari on Saturday made a stunning appearance at the 2024 Calabar Carnival Street Party with an impeccable style and elegance.
Her presence added a touch of sophistication to the carnival, renowned for its colourful costumes, mesmerising performances, and infectious energy.
Mrs Buhari’s fashion sense was on point, as she donned a pink outfit that showcased her taste and style.
The former first lady sat at the VIP area with other dignitaries to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds as seven competitive and seven non-competitive bands thrilled revellers with series of performances.
Her attendance at the carnival showed her commitment to promoting Nigerian culture.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governors AbdulRahman AbddulRasaq and Ahmed Ododo of Kwara and Kogi, members of the National Assembly and diplomats attended the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
UNWomen and the Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASHWAN) have unveiled an empowerment initiative for women living with HIV.
The organisations extended the gesture to other vulnerable groups, empowering them with life skills and start-up packs to enhance their economic independence.
Mrs Helen Akpan, Assistant National Secretary, ASWHAN, said this during a two-day training on Friday in Abuja.
She said the exercise would alleviate the current hardship faced by members and provide them with source of livelihood.
“We are training women living with HIV and other vulnerable women with skills acquisition for sustainability and to alleviate poverty.
“This will help in sustaining household livelihood for these women and their children, especially amidst the dwindling economy, which has overwhelmed a lot of people’s financial capacity.
“There is a need for them to have skills and economic empowerment, which will take care of their nutrition, drugs and other hospital services required,” she said.
She said that 50 women in the FCT would be exposed to poultry farming, ice block business and other skills, adding that start-up packs and equipments would be given to them to facilitate the training they acquired.
According to her, the women will be grouped into clusters to form a cooperative, to enable them to access loans and other services to more financially independent.
“This is going to be extended to other states because we want to change the narratives for our members regarding depending on others. It is one of the causes of Gender Based Violence (GBV),” she said.
Mr Martin-Mary Falana, a Consultant, said the participants would also be empowered on identifying profitable business opportunities, innovative ideas for marketing and selling
He said they would be trained on how to form and manage a Village Savings and Loan (VSLA).
Falana said the women would be able to lay their hands on things that can improve their livelihood, especially as they will be given startup equipment to fend for themselves.
“It will also improve their socio economic development and ensure that they earn what they can use to fend for themselves and their younger ones, children and wards.
“They will also be grouped to form committee that will assist them with the VSLA, where they can make contributions and then gather it to help one another.
“This will go a long way to alleviate poverty, generate income and make them self reliant,” he said.
He encouraged other stakeholders to support vulnerable groups, while urging the participants to remain strong.
”Living with HIV is not the end of life. HIV does not have anything to do with their brain. They can still use their hand to do a lot of businesses.
“They need help from other financial institutions to bring down the cost of interest in accessing loan so that they can do something with their lives,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Stella Ebeh-Obianuju stressed the need to empower women living with HIV, to make them less vulnerable and victims of GBV.
Ebeh-Obianuju, who is also the Coordinator, Hope Initiative (Mother’s to mother Support group), said that, “if we are empowered, we will be able to stand on our own, train our children, live a healthy and productive life.
“I believe that after this empowerment training, and with support, we will be able to stand on our own and be financial dependent, not relying on anyone,” she said.
Amina Mohammed, another beneficiary, said the initiative would make her independent, and provide for her family, especially amidst the current economy challenges. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
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