NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Tinubu repositioning Nigeria for effective service delivery – Group
General News

Tinubu repositioning Nigeria for effective service delivery – Group

451 total views today

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

A pro-Nigeria and anti-corruption NGO, Ahead Nigeria Initiative, says the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is repositioning Nigeria for effective service delivery.

Convener of the Initiative, Kehinde Alamoh, stated this during the group’s inaugural news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

Alamoh, who passed a vote of confidence in Tinubu, said that he had shown deep knowledge and understanding of Nigeria’s challenges and come up with a master plan to rescue the country.

He said that after a critical evaluation of Tinubu’s administration in all ramifications, it was evident that the president was alive to the primary responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.

He also commended the president for ending a decade of fuel subsidy regime which, he said, had been stunting the country’s growth.

Alamoh said that through this singular action, Tinubu had increased the country’s revenue to about N10.1 trillion, an increase of about 23.56 per cent over that of 2022.

He said that though the subsidy removal had brought some discomfort to Nigerians, government had rolled out some intervention programmes to help cushion the effects.

The interventions, according to him, include: the new minimum wage and salary increase, student loan scheme and scholarships, supporting states and local governments to enable them to cater for the less-privileged.

Others, he said, were: provision of grains to households, fertilisers to farmers, cash transfers to people with low incomes and the planned roll out of over 11,000 CNG buses for affordable public transportation, among others.

“The landmark presentation of the 2025 budget allocations of N4.91 trillion to defence and security underscores the importance of security of lives and property of all Nigerians.

“President Tinubu’s reform in aviation, railway infrastructure and security are visible, laudable and commendable.

“On this note, as law-abiding citizens of this country from the six geo-political zones, we, therefore, pass a vote of confidence in the President Tinubu-led administration,’’ he said.

Alamoh also commended the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, for providing responsible and effective leadership for the party, in tandem with the president’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.

He said that the APC National Working Committee (NWC) members, under Ganduje’s leadership, had created an enabling political environment for peace and development to thrive in Nigeria.

“This is evident in the peaceful conduct of the Kebbi, Edo and Ondo primary elections, followed by the subsequent victories of APC at the guber polls.

“All these have been described by political actors as the most peaceful, freest and fairest elections conducted under the watch of the party,’’ he said.

Alamoh also urged Nigerians to disregard the land grabbing allegations against the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, saying: “Abuja under Wike is in safe hands.”

He sought for the support of FCT residents for Wike for him to implement the ongoing infrastructural reforms in the capital city.

According to him, Wike’s achievements so far extend beyond mere infrastructural development

“Under few months, all uncompleted major projects, such as roads and railway have been completed.

“Wike’s efforts in internal revenue generation is second to none; all these attest to his innovative approach to good and progressive governance.

“His dedication to restoring the Abuja master plan and reposition the FCT among the world’s top capitals is in line with the renewed hope agenda of the president,’’ he said.

Alamoh warned those he called Wike’s detractors, whom he described as emergency activists, opponents and enemies of progress, to henceforth stay away or face the music. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

BRIPAN seeks FG’s partnership on legal reforms for business recovery
Economy/Business

BRIPAN seeks FG’s partnership on legal reforms for business recovery

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) says there is need for government’s partnership on legal reforms and policy directions aimed at enhancing business recovery in the country.

President of BRIPAN, Mr Chimezie Ihekweazu, made this submission at the association’s 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and 20th Anniversary and Induction ceremony on Thursday night in Lagos.

Ihekweazu said that rescuing businesses would attract more revenues to government as well as boosting the economy.

He said that the practice of insolvency and business recovery was very beneficial for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) alongside large corporations.

“Businesses fail due a number of reasons from management issues, wrong business decisions to poor business ethics, changes in legal and socioeconomic structures and framework.

“There must be situations where businesses pass through these issues but it is important to know that there are opportunities within the framework of the law that can rescue these businesses.

“We will continue to work towards improving our relevance within the society and to make people take advantage of understanding the benefits of this area of practice, which is not targeted at killing businesses but on rescuing businesses.

“If businesses are rescued, a lot of benefits come with it, including revenues to government and our economy would reap the fruit of it,” he said.

The BRIPAN president said under his leadership in the past one year, the association had continued to sustain the excellent efforts of its past leaders in delivering on its core objectives.

He said the achievements included promoting insolvency practice, education and learning while ensuring effective cooperation and collaboration with other professional bodies.

Ihekweazu also listed the promotion standard practice, performance and awareness in insolvency practice.

He urged practitioners to continue to practice the profession with good business ethics and standards while maintaining excellent professional values with dignity and respect for one another.

“As an association committed to driving excellence in business recovery and insolvency practice, we have made remarkable strides in advancing our objectives, strengthening our reputation and contributing to national economic stability.

“Our progress over the past year is a testament to the collective dedication and expertise of our members.

“We have successfully organised six training sessions equipping more than 530 professionals with advanced skills in insolvency practice, corporate restructuring, and financial recovery strategies.

“These initiatives reflect BRIPAN’s dedication to raising standards, fostering knowledge, and building a robust professional community in insolvency and restructuring,” he said.

Ihekweazu also revealed that the 2025 BRIPAN journal to be released in the first quarter of next year (2025) would feature cutting-edge research, expert analyses and actionable insights into legal and insolvency matters.

He said the publication was designed to be an indispensable resource for professionals, academics and policymakers, fostering informed discussions and innovative solutions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that BRIPAN presented awards to its past presidents including late Prince Adesupo Adetona, a chartered accountant who pioneered insolvency practice in Nigeria and Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the 19th Akarigbo of Remoland, Ogun.

Other awardees include, Dr Biodun Layonu, Otunba Olutola Senbore, Mr Seyi Akinwunmi, Chief Anthony Idigbe, Mr Dele Odunowo, Mr Sola Oyetayo, Ihekweazu, among others.

No fewer than 381 persons got inducted into the association. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Association seeks higher budget for visually impaired education materials
General News

Association seeks higher budget for visually impaired education materials

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By Justina Auta

The Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB) has called for increased budgetary allocation to improve access to information and education materials for visually-impaired persons, in line with the Marakesh Treaty.

The association made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a two-day stakeholders’ meeting on the status of the implementation of the Marakesh Treaty in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Marrakesh Treaty was adopted on June 27, 2013 in Marrakesh, Morocco, to form part of the international copyright treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

The goal of the treaty is to create a set of mandatory limitations and exceptions for the benefit of the blind, visually impaired, and otherwise print

disabled (VIPs).

It is also to ensure that books are made available globally in accessible formats, such as Braille, audio and large print, and DAISY1 formats, as well as facilitate access to published works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled.

The former President of NAB, Dr Ishaku Adamu, therefore, explained that the treaty is an agreement signed by the Federal Government to improve access to published works for people with print disabilities.

Adamu added that the treaty seeks to remove all legislative barriers that prevent access to those materials, whether across national and

international borders, which Nigeria has domesticated and ratified.

He, however, said that less than one per cent of national budget was allocated for the provision of accessible education materials for visually impaired students.

According to him, poor implementation of the treaty has further affected access to education, level of participation and exclusion from information for visually impaired persons.

He said “we should be able to engage these agencies to set aside certain percentage of their budget, Federal Ministry of Education and other key ministries to ensure that those books are being provided in accessible format.

“Less than one per cent of such materials is accessible to our people, affecting the level of our education, the level of our participation and other things.

“So, it is very critical for us to engage because we know that government is budgeting, but we want to know what they can do to ensure our people have access to these materials.”

He said the stakeholders meeting was to strategise on improved access to information not only in braille, but also in soft copy, audio, large print and other version, media space, as well as employment opportunities for visually impaired persons.

Earlier, the NAB President, Mr Stanley Onyebuchi, said the engagement would enable stakeholders to review the implementation of the Marakesh treaty and proffer action plans that would enhance implementation.

Onyebuchi said “this treaty is key to those of us that are print disabled, that is those of us that are blind to access publications that will enhance our education, research and others.”

On the implementation of the treaty, he said “I don’t think Nigeria has gone far in implementing this treaty because some of the websites of many organisations, even the government agencies, are not even accessible.

“Although the Nigerian Copyright Commission has done a lot and has been part of this struggle for the domestication of this treaty in Nigeria, other government agencies have not done much in that regard.”

Also, Mr Abdrahman Auwal, the National PRO of NBA, stressed the need to create awareness about the importance of the treaty.

He said “a lot of people don’t even know about it, so, a lot of publishers are there and still stick to their previous copyright law, not knowing that it has been amended.

“We need the media to propagate this in the news to stimulate questions and people will learn about it, which will all be transformed.”

Dr David Okon, a resource person and Consultant, said the meeting was to ensure full implementation of the treaty for the benefit of persons with reading disabilities.

Okon, who is the Executive Director, Total Inclusion, an NGO said “knowledge is acquired through information. And if we are not going to be informed, we are deprived of information, then it means we are deprived of knowledge.

“It also means that we are deprived of literacy and the power to make wealth, power to recreate ourselves and other things.”

NAN reports that in attendance at the stakeholders meeting were representatives of various disability groups, NGOs, CSOs, among others, to suggest ways toward full implementation of the Marakesh Treaty.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

FG/IFAD to accelerate inclusive, resilient growth of rural economy
Agriculture

FG/IFAD to accelerate inclusive, resilient growth of rural economy

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have begun annual review of Nigeria Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) from 2024 to 2029.

Dr Dede Ekoue, IFAD Country Director, spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the annual COSOP review.

She said it was aimed at promoting inclusive and resilient growth of rural economy through market-driven, agri-food system transformation for food and nutrition security for 1.2 million beneficiaries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that COSOP is the framework of cooperation strategy between IFAD and government for IFAD financing and facilitating management for results.

The 2024 to 2029 COSOP was designed through intensive consultations with stakeholders in each geopolitical zone under the leadership of Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security and Finance approved by the IFAD Executive Board in April, 2024.

Ekoue said the beneficiaries included smallholder farmers and entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

She said the annual review would help to highlight some key results of the strategy for the year and also serve as a platform to reflect on the way forward.

Ekoue said digital solution in line with the National Agricultural and Technology Innovation Policy (NATIP) would be scaled up in the new COSOP.

“2024 to 2029 COSOP is aimed at strengthening gender equality by moving from gender mainstreaming to gender transformation.

“It will also strengthen gender equality in leadership and managing workloads; nutrition is a key feature of the new COSOP.”

She said the new COSOP had supported training on good practice, technology and climate resilience, as well as full input and other material supports.

“COSOP has helped to support no fewer than 74,000 farmers and agro-entrepreneur in boosting their production capacity and their productivity through access to training, input and other equipment.

“Focus is put on climate resilience which has a significant impact on the agro-productivity and food system in general.

“The COSOP was also instrumental to reaching out to 20,000 persons in rural area to access financial service and helping 10,000 beneficiaries to access financial literacy.

“The projects have supported no fewer than 24,000 women, youths and start-up income generation activities.

“The projects helped beneficiaries access over 30,000 hectares of land because access to land is critical especially for youth and women and other vulnerable groups.’’

Ekoue attributed the achievement to positive partnership between the Federal Government and effective partnership between the states and the beneficiary communities.

According to her, in line with government priorities under the COSOP, IFAD is funding three sovereign investment programmes in Nigeria.

She listed the programmes as Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ).

“A new project- Value Chain Programme in Northern Nigeria (VCN) is expected to come on board in 2025.

“COSOP aligned with Nigeria’s food system transformation focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable practices and improving market access for smallholder farmers.

“COSOP emphasises on climate resilience and environmental sustainability aligns with Nigeria’s National Climate Change Policy (2021 to 2030), promoting sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices to mitigate climate change impacts while ensuring food security,” she said.

Mr Bukar Musa, Director, Projects Coordinating Unit of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said the review was a testament to shared commitment to fostering agricultural development, reducing rural poverty and ensuring food security across the country.

“The COSOP framework has been a cornerstone in driving sustainable agricultural transformation in Nigeria.

“Through this partnership and cooperation, we have been able to reach underserved rural communities, empower vulnerable populations and promote resilience in the face of challenges such as climate change, economic fluctuations and insecurity,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

UATH rewards staff members for excellence
Education , General News

UATH rewards staff members for excellence

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By Uche Bibilari

The University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) has recognised and rewarded some members of staff for their outstanding performance and excellence in discharging their duties.

Prof. Bissallah Ekele, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, made this announcement at the 2024 UATH Annual Staff and Corporate Awards held in Gwagwalada on Wednesday.

Ekele stated that the awards were aimed at encouraging the hard work of the winners and motivating others to put in their best efforts in discharging their responsibilities towards saving lives.

He explained that the awards, which were introduced in 2018, celebrate and recognise staff who have distinguished themselves in service delivery across various units and departments of the hospital.

According to him, every member of staff is a winner, considering the volume and quality of work they perform throughout the year.

“We have the first among equals. The awardees should continue their hard work. Everyone is a winner if you consider the volume and quality of work the staff of this hospital deliver year-round.

“Those who have excelled should strive to achieve even more,” he said.

The professor further explained that the Servicom Unit, which monitors activities within the hospital, was responsible for organising the awards.

He commended the unit for its relentless efforts in successfully organising the annual event over the past seven years.

The pioneer CMD of UATH, Dr Danjuma Sulai, advised members of staff to excel in their roles and strive to reach the pinnacle of their careers.

Sulai also urged the awardees to work harder to earn even greater recognition in the future.

Similarly, Dr Anthony Bawa, Chairman of the 2024 Staff Award Committee and Servicom Nodal Officer, remarked that the awards were designed to appreciate staff for their unconditional commitment to saving lives.

Bawa noted that the awardees were not selected by the committee or themselves but were nominated by members of their respective departments.

“This award is a recognition of hard work. The awardees were not hand-picked; rather, they were nominated by colleagues in their departments, with the person receiving the highest nominations being selected,” he said.

The Aguma of Gwagwalada, Alhaji Muhammadu Magaji, stated that every outstanding performance deserves recognition and encouraged staff to strive for excellence.

Represented by the Waziri of Gwagwalada, Garba Madaki, the Aguma urged staff to carry out their responsibilities diligently, regardless of their roles.

One of the awardees, Dr Manchan Dodo, who was recognised as the Best Resident Doctor in Paediatrics, expressed her gratitude to the management for acknowledging her efforts.

“I am thrilled and honoured to receive this award.

“I want to thank the management for this recognition. It shows that hard work pays off and motivates me to work even harder,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event’s highlights included a cash award to the 2024 Best Unit, the Amenity Unit, and the recognition of pharmacist Muhammed Garba as Best Staff of the Year.

Five staff members and corporate organisations, including the House of Representatives Wives Association (South-South Zone), received special recognition. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Kidnapping incidence estimated at 2.2m cases -NBS
Economy/Business

Kidnapping incidence estimated at 2.2m cases -NBS

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says kidnapping incidence in the country is estimated at 2,235,954 between May  2023 and April 2024.

The NBS revealed this in its Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024 released in Abuja on Tuesday.

The CESPS is a household-based survey, which provides an in-depth understanding of the situation of crime in Nigeria, with a target population comprising household members 15 years and older.

The NBS said the survey was carried out to produce estimates at national and zonal levels covering both urban and rural areas for a twelve-month reference period (May 2023 to April 2024).

The report said that among households that experienced kidnapping incidents, 65.0 per cent paid a ransom.

It said the average amount paid as ransom for kidnapping was N2.7 million per incident with an estimated total ransom of N2. 2 trillion paid within the reference period.

“The North-West reported the highest ransom paid with N1.2 trillion, while the South-East was the least with N85.4 billion”.

The report showed that rural areas recorded more kidnappings with  1,668,104 reported cases than urban areas with 567,850.

Analysis by zones revealed that the  North-West recorded the highest number of cases with 1,420,307, followed by the North-Central with 317,837, while the least was recorded in the South-East with 110,432.

It showed that nationally, an estimated 51,887,032 crime incidences were experienced by households in Nigeria.

It said the North-West reported the highest incidence of household crime, totalling 14,402,254,  followed by the North-Central with 8,771,400.

“The South-East reported the least incidence of household crime with 6,176,031”.

The report revealed that crime incidence in rural areas was higher, totalling 26,526,069, compared to urban areas at 25,360,963.

The NBS said in Nigeria, 4,142,174 households experienced home robbery incidence.

Analysis by zones showed that the North-West had the highest home robbery cases totalling 1,068,430,  followed by the South-South with 811,231,  while the least was recorded in the South-West with 378,252 cases.

The report said that less than half of the households, at 36.3 per cent,  who were victims of home robbery reported to the police.

According to this study, the most common reasons for not reporting crimes include lack of confidence in law enforcement and the belief that police intervention would not result in meaningful action.

The findings showed that about 24 per cent of households would rather report to other authorities instead of the police,  followed by those who believed the police would not do anything upon reporting at 22.7 per cent.

“Only 0.2 per cent mentioned lack of insurance of properties as a reason for not reporting to the police”.

The report also showed that there was a slightly higher report of household robbery among rural dwellers at 37.8 per cent,  than urban dwellers at 35.2 per cent.

The NBS said at the individual level, 21.4 per cent of Nigerians reported being victims of crime, and the most common crime was phone theft at 13.8 per cent

It said about 90 per cent of the victims of phone thefts reported to the police, and only 50 per cent of the victims expressed satisfaction with police responses.

The report said nationwide, an estimated 1.4 million experienced sexual offences, which occurred mostly in someone else’s home at 27.7 per cent.

“This was  followed by the victim’s home at 22.2 per cent”.

It said sexual offences were less likely to occur at a public transport station at 0.9 per cent and only 22.7 per cent of victims reported to the police.

According to the report, public perception on safety showed that 9.6 per cent of Nigerians believed they might be a victim of crime in the next 12 months.

“In rural areas, 13.0 per cent of the population believed they could be victims of crime and 7.0 per cent in urban areas”.

The report revealed that security agencies’ average response time to emergencies was a key indicator of effective crime prevention.

“Nationally, 33.1 per cent reported that the average response time to an emergency call by security agencies is less than 30 minutes.

“About four out of 10 households had at least one interaction with state or local security forces within the reference period.

“Also, one out of two households had contact with the Nigerian Police, and 25.7 per cent reported the incidence of crime to the police after experiencing a crime.

The report showed that satisfaction with police responses was notably low, particularly for crimes including livestock theft at 42.9 per cent and crop theft at 42.4 per cent.

It said in rural areas, many households relied on local vigilante groups. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

5m Nigerian farmers benefit from U.S.-Nigeria agric partnership– Embassy
Foreign

5m Nigerian farmers benefit from U.S.-Nigeria agric partnership– Embassy

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By Mark Longyen

The U.S. government says it has supported more than 5 million Nigerian farmers in its multifaceted agricultural partnership programmes with Nigeria since 2019 through its agency for international development (USAID).  

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, adding that the partnership has helped strengthen Nigeria’s food security by increasing food production and bolstering rural economies nationwide. 

It noted that media coverage of its activities had presented an inaccurate picture of U.S. agricultural initiatives in Nigeria, which included assisting local agencies in strengthening regulatory processes for agricultural biotechnology. 

It said the longstanding agricultural partnership with Nigeria culminated in significant achievements and ensured that all U.S. government agricultural programmes operated with full transparency and strict adherence to Nigerian laws.

“These programmes are developed and implemented in partnership with Nigerian agricultural experts, farmers, and government officials, to ensure they meet local needs and respect Nigeria’s agricultural sovereignty. 

“USAID’s work in Nigeria focuses on practical support for farmers, including improved access to markets, agricultural training, and research collaboration. 

“Our agricultural partnership represents a shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges through locally-driven solutions,” the embassy indicated in the statement.

The U.S. government stated that USAID maintains regular dialogue with Nigerian stakeholders in agriculture at all levels, and is proud to support Nigerian farmers while respecting local agricultural traditions and practices. 

“As we continue this partnership, we remain committed to full transparency and meaningful consultation with Nigerian agricultural communities,” it added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

AATF, Bakers train 1,000 cassava farmers, 200 processors
Agriculture

AATF, Bakers train 1,000 cassava farmers, 200 processors

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By Felicia Imohimi

The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), in collaboration with the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), FCT Chapter, has trained 1,000 cassava farmers and 200 processors in Oyo State.

The group described the training as a huge step toward Nigeria’s goal of integrating High-Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) into bread making.

Mr Alex Abutu, Communication Officer for West and Central Africa at AATF, stated this in a press release issued in Abuja.

Abutu explained that the initiative aims to enhance cassava utilisation and strengthen the cassava value chain.

“This will be achieved by equipping processors with the skills needed to produce bread and other confectioneries using a blend of HQCF and wheat flour in a 20:80 ratio,” he said.

He noted that the training is part of the Mechanisation of Cassava Production and Processing in Nigeria Project.

“Out of the 200 trained processors, 10 were selected for advanced training as lead trainers. These individuals are now set to cascade their knowledge to others, fostering widespread adoption of the technology.

“Participants at the training included processors from Oyo State project clusters, as well as representatives from Pacific Ring West Africa (PRWA)/GIZ and AATF.

“This initiative forms part of the Mechanisation of Cassava Production and Processing in Nigeria Project, spearheaded by AATF and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ),” Abutu stated.

He further highlighted that the project seeks to address critical challenges faced by cassava farmers, including low yields, high post-harvest losses, and limited access to modern processing technologies.

“By introducing mechanisation, digital tools, and best agronomic practices, the initiative aims to improve efficiency, boost farmers’ incomes, and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s cassava value chain,” he added.

Abutu also identified a robust capacity-building programme as central to the project, targeting 6,000 cassava farmers and 1,000 processors.

“In 2025, the project plans to train 2,000 farmers—1,000 each in Oyo and Ogun States—as well as 200 processors in Ogun and 100 in Oyo.

“The programme will conclude in 2026 with the training of 3,000 farmers and 500 processors, solidifying its impact across the region.”

Abutu emphasised that the initiative highlights Nigeria’s commitment to advancing agricultural innovation and leveraging cassava as a driver of food security and economic growth. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

No French military base in Maiduguri- Army
Defence/Security

No French military base in Maiduguri- Army

564 total views today

By Hamza Suleiman

The Headquarters, Theatre Command, Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) of the Nigerian Army, has dismissed claims of the establishment of a French military base in Maiduguri.

In a statement on Monday, Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Army Public Relations, OPHK, described the claims as baseless and misleading.

The clarification followed allegations by a social media influencer, Mahdi Shehu, on his X handle, claiming that a French military base had been established in Maiduguri.

Shehu supported his claim with a video showing the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna, alongside a foreign officer, who he alleged to be a French military representative.

Kovangiya, however, clarified that the video in question was recorded during a recent press briefing at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, after the donation of equipment to the army by the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT).

“The officer seen in the video is a representative of BMATT, not a French military official.

“The donation, received by the Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Oct. 25, was part of an ongoing military partnership with BMATT to strengthen counter-IED capabilities in the theatre of operations,” he said.

Kovangiya emphasised that there was no French military presence in Maiduguri, nor any plans to establish one.

He accused Shehu of deliberately spreading falsehoods and attempting to manipulate public opinion through the use of doctored content.

“The claims made by Shehu Mahdi are baseless misrepresentations and a deliberate attempt to cause misinformation and incite the public.

“Such antics are malicious and aimed at gaining cheap popularity,” he added. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

FG offers free train service nationwide
General News

FG offers free train service nationwide

500 total views today

By Salif Atojoko

The Federal Government on Monday said it would offer free train service to all Nigerians from Dec. 20 up until Jan. 5, 2025.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said this while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

Idris said the free train service was consistent with President Tinubu’s desire to cushion the effect of high transportation costs for the most vulnerable Nigerians.

“Recall that this also happened in the last Christmas period and the Sallah period, and Mr President has also approved that this year, from Dec. 20 to Jan. 5, there will be free transport service nationwide,” he said.

The Minister also said FEC approved a proposal by President Tinubu to rename the University of Abuja to honour Gen. Yakubu Gowon.

“The University of Abuja will now be known as Yakubu Gowon University. Of course, the processing will have to go to the National Assembly, for all legislation in that direction.

“But FEC has taken that decision to write to the National Assembly to change the name of the University of Abuja to Yakubu Gowon University, in honour of the former head of state and elder statesman,” said Idris.

He also said the Council commended President Tinubu for his stewardship for the past 18 months and also reiterated the commitment of its members and support for his programmes and leadership.

He stated that the FEC would proceed on recess from Dec. 18 to Jan. 6, 2025. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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