News Agency of Nigeria
10th Anniversary: Agency reiterates commitment to combat desertification, restore degraded lands

10th Anniversary: Agency reiterates commitment to combat desertification, restore degraded lands

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By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) says it will hold a high profile celebration on July 29 to mark its 10th anniversary.

The Director-General of the agency, Mr Sale Abubakar, made this known on Friday in Dutse during a courtesy visit to Gov. Umar Namadi of the state.

Abubakar said the agency, has over the years, led national efforts in combating desertification, restoring degraded lands and improving livelihoods in the 11 frontline states of Northern Nigeria.

He explained that through extensive afforestation, water harvesting, and community engagement programmes, the agency made measurable contributions to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

The director-general said that Jigawa was among the 11 frontline states of the agency’s operation due to its strategic importance.

Abubakar stated, “Aside the normal GGW activities, projects like the Action Against Desertification (AAD) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), were all executed in the state.

“The agency will be bold to state that Jigawa has the highest GGW activities and other international funding support.

“Hence the reason to select it as the venue for this year’s GGW Day which coincides with the 10th Anniversary of the agency.

“To commemorate a decade of dedicated service and raise national awareness, the agency is planning a high-profile celebration to be hosted in Dutse on 29th July, 2025.”

He explained that the event will serve as a moment of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to the goals of the African Union-led Great Green Wall Initiative (GGWI).

Abubakar added that the previous GGW Day was celebrated in Abuja with Vice-President Kashim Shettima in attendance, among other top-notch personalities.

He added that the event would feature activities like National Green Wall Summit and a fund raising to complement the Federal Government’s effort.

According to him, other activities lined up include public tree planting campaigns, environmental awareness programmes, cultural and stakeholders’ engagement, as well as awards to recognise partners and contributors.

“We are extolling your remarkable commitment to national development and CSR particularly in supporting social impactful causes.

“Therefore, your usual cooperation in championing the cause of mitigating climate change menace in your state and beyond, the agency decided to host this year’s event in Dutse.

“This is to appreciate your unwavering commitment to environmental concerns.

Responding, Namadi commended the agency for its laudable programmes that helped the state safeguard its environment and restored degraded soil in many parts of the state.

Namadi assured of his administration’s readiness to host the summit as well as ensure its success in all ramifications.

“I want to assure that Jigawa is happy to host this year’s summit and we are ready to ensure the success of the summit in all ramifications.

“You will find us cooperative and supportive.

“On behalf of the people and government of Jigawa, I want to sincerely thank you for choosing the state for this year’s summit,” the governor added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

FG, Jigawa partner to boost sugar production

FG, Jigawa partner to boost sugar production

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has announced plans to collaborate with the Jigawa Government to boost sugar production and enhance self-sufficiency in the sector.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa on a courtesy visit.

Utsev said the move aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aimed at accelerating food production, job creation, and youth empowerment to drive economic growth.

He outlined the proposed partnership as strategic in making life more meaningful for citizens and pledged to undertake a working visit to the sugar factory in Jigawa to assess its water supply situation.

The visit, he noted, would enable the ministry to determine possible areas of intervention to enhance the factory’s viability and ensure optimal benefit for the people.

Earlier, the governor said the purpose of the visit was to seek collaboration with the ministry to ensure consistent water supply to the sugar factory.

Namadi noted that steady production at the facility would add value to the state’s economy and contribute to national development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria produces only a small portion of the sugar it consumes, relying heavily on imports in spite having large refining capacities.

This dependence makes the sector vulnerable to global price changes.

States like Nasarawa, Jigawa, Kwara, and Adamawa have been identified for sugar production, with major investments underway, especially in Nasarawa.

These efforts aim to boost local production and reduce import reliance.

Improving sugar output requires stronger government support in irrigation, land access, and policy implementation.

With coordinated efforts, states like Jigawa can play a vital role in achieving national sugar self-sufficiency. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Jigawa Govt. approves N292m for solar water schemes

Jigawa Govt. approves N292m for solar water schemes

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By Aisha Ahmed

The Jigawa Government has approved the sum of N292 million for the construction of 19 solar-powered water supply schemes across the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Sagir Musa, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting in Dutse.

Musa said the initiative was part of the government’s commitment to enhancing public health and addressing water scarcity in both urban and rural areas.

He noted that the use of solar energy in the project would promote environmental sustainability by leveraging renewable energy technologies.

“This approval reflects the administration’s focus on improving access to clean water and promoting green solutions,” Musa said.

The commissioner also announced the council’s decision to rename the Ministry of Special Duties to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties.

According to him, the renaming is aimed at expanding the ministry’s mandate to effectively address emerging humanitarian challenges in the state.

Musa said the change aligns with national and international frameworks and would enable more effective coordination of humanitarian interventions for vulnerable populations. (NAN)

Edited by Victor Adeoti/Tosin Kolade

Buhari visits Borno, Jigawa over flooding, tanker explosion

Buhari visits Borno, Jigawa over flooding, tanker explosion

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Buhari
Former President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday visited Borno and Jigawa to commiserate with the people of the two states.

The former president visited Borno over the devastating flooding in the state and Jigawa over the tanker explosion that claimed no fewer than 180 lives.

A statement issued in Abuja by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said the two incidents happened when the former president was away from the country.

Buhari, according to the statement, lamented the damage, destruction and loss of lives that followed the floods in Borno, hinging this on climate change.

He commended the Federal and state governments for the joint efforts to restore normalcy after the floods.

Gov. Babagana Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn El-Kanemi thanked the former president for the visit.

Zulum said the state would never forget the president “who has done so much and so well for Nigeria and Borno state in particular.

“Without the 85 megawatts captive power plant you built here, Maiduguri would have continued in darkness.

” You gave us the North East Development Commission, a military university, a federal polytechnic, and a college of education and ensured the gradual return of peace after years of Boko Haram terrorism,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reports that acting governor of Jigawa, Aminu Usman, led the former president to the Rasheed Shekoni University Teaching Hospital, where survivors of the explosion were being treated.

Buhari joined in prayers for the repose of the souls of those who died in the incident and the quick recovery of others still on admission in hospitals.

The acting governor thanked the former president for the visit and the cash donation to victims of the disaster. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Kano govt donates N100m to Jigawa tanker explosion victims

Kano govt donates N100m to Jigawa tanker explosion victims

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By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State has donated N100 million to the survivors and deceased families of petrol tanker explosion that occurred at Majiya town of Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa.

Kabir-Yusuf announced this during a sympathy visit to Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa, on Thursday in Dutse.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that over 150 persons lost their lives and over 50 others injured when a petrol tanker exploded in Majia on Tuesday night.

The governor, who expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident, described it as “greatest tragedy that has befallen not only Jigawa, but Nigeria in general.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Kano state, I’m here to commiserate with you over this unfortunate and tragic fire incident that cost the lives and properties of innocent citizens of your state in Majiya town of Taura local government.

“It is unfortunate that the Jigawa government and indeed Nigeria lost over 100 lives of innocent citizens.

“The poeple of Kano and Jigawa are brothers and sisters, therefore, on behalf of the government and good people the state, I wish to announce a token donation of N100 million so that the government can take care of victims at hospital, as well as the families of those that departed,” he said.

He prayed Almighty Allah to grant those who lost their lives Jannatul Firdaus and quick recovery to those who survived the incident.

Responding, Namadi, expressed profound gratitude to Yusuf and the people of Kano state for the kind donation.

“We tank you for the visit. On behalf of the government and the people of Jigawa, I want thank you and the people of Kano state for this show of solidarity and brotherhood,” Namadi said.

Namadi further said that so far 167 persons died while 97 others hospitalised. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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