NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
General News

Dangote Foundation donates rice to less privileged in Niger

186 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

Aliko Dangote Foundation on Saturday donated and distributed 30,000 bags of 50kg rice to support vulnerable residents in Niger.

 

Ahmed Hashim, Group Managing Director, Dangote Group, Abuja, said the donation was part of the foundation’s efforts to alleviate hunger and poverty among vulnerable Nigerians in the state.

 

According to him, “We are committed to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

 

“Our donation of rice to Niger state is a demonstration of our commitment to support what the state government is already doing,” he said.

 

Hashim said that the foundation’s intervention was to provide succor to the most vulnerable members of society, including widows, orphans, and the disabled.

 

Mr Yakubu Garba, Deputy Governor of Niger said at the distribution of the rice in Minna that the gesture would alleviate hunger and poverty in the state.

 

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Aliko Dangote Foundation for this gesture.

 

“Poverty and hunger are multi-dimensional problems that require collective efforts to tackle.

 

“The state government is working tirelessly to eliminate poverty and hunger in the state,” he said.

 

Garba reiterated the state’s ambitious plan to feed the nation, citing the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) code-named Niger Foods, which had transformed the state into a net exporter of assorted grains.

 

He announced that the state government had distributed 400 trucks of assorted grains to the 25 local government areas at a subsidised rate of 50 per cent since the commencement of the Ramadan.

 

He called on well-to-do individuals and large-scale retail marketers to emulate Aliko Dangote’s philanthropy by supporting the weak and downtrodden through charity or subsidised food sales.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Environment

2025 Flood: NEMA urges disaster risk reduction, proper waste disposal in Niger

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By Rita Iliya
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Niger has embarked on a sensitisation campaign to educate the communities on disaster risk reduction and proper waste disposal.

Hussaini Isah, Head of NEMA’s Minna Operations Office, which covers Niger and Kwara states, led the campaign to Anguwan Daji community in Minna on Wednesday

He said the agency collaborated with NYSC-NEMA Emergency Management Vanguard (EMV), to organise the sensitisation alongside NISEPA, NSEMA, and Ajnu Venture.

“We are here today to sensitise the local community in Minna, particularly Anguwan Daji, on the issue of disaster risk reduction and poor waste disposal,” he said.

Isah said the campaign was a response to the 2025 flood prediction released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency’s annual flood outlook.

He emphasised the importance of mitigation and preparedness, stating that when it happens, there must be response, and response must be prompt and effective.

He disclosed that the sensitisation campaign would continue in Minna metropolis and Kwara state.

Isah noted that poor waste disposal was a major challenge globally, and Nigeria is no exception.

“Most of our cities and towns are littered with sachets, water bottles, tyres, and broken bottles.

“These can clog our environment and existing drainages, causing water to accumulate and leading to trouble,” he said.

Isah called on the Niger state government to establish recycling plants to effectively collect and dispose of solid waste.

Ahmed Abubakar, President of NEMA EMV, said the initiative was part of the group’s community development service, aimed at identifying and addressing pressing needs in the communities they serve.

“We recognised that this community has been dumping refuse indiscriminately, which is hazardous to their health and can cause flooding.

“We decided to come and enlighten them on the dangers of disposing refuse indiscriminately, especially since they have a lot of children who may not be aware of the risks,” he said.

Also speaking, Alhaji Nasir Tanko, Community Head of Anguwan Daji, called for the provision of alternative waste disposal site to deter indiscriminate dumping on waterways.

He suggested that after evacuation, the authorities should utilise the media to sensitise the public about the provision of a new dumping site and the consequences of dumping refuse in the drainage.

Zuwaira Hassan, resident of Anguwan Daji, recalled that the community previously had a vehicle for house-to-house waste collection and waste containers, but these services are no longer available.

She appealed to the state government to take urgent action to address the issue as continuous dumping of refuse in the drainage posed as risk to their lives. (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Niger, NGOs train 10,000 youths on financial literacy

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By Rita Iliya

Niger Government says it will train no fewer than 10,000 youths, particularly young women, on financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Minna on Saturday that the training is in partnership with two NGOs; Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) and MasterCard Foundation.

 

At the inauguration of the online training tagged: ‘Transforming Nigerian Youth Programme (TNY)’, Mrs Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Social Investment Programme, said the programme would equip youths with entrepreneurial business management skills.

 

Bako said that the programme was aimed at enhancing young entrepreneurs’ mindsets for transformation, employability and management capacity development.

 

“The programme is designed for mostly young female entrepreneurs and aspiring businesswomen offering both online and in-person training sessions to foster entrepreneurial skills to succeed.

 

“The programme provides 60 per cent online and 40 per cent offline training, targeting 80 per cent young female and 20 per cent male entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35,” she said.

 

According to her, the online training is open to all Niger residents, and interested persons can register via the link: bit.ly/tny25niger.

 

She said benefits of the programme include business growth and mentorship, business registration and branding support, job placement and entrepreneurship linkages and certification.

 

In her remarks, the state’s Commissioner for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), Mrs Elizabeth Shaba, noted that “the programme package does not include starter packs, business grants or loans.”

 

Also speaking, Mrs Halima Rabiu from EDC, explained that the programme could also be done 100 per cent online, and participants can learn at their own pace.

 

“The courses are easy to understand, and we also have community physical learning for the state government to bring the women together to learn through zones,” she said.

 

Similarly, Mr Olawale Anifowose, Director Programmes and Partnerships of MasterCard Foundation, disclosed that the programme was designed for 10,000 entrepreneurs in Niger State, focusing on micro enterprises.

 

“The programme promises to build on past successes, offering an enhanced curriculum that covers critical areas such as business planning, financial management, marketing and digital skills,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Ismail Abdulaziz

General News

Niger govt commits to women empowerment in Agric, food production

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By Rita Iliya

The Niger Government has reaffirmed its commitment towards empowering women to play active roles in agriculture and food production.

 

Musa Bawa, the Commissioner for Agriculture, gave the commitment at a ceremony to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration in Minna on Wednesday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theme of the event is: “Empowering Women in Agriculture: Cultivating Resilience, Innovation and Leadership”

 

Represented by Dr Matthew Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary, Bawa said that women possessed great potential to change the narrative if given adequate support.

 

He said that women’s roles were critical to driving the needed growth in agriculture and development of the society at large.

 

“We are here to celebrate women and to inform the world that women are important. If you want the society to progress, you need women.

 

“We are here to promote women’s inclusive participation in agriculture, to practice agriculture on a large scale, and to engage in agro-business,” he said.

 

The commissioner listed access to land, finance and technology among others, as the major challenges faced by women in agriculture.

 

“We are here to discuss these challenges and proffer solutions. Women must know that they are key players in the agriculture sector” he added.

 

Bawa further said that the state government had implemented a variety of empowerment programmes for women in agriculture.

 

“We are providing small farm machineries that are women-friendly, this will enable women farmers to engage in crop production and animal husbandry.

 

“The ultimate goal of these empowerment programmes is to make women self-reliant and economically empowered,” he said.

 

Earlier, Malam Adamu Garba-Maikasuwa, the Director, Agric Services and Leakage, said that it was highly reasonable and productive to empower women to participate in agriculture.

 

“Women are the backbone of our food system, and it is essential to celebrate their power, resilience and contributions to the society,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Mrs Grace Disa, the State Coordinator, Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria, commended the ministry for acknowledging women’s efforts in agriculture.

 

Hajiya Hadiza Sheru, the Permanent Secretary, the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, described women’s roles in food production as ‘critical and important’

 

The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Abigael Jirgi, said that women accounted for between 70 and 80 per cent of Nigeria’s agriculture labour force.

 

Jirgi, a lecturer in the Federal University of Technology, Minna, said that women played significant roles in agriculture and food production globally.(NAN)(www.nannewa.ng)

Edited by Azubuike Okeh

Agriculture

Traders association, consortium empower smallholder farmers in Niger

331 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

The National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) says it three-year agricultural intervention project in Niger has empowered 367,000 smallholder farmers.

 

Dr Ken Ukaoha, National President of NANTS, said on Saturday that the project, implemented under the AGRA/Niger State consortium, surpassed its initial target of 350,000 farmers.

 

According to him, the project is to improve the farmers resilience and upscaling productivity, income and means of livelihood in rice, maize, soybean, cowpea and vegetable value chains.

 

Dr Ken Ukaoha, National President of NANTS, described the project as a huge success, with smallholder farmers gaining access to profitable markets, leading to higher incomes and improved bargaining power.

 

He said key achievements of the project was the establishment of 2,000 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to provide financial services to farmers.

 

Others, he said, was the training of over 124,000 out of the farmers on improved agricultural practices, post-harvest handling, and marketing.

 

Ukaoha said 203,000 smallholders farmers were integrated into supply chains and secured long-term deals with processors and agro-dealers.

 

Ukaoha recommended the use of digital technology to track commodities and improve market access as well as provide more financing options for VSLAs and smallholder farmers.

 

Mr Godswill Agwuyi, Programme Officer of AGRA, said the workshop was designed to gather feedback from VSLA groups on the project’s impact and to identify areas for future support.

 

“We want to hear from the VSLA groups on what worked well, what didn’t, and what they think we should focus on in the future,” he said.

 

He advised the VSLA groups to find ways to come together, communicate, and share information, ideas, and insights to sustain the project’s gains.

 

Christy Adamu, a beneficiary from Paiko, said the project provided them with Point of Sale (POS) machines.

 

“We used to travel all the way to Minna to deposit our savings and give loans to our members, but with the POS machines, we can now do everything easily and quickly,” she said.

 

She added that the project had enabled her association to save more money by making the process easier and more efficient.

 

Another beneficiary, Mrs Naomi Tsado, from Victory Poultry Farming Cooperative Society, said her cooperative benefited from the training on business development services, VSLA, and conflict resolution.

 

“We also received a grinding machine, which has been generating income for our cooperative and empowered us economically.

 

“We plan to use the income to purchase additional machines, which will add value to our income,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Joe Idika

General News

First Lady empowers 500 women in Niger

186 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday empowered 500 women with items such as refrigerators, gas cookers, electric generators, and industrial grinding machines in Niger.

 

Speaking at the ceremony in Bida, Tinubu said the programme was designed to equip women with necessary tools and resources to build successful businesses and contribute to national prosperity.

 

Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Fatima Bago, Wife of Niger Governor, said the programme was in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).

 

She explained that the empowerment programme aimed to benefit 18,500 women across the six geopolitical zones.

 

She said the programme aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu of inclusivity, economic growth, and sustainable development for all Nigerians, particularly women’s economic empowerment.

 

She urged beneficiaries to use the items judiciously to start or grow their businesses, adding that the items were meant to serve as a foundation for creating better lives for them and their families.

 

In her remarks, Mrs Elizabeth Shaba, Commissioner for Small and Medium Enterprise, advised beneficiaries not to sell the items.

 

She commended the courage, bravery, and caring nature of Mrs Tinubu and the wife of Niger governor which has positively impacted the lives of many in the state.

 

Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the gesture, saying the items would improve their means of livelihoods and help them become self-reliant. (NAN)

Edited by Joe Idika

Education

Niger Govt. invests N1bn on special needs education

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By Rita Iliya

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger says the state will invest N1 billion on the provision of education for children with special needs.

 

Bago announced this during the inauguration of Resources, Inclusivity and Strategic Communication (RISE) project on Wednesday in Minna.

 

It is organised by Farid Centre in collaboration with MacArthur Foundation and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD).

 

The governor said that the state government was partnering with Farid Centre to establish a pilot scheme of Schools for Special Needs in four public schools in Minna.

 

He said the pilot schools would be at IBB Primary School, Bosso Primary School, School for Children with Special Needs and Dutsen Kura Primary School.

 

Bago also announced a donation of N50 million to the centre and another N25 million each for the four pilot schools.

 

The governor said the N1 billion would be used to establish the pilot schemes across the 25 local government areas as part of efforts to scale up the special needs education project.

 

He commended Farid Centre for coming up with the initiative aimed at attending to the needs of people with disabilities and special needs as well as making education free, accessible and inclusive.

 

Earlier in her address, Hajiya Jummai Gimba, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Farid Centre, said the initiative was aimed at integrating children with special needs into inclusive learning environments.

 

She noted that Niger ranks among the top 15 worst states in Nigeria for the problem of out-of-school children, with a staggering 57.1 per cent of children lacking access to education.

 

“At the Farid Centre, we believe that the true measure of a society’s progress is how well it includes and uplifts its most vulnerable populations,” she said.

 

Gimba expressed gratitude to MacArthur Foundation and partners at JONAPWD for their support, saying the project was about building an educational framework that recognises diversity as a strength and inclusion as a necessity.

 

In her remarks, Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting inclusive education for children with special needs.

 

She stressed the importance of integrating children with special needs into mainstream classrooms because of its benefits of social integration, academic performance, teacher skills and community building.

 

Mohamed called on educators, community leaders and advocates to work collaboratively to ensure that every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive alongside their peers.

 

In their separate remarks Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Etsu of Nupe and Dr Umar Farouk, Emir of Minna, commended the initiative aimed at increasing enrollment of children, especially those with special needs, in schools.(NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Maureen Atuonwu

Health

Niger Governor’s wife launches free medical outreach

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By Rita Iliya

The Wife of Niger Governor, Hajiya Fatima Bago, has launched a free medical outreach in the Edati community as part of efforts to improve healthcare access across the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day initiative is a collaboration between her office and the Graceland Healthcare Development Foundation, Kaduna.

 

The governor’s wife, during the launch on Friday said the initiative would provide free surgeries, 1,000 reading glasses, medical consultations, essential medications, and health education to community members.

 

She lauded the foundation for its noble effort, emphasising that the outreach would greatly enhance healthcare services for Niger’s people.

 

The governor’s wife highlighted the importance of looking after one another, stating “Giving back is not just about wealth, it’s about compassion and using whatever we have to uplift those around us.”

 

She also expressed gratitude to her husband, Umaru Bago, for his efforts in transforming the state’s healthcare sector and encouraged the Edati community to take full advantage of the initiative.

 

She reiterated her commitment to supporting and expanding similar programmes across the state.

 

Dr Ibrahim Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Health, assured that the ministry would provide the necessary resources to deliver quality healthcare to the people of Edati.

 

Dangana was represented by Dr Gana Mohammed, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Tertiary Health.

 

Dr Ibrahim Mohammed, Project Coordinator for the foundation, explained that the outreach aimed to perform 200 surgeries targeting various health conditions such as hernia, appendicitis, ganglion, utero-vaginal prolapse, goitres, fibroids, hydrocele, and undescended testicles.

 

He said the outreach would also offer services for hypertension, diabetes, ulcers, malaria, typhoid, and deworming, with a special focus on women and children.

 

NAN also reports that the medical intervention is expected to benefit more than 1,000 people in Edati and the surrounding areas.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Agriculture

Niger urges farmers to insure farms against disasters

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By Rita Iliya
Niger Government on Wednesday advised farmers to insure their farms against disasters, following recent floods that devastated farmlands in the state.

Alhaji Musa Bawa-Bosso, Commissioner for Agriculture in Niger, gave the advise during an on-the-spot assessment of farms affected by flood in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.

Bawa-Bosso represented by Dr Mathew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said insuring farms against disasters would provide farmers with financial protection and support during times of crisis.

“Disasters such as floods, droughts, and pests can have devastating effects on farms, leading to significant losses for farmers just like it has happened.

“By insuring their farms, farmers can receive financial compensation for their losses, which would help them to recover quickly and continue farming,” he said.

He attributed the flood to excess water from Kainji and Jebba dams, associated with climate change.

He assured the farmers that the flood would recede within five days and that extension agents would collect data on affected farmers for possible government intervention.

Bawa-Bosso disclosed that the state government plans to link affected farmers with the Hydro Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) for further intervention.

Also speaking, Alhaji Mohammed Baba,  Managing Director of Niger State Agricultural Mechanisation Development Authority (NAMDA), advised farmers in the state to key into the Niger Foods Project.

Baba explained that the project allows farmers to access inputs on credit and repay at harvest, thereby boosting their production.

Earlier, Alhaji Mahmudu Usman, ‘Etsu yankpa’ of Kusogi village, disclosed that the flood had destroyed about 300,000 hectares of rice farms worth billions of Naira.

Usman stated that the disaster had affected indigenous and non-indigenous farmers in more than 25 villages under Kede Community in Mokwa Local Government Area.

He appealed to the state government to come to the aid of the farmers, as their livelihood depends on the farms.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that floodwaters, allegedly from Kainji and Jebba dams, have inundated numerous farmlands in at least ten communities, causing widespread destruction.(NAN)
Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/ Isaac Ukpoju

Health

NAFDAC inaugurates consumer club in Niger schools

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By Rita Iliya
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has inaugurated its Consumer Safety Club (NCSC) in secondary schools in Niger.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC, said the inauguration of the club was part of the agency’s catch-them-young initiative.

Adeyeye, who inaugurated the NCSC at Maryam Babangida Girls Science College in Minna on Wednesday, said it aimed at sensitising students on the dangers of illicit drugs.

Represented by Mr James Kigbu, the Coordinator of NAFDAC in Niger, the director-general disclosed that 14.4 per cent or 14.3 million Nigerians were victims of drug abuse.

She described the situation as “alarming” and highlighted the need for collective action to address the issue.

“This epidemic of drug, including alcohol abuse was destroying families, the workforce, and destabilising our economy,” she said.

She noted that the catch-them-young initiative was designed to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students.

She explained that the programme would focus on educating students about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of making informed decisions.

Adeyeye also emphasised the role of teachers in the fight against drug abuse, urging them to work with parents and guardians to identify and address behavioural problems in students.

The director-general further noted that NAFDAC’s mission was to mould a future generation empowered to be upright and to demand uprightness from others.

Adeyeye encouraged students to resist peer pressure, abstain from drug abuse, and seek professional help when needed.

She urged the students to develop hobbies, concentrate on their studies, and be content with what they have.

The director-general urged the students to leverage their membership of the NCSC to assist in information flow on NAFDAC regulatory activities and promote the fight against drug abuse.

In her remarks, Hajiya Amina Attahiru, Principal of the school, commended NAFDAC for its initiative to educate students on the dangers of illicit drugs.

Attahiru, represented by Mrs Florence Jacob, Vice Principal, urged the students to take the opportunity seriously and learn about the dangers of illicit drugs.

Maryam Masaga, Coordinator of the NCSC in Niger, thanked the school management for honouring and giving the agency the opportunity to carry out the sensitisation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured presentations on the role of young people in the prevention of substance/drug abuse and the role of NAFDAC NCSC in safeguarding the health of the nation. (NAN)
Edited by Fatima Sule Abdullahi/ Isaac Ukpoju

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