NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Golf and Tour charity visits orphanages in Niger on its 12th edition
Sports

Golf and Tour charity visits orphanages in Niger on its 12th edition

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By Rita Iliya

The Golf and Tour Charity Association of Nigeria has commenced its 12th edition in Minna, with a pledge to contribute to orphanages in the state.

 

Wing Commander Dangana Sarki, Chairman of the Minna Local Organising Committee, disclosed this during a press conference in Minna on Thursday.

 

Sarki said the edition, starting from May 29 to May 31, was not only to play golf, but to also give back to the community through charity activities.

 

He disclosed that the association would visit orphanages during the tournament and contribute to their well-being.

 

He said the association comprises of members from various entities including the military, security agencies, public servants, and traditional rulers.

 

“Any state we hold our tournament, we take our time to visit orphanages, the needy to see how we can contribute to their wellbeing.

 

“This initiative is part of the association efforts to impact positively in the society while promoting the game of golf,” he said.

 

He explained that the tournament was expected to boost the local economy with 100 golfers from across the country lodging in hotels while participating in various activities.

 

Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Onoyiveta, Chief Coordinator of the association, said that the group has completed orphanages, installed solar panels, and carried out medical outreach in states.

 

He said the association aimed to dispel the notion that golf is an elitist game.

 

“There is a perception about the game of golf as an elitist game.

 

“But despite that, for us in our group, we feel that society is very critical, and members of the society are very important, particularly the less privileged ones,” he added.

 

Also, Mr Jerry Gerald, Vice Captain of Minna Golf Club, expressed gratitude for the tournament, describing it as a privilege for the people of Niger state.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Niger CAN felicitates Bago on 2 years anniversary
General News

Niger CAN felicitates Bago on 2 years anniversary

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By Rita Iliya

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger has congratulated Gov. Umaru Bago on his two years in office.

 

Rev. Bulus Yohanna, Chairman of CAN in Niger, in a statement in Minna on Thursday, described the governor’s achievements as tremendous, citing his commitment to transforming the state.

 

He noted that the governor had made significant progress in road rehabilitation and reconstruction, education, agriculture, women and youth development and healthcare delivery services.

 

“We thank God for the governor’s life and pray for wisdom, protection, guidance and good health,” he said.

 

Yohanna appealed to the people of the state to rally round the governor to ensure his success and assure him that  Christendom would continue to pray for him.

 

He added that the governor had written his name in ‘gold ‘in the history of Niger since its creation over four decades ago.

 

According to him, we commend you for placing high premium on education, agriculture, women and youth development, healthcare delivery services.

 

“As well as reconstruction and rehabilitation of feeder roads across the 25 local government areas of the state,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Joe Idika

Anniversary: Niger Govt. unveils achievements in 2 years
General News

Anniversary: Niger Govt. unveils achievements in 2 years

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By Rita Iliya
Government of Niger has unveiled its administration achievements with the various commissioners highlighting key achievements in their respective ministries.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the commissioners took turns, at a news conference on Thursday in Minna, to unveil their achievements in the last two years.

Dr Bello Tukur, Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, said that when the Bago-led administration came on board, the state was facing lack of medical doctors and healthcare workers and the governor immediately approved recruitment of 1,000 healthcare workers.

Tukur said the administration had employed 36 doctors, bringing the total number of doctors to 219.

He said the state government had commenced the remodeling and equipping of the IBB Specialist Hospital, with plan to installed an MRI machine, the first in a government hospital in Northern Nigeria.

He said the governor approved a 100 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical staff and aligned the entry point for doctors with the Federal Government practice, at CONMESS 3.

The commissioner added that the state government was working to address infrastructure challenges, including the fencing of General Hospital in Kuta and commencement of general renovation.

Also speaking, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, said that before the coming of Bago children in 12 local governments had not been immunised.

Dangana said that as of now children in 11 out of the 12 local government areas had been immunized except those in Mashegu Local Government, which would be accomplished soon.

“We have built an emergency operations center with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,” he said.

He added that the ministry had rehabilitated 20 primary healthcare centres, with plans to revitalise 40 more with the support from development partners.

Dangana said the governor recently inaugurated 20 level two primary healthcare centres, with a plan to build 100 primary healthcare centres across the state.

Also, Mr Elizabeth Shaba, Commissioner, Ministry for Small Medium Enterprise in Niger, said the ministry through the Micro Medium and Small Enterprise Agency had disbursed over N8 million so far under NG-CARES.

She added that the ministry also trained youths and women in entrepreneurship skills and empowered 200 youths with N100,000 each and provided loans to women under cooperative societies.

Similarly, Mr Musa Bawa, Commissioner for Agriculture, said the ministry provided extension services and mechanisation to Nigerlites and procured over 3,000 machines and equipment for agriculture.

Musa, who was represented by Malam Ali Maikasuwa, the Director of Agricultural Services, said the ministry also distributed fertilizers at 50 per cent subsidy, harvested over five million metric tonnes of grains, and trained farmers on carbon credits.

Also, Commissioner for Homeland Security, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Bello, said the administration of Bago had prioritised security because security was the primary responsibility of the government.

He said part of the achievements was the provision of operational vehicles for security agencies and shifted focus from kinetic to non-kinetic approaches.

Similarly, Dr Murtala Bagana, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Special Duties, said the Bago-led administration had attracted foreign investment through his foreign trips with countries like Russia.

He said the state government had embraced agriculture and livestock for sustainable development and embarked on urban renewal projects through overhaul of road infrastructure amongst others.(NAN)
Edited by Joe Idika

FG strengthening cross-border cooperation with Niger despite exit from ECOWAS – NBC
Metro

FG strengthening cross-border cooperation with Niger despite exit from ECOWAS – NBC

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Government says it is strengthening cross border cooperation with Niger Republic in spite of that county’s exit from ECOWAS, along with Mali and Burkina Faso.

Mr Adamu Adaji, the Director-General, National Boundary Commission (NBC), stated this on Friday in Abuja, while assessing the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s administration after two years in office.

Adaji told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the NBC was cooperating with Niger authorities to make the international boundaries visible.

He said that the cross-border cooperation was critical because the border communities were affected by boundary delimitation on both sides.

“Governments and politics may be different from the actual people on the ground in terms of boundaries and how they relate with their neighbours.

“We try to encourage that cooperation and they have been cooperating.

“What we’re doing is to make sure that we make the boundary very visible for the people on both sides.

“We have instances where the boundaries straddle some communities, cutting the community into two – part in Nigeria, part in Niger.

“So, we encourage them to cooperate and live peacefully, and they have been living peacefully,” he said.

Adaji explained that geography has brought the people together and they have existed economically, socially, and that cooperation is still existing.

According to him, the cooperation may encourage Niger to consider coming back to the ECOWAS fold, as the regional bloc is making provision to provide facilities to encourage cross-border cooperation.

“I think it will be better, if they are within the ECOWAS fold.

“For now, we’re cooperating in terms of getting the boundary properly defined for the people to understand and know where they are.” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Flood: NEMA preaches preparedness, mitigation strategies in Niger
General News

Flood: NEMA preaches preparedness, mitigation strategies in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Niger, had engaged stakeholders on preparedness and mitigation strategies towards alleviating the impact of anticipated floods in the state.

 

Mrs Zubaida Umar, Director-General of NEMA, said this at a stakeholders’ engagement on National disaster Preparedness and Response Campaign (NPRC) 2025 in Minna on Thursday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the engagement is: “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Preparedness and Response”.

 

Umar, represented by Dr Ishaya Chonoko, Zonal Director in Charge of North West Zone of NEMA, said that the engagement was to strengthen resilience, enhance preparedness, and response to flood disasters across the country.

 

She said NEMA had received insights into rainfall patterns and flood scenarios for 2025 from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA).

 

“NEMA will deploy teams to all states to engage with flood-prone communities, taking early warning messages to the grassroots.

 

“This will be done with the support of state Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs), and community volunteers,” she said.

 

The director-general called on partners such as the traditional institutions, religious organisations, women and youth groups and the media, to support the initiative, saying disaster management was everyone’s business.

 

According to her, all hands must be on deck to take the right early warning to safeguard communities at risk, protect critical infrastructure and support uninterrupted socio-economic activities in various communities.

 

“There is a need to step up our games on what we can do differently from the past and come up with solutions and prepare for quick response.” she added.

 

Also speaking, Dr Hussaini Ibrahim, Overseeing Director-General, Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) said the meeting would proffer solutions to flooding, preparedness, and response from expected flooding to save lives and property and minimise flooding.

 

Similarly, Alhaji Ahmed Yumu, Commissioner, Ministry for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, said the campaign would help reduce impacts of annually recurring floods in the state.

 

NAN reports that in attendance were Mr Hussaini Isah, Head, NEMA, Minna Operations Office, Area Manager of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Akapo Adeboye, traditional leaders and stakeholders from the police, army amongst others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

Dangote, Niger forge multi-billion Naira agric partnership
Agriculture

Dangote, Niger forge multi-billion Naira agric partnership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Niger trains 50 as business development service providers
General News

Niger trains 50 as business development service providers

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By Rita Iliya

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edited by Esenvosa Izah/Joe Idika

Niger trains 6,000 youths on financial literacy 
General News

Niger trains 6,000 youths on financial literacy 

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By Rita Iliya

Niger government has commenced a financial literacy training programme for 6,000 young entrepreneurs across the 25 local governments in the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports in Minna on Tuesday that the training was part of the government’s efforts to empower youths with skills and knowledge to enhance their businesses and productivity.

 

The training is being conducted by the Niger state government in partnerships with MasterCard Foundation and Enterprise Development Centre.

 

The online and offline training tagged: ‘Transforming Nigerian Youth Programme (TNY), was launched in March.

 

The programme is to train 10,000 youths, particularly young women, between the ages of 18 and 35.

 

Hajiya Hauwa Bako, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Social Investment Programme, advised the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and make the most of the opportunity to better their lots.

 

“A door has been opened, and they should grab it and better their future,” she said.

 

She urged them to concentrate and be attentive, noting that there were many opportunities coming up with the training session.

 

According to her, human capital development is part of the vision of Gov. Mohammed Bago to build a new Niger, adding that the youths are the drivers of development.

 

Also speaking, Lady Helen Umaru, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Micro-Small Enterprise, emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship in today’s world.

 

She advised the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the programme to empower themselves and better their livelihoods.

 

In her remarks, Mrs Mary Berje, Special Adviser to Niger Governor on Women and Affirmative Action, said the programme was aimed at empowering women to promote economic growth and development.

 

Berje expressed optimism that the programme would provide the youths with opportunities to improve their economic status.

 

Similarly, Malam Ahmed Gwada, Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprise and Micro Finance Agency, explained that the training focuses on women to improve their capabilities on business development.

 

Fatima Rufai and Aisha Bosso, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the state government for the opportunity, adding that the programme would improve their skill on how to start and manage a business. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Security: Niger Govt. seeks media support to combat misinformation
Defence/Security

Security: Niger Govt. seeks media support to combat misinformation

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By Rita Iliya

The Niger government has solicited for media collaboration on how to address the challenge of misinformation in reporting security issues.

The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Retired Gen. Muhammed Bello, made the call during a pre- security summit news conference in Minna on Monday.

Bello said misinformation and disinformation posed significant threats to effective security information management in the state.

He highlighted the need for strategic communication in security contexts to balance transparency and confidentiality.

“Decisions about what information to share and what to withhold can be complex and fraught with ethical considerations,” he said.

According to him, to combat misinformation, the state government is exploring ways to work with the media to promote accurate and responsible reporting on security issues.

He said that security information management involved systematically collecting, analysing, sharing, and protecting information about threats, incidents, vulnerabilities, and risks that impact public safety.

According to him, the rise of social media and digital platforms has increased the risk of misinformation affecting public perception and security.

The commissioner reiterated that the state government would host security summit on May 22 that would bring together government officials, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions.

Other participants at the summit would be youth and women associations, and inter-tribal organisations, transport groups, human rights groups, and the media to discuss collaborative approaches to security and peacebuilding.

Bello disclosed that the theme of the summit would be: Collaborative Approaches to Security and Peace Building with a View to Safeguarding Niger State Security Information Management. (NAN)
Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Joe Idika

Host communities will continue to enjoy our support- power coy
General News

Host communities will continue to enjoy our support- power coy

156 total views today

By Rita Iliya
The North-South Power Company Limited (NSPCL) Niger says it has spent more than N1 billion on the execution of various community projects in the zone.

Dr Samson Esumeh, NSPCL Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen at the Company/Dam Host Community Stakeholders’ Committee Engagement Meeting on Tuesday in Minna.

He said the company had carried out various initiatives, including medical outreach programme, construction of boreholes, and provision of toilet facilities.

“We have constructed 47 boreholes, providing clean water access to 40 communities of over 15,000 households,” he said.

Esumeh explained that the Company’s Community Social Responsibility initiatives had positively impacted over one million people.

“We engaged in promoting health, education, sustainable agriculture, economic empowerment, and infrastructural development.

“ We have provided free deworming of 10,000 school children, 600 minor surgeries and 240 major surgeries and provision of free antenatal services to 55,560 women.

“Others were construction of 11 sanitation facilities and an ultra-modern Public Health Center, rehabilitation and furnishing of two community schools as well as donating educational materials to 30 primary schools,” he said.

He added that the organisation had provided scholarships to 14 deserving students, agricultural inputs to 40 communities that benefited over 100,000 households and trained 70 farmers on sustainable agricultural practices.

The spokesman also said the company had rehabilitated 30 kilometres of roads, installed solar-powered street lamps, renovated a community centre and constructed a 50-unit cluster houses.

“The company through its Zumba Child Advancement Programme (Z-CHAP) facilitated the enrollment of 100 out-of-school children back into formal education system,’’ he said.

According to him, the organisation’s investment in host community projects is a testimony of  its dedication and commitment to foster sustainable peaceful coexistence among the host communities.

Esumeh described the meeting as a significant milestone of the company’s journey of 10 years of unwavering power generation and outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) achievements.

The Chairman of the committee, Prof. Danladi Kakimi, appreciated NSPCL for its intervention, especially in agriculture, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

He urged the company to involve communities in planning and needs assessments before executing projects.

Also speaking, the chairman of Shiroro Local Government, Akilu Ishaku, lauded NSPCL’s efforts and called for more impactful interventions with more value-added projects.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abdul Hassan/Joe Idika

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