NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NYSC urges improved welfare for corps members
General News

NYSC urges improved welfare for corps members

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By Rita Iliya

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has appealed to corps employers in Niger to provide accommodation and stipends for corps members serving in the state to complement the federal efforts.

 

The Acting Director of NYSC North Central Area Office, Mrs Tosin Ikupolati, made the appeal during the corps employers’ workshop on Thursday in Minna.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop had as its theme “Administration of Contemporary Corps Members (Gen Z) for Achieving Organisational Objectives”.

 

Represented by Deputy Director in the North Central Area Office, Mr Tony Nzoka, Ikupolati said that the state was lacking in providing accommodation and stipends to corps members, which were essential for their welfare and performance.

 

She explained that the workshop was to strengthen the working relationship between the NYSC and corps employers, and to discuss ways to improve the scheme’s effectiveness.

 

According to her, corps members are products of a global order influenced by the internet and social media, and employers must make deliberate strategies to think in their direction.

 

Ikupolati also urged corps employers to apply artificial and emotional intelligence, empathy, sincerity, maturity, and tactics in dealing with contemporary corps members.

 

Earlier in her remarks, Mrs Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim, the NYSC Coordinator in Niger, commended Gov. Umaru Bago for his compassion for the scheme at all times.

 

Shuaibu-Ibrahim said that the workshop was an avenue for stakeholders to interact and chart a course of action for the continued actualisation of NYSC’s lofty ideals.

 

“This gathering is to also appreciate and evaluate the contribution of stakeholders and corps employers for increased collaboration for more effective output,” she said.

 

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, urged stakeholders to harness the energy of corps members to achieve organisational objectives.

 

Usman, who is also the Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, said that the scheme remained a powerful platform for youth empowerment, national unity, and community development.

 

He was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Dr Idris Legbo.

 

“As administrators and employers, your role is pivotal in shaping the experience of corps members, guiding their actions, and aligning their efforts with our state’s developmental goals,” he said.

 

Highlight of the event includes the presentation of awards to outstanding corps employers in the state.(NAN)

Edited by Victor Adeoti / Isaac Ukpoju

AEDC reiterates commitment to customer satisfaction
General News

AEDC reiterates commitment to customer satisfaction

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By Rita Iliya

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), says it is undergoing a transformation aimed at turning around the company’s fortune and improve customer satisfaction.

 

Mr Chijioke Okwuokenye, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, disclosed this on Wednesday in Minna.

 

He explained that the company’s transformation was centred around educating customers, improving network reliability and security as well as investing in infrastructure upgrades.

 

“The ability to satisfy and educate customers is the heart of transformation, we are uplifting our staff to ensure we have the right set of people to drive through transformation,” he said.

 

He disclosed that the company had installed over 6,150 meters in Niger under the Meter Asset Provider and Meter Acquisition Fund scheme and commenced refunding customers that have  paid for them.

 

Okwuokenye said that the company loses large revenue monthly in Niger due to various challenges ranging from non-payment of bills and energy theft.

 

Also speaking, Mr Sam Odekina, Chief Business Officer of AEDC in Niger, said the company had identified unwillingness of customer to pay for electricity consumed as major challenge.

 

He said that the issue has resulted in a significant revenue deficit, affecting the company’s ability to invest in infrastructure and improve service delivery.

 

“The most pervasive challenge is the wild spread of unwillingness of customers to pay for the electricity they consume.

 

“This is not merely a collection issue, it is a systemic problem that starves the company of the financial resources necessary for its survival.

 

“This has led to a deterioration of service quality and safety hazards,” he said.

 

He said other challenges were energy theft and vandalism which makes the company to lose revenue due to stolen energy.

 

He said that the company had intensified its operational efforts through interventions such as commissioning of a new substation, rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and replacement of faulty equipment.

 

He noted that these interventions had improved billing transparency and customer satisfaction.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

180,000 households to get FG N75,000 in Niger
General News

180,000 households to get FG N75,000 in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

The National Cash Transfer Office in Niger says no fewer than 150,000 vulnerable households will get N75,000 each from the Federal Government Renewed Hope Economic Shocks Response Initiative.

 

Malam Sulaiman Kpange, Programme Manager of Cash Transfer in Niger, disclosed this during the distribution of 19,000 debit cards to the beneficiaries in Paiko Local Government of the state on Wednesday.

 

He said the initiative was to cushion the effects of economic shocks on vulnerable households.

 

Kpange disclosed that over 50,000 vulnerable individuals had already received their debits cards across the 25 local government areas in the state.

 

He also disclosed that beneficiaries were individuals listed in the National Social Register and those who had previously applied.

 

He said that the beneficiaries were those on the National Social Register and those who previously applied through the Rapid Response Register.

 

The programme manager said selected beneficiaries must have a valid national identity card required to receive a debit card.

 

The State Programme Manager expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and Niger State Government for supporting the logistics needs of the office.

 

Some of the beneficiaries, including Bahago Musa, Hadiza Nawa, appreciated the Federal government for the intervention.

 

“We are grateful for the support given to us by the Federal Government ,” he said.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative was part of the Federal government efforts to provide direct financial assistance to vulnerable households to help them cope with economic challenges caused by subsidy removal. (NAN)

Edited by Joe Idika

NSP foundation donates food items to flood victims in Niger
Environment

NSP foundation donates food items to flood victims in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

The North South Power Foundation (NSPF) has donated essential food items worth millions of Naira to victims of the recent flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger state

 

Mr Hassan Abdullahi, Consultant on Corporate Social Responsibility for the foundation, disclosed this while handling the items to Niger government in Minna on Wednesday.

 

He extended the organisation’s deepest condolences to the people of Mokwa community, following the devastating flood that resulted in loss of lives and destruction of properties.

 

Abdullahi noted that the donation aimed to alleviate the suffering of displaced families.

 

“We extend our deepest condolences to you and the people of Mokwa community; may the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” he said.

 

He listed the items to include; 50 bags of 25kg rice, 50 bags of 25kg beans, 50 bags of 10kg semovita and 50 cartons of spaghetti.

 

Others are 50 bags of salt, 50 cartons of Maggi, 50 gallons of 5kg Kings vegetable oil and 50 gallons of 5kg palm oil.

 

He revealed that since its inception, the foundation had spent over N1 billion on corporate social responsibility within its host communities in Shiroro and Munya and had also provided support to IDPs.

 

Alhaji Suleiman Ahmed, Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, who received the items on behalf of the state government, appreciated the effort and show of concern of the foundation.

 

He assured the foundation that the relief items would be delivered to the victims.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yetunde Fatungase

Niger, AGRA train 1,000 women, youths on livestock production
Agriculture

Niger, AGRA train 1,000 women, youths on livestock production

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By Rita Iliya
The Niger Ministries of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has trained 1,000 youths and women on livestock production to boost animal production in the state.

Mr Jonathan Wasa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, said this during the livestock entrepreneurship training for youths across Niger.

Wasa, who was represented by Abbas Mohammed, Director of Animal Production in the ministry, said the training was in partnership with Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

He said that 50 beneficiaries would be trained in the first phase with two persons selected from each of the 25 local government areas of the state.

“We decided to synergise with AGRA to train our women and youths to change their mindset in animal rearing to improve livestock production in the state.

“The aim is to transform our food system, support smallholder farmers as well as make our youths self-reliant,” he said.

The permanent secretary added that the training was also for the beneficiaries to get acquainted with the realities on ground.

“The plan was that the beneficiaries would be empowered financially and given basic tools and materials to start up livestock production,” Wasa said.

Speaking, Dr Matthew Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary, Niger Ministry of Agriculture, advised the beneficiaries to acquire skills on livestock production that would be beneficial to them.

In his remarks, Mr Godswill Aguiyi, the Programme Officer of AGRA in Niger, advised the beneficiaries to see the training as an opportunity to venture into businesses and enhance the agricultural sector.

He said that the aim of the training was to transform the food system, support smallholder farmers and help the youths become self-reliant.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training covered topics such as livestock production economics, business and pasture developments. (NAN)

Edited by Chidi Opara

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

269 total views today

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

255 total views today

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

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