NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
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

186 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

Naval chief provides potable water for Niger community
Defence/Security

Naval chief provides potable water for Niger community

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla has inaugurated an integrated solar-powered motorised industrial borehole at Bayan Waya Community in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger.

Speaking at the event on Thursday, Ogalla said the water project was one of his Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects (SIQIP) being executed in communities across the country.

He said the borehole was constructed with 60,000 litres capacity overhead water tank, provision of water points, perimeter fencing as well as provision of solar lighting units around the perimeter of the site.

He was represented at the event by the Chief of Naval Transformation, Rear Adm. Monday Unurhiere.

According to him, the SIQIP is to facilitate the attainment of the re-invigorated Nigerian Navy’s Civil Military Cooperation’s mandate and to contribute to ongoing Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The CNS stated that the projects were avenues for the Nigerian Navy to honor its accomplished senior officers and demonstrate that beyond physically securing lives and properties, it was committed to serving the interests of Nigerians through other ways.

“Today’s commissioning of the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project undertaken by an illustrious son of Kontagora, Rear Adm. Abdulmajid Ibrahim is yet another watershed in the Nigerian Navy civil-military cooperation annals.

“Not only do these projects resonate with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, it aptly captures the essence for the quick impact projects as conceived by the CNS.

“Indeed, Rear Adm. Ibrahim’s choice to put smiles on the faces of the community typifies Maya Angelou’s avowal that kindness takes courage.

“We therefore salute the senior officer’s mettle and urge him on to more humanitarian endeavors with the novelist Robin Sharma’s words that ‘Each person who delivers kindness stays with us forever’.

“These projects will enhance the quality of lives in this community, I believe that the senior officer and indeed the Nigerian Navy will certainly not be hurriedly forgotten,” he said.

The CNS urged the beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly so it will endure.

He also appealed to the community and Niger State at large to continue to, in keeping with the tenets of civil-military cooperation, collaborate with the Navy, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to eliminate threats to their collective well-being.

In his remarks, Gov. Umaru Bago, represented by the Commissioner for Home Land Security, Retired Brig.-Gen. Bello Mohammed, appreciated the navy for the project.

Bago described the project as a significant and impactful initiative of the navy that reflected a strong and commendable sense of national service and commitment to community development.

He said the water project was not just a structure, but a lifeline, adding that it was a testimony to what is possible when security agencies go beyond their traditional mandates to invest in human capital and community welfare.

“Water is essential to life. It is the bedrock of food security, public health, sanitation, and dignity.

“This borehole will undoubtedly alleviate the suffering of the people of Bayan Waya and transform daily life, particularly for women, children, and farmers.

“As we celebrate this achievement, I want to emphasise the importance of community ownership and maintenance.

“This project, which is now a part of your community, should be guarded jealously, maintained regularly, and used responsibly,” he said.

The project facilitator, who is the Chief of Naval Safety and Standard, Rear Adm. Abdulmajid Ibrahim, said the Nigerian Navy has contributed in solving some of the welfare needs of communities across the country.

Ibrahim said the project in Kontagora Emirate marked another significant milestone in the navy’s Civil-Military Relations commitment to communities in Nigeria.

“It is worthy to note that this is one of several projects executed as part of the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Project across the country.

“Bayan Waya community is now a proud beneficiary of the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project with the commissioning of this Integrated Motorised Solar Powered Industrial Borehole with 60,000 litres capacity overhead Tank,” he said.

The project Inauguration event was graced by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Muhammed Barau Mu’azu II, Sarkin Sudan of Kontagora- Represented by Magayaki of Kontagora, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed.

Also at the ceremony is the Member Representing Kotongora 1 Constituency in the Niger State House of Assembly, Umar Sani. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Niger agency begins repair of township roads
General News

Niger agency begins repair of township roads

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By Rita Iliya

The Niger state Road Maintenance Agency (NIGROMA) has commenced the repairs of bad portions of Minna township roads to ease movement.

 

Alhaji Farouk Audi, Managing Director of the agency, disclosed this during the flag-off of the third phase of the ongoing repairs in Minna.

 

According to Audi, the third phase will start with the 4.4-kilometre road leading to Government House, Minna.

 

“We are here today to effect repairs on this critical road, which is part of our mandate to maintain state roads across all local government areas.

 

“This is a continuation of our repairs, and we have started with this particular road, with the hope of completing it within the next three days before moving to others,” he said.

 

Audi revealed that NIGROMA would repair seven roads in Minna metropolis, including the road from Democracy Garden to Zarumai, High Court Roundabout to Mobil, Bomas Roundabout to Obasanjo complex, and others.

 

According to him, the goal of the agency is to achieve smooth roads, in line with our agency’s mandate.

 

He noted that the state had over 2,000 kilometres of roads and more were still being built.

 

“We intend to maintain these roads for the people to enjoy them because the agency’s commitment is to improve road infrastructure in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Bago eases curfew on motorcycles, tricycles
General News

Bago eases curfew on motorcycles, tricycles

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By Rita Iliya
Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has announced a revision of the curfew hours imposed on the movement of motorcycles and tricycles within the Minna metropolis.

This is contained in a statement signed by Malam Ibrahim Bologi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor in Minna.

Gov. Bago said the new curfew hours will  be from 8 pm to 6 am.

He said the adjustment was made based on security updates received from the state security committee.

Bago assured the people of Niger that his administration would continue to engage with the security committee to assess the effectiveness of the curfew and make further adjustments as necessary.

He urged citizens to remain law-abiding, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to implementing policies that positively impact their lives and ensure their wellbeing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had on April 23, announced the restriction of movement of motorcycles and tricycles from 6 a.m to 6 p.m as a result of a spike in thuggery.

NAN reports that the restrictions on motorcycles and tricycles were put in place as a proactive measure to address growing insecurity in parts of the state capital, Minna. (NAN)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Sadiya Hamza

Workers Day: Niger health workers seek pay rise
General News

Workers Day: Niger health workers seek pay rise

219 total views today

By Rita Iliya

The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) in Niger has urged the state government to increase its members’ salaries due to the hazardous nature of their jobs.

 

The state Chairman of the union,  Usman Abubakar-Dabban, made the request at a reception organised for the workers to mark the International Workers Day in Minna on Thursday.

 

He said that since health workers were game-changers, there was the need to increase their wages.

 

According to Abubakar-Dabban, an increase of 150 per cent will justify the critical role health workers play in the system.

 

He lauded the governor and the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, for implementing the new minimum wage of N80,000, which was above what was recommended by the Federal Government.

 

He hailed the deputy governor for initiating the building of the union’s hall when he was the chairman of the union, which would be inaugurated soon.

 

He urged the union members to adhere to the ethics of the profession to ensure they enjoy the welfare they crave for from the state government.

 

Earlier in his remarks, Aminu Yusuf, Special Adviser to Niger governor on Labour Matters, lauded the workers for the reception.

 

Yusuf said workers day was a day for labour leaders to take stock of their achievements, consolidate on them and identify new challenges, so that they could open a new chapter towards addressing them.(NAN)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Joe Idika

Dangote Foundation donates rice to less privileged in Niger
General News

Dangote Foundation donates rice to less privileged in Niger

288 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

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

Niger, NGOs train 10,000 youths on financial literacy
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

Niger govt commits to women empowerment in Agric, food production
General News

Niger govt commits to women empowerment in Agric, food production

327 total views today

 

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

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