News Agency of Nigeria
Niger’s allegations against Nigeria baseless – FG
General News

Niger’s allegations against Nigeria baseless – FG

488 total views today

 

By Mufutau Ojo
Nigeria has rejected allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilise his country.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday that the claims exist solely in the realm of imagination.

He said Nigeria had never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France or any other country to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise Niger following undemocratic change in leadership of that country.

The minister said President Bola Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, had demonstrated exemplary leadership.

He said the president had kept the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic in spite of the political situation in that country.

” Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.

” Nigeria’s armed forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region.

” It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.

” Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic.

” Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic,” he said

The minister reiterated government’s full support for senior government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between Nigeria and Niger.

” Indeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

” Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil.

” This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership.

” The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture is both unfounded and counterproductive.

” Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project.

” It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.

” The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless,” he said.

He said Nigeria had been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.

The minister added: ” Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, code named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out.

” How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders? ”

Idris said that the accusations lacked credible evidence and seemed to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.

” The public is urged to disregard these false allegations.

” Those making such claims, particularly the military leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them.

” Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail,” he said.

The minister insisted that Tchiani’s allegations were not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings.

” Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges.

” We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations,” Idris said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Advocacy group assesses IDPs education in Niger
General News

Advocacy group assesses IDPs education in Niger

492 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

High Level Women Advocacy (HiLWA) in Saturday visited the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Niger to assess the living conditions and education of the girl-child.

 

President of HiLWA in Niger, Hajiya Hassana Adamu, led a delegation to the IDPs camp at Central Primary School, Gwada, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that HILWA is a non-governmental organisation that sensitise rural communities on the importance of girl-child education.

 

Adamu explained that the visit was to assess the living standards and education of out-of-school children, particularly the female ones.

 

She said that HiLWA’s focused on promoting girl-child education, adding that the organisation was concerned about the lack of guidance and counselling for the girls.

 

She observed that the girls in the IDPs camp were not exposed to the importance of education, adding that HILWA would take the issue up with the state chairman of Universal Basic Education.

 

“Although we sensitised the girls on the benefits of education, there is need for alternative location for the IDPs instead of the school premises,” she said.

 

She added that the organisation also plans to advocate for the provision of guidance and counselling officers to educate the girls on the importance of education.

 

The Head Mistress of Central Primary School, Gwada, Mrs Justina Barde, said that the IDPs presence in the school premises was affecting the education of pupils.

 

She also highlighted the accommodation challenges, stating that six families, including males and females, live in a single classroom, posing a danger to the female children.

 

Some of the girls who spoke, Rita Iliya and Jennifer Nehemiah, expressed their desire to become a medical doctor and a tailor respectively, in spite of their irregular attendance at school.

 

NAN reports that the organisation presented items, including cartons of biscuits, detergents, soap, and bags of pure water, to the IDPs.

 

NAN also reports that the delegation includes female permanent secretaries, officials from the Adolescent Girls’ Child Education (AGILE) and the Niger state Child Rights Agency.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Niger governor inaugurates information minister’s projects
General News

Niger governor inaugurates information minister’s projects

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By Mohammed Baba Busu

Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger on Friday inaugurated a mosque and some critical projects executed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris-Malagi.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the inauguration held in the minister’s home town of Malagi in Gbako Local Government Area of Niger.

 

NAN also reports that the projects executed by the minister included an Islamic school, a bore hole, electrification project and renovation of a primary School.

 

NAN further reports that the gesture was part of the minster’s personal contribution to the infrastructural development of Malagi.

 

Umaru-Bago commended the minister for executing the projects, saying this would contribute to the infrastructural development of the community and the country at large.

 

While commending Idris-Malagi for complementing the efforts of the state government, the governor appealed to other well meaning individuals to emulate him.

 

He also announced the upgrading of the primary school renovated by Idris-Malagi to the status of a Junior Secondary School.

 

According to the governor, this is part of efforts to further ensure the restoration of the lost glory of the education sector in the state.

 

He drew attention to the existing cordial relationship between him and the minister, saying it was positively facilitating the development of the state.

 

Also speaking, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, commended the minister for executing the projects.

 

According to Abubakar, ensuring the even socio economic development of Niger and Nigeria should not be left to the government alone.

 

He appealed to other well endowed individuals to emulate Idris-Malagi, saying they would reap abundant rewards.

 

In his remarks, Idris-Malagi said that his gesture was part of efforts to contribute to the socio-economic development of Malagi, Niger and the country as a whole.

 

According to Idris-Malagi, the efforts of the three tiers of government in the provision of basic infrastructure and needs of Nigerians should be complemented.

 

Idris-Malagi also urged Nigerians to always pray for leaders at all levels.

 

According to him, prayers are efficacious in providing plausible solutions to the myriads of challenges facing the country.

 

The Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of other heads of MDAs in the Information Ministry, lauded the minister for the initiatives.

 

He urged Nigerians to emulate the kind hearted gesture of Idris-Malagi so as to take the country to greater heights.

 

“This type of effort attracts tremendous rewards and benefits in this world and could fetch one Aljannatul fildausi.

 

“I am therefore appealing to the people of Malagi to ensure judicious use of these structures, maintain them and continue to pray fervently for the minister to spur him and others to do more,” Ali said.(NAN)(www.nannewsng)

(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Niger assembly passes 2025 budget of N1.5trn for assent
General News

Niger assembly passes 2025 budget of N1.5trn for assent

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By Rita Iliya

The Niger House of Assembly has passed the 2025 budget estimate of N1.5trillion to the governor for assent.

 

Zubairu Ismaila, Chairman, House Committee on Planning and Appropriation, presented the report during plenary in Minna on Thursday.

 

Ismaila said that the committee made some adjustments to the budget to ensure balance and priority of government and the people.

 

He said that the adjustments did not affect the overall budget size, but rather re-allocated funds to various sectors.

 

He said the committee observed that the submission of the budget was late, resulting in hasty scrutiny to ensure speedy passage.

 

He urged the executive arm to submit the budget to the legislature at least three months before the end of the year for proper scrutiny and timely passage.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gov. Umaru Bago presented the proposal to the House on Dec. 12. (NAN)

Edited by Joe Idika

Women farmer groups receive grinding machines in Niger
Agriculture

Women farmer groups receive grinding machines in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

No fewer than 20 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have received grain processing machines for their outstanding performance in the promotion of agriculture in Niger state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture was facilitated by the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) and the Niger state/Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa(AGRA).

 

VSLAs is mainly women farmer groups, which specialised in raising funds for agric processors.

 

The project is tagged:Improving farmer resilience and upscaling productivity, income and livelihood in rice, maize, soybean, cowpea and vegetable value chains in Niger state.

 

Dr Ken Ukaoha, President of NANTS, said that VSLA had demonstrated exceptional ability in administrative prowess and for putting funds together for the promotion of agric value chain.

 

“Notably, women-dominated VSLA groups emerged as the most outstanding, with women showing exceptional administrative prowess.

 

“We are impressed by the performance of the VSLA groups, and we believe that rewarding them will encourage others to emulate their example,” he said.

 

He noted that the recognition was to boost the morale of the VSLA groups and encourage them to continue their good work.

 

According to him, the project, which started three years ago, had created over 2,000 VSLAs in the state.

 

He commended the state government for providing enabling environment for the project to thrive.

 

In his remarks, Alhaji Musa Bawa-Bosso, Commissioner for Agriculture in Niger, said the state was committed to ensuring that poverty was reduced through job creation for smallholder farmers.

 

Also speaking, Mr Godswill Agwuyi, Programme Officer of AGRA, advised the beneficiaries to utilise the machines and ensure that their cooperatives give birth to another cooperative.

 

Similarly, Alhaji Shehu Galadima, Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Niger, commended the AGRA/Niger consortium project and urged women cooperatives to take advantage of the governor’s agricultural revolution.

 

Mrs Rhoda Tsado, from Victory Corporative, appreciated AGRA for helping to improve their means of livelihood.

 

“Through this project, our cooperatives have been able to save money, and members can borrow and pay back,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Sasakawa, AGRA distribute inputs to farmers in Niger
General News

Sasakawa, AGRA distribute inputs to farmers in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

The Sasakawa Africa Association Nigeria in partnership with AGRA, has distributed farm inputs to 7,400 farmers in Niger state to support dry season farming.

 

Dr Godwin Atser, Country Director of Sasakawa Africa Association Nigeria, said in Minna on Friday that the distribution was the first phase.

 

Atser, represented by Dr Abdulhamid Gambo, Deputy Country Director, said the items distributed included four solar pumps.

 

Other items are 15 petrol water pumps, three parboiling pots, fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides.

 

He said the distribution would benefit farmers’ groups to engage in dry season farming and reduce cost of production.

 

“This will support 7,400 farmers across clusters in 17 local government areas to engage in irrigation farming,” he said.

 

He noted that the items would improve farmers’ productivity through good agronomic practices, adding that farmers had been trained on major farm operations.

 

“We are also supporting women farmers in rice production and processing, providing them with false bottom parboiling pots to promote hygienic parboiling practices,” he added.

 

Also speaking, Mr Godswill Aguyi, Programme Officer for AGRA, said the inputs would increase farmers’ productivity and income, enables farmers to practice two seasons per year, and promote sustainable agriculture practices.

 

“We are going green, and since we now have technology that can help farmers without depending on high-cost fuel, it is good for us to begin to encourage people to adopt this kind of equipment,” he said.

 

According to him, with the high cost of fuel, solar-based irrigation pumps will provide relief to farmers and promote environmental sustainability.

 

In their separate remarks, Mrs Cecilia Usman from Ebosoko Women Society Group, Mokwa, and Isah Ladan, appreciated Sasakawa and AGRA for the inputs.

 

They said the inputs would help them multiply their yields and cut production cost, adding that the equipment came at the right time.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the intervention was under Agra-Niger State Consortium Project.

 

It is tagged “Improving Farmers Resilience and Upscaling Productivity Incomes and Livelihood in Rice, Maize, Soyabean, Cowpea, Onion value chains” (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Niger First Lady tasks vulnerable groups on unity, love
General News

Niger First Lady tasks vulnerable groups on unity, love

546 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

Hajiya Fatima Bago, Wife of Niger Governor, on Friday in Minna, met with about 40 vulnerable groups to discuss unity and love in the state.

 

She also solicited their collaboration and support towards the success of the Bago-led administration agenda.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the meeting, the governor’s wife also distributed food items to the groups.

 

She said the essence of the meeting was to reach out to every group to ensure that everyone was carried along in governance.

 

“Those at the local government level will also be carried along,” she said.

 

Bago said the move was aimed at promoting inclusivity and unity among the people of the state.

 

She added that the food items was part of her efforts to support vulnerable groups and promote the well-being of citizens.

 

Malam Mohammed Safiyanu, Branch C Chairman of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders Owners Repairs Association of Nigeria (ACOMORA), lauded the gesture of the governor’s wife.

 

He said the food items would go a long way in assisting members of the association and prayed for God’s guidance for the Bago-led administration.

 

Similarly, Mrs Justina Yakubu, President of the National Council of Women Society in Niger, commended the governor’s wife for her continuous support.

 

“We can’t quantify what this government has been doing for us since its inception,” she said.

 

Yakubu assured that the gesture would assist members in need and ensure that the food items reach those who need them most.

 

NAN reports that each group received 50 bags of 25kg rice and 10 cartons of packaged varieties of food such as semovita, vegetable oil, sugar, indomie among others.(NAN)

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/ Ismail Abdulaziz

Niger Govt, HarvestPlus partner on micronutrient deficiencies
General News

Niger Govt, HarvestPlus partner on micronutrient deficiencies

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By Rita Iliya

Niger government in collaboration with HarvestPlus on Wednesday hosted the 10th edition of Nutritious Food Fair, aimed at addressing micronutrient deficiencies in the state.

 

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger said at the event in Minna that the state had made significant strides in agriculture by harvesting over 1 million metric tonnes of corn across the state.

 

He said to further support the production of nutritious foods, the state government planned to establish a 30,000-hectare bio fortified food production centre in Adunu community in Paikoro Local Government.

 

Dr Yusuf Fu’ad, Country Manager of HarvestPlus Nigeria, said the fair was a platform created to host stakeholders working within the nutrition crops value chain in Nigeria.

 

He highlighted the organisation’s efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of Nigerians through bio fortification crops rich in essential micronutrients.

 

Fu’ad said iron, zinc, and vitamin A deficiencies were among the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies globally.

 

He said the World Health Organization (WHO) stipulated that these deficiencies could have severe consequences, including impaired cognitive development, weakened immune systems and even death.

 

He emphasised the importance of addressing these deficiencies, stressing the need for micronutrients for brain development, immune function, healthy pregnancy, vision health, and fetal development.

 

He revealed that 50 per cent of deaths of children under five were attributed to micronutrient deficiencies while two billion people worldwide suffer from iron or zinc deficiency.

 

He said that 72 per cent of population in Nigeria could not afford a basic nutritional diet.

 

He said in Niger, nutritious foods were already being produced, and the governor’s agriculture revolution was promoting food security but there was the need to ensure food nutrition security.

 

In his welcome address, Alhaji Musa Bawa, Commissioner for Agriculture in Niger, highlighted the importance of bio fortification in improving the nutritional status of the state’s population.

 

He said Niger adopted bio fortification through the IFAD-VCDP programme to improve nutritional status of people, particularly children below five, lactating mothers, pregnant women and adolescents.

 

Also, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi, highlighted the challenge facing the country as the second with highest stunted children in the world and called for collective action to address the challenge.

 

Sabi, represented by Malam Nuhu Kilishi, Director, Nutrition and Food Safety Department, noted that 32 per cent of children under five were affected with an estimated 2 million children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-day event with the them: “Sustainable Food Systems, Our Collective Responsibility”, featured exhibitions and food demonstrations showcasing biofortified crops.(NAN)

Edited by Joe Idika

NPC inaugurates study on maternal, child mortality in Niger
Health

NPC inaugurates study on maternal, child mortality in Niger

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By Rita Iliya

The National Population Commission (NPC) has inaugurated the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) study aimed at tackling maternal and child mortality in Niger State.

 

Muhammad Dattijo-Usman, Federal Commissioner, NPC in the state announced this during a press conference in Minna on Friday.

 

Usman, represented by the state Director, Nma Shehu, said the initiative was nationwide in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health with technical support from Inner City Fund (ICF) and John Hopskin University.

 

He said that the study would provide insights into the causes of under-five and maternal deaths in communities.

 

“We are here to introduce the 2024 Nigeria Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) study.

 

“It is a crucial survey designed to provide insights into the causes of under-five and maternal deaths in our communities,” he said.

 

He added that the study was a follow-up to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) that was concluded in May 2024.

 

He said that the NDHS survey would be used to get information from households to address the biomedical and social causes of death among under-five children and women of reproductive age.

 

Usman said the study would collect essential data on both maternal and child mortality, focusing on the social and health-related factors that contribute to these tragic losses.

 

He said the information would empower decision-makers to address the underlying issues that lead to these deaths, and inform policies to improve maternal and child health in the state and beyond.

 

The commissioner urged traditional and community leaders to lend their voices in support of the study, encouraging their communities to welcome the interviewers and participate fully in the process.

 

He also urged the public to cooperate with the interviewers, saying they were there to listen, gather, and document their experiences with respect and confidentiality.

 

He disclosed that the fieldwork for the study would be conducted in selected communities in 20 Local Government Areas of the state between Nov. 4 and Dec. 15.

 

Also, Mr Domchak Yohana, Team Lead and Supervisor, VASA in Niger, said out of the 25 local government areas in the state, 20 were randomly selected for the VASA study.

 

He said the local government areas are Chanchaga, Rafi, Shiroro, Borgu, Mokwa, Bida, Kontagora, Mashegu, Lavun and Bosso.

 

The others are Paikoro, Mariga, Lapai  Katcha, Gbako, Gurara, Tafa, Suleja, Magama and Agaie. (NAN)

Edited by Obinna Unaeze/Ismail Abdulaziz

Navy inaugurates school in Niger village
Education

Navy inaugurates school in Niger village

741 total views today

By Rita Iliya

The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated Major I. E. Muazu Memorial Primary School in Adunu community in Paikoro Local Government of Niger State.

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), inaugurated the project in Adunu on Thursday.

Ogalla, represented by Rear Admiral Julius Nwagu, Acting Chief of Naval Transformation, said the project was a civil-military engagement, aimed at fostering harmonious relations between the Navy and local communities.

Ogalla said the project was executed under the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme in honour of Rear Admiral Istifanus Mua’zu -Albara, Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command.

“We decided to encourage every Rear Admiral in Nigeria Navy to initiate projects that will benefit their communities; we have over 15 CNS-sponsored projects nationwide.

“The rear admirals are to identify critical quick impact projects that will have maximum impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of grassroots communities,” he said.

He said provision of infrastructure for early educational training was key to emancipating illiteracy and poverty, adding that through the project, children would have access to quality education.

Ogalla added that the renovated school, benefiting over 118 children, symbolised hope and opportunity for youths in Paikoro Local Government.

In his welcome address, Mua’zu-Albara, disclosed that Major I.E. Muazu Memorial Primary School started as a missionary school in the early 50s.

He disclosed that the project was a two new classroom blocks consisting of five classrooms, two offices as well as three renovated blocks of classrooms.

He added that the project included the construction of a perimeter fence for the school, construction of a security post in line with the safe school initiative.

According to him, others are modern toilet facilities, furniture for the classrooms/offices along with provision of solar powered lightning units within the school premises.

Mua’zu-Albara said the project would address infrastructure deficit in the community and elevate its educational standard, foster a deeper connection between the community and the armed forces.

In his remarks, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, emphasised the need for collective support to revamp the educational sector.

Bago, represented by Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, called on council chairmen to take ownership of school properties, given their deteriorated condition statewide.

He said as products of public schools, they should ensure institutions does not fall short of expectation and urged all stakeholders to collaborate and take charge.

The District Head of Adunu, Alhaji Kabiru Bawa, thanked Bago for addressing security concerns in the area enabling residents to sleep peacefully.

He commended the Navy for the new facility and called on the state government to intervene on the deplorable Kafin-koro-Adunu road and the restoration of electricity in Adunu community. (NAN)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Joe Idika

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