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Author: Mohammed Nur

  • Kano to plant 3 million trees to secure environment, beautify state

    Kano to plant 3 million trees to secure environment, beautify state

    Trees

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Kano State Government through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has unveiled plans to plant three million trees to address climate change and environmental degradation in the state.

    Speaking during a news conference in Kano on Friday, Dr Dahiru Hashim, coordinator, ACReSAL project, emphasised the critical need to address climate change and environmental degradation in the region.

    The project coordinator explained that the programme would beautify the state and secure its environment.

    He said the initiative, tagged “Three Million Trees Planting (3MTP)”, driven by ACReSAL projects, aimed to address climate change, environmental degradation, and deforestation in the region.

    “Gov. Abba Kabir- Yusuf, a strong advocate for environmental sustainability, emphasised the vital role of trees in maintaining ecological balance.

    “The programme will involve avenue planting, afforestation projects, and shelter belt establishment, engaging community organisations, NGOs, and civil society groups. Training sessions will ensure effective tree planting and maintenance,” he said.

    According to him, legislative measures are also being developed to prevent indiscriminate tree felling and enforce penalties for violations, ensuring the long-term survival of the newly planted trees.

    “Early efforts under the initiative include the planting of 5,000 seedlings along key roads such as State Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, and BUK Road.

    “The programme also plans to plant an additional two million trees through afforestation projects and the establishment of new shelterbelts to combat desertification and promote food security,” Hashim added.

    He said a safe environment was key to the continued survival of humanity, adding that the need to preserve the environment was non-negotiable.

    The project coordinator called on residents to participate in this historic initiative, contributing to a greener, more resilient state. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    MNT//GOM/FAA
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    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Folasade Adeniran

  • FG restates commitment to food security through agribusiness

    FG restates commitment to food security through agribusiness

    Agribusiness

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 27, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to achieving food security through its agribusiness programmes.

    The National Project Coordinator, Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase One, (ATASP-1), Alhaji Ibrahim Arabi, gave the assurance while addressing trainees of a two-week incubation programme in Kano.

    Arabi explained that the programme was organised by ATASP-1, funded by African Development Bank (AfDB) and supported by Abomax, a firm that provides services in agribusiness and others.

    The coordinator, represented by Adekunle Alege, National Agribusiness Specialist, ATASP-1, said the strategy was to promote the growth of self-reliant small-scale business model among incubators.

    He said that 50 youths from Kano and Jigawa states would be trained in agribusiness incubation along the value chains of rice, cassava and sorghum.

    According to him, the beneficiaries who compromise 30 males and 20 females were selected from zone 3, which compromises Kano and Jigawa states.

    He said that the programme’s core mandate crops included rice, cassava and sorghum, adding that the training was to re-orientate the youth to embrace agriculture.

    The coordinator added that the federal government unveiled the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) to attract private sector investment in agriculture and reduce post-harvest losses.

    He said the beneficiaries would acquire capacity in production and processing as well as to increase their income generation and reduce unemployment in the country.

    According to him , the programme will deliver three mandate value chains of cassava, sorghum and rice across the four zones of Adani-Omor, Bida Badeggi, Kano – Jigawa and Kebbi – Sokoto.

    Arabi explained that the programme was in consonant with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency on food security.

    The ATASP boss said that food security was the collective responsibility of all Nigerians.

    Also, the Zonal Programme Coordinator, ATASP-1, Auwalu Shehu, said that the youth would undergo two weeks training on becoming entrepreneurs.

    Shehu, represented by the Zonal Gender Specialist, Adamu Isa, said there are endless opportunities in modern agriculture for youths who are committed.

    He appealed to the trainees to make good use of the opportunity, saying it would help them be employers of labour.

    Ms Heather Akanni, Project Manager, ABOMAX Youth in Agribusiness Incubation, said the programme was aimed at contributing to food security through improved and gender friendly technology.

    She said the strategy was to catch youths and get them involved in agriculture with the hope of monitoring and linking them with relevant institutions and organisations in scaling up food production.

    Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the event lauded the federal government’s gesture and promised to be more committed to agribusiness.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MNT/BEN/FAA

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    Edited Benson Ezugwu/Folasade Adeniran

  • Shettima condoles Ganduje over mother-in-law’s death

    Condolences

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 25, 2024(NAN) Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday condoled with the APC National Chairman,  Abdullahi Ganduje, over the demise of his mother-in-law, Hajiya Asiya Gauyama.

    Shettima said at Ganduje’s residence in Kano that the contributions of the late Gauyama in the lives of so many, especially the less-privileged, would remain indelible.

    The vice-president said they were in Kano to commiserate with Ganduje and his family on the sad development.

    “May Almighty Allah grant the late Hajiya Asiya Gauyama eternal rest and provide comfort to her family and loved ones,” he prayed.

    In his response, Ganduje thanked Shettima for the visit.

    He also commiserated with him on the death of his mother-in-law, who was buried on Monday in Kano.

    The late Gauyama died after a protracted illness and she is survived by many children, and grandchildren.

    The funeral prayer, which was held at the Tarauni cemetery, was attended by a Federal Government delegation led by the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Barau Jibrin.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MNT/CHOM/BRM

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mani

     

     

     

  • ASUU decries decay in Kano varsity

    ASUU

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), YUSUF MAITAMA SULE University Kano (YUMSUK), has expressed concern over the decayed infrastructure in the university.

    The Chairman of the union in the university, Dr Mansur Sa’id stated this at a news conference on Friday in Kano.

    He decried the inability of the state governments to address lingering issues bedeviling the development of the university education system.

    Sa’id condemned the under funding and the dissolution of the Governing Councils of the two state-owned universities, adding that the state government released only 30.3 per cent and 46.2 per cent of the 2023 estimate for the Kano University of Technology (KUST) and YUMSUK, respectively,.

    “ASUU-YUMSUK, therefore, calls on both the Federal and Kano State Government to adequately fund the universities to save them from imminent collapse.

    “We also call on all patriots in the media, civil society, labour movements and student groups to support our altruistic struggle to reposition the Nigerian public universities.

    “The union condemns the government’s antics as they continue to fail in fulfilling the promises they took with a view to addressing the issues in contention, leading to erosion of trust, displeasure and skepticism,” he said

    The union, he said, urged the Federal Government to expedite action to facilitate renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement, and resume payment of salary arrears and academic allowances to its members.

    The chairman said the union was also concerned about the insecurity, poverty and rising cost of living in the country.

    “We call on the President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, and all relevant stakeholders to work towards reconstituting the committee with a view towards reviewing, signing and implementing the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated draft agreement,” Sa’id said.

    On his part, Dr Aliyu Ahmad, the Chairman of the union, KUST, urged well meaning Nigerians to intervene towards addressing the impasse and avoid strike by its members.

    “Government’s action to ignore ASUU on the contending issues confirmed the fact that they were not moved by the several clarion calls and efforts the union has made to get it attended,” he said.

    While dismissing the dissolution or absence of Governing Councils in some federal and state universities, Ahmad urged Nigerians to support the union in its campaign to reinvigorate the university education in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MNT/RSA

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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Kano Govt orders Police to eject Bayero from Nasarawa palace

    Kano Govt orders Police to eject Bayero from Nasarawa palace

    Removal

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 20, 2024(NAN)The Kano State Government has directed the Commissioner of Police to eject the 15th Emir of  Kano, Aminu Bayero, from the Nasarawa Palace where he currently resides.

    Governor Abba Yusuf gave the directive via the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi.

    Dederi, while conveying the directive at a news conference on Thursday in Kano, explained that the government had finalised plans for a general renovation of the palace.

    According to him, the state government has concluded plans for immediate demolition and reconstruction of its dilapidated wall.

    Dederi acknowledged the ruling by the Federal High Court regarding the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law, 2024 and viewed same as upholding the rule of law.

    “The ruling of the court has unequivocally reaffirmed the validity of the law passed by Kano State House of Assembly and assented to, by the Governor on May 2024.

    “This part of the judgement is very fundamental to the entire matter. Further implication of the ruling is that all actions taken by the government before the emergence of the interim order of the Court, are equally validated.

    “This means that abolishing the five emirates created in 2019 is validated and the deposition of the five emirs is also sustained by the Federal High Court.

    “By implication, this means that Muhammadu Sanusi II remains the Emir of Kano. The judge also granted our application for the stay of proceedings until the Court of Appeal deals with the appeal on jurisdiction.

    “Happily, the signing of the law and the reinstatement of Sanusi II were done on 23 May, 2024 before the emergence of the Interim Order, which was served on us on 27 May, 2024.

    “Following this ruling, Kano State Government has directed the State Commissioner of Police to eject the deposed Emir of the eight metropolitan local governments from the government property where he is ‘trespassing’.

    “The government will commence general renovation of the property with immediate effect,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the Federal High Court, while ruling on the substantive suit, validated the Kano Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024, and also nullified all actions taken by Gov. Yusuf after the passage of the law.

    NAN reports that the State House of Assembly, on May 23, dissolved the four Emirate Councils created out of the Kano Emirate by Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, Gov Yusuf’s predecessor, in 2019.

    NAN also reports that Gov Yusuf, on May 23, dethroned the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado-Bayero, and reappointed Muhammad Sanusi II, the 14th Emir deposed in March 2020, as the new Emir of Kano.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    MNT/OJI/ETS

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    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Ephraims Sheyin

  • Army Chief seeks partnership with media to combat insecurity

     

    Army Chief seeks partnership with media to combat insecurity

    Media

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.Taoreed Lagbaja, has urged media professionals to partner with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to combat insecurity in the country.

    Lagbaja made the call in a keynote address he delivered at the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat held in Kano on Thursday.

    Lagbaja described the theme of the event:  “Synergizing Civil-Military Cooperation for National Security: Focus on Nigerian Army-Media Relations” as apt in view of the current security situation in Nigeria.

    The army chief said that, Civil-Military Cooperation was a vital component in achieving national security objectives.

    He said that the Army would strive to build stronger relationships with the media, recognizing the critical role the media plays in shaping public opinion, informing the people, and fostering transparency in governance.

    “The Nigerian Army is fully committed to the protection of law-abiding citizens and their civil liberties.

    “We understand that a robust partnership with the media is paramount in achieving this objective.

    “The media serves as the bridge that connects the military to the citizens, ensuring accountability, and maintaining a healthy relationship based on mutual trust and understanding,” he said.

    Lagbaja explained that over the years, the Nigerian Army has made significant progress in enhancing its communication and engagement with the media

    Accordong to him, the Army  has worked hard to remove most of the encumbrances to peace in the country and enhance civil-military relations.

    The army chief, however, acknowledged that there was still work to be done and challenges to address.

    “We must establish regular channels of communication, enabling transparent and accurate reporting of military operations and activities, timely dissemination of information for engendering public confidence and countering misinformation.

    “In view of this, I urge you to exercise responsibility, accuracy, and fairness in reporting on Nigerian Army’s matters.

    “While we acknowledge the importance of freedom of the press, it is crucial to strike a balance between national security interests and the public’s right to information,” he said.

    Lagbaja further urged the media to avoid disseminating fake news or inflammatory contents that could undermine national unity and security.

    He also reiterated Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving media access to operations within the bounds of operational security.

    The COAS added that the Media Chat signifies unwavering dedication to transparent and effective communication between the Nigerian Army and the media practitioners.

    He then re- assured the nation of the unalloyed loyalty of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Lagbaja also appreciate the President for his continuous strategic guidance and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.

    Earlier, the Chief of Civil -Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, said that the media chart serve as platform to synergize efforts, improve communication and foster a strong and collaborative relationship between the Nigerian Army and the media for national security.

    According to him, the Nigerian Army’s collaboration with the media is one of the numerous platforms used to enhance Civil-Military cooperation as well was Civil-Military relationship.

    Ugbo reiterated Nigerian Army’s commitment to not only safeguarding the nation, but also fostering relationships that promote understanding and unity among the people.

    In her remark, the special guest of honor, the Group Managing Director of TVC, Victoria Ajayi, said that the Nigerian Army stood as a fortification of national defence, tasked with ensuring the safety and security of people in the face of multifaceted security challenges.

    Ajayi lauded the Nigerian Army for it’s efforts to engage with the media, fostering productive interactions that enhance transparency and promote a shared understanding of collective security challenges.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    MNT/AOS

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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

     

     

  • Sallah rams: Prices rise in Kano, buyers lament

    Sallah rams: Prices rise in Kano, buyers lament

    Rams

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid-el-Kabir, customers are faced with high cost of rams in Kano.

    A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in some markets within Kano metropolis on Thursday revealed that the markets were flooded with rams, but buyers were few.

    At Dan-Agundi livestock market in Kano metropolis, the lowest price for a medium size ram was N140,000 while the big ones went for as high as N300, 000.

    Some of the customers told NAN that the prices were too high, compared to last year when they bought rams at between N80, 000 and N130, 000.

    A customer, Musa Shanono, who was met haggling over the price at the market, complained of the cost, but hoped that it would crash before the commencement of the celebration.

    Another customer at Yan-Awaki market in Unguwa-Uku, Abdulaziz Buba, said he was unable to buy any ram due to the high price, but would wait until after the Eid prayers before buying one.

    “There are other preparations to make ahead of the Eid; buying a ram at an exorbitant price is not necessary at this time. Hopefully, the prices would crash after the Eid prayer,” he said.

    Jibril Shehu , a ram seller at Dawanau market, blamed the rise in prices on the high cost of breeding livestock, transport, insecurity and the general economic hardship in the country.

    “We didn’t increase the prices deliberately, because anything you go to market to buy now is costly,” he explained.

    Another ram dealer at Yan-Awaki market, Bala Muhammad, attributed the hike in prices of rams to the increase in the cost of transportation occasioned by subsidy removal.

    “We are not making much profit because of the cost of transporting the animals. We also have to tend to the rams, feed and vaccinate them while waiting for customers,” he said.

    He added that apart from the conventional ones, temporary ram markets had sprouted up on many major streets of Kano.

    Another dealer at Ring Road, Sabo Aminu, said that the ram that sold for N80,000 last year was now going for N150,000.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    MNT/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • The future of Nigeria’s democracy is bright – Kano Speaker

    The future of Nigeria’s democracy is bright – Kano Speaker

    Democracy

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Mr Jibril Falgore has declared that the future of democracy in Nigeria is very bright.

    Falgore stated this on Wednesday in a statement by his media aide, Kamaluddeen Shawai, to mark the 2024 Democracy Day.

    According to Falgore, the future of Kano State and Nigeria shines brightly, considering the progress made from 1999 to date.

    “We have much to celebrate as we have come a long way since 1999, despite significant challenges, we have leveraged our indigenous strengths to achieve worthy milestones, particularly in the areas of quality legislation and good governance.

    “We assure the good people of Kano State of our commitment and dedication to enacting quality legislation that enhances the living standards of our populace, notably in areas impacting youth and women,” he said.

    While acknowledging the economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians, Falgore enjoined the people to show more resilience and pray for peace, stability and prosperity in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MNT/RSA

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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Int’l Day of Play: Play crucial to child’s development — UNICEF

    Development

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 11, 2024(NAN) The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has identified play as crucial to child’s development, and part of physical, emotional and cognitive growth.

    Mr Rahama Farah, the Chief, UNICEF Kano Field Office, said this on Tuesday at an event to commemorate the maiden edition of the International Day of Play (IDOP).

    The event was held at the Kwalli Special Primary School in Kano, organised in collaboration with the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

    Farah said this is the first time United Nations is celebrating the day around the world to recognise the rights of the child to play as enshrined in the international convention of the rights of a child.

    He explained that “play is very important as it helps in shaping the future of children.

    “Parents, community leaders and governments need to recognise and appreciate this day because we all know that play is part of children’s physical, emotional and cognitive growth.

    “We have come to recognise that play is not a waste of time but actually develops the child’s ability to grow and be happy, creative and be good person in future.

    “Weather it is for education, work, part of the society and participation – all of these elements are important to the development of a child”, he emphasised.

    The Kano State Commissioner for Education, Umar Doguwa, who was represented by the Deputy Director of NGOs, Yusuf Sani, thanked UNICEF for the support and collaboration to enhance learning in Kano schools.

    In a remark, Headmistress of the school, Mrs Hassana Aminu, who expressed happiness over the event, said that “a child understands whatever you are teaching him/her faster when it is done playfully.

    “This is a welcome development because play makes a child happy and interested in whatever he or she is being taught.”

    Aminu, therefore, restated the state government’s commitment to provide quality education to children.

    Some of the children who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) expressed  delight over the maiden edition of IDOP and thanked the state government and UNICEF for organising the event.(NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

    MNT/MAM/HA

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

  • FG committed to provision of water, sanitation, hygiene

    FG committed to provision of water

    Water
    By Muhammad Nur Tijani
    Kano, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to the provision of adequate Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in the country.

    Mrs Elizabeth Ugo, the Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, said this during a one-day state-inception event on WASH Systems on Tuesday in Kano.

    According to her, investment in water and sanitation yields enormous benefits to individuals and the nation at large.

    She said that access to clean water, adequate sanitation and proper hygiene practices were fundamental to human health and dignity.

    Represented by Chief Scientific Officer of the ministry, Hajiya Amina Musa, Ugo said that many communities continued to face challenges in these areas, impacting their health, economic stability and overall quality of life.

    “Our aim is to address these challenges by working together with local communities, governmental and non-governmental agencies, and international partners.

    “We aim to build resilient WASH systems that are sustainable, inclusive and capable of meeting the needs of all individuals, particularly the vulnerables,” she said.

    Ugoh further said that water quality was fundamental to human health, environmental sustainability and economic development.

    She said that the Federal Government had a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory in Kano.

    She described the facility as a milestone in their effort to ensure safe and clean water for all.

    “Carrying out regular water quality testing helps to identify contaminants, ensure compliance, monitor systems and protect public health, among others.

    “Our laboratory is equipped with advanced technology and staffed with skilled professionals dedicated to providing accurate and reliable water quality assessments.

    “We encourage stakeholders to utilise this facility to help maintain the highest standards of water safety,” Ugo further said.

    She commended the efforts of development partners and stakeholders, whose support and collaboration, she said, were instrumental to the success of the programme.

    Earlier, the Programme Manager, WASH Systems Strengthening, Mr John Wali, said that the programme aimed to significantly enhance access to and utilisation of inclusive, reliable and resilient WASH services in Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

    He said that WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) was funded by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to the tune of 5 million pounds and the programme duration was four years (2024-2028).

    He said that WS4H focuses particularly on empowering women and girls.

    Wali further said that the programme geared towards fortifying the foundational pillars, such as institutions, policies and regulations.

    He also said that Self Help Africa (SHA), an international development organisation headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, was committed to the vision of “sustainable livelihoods and healthy lives for all in a changing climate.

    “With nearly 50 years of experience working across 17 countries, including Nigeria since 1999, our organisation has achieved significant milestone, such as facilitating Nigeria’s first open defecation free LGA in 2016.

    “In Nigeria, as implementing partners, SHA will forge strategic alliances with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, alongside State Government and relavant institutions, in conjunction with a consortium of partners,” Wali said.(NAN)(www. nannews.ng)

    MNT/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah