Eld el-kabir: Kano residents decry hike in livestock prices
Prices
By Aminu Garko
Kano, June 11,2024 ( NAN) Some residents of Kano metropolis have decried hike in prices of rams and other livestock as Muslim faithful prepare for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited some markets in the metropolis, observed that there were many animals for sale but buyers were nowhere.
At the Kofar Na’isa livestock market, a camel is sold for between N900, 000 and N1.7 million while a ram is sold for between N450, 000 and N810, 000.
Malam Balarabe Abdulkadir, a livestock dealer attributed the low turnout of buyers to the current economic hardship in the country.
“Residents are nowhere to be found and I haven’t sold anything yet. The livestock are too expensive and buyers are scarce,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammad Ishayaku, a resident of Charanchi quarters, said that the high cost of livestock will prevent many residents from celebrating the sallah this year.
” I can’t afford N400,000 for a ram, so I’ll have to contribute money with my neighbours to buy one,”he said.
Malam Bala Sani, another resident who visited the market, said that the prices were not affordable.
“The hike in livestock prices is unbearable. Honestly, I can’t afford it. A medium-sized ram is selling for N340, 000,” he said.
Malam Abubakar Hamisu, leader of the Goron Dutse livestock market, acknowledged the low patronage but remained hopeful sales will increase in the coming days.
In spite of the abundance of livestock in the markets, sales have declined due to the high prices, causing concern among the dealers.
Malam Balarabe Abdulkadir, another dealer in livestock said that the low turnout of buyers might be due to economic hardship.
Alhaji Mohammad Yakubu of Hotoro quarters, expressed fears that high prices of livestock would prevent residents from observing the sacrifice this year.
Malam Sunusi Ahmed, who visited the market to purchase a ram for the Sallah, said the hike in prices was unbearable and he cannot afford it.
He said that a medium sized ram goes for N340, 000.
NAN reports that in spite of the abundance of livestock in the markets, patronage has been very poor due to the high prices, causing concern among livestock dealers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Democracy
By Our Reporters
Abeokuta, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Stakeholders in Ogun have expressed mixed reactions in their appraisal of Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
The respondents, in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, identified the gains and challenges of the country’s democratic model and proffered solutions for improvement.
Mr Bolarinwa Odeyale, Chairman of Abeokuta branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in his reaction, said the major thing to be celebrated was the fact that the democratic rule had remained unbroken since 1999.
“The major thing we can point out for now is just that the ‘military boys’ are not at the helm of affairs and we are running the entire thing by ourselves. But I tell you, we are running it at a loss,” he said.
On the gains of the democratic rule, Odeyale noted that there had been peaceful transition of power through electoral processes in spite of the social, ethnic and religious diversities of the country.
The NBA chairman, who acknowledged the various judicial reforms and constitutional amendments that had been made since 1999, noted that the measures had contributed to the growth of the judiciary in the country.
He, however, noted that a lot still needed to be done to address corruption in the judiciary so as to enhance its integrity and help to deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
“We need to strengthen our rule of law through judicial autonomy to ensure fairness in appointment of judges and quick dispensation of justice, among others,” he said.
Also contributing, the Secretary-General of Ogun Muslim Council, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde, said the fact that Nigeria had experienced 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance was worth celebrating.
According to Akintunde, Nigeria’s democracy has grown from being “nascent” to “developing”.
He noted that Nigeria had, in the last 25 years of democratic governance, witnessed a turn-around in infrastructure in some critical sectors.
“For example, the light rail and road infrastructure in the transportation sector is there, while education has also been revamped and the country can now boast of more public and private primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.
“The health system has also improved, notwithstanding the brain drain syndrome or the greener pasture seekers.
“Regrettably however, there is nothing to write home about in the power sector and agriculture, while insecurity and corruption remain the bane of our development,” he said.
On ways of sustaining democracy and making it fruitful in Nigeria, Akintunde called for strengthening of rule of law and practice of internal democracy by political parties.
“Opposition parties must be allowed to operate, as they have the potentials to engender growth and development.
“Citizens must also be law-abiding and eschew practices capable of undermining the peace, unity and progress of the country.
“Above all, election winners must fulfill their campaign or electoral promises in order to build trust among the people,” he said.
To the Minority Leader of Ogun House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, Nigeria’s 25 years of democratic rule is, by no means, an achievement.
“That Nigeria has been able to nurture its democracy, transiting from one democratic regime peacefully to another within the period, is worth celebrating,” he said.
The lawmaker, however, noted that the expectations of Nigerians were higher than what they got as dividends from the democratic rule.
“We still have a lot to do in terms of provision of infrastructure. We have a lot to do to better the economy, while, in terms of ability to really cater for the citizens, our political leaders have not done well.
“Today, food inflation is almost getting to 40 per cent. Our per capital income is one of the lowest. We have not done well in terms of dividends of democracy,” he said.
Adeleye noted that it was important for government to invest heavily in human capital development, as, according to him, “the greatest asset of any nation remains the people.”
He also stressed the need for increased local production, stable power supply and improved infrastructure for sustenance of democratic rule in Nigeria.
“That is why I am saying that the political class must do more; we must tackle poverty, unemployment as well as the infrastructural deficit.
“The political class should have the will to do the right thing, fighting corruption, building very strong institutions and ensuring that elections are conducted in a way that will reflect the true wishes of the people,” he said.
In his own submission, the National Vice-President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Mr Yinka Folarin, said government’s inability to sustain good policies with the right drivers had hindered the progress of democratic system in the country.
Folarin explained that Nigerians had only enjoyed some constitutional freedom, with little participation in decision making process.
To enhance democratic practice in Nigeria, he said that people’s participation in governance must be prioritised while institutions must be built and strengthened.
“We must be patriotic and fight corruption holistically, if we are going to move forward,” he said.
Also, Dr Bayo Adeyemi, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Covenant University, Ota, noted that democracy in the last 25 years had delivered “marginal” dividends to Nigerians.
Adeyemi identified ICT, banking and manufacturing as some of the sectors which had experienced major transformation since Nigeria changed to democratic rule in 1999.
“Banking operations has moved from traditional practice where you have to go to the banking hall before carrying out any business transactions to a more advanced technology.
“The ICT industry has also been transformed to a more advanced digital technology while many industries had sprung up in the manufacturing sector,” he said.
The don, however, identified corruption as a major factor that had slowed down the progress of the country in spite of the transformation, adding that “the dividends are enjoyed by the select few.”
He called on governments at all levels to tackle corruption and embrace good governance in order to bring more dividends of democracy to the masses. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
REPORTERS/OAJ/WAS
Edited by Olawale Jokotoye and ‘Wale Sadeeq
British organization avails Nigerians of strategic leadership opportunities at Manchester meeting ∞
Participants at TEXEM UK’ Manchester programme
Programme
By Abigael Joshua
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) TEXEM UK, the United Kingdom based leadership development organisation, recently concluded its customised executive development programme titled “Strategic Leadership Unleashed: Thriving in an Uncertain GLOCAL World” from May 27 to May 30 at the Hilton Deansgate, Manchester.
The event was an outstanding success, bringing together senior leaders and executives from various sectors to hone their strategic leadership skills in today’s complex and rapidly changing global-local (glocal) environment.
The programme which also brought together Nigerian participants, began with a compelling session on “Leveraging Cultural Diversity for Success,” facilitated by Dr. Alim Abubakre, British Nigerian founder of TEXEM.
Abubakre highlighted the importance of cultural diversity as a strategic asset, demonstrating how cultural intelligence can drive innovation and provide a competitive edge.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions and activities, setting a vibrant tone for the days ahead.
The first day concluded with a picturesque boat ride along the River Thames, offering a unique opportunity for networking in a relaxed setting.
This serene experience allowed participants to forge connections and reflect on the day’s insights amidst Manchester’s scenic beauty.
Day Two commenced with an insightful session by Prof. Rodria Laline, Visiting Professor at Harvard, INSEAD, and IESE.
Focusing on “Global Trade Dynamics and Strategic Leadership,” Professor Laline guided attendees through strategies for navigating international trade regulations and customs processes.
The session was followed by an enriching tour of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, where discussions revolved around, Leading businesses through post-Brexit regulatory changes, and
Developing strategies for successful international trade operations.
Building and managing networks with overseas partners was also among important topics discussed.
The programme’s content was comprehensive, covering critical topics such as market expansion, innovation in international business, and economic integration.
Participants explored, Effective communication strategies in multicultural environments, Techniques for managing market research to inform expansion, and Innovative solutions for complex trade processes.
Another area of focus was, Supporting local businesses in the global economy and fostering sustainable trade practices.
Utilizing a blend of interactive tools such as games, group discussions, assessments, peer-to-peer learning, self-reflection, observation practice, and visits to tourist destinations and companies, the programme provided an immersive learning experience.
Participants benefited from the expertise of renowned thought leaders.
These are, Prof. Rodria Laline, Chair of Intrabond Capital, Prof. Paul Griffith, the world’s first Professor of Management to lead a team to launch a rocket into space, and Prof. John Peters, former Prisoner of War and Chair of the Association of MBAs.
Key sessions and highlights included that of Day Three when Peters led discussions on “Leading Resilience: Thriving Amid Uncertainty,” focusing on building personal and organizational resilience and developing impactful GLOCAL leadership strategies.
On Day Four which was the grand finale, Griffith led discussion which covered “The Role of Innovation in Navigating Change,” emphasizing pragmatic leadership approaches and developing actionable leadership plans in uncertain times.
Participants lauded the programme’s impact and structure.
One Nigerian executive Ibrahim Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer, Tawada Nigeria Ltd commended the programme.
“I’ve been to so many leadership courses, but honestly, I found this one to be excellent and one of the best, the instructors, the content of the course is excellent.
“And I have learned a lot… this course has really changed the way I view things a lot… I will go review and also try to apply all the things I’ve learned here,” Ahmed said.
Also, Femi Asenuga, Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc. another participant in the programme, was full of praises.
“I got a lot of validation of knowledge and also, some more insights into how to navigate the leadership journey.
“And for me, I’m going away with some profound life changing practice, tips that will enable me to, you know, continue to pilot the affairs of my business…we got some exposition as to how to be creative.
“The program has been an exceptional one, very practical program. We had a very good mix of, you know, theory with practical … illustrations and examples,” Asenuga said.
Another attendee praised the networking opportunities, saying, “The diverse group of leaders and unique settings, like the boat ride, facilitated deep connections and valuable exchanges of ideas.”
Abubakre, TEXEM founder asserted that
the programme successfully met its objectives which is equipping leaders with strategies to navigate macroeconomic turbulence and enhancing organisational agility.
He said other objectives are, fostering resilience, cultivating impactful leadership skills, encouraging innovation, and developing pragmatic leadership strategies for sustainable growth and success.
According to Abubakre, “Strategic leadership is crucial for nation-building, especially in uncertain times. This TEXEM programme empowers Nigerian executives to navigate challenges, drive innovation, and foster sustainable growth”.
He said that by developing visionary leaders, “we can build resilient organisations that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic and social progress”.
To many observers, TEXEM UK’s “Strategic Leadership Unleashed: Thriving in an Uncertain GLOCAL World” has set a new standard for executive development programmes.
It has empowered leaders to thrive amidst global uncertainties and local challenges, fostering a new generation of agile, innovative, and impactful leaders ready to guide their organisations towards sustainable success. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Smugglers
By Ige Adekunle
Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 11, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has warned smugglers to drop any plan of bringing illicit goods into the country during the forthcoming Eid-el Kabir celebrations.
The Area Comptroller, Mr James Ojo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ota, Ogun, warned that anybody who tried it would be made to face the wrath of the law.
Ojo said that many smugglers had been arrested several times, adding that they would continue to be arrested, especially those engaging in smuggling rice into the country.
The area comptroller reiterated that the Federal Government did not want any illicit or banned good to come into the country in whatever form.
“We are warning smugglers to desist from dealing in illicit goods as customs is not relenting in dealing with such acts and I want to assure them that we are equal to the task.
“In addition, we are at our best in customs and we will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that smugglers are brought to book,” he said.
Though Ojo stated that the staff strength in the service might reduce now due the Muslim personnel celebrating Sallah, he, however, said adequate deployment would be made in strategic locations to beef up security. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IGE/CHOM/WAS
Edited by Chioma Ugboma and ‘Wale Sadeeq
Awka, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra said an accident involving two vehicles at Ukpo junction, along Nteje-Awka Expressway, claimed the life of a female adult on Monday night.
The Sector Commander of the corps, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, said in Awka on Tuesday that wrongful overtaking was the likely cause of the crash.
He said that there was a collision involving a commercial Toyota bus with registration number NZN116LK and a private Toyota Diana, with registration number ACA529XA.
“Three male adults and three female adults were involved in the crash. Five of them were Injured while one female adult was killed.
“The injured victims were rushed to Boromi Mission Hospital, Onitsha by FRSC rescue team and one female adult was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
“Her corpse was deposited at the morgue,” he said.
The sector commander said that the vehicles had been towed to the Command headquarters.
While condoling with the family of the dead, he urged motorists to avoid reckless driving, especially at night.
“Watch and ensure the road is clear before overtaking. Drive to save lives on our roads,” he said.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
Livestock
By Rita Iliya
Minna, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Niger Government says plans are underway to partner with the southwestern states on livestock production and supply to the states.
Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger said this when he received a team on assessment of Livestock Productivity and Resilience Project (L-PRES) implementation in Minna on Tuesday.
Bago, represented by Alh. Abubakar Usman, Secretary to Niger Government, said that the state plans to build an abattoir in Jebba and Mokwa as hub for livestock production for the western states.
He said that the southwestern states such as Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Osun would be the market for the already prepared meats.
“Niger is taking its rightful place as a food producer for Nigeria and beyond using its arable land. We realised the need to use our assets to move ahead.
“We have embarked on gigantic agriculture projects because agriculture is the only way out, so we need World Bank support for that,” he said.
The governor commended the World Bank for the various intervention programmes in the state and pledged to provide necessary support to the team while on assessment tour.
Earlier, Malam Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator, L-PRES, said the team was in the state to access the level of implementation of the project and review the 2024 annual work plan.
He said that the L-PRES project commenced six years ago to strengthen the livelihood of people affected by farmer/herders conflict in some parts of the country.
In his remarks, Mr Mami Ija, Commissioner for Livestock in Niger, said the L-PRES project was aimed at improving livestock productivity.
He said it was also to enhance resilience and promote commercialisation of animal health nutrition.
Ija explained that the project seeks to contribute to poverty reduction, enhance food security and sustainable agriculture development in participating states.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that L-PRES is a six year project with development objective to improve livestock productivity, resilience and commercialisation of selected value chains.
It’s also aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to imminent crisis situations. (NAN)
aMatawalle donates 4,860 rams, N390m to APC stalwarts in Zamfara
Sallah
By Ishaq Zaki
Gusau, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has donated 4,860 rams and N390million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, stakeholders and less-privileged families in Zamfara.
This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by the State APC Publicity Secretary, Malam Yusuf Idris.
The rams as well as the cash were donated to the beneficiaries ahead of the 2024 Eid-el-Kabir festival, which comes up on Sunday.
According to Idris, the former governor’s annual largesse would be shared among various categories of beneficiaries across the state.
He added that the gesture was aimed at assisting APC members, stakeholders and the vulnerable households to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festivals in a happy mood.
“The beneficiaries include the members of the State Working Committee of the APC as well as the party’s executives at the local government and ward levels across all the 14 local government areas of the state.
“Other beneficiaries also include party elders, youths, women groups, Islamic scholars, less-privileged persons, orphans and the needy as well as party members throughout the state.
“Other categories of beneficiaries are former Commissioners, Special Advisers, Directors- General, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Permanent Commissioners and Board members.
“Similarly, a total of 140 persons selected from the 14 local government areas of the state will receive N100,000 each to support them to perform sacrifices during the Eid-el-Kabir,” Idris said.
He further said that the Sallah gesture was also extended to the APC stakeholders in the North-West geopolitical zone. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Fire under control in School of Science, Tech in Kano – Fire Service
Fire
By Bosede Olufunmi
Kano, June 11, 2024(NAN) The Kano Fire Service has put out the fire in the Matan Fada, School of Technology in Nassarawa Local Government Area of the state.
The Public Relations Officer of the service, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kano.
Abdullahi said that the incident occurred on Monday night.
”We received a distress call at about 08:28 p.m., from Faisal Dauda that there was a fire incident at the School of Technology.
”Upon receiving the information, we quickly sent a fire vehicle to the scene at about 08:34 p.m., to bring the fire under control,’’ he said.
Abdullahi said that the building of 500 x 500ft dimension with nine classes and six offices, totaling 15 was completely razed down.
He also said that no life was lost and the cause of the fire is being investigated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Service Delivery: Presidency, NIPPS, SGF to harmonise inter-sectoral policies
Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman, the Chairman of the Committee (4th Left), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, DG of NIPSS (3rd Left) and other members of Committee after the meeting on Monday
Harmonisation
By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Presidency and the National Institute of Policies is to partner with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru, Plateau to review and harmonies inter-sectoral policies to enhance effective service delivery.
The partnership is in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and others.
Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman, the Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination to President Bola Tinubu stated this at the meeting of the Committee for the Review and Harmonisation of Sectoral Policies in Abuja.
Bala-Usman, who is also the Chairman of the committee, said that the team comprised of representatives from NIPPS, Office of the Vice President, SGF and others.
She noted that in view of the absence of inter-relationship across sectoral policies, the federal government has deemed it fit to constitute the team.
“This team or committee is expected to look at how sectoral policies would be reviewed and coordinated with enhance collaboration across the sectors.
“We have noted with concern some outdated policies are still within our sector, and the need for us to engage with respective Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) and relevant stakeholders.
“The aim of the engagement is to come up with current policy deployment that speaks to the reality of what is needed to achieve our eight presidential priorities.
“So we are going to lean on subject matter experts across the sectors; we are going to work with respective ministries and heads of agencies.
“This is to see what needs to be done to enhance our policies deployment across sectors and ministries of federal government to enhance effective service delivery, ” Bala-Usman said.
She further explained that the committee was working on a work plan, adding that it is an assignment that would take within 12 to 18 weeks to wrap up on priority on sectoral policies being updated.
She said that the committee had already identified few MDAs that have outdated policies and was working with them to upgrade and improve on them.
According to her, the work the committee is doing will not stop or negatively affect the activities of any sectoral ministries, department or agencies.
Also speaking, the Director-General, NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo said the composition of the committee indicated that no organisation want to work in silos any more.
“One thing I want to assure everyone is that the NIPPS and presidency together with other collaborative agencies will deliver to the nation workable plan, development and implementation framework.
“This will be done in such a way that policies in Nigeria will no longer contradict themselves. We will ensure the resolution of cross-sectoral issues that have contradictions in our policies,” Omotayo said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that those in attendance are Bashir Maiduguri, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legal, Research and Compliance in the office of the Vice President and many others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Enugu, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The former Governor of Enugu State, Mr Sullivan Chime, says it is criminal for states in the country to misappropriate Local Government funds, saying that it hinders development at the grassroots.
Chime stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Enugu while reacting to how far Nigeria has gone with her democracy after 25 years.
He said that any governor that ran the local government system without a democratically elected council as stipulated by the Nigeria constitution, amounted to misappropriation.
According to him, Nigeria has a perfect local government system as the constitution empowers states to make laws for the existence of the local governments under a democratic elected council.
“But sadly, I don’t know how many states in this country since 1999 that obeys that constitution.
“I can beat my chest that from 2007 when I became governor until we left, we ran a local government system in Enugu State by the democratically elected council uninterrupted for eight years.
“When we came in, there was none in place so to meet the requirements of the law, we had transitional government, as we came in May 2007 and by December same year, we held our first local government election.
“And from that December 2007, it was held every two years until we left office in 2015,” he said.
He explained that council chairmen under his administration built paved roads because they had access to their money.
“So it is a criminal for states to misappropriate local government funds, that is, states dealing with local government funds other than the system provided by the constitution,” he said.
The former Enugu governor observed that the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) was not up and doing in arresting former governors who failed to conduct council elections which had resulted the country into the mess.
He added that if one or two former governors had gone to jail for misappropriating local government funds, the serving governors would take caution.
“Federal Government is wasting money to take serving governors to Supreme Court over Council’s funds. Send one or two former governors to jail or all who did not observe the law, and it will stop.
“We don’t need any reform but implement the law as it is and even the Supreme Court that has course to make pronouncement on the illegality of caretaker committee, yet it is going unabated,” Chime said.
On calls for INEC to conduct LG elections, Chime said it would be difficult for the commission to handle it.
He said that states had the capacity to run the council election in accordance to the law saying “if you feel SIECs are not performing, take them to court.
“The INEC you are rushing to conduct the election, are they any better?” Chime asked.
The former governor however, congratulated Nigerians on the 25 years of uninterrupted democracy and prayed for a better Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
