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  • U.S. Govt. awards $26.6m grants to 33 Nigerian companies

    Ms Michelle Corzine (5th from right) with other participants at a partnership meeting with some stakeholders  on Monday in Abuja.

    Grants

    By Mark Longyen

    Abuja, June 24, 2024(NAN)The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says it has awarded 26.6 million dollars in co-investment grants to 33 companies in Nigeria through its global hunger and food security initiative.

    Ms Michelle Corzine, Director of Economic Growth, Agriculture and Power, USAID, announced this at a partnership meeting on Monday in Abuja.

    Corzine said the grants were given through partnerships with the USAID-funded West Africa Trade and Investment Trade Hub Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment activity.

    The event, titled “Collaborating for Enhanced Food Security in Nigeria,” aimed to showcase the impact of public-private partnerships on Nigeria’s food security and economic growth.

     “Through the Feed the Future Initiative, the Trade Hub has awarded $26.6 million in co-investment grants to 33 companies.

    “The U.S. government is deeply invested in the prosperity of Africa, recognizing the immense potential for growth and development of the continent.

    “As President Biden said during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Business Forum, ‘Africa’s success and prosperity are essential to ensuring a better future for all of us, not just Africa.’”

    “Recognizing Nigeria’s pivotal role as a regional powerhouse, the U.S. government is dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote economic growth, enhance trade partnerships, and promote food security,” she said.

    According to Corzine, through collaborative efforts, the Trade Hub and its partners have strengthened food systems, increased incomes, and promoted inclusive agro-development in Nigeria.

    She said that these outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness of collaboration in strengthening food systems and promoting inclusive agro-development in Nigeria.

    “They have catalyzed $171.2 million in private-sector investments, created over 26,000 new jobs, and generated nearly $400 million in domestic sales.

    “The Trade Hub, a $116.1 million USAID initiative, aims to improve private sector competitiveness in West Africa.

    “Operating in 16 countries, it targets $400 million in new private investments and the creation of 60,000 jobs,” she said.

    The U.S. envoy said the grants underscored the agency’s efforts to foster sustainable economic development, adding that the U.S. was committed to Africa’s prosperity and Nigeria’s regional powerhouse role.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured panel discussions, presentations, product showcases, networking sessions, with partners sharing their successes and challenges in implementing food security initiatives.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YEN/IAA 

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    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • Tinubu commiserates with Ganduje over passing of mother-in-law

    Tinubu commiserates with Ganduje over passing of mother-in-law

    Commiseration

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has extended condolences to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, over the passing of his mother-in-law, Hajiya Asiya Gauyama.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gauyama died in Kano on Monday.

    Tinubu said in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, that the deceased would be missed for her contributions to her family and community as matriarch, guide and leader.

    “The president prays for the repose of the soul of the late Hajiya Asiya Gauyama and comfort for her family,” said the statement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Alleged burglar suffers electric shock  inside FAAN powerhouse

    Alleged burglar suffers electric shock  inside FAAN powerhouse

     

    FAAN

    By Itohan Abara-Laserian

     

    Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) An unidentified man believed to have attempted to steal electrical cables inside the powerhouse of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at the Lagos airport, has suffered an electric  shock.

     

    The Managing Director of FAAN,  Mrs Olubunmi Kuku,  made the disclosure  on Monday at the inauguration of  a 30-man security outfit that would operate at the Lagos airport.

     

    Kuku,  who said that the electric shock happened recently, added that the unidentified man unlawfully entered  into a building where FAAN  power generators were installed.

    She added that the man was disconnecting  installations supplying power to the airport when he was shocked.

    According to the managing director,  the agency is leaving no stone unturned to block all loopholes that can allow unauthorised persons into airports.

    She said that miscreants had crossed the perimeter fences of airports and stolen airfield lighting equipment.

     

    She said that FAAN had looked forward to the unveiling of the 30-man security outfit.

     

    According to her, there has been a lot of investment into airport security, from the armoury to the training of personnel and getting the arms as well as the ammunition.

     

    Addressing the newly-inaugurated security personnel, Kuku said: “You have been specially selected to be part of this unit.

     

    “This is a special unit. Hopefully, there won’t be any need to use your arms.

     

    “What is critical is that we want you to work very closely with the other security agencies at the airport. This is an environment that we want to keep safe and secure.

     

    “Today, we are collaborating with all the security agencies, especially with the air force.”

    The managing director said that President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), and the national security adviser remained committed to airport security. (NAN)

    ITM/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Army begins inter-brigade WOs, SNCOs competition in Abia

    Competition
    By Leonard Okachie
    Ohafia (Abia), June 24, 2024 (NAN) The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army on Monday, began the 2024 Inter Brigade Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ (SNCOs) competition in Abia.
    The competition, hosted by the 14 Brigade, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, is intended to improve leadership  qualities and organisational ability among the soldiers.
    The competition is also intended to prepare troops for more challenging responsibilities.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day event will feature  weapons handling, fitness test, shooting, half cross country, map reading/navigation, obstacle crossing and drill.
    Declaring the competition open, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, urged the participants to take the competition serious, as well as ensure true spirit of sportsmanship and comradeship.
    Dada, who was represented by the Division Training Officer, Brig.-Gen. OO Ejere, said the Army would continue to train and retrain soldiers in order not to be found wanting on the day of reckoning.
    He said the programme was in compliance with Army Headquarters Training Directive for the Year 2024 and in furtherance of 82 Division training goals.
    The GOC said the 2024  competition provided room for more participation by female soldiers.
    He said  the participating teams included 13 Brigade, Calabar; 14 Brigade, Ohafia; 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri; 44 Engineers Brigade, Enugu and 82 Division Garrison, Enugu.
    In a welcome remark, the Commander, 14 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Olusola Diya, enjoined participants and officials
    to put in their bests to make the competition a success.
    He said  all venues earmarked for the various events to be competed in had been properly prepared to meet the standards.
    “As participants, we should not dwell in the winning or losing aspect of the competition, rather,  participate to gain more experience and attain a better sense of sportsmanship.
    “It will eventually help you carry out your military responsibilities effectively as leaders.
    “It is hoped that all participants will put in their best to be good ambassadors of their respective formations,” Diya said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LEO/CHOM/DOE

    ============

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Dianabasi Effiong

  • We won’t allow insecurity to define our region – Radda

    We won’t allow insecurity to define our region – Radda

     

    Insecurity

    By Abbas Bamalli

     

    Katsina, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State says the North-West Governor’s Forum will not allow insecurity to define the region.

    The Governor said this at the opening of a two-day North-West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina on Monday, with the theme: ‘Regional Cooperation for Securing Lives and Livelihoods in NorthWest Nigeria’.

    He added, “Banditry has cast a shadow over our communities. It has disrupted lives, stifled economic activities and instilled fear among our people.

    “We cannot allow this menace to define our region. As leaders, we must adopt a multifaceted approach that includes robust intelligence gathering, community policing, and deploying advanced security technologies.

    “Furthermore, we must enhance the capacity of our national security forces through continuous improvements and adequate resources.

    “To effectively combat banditry, we need to strengthen our intelligence networks.”

    According to Radda, this means improving the region’s surveillance systems, investing in modern technology such as drones as well as satellite imagery and enhancing coordination among various security agencies.

    He pointed out that the leaders must also establish more efficient communication channels to ensure timely responses to threats.

    “However, addressing banditry is not solely the responsibility of our security agencies.

    ‘We must engage with local communities, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to foster a culture of cooperation and trust,”Radda said.

    He added that community engagement was crucial in gathering actionable intelligence and building resilience against criminal activities.

    “Most states in the region have already established community security initiatives where local outfits work hand in hand with formal security forces to protect their communities.

    “In Katsina, we launched the Community Watch Corps, Zamfara and Sokoto states have equally launched successful programmes, while Kaduna already had an existing programme in place.

    “Most states in the region have now established full-fledged ministries for internal security and have made security a focal part of their administrative duties at the state level.

    “In addition, we must address the root causes of banditry, which often stem from economic deprivation and lack of opportunities,” Radda said.

    He revealed that vocational training, job opportunities, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises could  help divert vulnerable individuals from criminal activities.

    The governor said, “Our region has the potential to be the nation’s breadbasket, yet we face significant challenges in achieving food security.”

    According to Radda, the path to peace, security, and prosperity for the Northwest lies in their hands, therefore they must act with urgency, determination, and unity of purpose.

    “Let us build a region where every citizen can live in peace, agriculture thrives, socio-economic justice prevails, and poverty is a thing of the past,” Radda appealed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AABS/CHOM/BRM

    ===================

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mani

     

     

  • Recapitalisation: CSOs uncover counterplans to FG’s proposed banking reforms

     

    CBN

    By Adekunle Williams

    Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has alerted the Federal Government and  CBN to an organised plot by some vested interests to orchestrate a diversionary campaign to stop the proposed banking sector reforms.

    The coalition is made up of the Constitutional Rights Advocate Initiative, Cadrell Advocacy Center, Movement for Nigeria Restructuring, Center for Social & Economic Rights, Committee for the Protection of People’s Mandates and Commonwealth Institute of Advanced & Professional Studies

    The spokesperson of the coalition, Mr Nelson Ekujumi, made this known at a news conference on Monday in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on March 29, said it had directed commercial banks with international authorisation to increase their capital base to N500 billion and national banks to N200 billion.

    According to the acting CBN director, commercial banks with national licences must meet a N200 billion threshold, while those with regional authorisation are expected to achieve a N50 billion capital floor.

    The Banking Sector Recapitalisation Programme is a regulatory initiative of CBN that requires banks to increase their minimum paid-in common equity capital to a specified amount according to their licence category and authorisation within a specified period of time.

    According to Ekujumi, who is also the Convener, Committee for the Protection of People’s Mandate, some Nigerians were planning to use faceless civil society organisations because these people do not want the fresh injection of capital into the banks.

    The spokesperson alleged  the group intended to delay or force CBN to drop the ongoing reforms of the banking sector.

    This, he said, was to elongate the stay of their Pay Masters at the helm of affairs at some of the ”sick” banks that required the recapitalisation the most.

    Ekujumi noted that recapitalisation programmes required forensic audit of the loan books, saying that this was what they did not want.

    He said: “We are a coalition of civil society organisations. Our role is to act as watchdogs to government in overarching interest of the Nigerian people.

    “We have followed the various economic policy reform programmes of the present administration, we have at different times expressed our views on them.

    “These faceless groups were planning to use some faceless civil society organisations who will begin to make preposterous claims and allegations against some Nigerians who critical to the success of the planned banking recapitalisation programme.

    “We also have credible intelligence that they intend to make some unsubstantiated allegations against the current CBN Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso; Mr Olawale Edun, the Finance Minister and some investors in the banking sector.

    “What is their goal?

    “It is to either delay or force the Central Bank of Nigeria to drop the ongoing reforms of the banking sector so as to elongate the stay of their Pay Masters at the helm of affairs at some of the sick banks which require the recapitalisation most.”

    He said: “It is germane to say that some of the banks which require the recapitalisation most are the very ones in need of the injection of capital off the back of the recapitalization programme.

    “However, these vested interests would rather leave the banks in their sick state so as to prevent the truth from being unearthed.”

    Ekujumi said: “If indeed they cared about the interest of the banks in question, why don’t they want new capital injected to save the banks?”.

    He likened the allegation to that of a parent of an anaemic child rejecting blood donation even when the doctors certified the blood to be clean.

    The spokesperson said one of the critical pillars upon which the economic reforms agenda of the Federal Government was anchored was the proposed banking sector reforms.

    He said Nigeria could not afford another banking sector crisis which would throw more Nigerians into the unemployment market.

    Ekujumi said this was why they were raising the alarm, adding that they had secured the services of some faceless civil society and online media to advance this gaslighting campaign.

    He said in the case of one of the banks, the ages of some of the Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) would shock the Nigerian public.

    According to him, they date back to the 1970s with interest capitalised running into decades.

    “But, thankfully, there has been a successful sale of the debt to a company as it is done the world over,” he said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

    WAC/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Israel donates sporting equipment to primary school in Abuja

    Israel donates sporting equipment to primary school in Abuja

    Donation

    By Fortune Abang

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The State of Israel on Monday donated sports equipment worth approximately N3million to the Festival Road Primary school to advance sporting activities in Abuja.

    The Foreign Ministry Director-General of Israel Yaakov Blitshien, who led the delegation of Israeli officials at the event, expressed his country’s resolve to deepen ties with Nigeria through sports development.

    The director-general, while donating the equipment to the school, said the country looked forward to deepening bilateral ties between Israel and Nigeria through sports activities.

    According to him, in 1960, when Nigeria got her independence, the first ever football coach of the Nigerian national team was an Israeli ‘Jerry’ Beit haLevi.

    Blitshien said that steps would be taken to celebrate his life and connect both countries through sport.

    “To the super brain pupils, it is always good to come together to enjoy sport games, which can also teach you hard work, devotion, discipline and other things you can derive from being good football player.

    “Nigeria and Israel have always had strong football connections and today, they are more than 30 players that are playing in our leagues in Israel.

    “I am also pleased to announce that in 2025, we are going to hold series of maiden sport events in celebrating coach Beit haLevi.

    “The leagues between Israeli and Nigerian football will contest for the maiden Beit haLevi football Cup, let’s see who will win,’’he said.

    Speaking at the event, John Fashanu, former England football striker turned Sports Consultant, urged the Pupils to embrace football as way of life to achieve meaningful growth

    “Football is not just a game, it is a way of life; I am now 60 years old and I am still playing football and I am still coaching football.

    “So, in here we have the next John Fashanus and we have the next Pele,” he said.

    In separate interviews, a Pupil, Cynthia Ahamefula, said, “I love the way they were politely talking to us, they were not shouting at us.

    “I wish they can also paint our school and provide blackboards, because what we have are not enough for us, also our school toilet is in bad state and needs repair.”

    Glory Emmanuel said, “I am so glad that they came to our rescue, I want them to be doing this regularly.

    “We need the ceilings to be fixed because they have become deplorable, we need our school to be painted and we need new boards and other teaching/learning materials.”

    Meanwhile, another Pupil, Francis Frank, said, “I am so happy for what they have done for us today. I thank the Israeli delegation and pray God bless them.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FEA/AMM
    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • FG, North-West Govs’ll braisntorm to tame insecurity— Minister

  • Customs intercepts 26,792 litres of petrol in Badagry

    Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu showing a mark tank truck intercepted by the Operation Whirlwind in Badagry on Monday.

     

    Interception

    By Raji Rasak

    Badagry (Lagos State), June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone A Team of Operation Whirlwind Task Force, has intercepted over 26,792 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), known as petroleum, in Badagry.

    Comptroller Huseein Ejibunu, the Head, Operation Whirlwind, disclosed this at a news briefing on Monday in Seme, Lagos.

    “Our team, acting on credible intelligence reports, intercepted 43 kegs of petrol 30 litres each equivalent of 1,290 litres.

    “One Mark tanker truck with chassis no: IMIAD3840TWO03697 containing 15, 200 litres of petrol was also intercepted at Jubau filling station along Seme Badagry road.

    “On June 14, one Suzuki salon car with registration number SMK 83 Bk, used as means of conveyance was seized.

    “One Pathfinder Jeep with Reg no: ABJ 591 DC and one Toyota Avensis with Reg no: 1973 with both specially built Bunkers were loaded with petrol at Muse filling station were also intercepted.

    “Though, we are yet to ascertain the litres in each of the vehicles.

    “Another 124 kegs of petrol 30 litres each equivalent to 3,720 litres and 65 kegs of petrol of 40 litres each equivalent to 2,600 litres,” he said.

    He said that another 189 kegs of petrol was intercepted at Timi Boy Global Venture on June 19.

    “The total petrol intercepted is over 26, 792 litres of petrol,” he said.

    He said that since formation, Operation Whirlwind team had made tremendous impact in all the zones based on statistically verified records and value of PMS intercepted.

    “For clarity and record purposes, the team had intercepted 26, 950 litres of PMS worth NI9 million in our maiden edition news conference held at Customs Command Abeokuta barely two weeks after inauguration.

    “In a similar development, the teams’ efforts geared toward curtailing the menace of illegal smuggling of PMS product in zone ‘A’ axis, all resulted in the interception of 21, 810 Litres of PMS product.

    ‘The devastating effects of smuggling are numerous as it causes distortion in supply chain of petroleum products to designated states and filling stations revealed based on credible intelligence.

    “In most instances, petroleum products were diverted to neighboring countries.

    “However, this unwholesome practice contributes tremendously to insecurity as diverted petroleum products were to be used by bandits and other notorious groups undermining the integrity of our nation,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Operation Whirlwind was conceived by Comptroller General of Customs,  Adewale Adeniyi, in collaboration with the National Security Adviser in May 2024, to put an end to incessant smuggling of petrol.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ROR/EBI/JNC
    ===========
    Edited by Benson Iziama/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • FG pledges continuous farmers’ support, unveils agricultural census report

    FG pledges continuous farmers’ support, unveils agricultural census report

    Agriculture

    By Okeoghene Akubuike

    Abuja June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government says it will continue to support farmers and the farming community as they continue to contribute to the economic growth and development of the country.

    Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, said this at the unveiling of the National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) 2022 in Abuja on Monday.

    Bagudu said from the report, Nigeria was blessed with an agricultural populace of about 40.2 million households, who were proud to identify themselves as such.

    He said the biggest key to sustained economic growth was to ensure that the 40.2 million households were continuously supported, so that they could perform better.

    “Nigeria is blessed with an agricultural populace who are proud to identify themselves as such. They are very proud to be farmers and very proud to be fishing communities.

    “That has a significant effect on absorptive capacities. That means they are people who are happy to help engage and support production in that area of our national life. They are not aiming to migrate to cities to live, they are very proud.

    “That means we need to continuously calibrate our deliverance structure, so we support them to generate more returns for what they are proud to do, by contributing to our national productivity and output.

    “All of them are looking for support to continue to do what they enjoy doing to contribute to our national prosperity. That we promise the renewed Hope Agenda will continue to deliver on.”

    The Statistician-General of the Federation, Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, said for over two and a half decades, the absence of comprehensive data on Nigeria’s agricultural sector had been a significant barrier to progress.

    Adeniran, the CEO, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said the gap had limited the ability of policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to make more informed decisions that are critical to the sector’s growth, and overall food security in Nigeria

    “However, the conduct of the 2022 NASC exercise, the first of its kind in over 27 years, marks a turning point.

    “With over 65 per cent of the population directly or indirectly dependent on the agriculture sector for their daily sustenance, the NASC results offer invaluable insights into the very foundation of our agricultural sector.”

    He said the report provided a detailed picture of the size and structure of farm holdings; land use patterns and crop production practices; livestock population and fisheries activities and the use of agricultural inputs and technologies.

    “By understanding the current state of agriculture, we can design targeted policies and programmes to address issues related to food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and enhance overall productivity.

    “It will also assist in attracting much-needed private sector investment into the agricultural landscape. The data will equip investors with the confidence and knowledge required to make informed decisions regarding agricultural ventures in Nigeria.”

    Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, said the most significant thing about the data was that the government could now measure.

    “Whatever you can measure, you can manage.”

    Abdullahi said the results from the NASC would make the management of the agricultural sector more robust, “which is exactly what we hope to achieve under the Renewed Hope agenda.

    “Having seen what the report is telling us, we have a clear picture of the number of people we should be targeting, when we are going to provide support in terms of all the necessary inputs, seed, and fertiliser, among others.

    “I want to assure Nigerians that with this very key fundamental information, the ministry will begin to do more robust management and work round the clock to reverse the current trends.”

    The Representative from the World Bank, Mr Vimai Vntukura, said the Bank would continue to provide technical support to its existing projects in Nigeria and hoped that this kind of data-driven exercise would be scaled up in the future.

    Sen. Abdullahi Yahaya, Chairman, Senate Committee on Planning and Economic Development, said economies were driven by demand, noting that there would be a problem if there were no connections between production and industrial usage.

    “I hope the report has data on agricultural processes and industrial end users because, without stimulation of demand from those sectors, we will end up not creating the kind of yields that are viable.”

    Mr Tope Fasua, Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Office of the Vice-President, said urban agriculture should be encouraged, which would help reduce inflation now and in the future.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the census is expected to be carried out every five to 10 years in line with the standard, set by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for developing countries.

    However, in Nigeria, the last round of this census was carried out in 1993/1994.

    The census was carried out by the NBS in partnership with the World Bank, FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OKE/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru