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Sasakawa Africa assoc. distributes farm inputs to 1,785 farmers in Niger
Sasakawa Africa assoc. distributes farm inputs to 1,785 farmers in Niger
Inputs
By Rita Iliya
Minna, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Sasakawa Africa Association, has launched the distribution of farm inputs to 1,785 farmers for 2024 wet season farming in 17 local government areas of Niger .

The Country Director, Sasakawa Africa Association, Dr Godwin Atsar, disclosed this at the launching of he distribution of the farm inputs in Minna on Monday.

The inputs distribution was under a project titled “Improving “Improving Farmers Resilience and Up scaling Productivity Incomes and Livelihood in Rice, Maize, Soyabean, Cowpea and Vegetable Value Chains in Niger ‘.

The project was funded by AGRA and implemented by a consortium of four organizations under the leadership of Sasakawa Africa Association

Atsar, represented by Prof. Sani Miko, his Special Adviser, listed the benefiting council areas to include; Agaie, Agwara, Bida, Borgu, Bosso, Chanchaga and Edati.

Others were Gbako, Gurara, Katcha, Lapai, Lavun, Mokwa, Paiko, Suleja, Tafa and Wushishi.
Atsar said the distribution was an annual event where farmers were trained and given quality inputs and seeds to establish demonstration plots to plant crops such as rice, maize, soybean and cow-pea for others to learn.

“We are all aware that agriculture is facing serious challenges and the food crisis, all our efforts now are to make sure there is food security, we can not make any headway if farmers don’t use quality inputs.

“The beneficiaries are to establish demonstration plot guided by extension agents using quality inputs and seeds to produce food,” he said.

Also, Dr Gambo Abdulhamid, a Deputy Director, Sasakawa Nigeria, commended AGRA for funding the activities since 2017.
He added that together with Sasakawa, a lot of progress had been made in promoting value chain extension.

Abdulhamid said the project funded by AGRA and implemented by Sasakawa, had worked with 556, 250 farmers from 2017 to date in the state aimed at increasing farmers productivity, support in processing and market linkages.

He said 1,785 farmers had been trained on different agro-good practices to use the free inputs given to them in their various demonstration plots applying what they learned to increase productivity.

In his remarks, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger, said his administration’s agricultural revolution was geared towards solving issues of food crisis in the state and the country at large.

Bago, represented by Alhaji Bawa Bosso, the state Commissioner for Agriculture , said the intervention by Sasakawa, AGRA and other partners would boost the livelihoods of farmers, create jobs for youths and make the state agriculture hub.

One of the beneficiaries, Saratu Abubakar, appreciated Sasakawa and AGRA for the inputs and pledged to use them to increase productivity. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng0.
RIS/BEKl/BRM
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Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Bashir Rabe Mani
June 24, 2024
Abuja: Police nab 4 suspects over murder of retired Brigadier General

Suspects
By Monday Ijeh
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has arrested four suspects over the murder of a retired Brigadier General, Uwem Udokwere, in his Sunshine Estate home in Abuja.
Mr Benneth Igweh, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of FCT, disclosed this at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.
He said the suspects were arrested by police operatives from Utako Division on Sunday following credible intelligence.
Igweh said the suspects were responsible for the attack, robbery and killing of the retired officer on June 22 in his residence at Sunshine homes Estate in Kabusa area of Abuja.
The commissioner said the suspects who had confessed to the crime, said that they stabbed the general when he tried to resist them with his pistols.
Igweh said the knife used for the crime and the deceased stolen phone were recovered from the suspects.
He said efforts were being intensified to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and recover the pistols taken away from the deceased.
The commissioner said operatives of the command’s anti-kidnapping unit on May 26, trailed and arrested two wanted and notorious kidnap suspects in Dei-Dei Area of Abuja.
Igweh said the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence were escapees of Kuje Prison break in 2022.
He said the duo were members of the kidnap syndicate that stormed livestock estate in Dei-Dei sometimes in December, 2023, kidnapped 17 victims and collected huge ransom before their release.
Igweh said the suspects had confessed to the crime and had collected the sum of N400, 000 and N300, 000 respectively as ransom.
He said the suspects had told police operatives during investigation that their syndicate was one of the four kidnapping groups terrorising FCT and its environs.
The commissioner said 91 rustled cattle, four sheep and one AK-47 rifle were recovered from the suspects.
He said operatives from the anti-kidnapping unit of the command, in a streak of coordinated clearance operations on some identified bandits camps, arrested an informant, logistics supplier and POS operator to kidnappers.
Igweh said the suspect was the chief informant and logistics supplier to the whole kidnapping groups under the general command of a suspect, currently on the run.
The commissioner said the suspect had confessed to be the facilitator of the movement of nurses, hard drugs and sex workers on request to the kidnapping groups.
“He is also the financial courier through whom money is distributed or shared on request to the kidnapper’s families and has distributed about N20, 000, 000 on behalf of the kidnappers.
“He has confirmed that the group led by the suspect at large, has over 15 members, all having AK-47 rifles and that, there are sub groups under him,” he said
Igweh said the suspects would be charge to court upon completion of investigation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IMC/EBI/CJ/

Edited by Benson Iziama and Chijioke Okoronkwo
June 24, 2024
Baylesa commissioner reiterates commitment to boost agriculture
Agriculture
By Shedrack Frank
Yenagoa, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Beke Sese, newly appointed Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Bayelsa, says the state government will provide the enabling environment for agriculture to thrive
Sese, a professor of Animal Science, made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa on Monday.
He said that the government would take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere across the state to implement policies that would trigger massive food production.
The commissioner said that farmers in the state had no reason to nurture fears over how to access their farmlands because the state was peaceful and secure.
“I am coming with a charge from the governor to make a difference. Our environment is suitable for many types of crops.
“We can massively produce rice, plantain, cassava and other crops from this state. The Bayelsa Palm must come back to life,” he said.
Sese urged Bayelsa people to continue to support the Gov. Duoye Diri-led government by making meaningful inputs that would enable it to implement people-oriented programmes.
“The governor has demonstrated uncommon commitment and wisdom in handling the affairs of the state, he needs the encouragement of the people to do more,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FS/OJI/AZU
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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and Azubuike Okeh
June 24, 2024
Cholera: Avoid unregistered beverages, Lagos Govt. cautions citizens
Cholera
By Oluwafunke Ishola
Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has warned the public to avoid unregulated and unregistered beverages to prevent ingesting contaminated drinks.
Abayomi gave the advice during a state multiagency news briefing and update on cholera outbreak on Monday in Lagos.
The commissioner said that history taken from the no fewer than 500 suspected cholera cases in the state showed that some of the patients indicated consuming some street beverages.
He, however, said that the majority of patients talked about other forms of access to drinks, including sachet water, bottled water, carbonated drinks, noting that street beverages were common in the state.
“It is what a lot of people consume on their way to and from work or after school. So, it’s not surprising that a few of our suspected cases referred to the consumption of a beverage.
“However, liquid beverages are produced in a batch. And once the batch is produced, it is distributed and consumed.
“So, when we go back to a particular location where they are manufacturing street beverages, we may not find anything at all because the batch that was contaminated has been completely distributed.
“My advice to the public is check the NAFDAC number of beverages bought on the street, if it’s not certified by NAFDAC, avoid it,” he warned.
Abayomi further said that the state would pay attention to the source of water used by manufacturers for their production, noting that efforts were ongoing to regulate activities of street manufacturers.
“First of all, we are trying to emphasise the fact that if you are going to manufacture anything for public consumption, you must be registered with NAFDAC,” he said.
According to him, the state is conducting tests on several beverages to identify the source of the cholera outbreak, noting that currently, results are yet to indicate a particular source.
He said that the state would introduce a Safe Plate and Safe Drinking Initiative to ensure safety of food and drinks produced in the state.
Speaking on cholera vaccination, Abayomi said the state was cautious about adding new vaccines, noting that there was a general global and national sensitivity around vaccines presently.
“We have to be very sure that the introduction of the oral cholera vaccine will actually make a difference before we expose you to a new vaccine.
“There is evidence that it is effective, but it needs to be repeated. It only lasts for a period of time.
“In this situation, when our incidence of the cholera cases has completely subsided, it does not support the rollout of an oral cholera vaccination campaign,” he said.
Similarly, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, disclosed that no case of cholera was recorded in the state’s public and private schools.
Alli-Balogun said that an advisory had been issued to parents, guardians, and school authorities urging all to adhere to safety guidelines to ensure the health and safety of children against cholera.
Also, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, state Commissioner for Information, said open defecation was common in the state and posed a threat to citizens’ health.
Omotoso said the state government would provide new public toilets around the state to curb open defecation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lagos on June 11 alerted residents that the state had recorded an excess report of severe gastroenteritis cases.
Abayomi, on June 15, disclosed that laboratory tests had confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread transmission.
As at June 23, fatalities from the state’s cholera outbreak have risen to 29 deaths, 579 suspected cases, 43 laboratory confirmed cases across multiple Local Government Areas in the state. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
AIO/VIV
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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

June 24, 2024
Tinubu condoles with VP Shettima over passing of mother-in-law
Tinubu condoles with VP Shettima over passing of mother-in-law
Condolence
By Salif Atojoko
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu condoles with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and his family over the passing of Hajiya Maryam Abubakar Albishir, his mother-in-law.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, in a statement on Monday, said the President described the passing of Hajiya Maryam as a deeply painful loss.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Hajiya Maryam was the mother of the Vice-President’s wife, Hajiya Nana Shettima.
“The President not only mourns the deceased but also celebrates her legacies of philanthropy and good virtues.
“While praying for the repose of the soul of the late Hajiya Maryam, President Tinubu urges the family to take solace in the remarkable life the departed matriarch lived,” said the statement. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SA/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
June 24, 2024
Army making significant contributions to national development — COAS
Army making significant contributions to national development — COAS
Ranking
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, says the Nigerian Army has made significant contributions to national development and progress in several areas over the last 161 years of its existence.
Lagbaja said this while briefing newsmen on the forthcoming Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024, on Monday in Abuja.
He was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim.
He said the army had over the years, made progress in the areas such as security, education, engineering, health, science, sports and many other spheres.
According to him, the challenges faced by the Nigerian army over the past 161 years notwithstanding, it has persevered and grown to be the 39th ranked out of 145 countries assessed in the Global Firepower Index of 2024.
“It is due to these accomplishments we always seize the opportunity presented by the period culminating into July 6, to celebrate and give glory to Almighty God,” he said.
The COAS said that the NADCEL was a celebration of one of the greatest armies in the world.
“The eventful history had spanned 161 years, dated back to 1863 when Lt. Glover of the Royal Navy organised 18 indigenes of Northern Nigeria into a local force known as the “Glover Hausas”.
He said the army had played crucial roles in defence of the country and maintenance of peace and security.
He added that the celebration would provide an opportunity to celebrate brave men and women, who have served and continued to serve in the army.
According to him, it is expedient to state that as the Nigerian army evolves, it continually builds capacity and modernised to effectively meet its responsibilities.
“The capabilities and doggedness of the Nigerian army ensured its troops participated in the First and Second World War and numerous peacekeeping and peace support operations in different parts of the world.
“The Nigerian army also took active part in the unfortunate Nigerian Civil War, which ended with the slogan “No victor, no vanquished” reuniting the country in 1970.
“Its heroic exploits in Peacekeeping, especially in the last two decades are well acknowledged globally and particularly by the United Nations.
“The effectiveness of the Nigerian army in peacekeeping resulted in several requests for its deployment in various troubled countries.
“In spite of our security challenges, Nigeria submit to calls for increased participation of her troops in international peace efforts,” he said.
Lagbaja said that the NADCEL aimed to showcase the army as an instrument of national unity, integration, and development as well as highlight achievements, capabilities and enduring reputation of the Nigerian army.
The theme for the year, according to him, is “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment”.
He said the theme was carefully selected considering the significance of transformation for combat readiness and proficiency toward attaining a robust national security that supported economic prosperity and resilient democracy, in accordance with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The COAS said the 2024 celebration would be held in Jos, the Headquarters of 3 Division Nigerian Army with lined up activities from July 1 to July 6.
He said the events would include conduct of free medical outreach and inauguration of quick impact projects within the host community.
He added that it would elicit their support and cooperation as well as special lecture on topical issues affecting all aspects of the Nigerian army’s transformation.
According to him, the crescendo for the NADCEL is the Grand Finale that will involve parade and COAS Commendation Award.
“It will also include armament and equipment display and exhibitions on historical transformation of the Nigerian army and some research and development efforts of the army including some of its partners. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OYS/CHOM/AMM
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Abiemwense Moru

June 24, 2024
Reps seek increase in budgetary allocation to science research, technology
Budget
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Engineering has called on the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to science and technology research to boost the country’s socio-economic development.
Chairman of the committee, Inuwa Garba, made the call during the oversight visit to Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) in Abuja.
“We are not impressed by what we are seeing here because as a research complex, the government should make a very robust and effective budget system to this institution to make it work.
“We all see the kind of investment that is here, running into billions of naira but nothing positive is happening, maybe due to lack of proper funding or lack of other issues,” he said.
Garba said that based on what the committee had observed at the complex, there was the need for discussing how to ensure proper functionality of the organisation, in line with international best practices.
“Looking at what is happening globally in the area of science and technology, Nigeria should not be left behind because that is what is moving the entire world now.
“Without research, there will be no development; without development, there will be no positive change in any country,” he said.
Garba stressed the need for taking science research seriously, stressing that the complex was a good initiative but that due to negligence, it had not achieved its purpose.
He said that science research was important in the area of agriculture, healthcare, housing and automobile industry, adding that it also enhanced opportunities to solve problems.
The lawmaker called for strategic approach to addressing the challenges in the science and technology sector.
The Director-General of SHESTCO, Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, commended the committee on their visit, expressing the hope that they would address the pressing challenges of the organisation.
He commended the committee for its objectivity, dedication and passion for science research in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OEO/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
June 24, 2024
Alleged money laundering: Court adjourns Ali Bello, co-defendants’ trial
Alleged money laundering: Court adjourns Ali Bello, co-defendants’ trial
Adjournment
By Taiye Agbaje
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, adjourned the alleged money laundering trial of Ali Bello and his co-defendants until Sept. 24 for trial continuation.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu adjourned the matter after defence counsel, Nureini Jimoh, SAN, concluded the cross-examination of the EFCC 2nd prosecution witness (PW2), Olomotane Egoro, and was re-examined by the anti-graft agency’s lawyer, Abbas Mohammed.
Justice Egwuatu, who discharged Egoro, an Access Bank Complaint Officer, from the witness box, adjourned the matter until Sept. 24 and Sept. 26 for trial.
It will be recalled that the EFCC, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/573/2022, is prosecuting Bello and three others on an alleged N3 billion fraud charge.
While Bello is the 1st defendant, Abba Adaudu, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege and Iyadi Sadat are 2nd to 3rd defendants respectively.
Earlier when the matter was called, Jimoh, who appeared for 2nd to 3rd defendants, applied for Exhibits E to N.
While cross-examining Egoro, the witness told the court that though he was not working at the Access Bank branch in Abuja, he said he was stationed in Abuja in 2023 because of the proximity to law enforcement agencies.
He said he was never in the Lagos branch or head office of the bank.
Egoro had, at the previous hearing, said Ali Bello neither lodged nor withdrew money in the bank statements tendered in the proceedings.
Egoro stated this while being cross-examined by Bello’s counsel, Abdullahi Aliyu, SAN, before Justice Egwuatu.
The witness had admitted that majority of the transactions he earlier identified from the accounts belonging to the 2nd to 4th defendants which were suspected to be proceeds of money laundering from the LGAs or Kogi were actually proceeds from a loan of N2 billion accessed from the bank by the 4th defendant’s company.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TOA/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 24, 2024
VP Shetima leads others to Northwest security summit
VP Shetima leads others to Northwest security summit
Summit
By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and governors from the Northwest on Monday converge on Katsina for a two-day security summit.
The summit, organised by the Northwest Governors Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed at discussing insecurity in the zone and proffer solutions to the problem.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that governors present at the summit include Dikko Radda of Katsina, Uba Sani of Kaduna, and Nasir Idris of Kebbi.
Also present are Governors Dauda Lawal of Zamfara and Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto and the Secretary to the Kano State Government, who represented Abba Yusuf.
Other dignitaries at the summit include the Emirs of Katsina, Alhaji abdulmumini Kabir-Usman, Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouq, Zazzau, Alhaji Nuhu Bamalli and Kazaure, Alhaji Najib Adamu.
The summit also had in attendance the former governors of Katsina State, Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema, a Katsina business mogul, Alhaji Dahiru Barau-Mangal, as well as the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.
The Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, serving members of the National and States Assembly were also at the summit.
Similarly, the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the Director-General of the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA) Mr Ahmed Rufai, were also present.
The Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa and her counterpart in Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, were also in attendance.
Service Chiefs, heads of some paramilitary agencies, retired security officers and other security experts are also expected at the meeting.
NAN gathered that the Vice President representing President Bola Tinubu would inaugurate a 16-bed capacity state-of-art dialysis centre at Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital, Katsina.
He would also inaugurate a road project in the state all executed by the administration of Dikko Radda.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ZI/DCO/IAA
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Edited by Deborah Coker/Isaac Aregbesola
June 24, 2024
Police rescue kidnapped Ex-Shell worker in A’Ibom
Rescue
By Isaiah Eka
Uyo, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The police in Akwa Ibom says it has rescued a 63-year man and retiree of Shell Petroleum Company who was recently kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
The command’s Spokesperson, ASP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Uyo.
John said that he victim, who was abducted on June 17 and held hostage by his abductors, was rescued unhurt in a compound at Ikot Udobong Village in Etim Ekpo.
She said that the rescue followed reliable intelligence information which prompted the command to swing into action.
John said that the kidnappers engaged the police rescue team in a gun duel in the process of rescuing the victim.
“Upon sighting the police, the kidnappers opened fire at them, one of the kidnappers was fatally wounded in the process while the others fled,” she said.
The police spokesperson said that the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Mr Waheed Ayilara, had ordered the command’s SWAT operatives to immediately swing into action.
”Efforts are seriously ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the gang for possible prosecution,” she said.
John said that preliminary investigations revealed that the kidnappers had initially demanded N50 million as ransom for the release of their captive
“They later agreed to take N20 million, but I tell you on good authority that no ransom was paid as at the time of the rescue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IE/AOM/AZU
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Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed and Azubuike Okeh
June 24, 2024