Month: June 2024

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Adamawa Government have begun the distribution of farm inputs to 187,250 farmers in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

Speaking at the event on Thursday at Jabbi-Lamba, Girei Local Government Area, Adamawa, Mr Dominique Kouacou, FAO’s Nigeria/ECOWAS Representative, said that the support followed the seeming escalation of food insecurity in the country.

Represented by Mr Luc Manga, Head of Office, North-East, Kouacou, said that a large population of people in the North-East were at the risk of facing food insecurity.

Kouacou said that the intervention, supported by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), USAID, Norway’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, and Swiss Development and Cooperation was targeted at benefiting about 26,750 households.

‘In all, the intervention will benefit no fewer than 187,250 individuals across the the three states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe,’ he said.

The FAO representative, said that a total of 5,350 h
ouseholds and 37,450 individuals would benefit from the programme in Guyuk, Madagali, Michika and Girei areas of Adamawa.

‘They will receive essential inputs such as cereal seeds, legume seeds, vegetable seeds and NPK fertilisers.

‘This collaborative effort is geared towards restoring and strengthening food security in the state.

‘It is also aimed at supporting the communities to restart their individual means of livelihood, improve food production and foster economic resilience,’ he said.

Earlier, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, said that the collaboration was a significant milestone in the effort to transform agriculture in the state and the North-East region at large

Represented by Prof. David Jatau, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Fintiri commended FAO for the support, describing it as timely and impactful.

‘Agriculture is not just a sector, it is a way of life. Your support has been instrumental in building resilience in our agriculture sector and ensuring food security.

‘From these initiatives, the farmer
s will receive high quality seeds, fertiliser and other inputs that will help to produce high yielding crops,’ he said.

The governor said that the state government was already providing training supports to farmers to improve their skills and competence.

‘Our intention is to develop sustainable agricultural practices that will ensure long-term food security for our people,’ he said.

Halilu Bello, a beneficiary, appreciated FAO and the state government for the initiative, saying that the inputs would help the farmers to eliminate hunger and rebuild their sources of livelihood.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that is leading international efforts to eliminate hunger.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has initiated a water quality analysis following a cholera outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of 30 people across several states.

Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday that this was necessary following continued reports of outbreak in many parts of the country.

According to him, the ministry’s concern highlights the severity of the waterborne disease, which is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and spreads rapidly through contaminated water or food.

He said the symptoms of cholera include vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.

‘In response to the outbreak, teams from the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto have been dispatched to collect water samples and investigate the presence of Vibrio cholerae in the affected areas.

‘Additionally, the ministry is coordinating with State Technica
l Working Groups and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSAs) through the WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group (WiETWG) to address the outbreak comprehensively’.

Shinkafi said that before the outbreak, the National WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group had already trained state working groups on preparedness, prevention, and response strategies, as well as hygiene promotion and water safety planning.

These states, he said have now intensified their community sensitisation efforts to reduce cholera cases and are promoting campaigns against open defecation, a known transmission route for the disease.

He however urged Nigerians to take precautions to protect themselves and their families by boiling or treating drinking water before consumption.

The permanent secretary called on all Nigerians to always wash ehands with soap under clean, running water regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

He said the ministry will continue to provide updates in collaboration wit
h the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as the situation evolves.

‘Let’s wash fruits and vegetables with safe water and salt before eating.

‘Let’s also seek medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms of cholera, such as vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea.

‘Together, we can overcome this challenge and prevent further loss of lives’.

NAN quotes the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as saying ‘as of 11 June 2024, 1,141 suspected cholera cases had been recorded across 30 states in Nigeria since January 2024.”

The 10 states that recorded 90 per cent of the cases are mostly located in the South (Bayelsa-over 400 cases, Lagos, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Imo States), with some situated further north (Katsina, Nasarawa, Zamfara.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Army on Thursday, put to operation two new Bell UH-1 Helicopters to herald its aviation unit and to strengthen its counter-insurgency operations.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two helicopters arrived the Nigeria Police Air wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at about 4:37 p.m.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the journey to realising the dream of army aviation had come to reality with delivery of the two helicopters.

Lagbaja said the renewed drive to have an aviation wing started in 2014 when the former COAS, retired Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, established and operationalised the army aviation coordination office with a 10-year implementation plan segmented into three phases.

‘I am glad that, as conceptualised 10 years later, we have today, taken delivery of our first set of platforms.

‘The journey, as predicted by the initial dreamers, has not been easy but here we are today by the grace of God, realising ou
r dream.

‘We are new to this business, and as newcomers, we must acknowledge our forerunners like the NAF, NN, and the NPF.

‘We are on our learning curve in the aviation business, and we hope it will be a pleasant experience that will enhance our operational successes,’ he said.

Lagbaja said the new helicopters would be a game-changer for the army in its operational activities, adding that the platforms would be used for casualty evacuation, reconnaissance and surveillance.

He said new platform would ensure flexibility in providing support to troops in the field in terms of casualty evacuation, supply and insertion of troops in critical areas.

The Coordinator of Nigerian Army Aviation, Brig.-Gen. Musa Alkali, said the introduction of the advanced air platforms marked a new chapter in the army’s operational readiness and ability to respond swiftly and effectively to diverse security challenges.

Alkali said the platforms were not just an addition to army fleet but a leap forward in its quest for excellenc
e and efficiency toward getting its aviation unit operational.

He said the journey had been defined by rigorous planning, meticulous execution, and unwavering support of the Nigerian army leadership and partners.

According to him, the acquisition of these air platforms is a clear demonstration of our resolve to continuously improve and adapt in the face of evolving security landscapes.

‘These platforms will significantly bolster the reconnaissance, surveillance, and air mobility capabilities, thereby enhancing our overall operational effectiveness.

‘As we integrate these platforms into our operations, let us also remember that the true strength of our aviation lies in the skilled and courageous personnel who operate and maintain these machines.

‘Their professionalism, dedication, and expertise are the bedrock upon which our success is built,’ he said.

The Consultant, retired Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onwuamaegbu, commended the leadership of the Nigerian army for making the aviation unit a reality.

He said the Ni
gerian army invested in him so much to become an aviation professional but could not render the service to the army because of the absence of aviation unit until his retirement.

‘The army invested so much in me in this aspect of military operations but unfortunately, I didn’t use those skills when I was in service.

‘It was a great pleasure a few months ago when I heard that the Nigerian army was about to operationalise the aviation corps, and I met the Chief of Army Staff, and he trusted me to be involved.

‘These platforms will form the foundation for the growth of the Nigerian army,’ he said.

NAN reports that the COAS had in 2023, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu, had approved acquisition of the initial 12 MD 530F Cayuse Attack Helicopters for actualisation of army aviation.

He said the acquisition of the new attack helicopters was part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to boost operational capabilities of the army aviation to appropriately respond to contemporary and emerging security t
hreats.

The attack helicopters are still being expected.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on his birthday.

‘Mr Onanuga is one of Nigeria’s finest journalists with a string of accomplishments in the media and beyond to show for his efforts,’ the president said in a statement on Thursday by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

‘He was a prominent figure in the pro-democracy struggles in Nigeria and, at various times, had to endure indignities over his progressive beliefs and pursuits.

‘He co-founded The News Magazine and was the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of PM News,’ Tinubu added.

The president noted that Onanuga previously served as Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria.

He commended the ace journalist for professional excellence, and described him as a dependable and resourceful adviser.

The president wished Onanuga many more years in good health as well as renewed strength in his service to the nation.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has commenced the construction of 9,600 bed space ultramodern students’ hostels to cost N16 billon, under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement to be completed in September 2025.

Mr Philip Uzouku, the Chairman/Managing Director, Philkruz WA Ltd., disclosed this during the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of the students’ hostels on Thursday in Abuja.

Uzouku said that the company would build and manage the hostels for over 30 years, recoup their money before handing it over to the university.

‘We have been on this journey for over eight years, pushing through thick and thin.

‘This project will not stop until we finish it, so that by next year September, we will start taking new students to live in it.

‘The 9,600 bed space will cost N16 billion and I have six slots in the University of Abuja that will cost about N48 billion to complete it.

‘The landmark is 10 hecters per slot; each slot is 1600 beds spaces.

‘When we build and manage it for over 30
years and recoup our money before we hand over to the university,’ he said.

He said that the company’s motivation to embark on this project was not only to make profit and enrich their pockets.

According to him, the motivation is borne out of the desire to partner with the university to contribute in their efforts to provide modern, affordable and state of the arts students’ hostels.

Uzouku appreciated the Vice-chancellor, Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, for giving him the opportunity to be among the investors that have been selected to help alleviate the accommodation problem facing the university.

On his part, Na’Allah urged wealthy citizens to come and build facilities in the university, adding that public universities should not be a government business alone.

He said that the university could accommodate any PPP arrangement that would like to come and build hostels, staff quarters, and canteens among others in the university.

According to him, with enough hostels the university will make a policy that all
students’ will be in the hostels, so that anyone who wishes to stay off campus will need to apply for exemption.

The Registrar, Yahaya Mohammed said that at the moment, the university could only accommodate 6,000 out of the 26,000 regular students.

Mohammed said that the hostels when completed would be a big relief to the students who were off campus.

‘If there are enough hostels, many students will like to stay as this will help to ease the stress of coming from outside the campus.

‘This will be a good market also for other investors to come and invest as they will recoup their money within a short period of time.

‘It will not be a project that any investors would lose or regret partnering with the university,’ he said.

He said that the university has over 63,000 regular and non-regular students.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that UniAbuja and Philkruz signed the hand-over certificate and the project was officially handed over to the company.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) is engaging with stakeholders to review and validate the 2023 Annual Progress Report (APR) of Nigeria’s extractive industries.

Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, said this at a Stakeholder’s Consultation/Validation Meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was centred on the 2023 Annual Progress Report (APR) of the Nigeria Extractive Industries, which covers the oil, gas, and mining sectors.

Orji, represented by a Director in NEITI, Mrs Jane Onwumere, said that stakeholders engagement in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) process was important.

‘The global EITI requirement of 1.5 under its 2023 standard mandates all implementing countries, including Nigeria, to document their review of the impacts and outcomes of the EITI implementation in an APR.

‘This can also be done through other means as may be agreed by Multi-Stakeholders Group (MSG).

‘It requ
ires that all stakeholders, companies, government and civil society involved in the EITI process, including those not on the MSG, should participate in reviewing the impact of EITI implementation.

‘They are required to also provide feedback and have their views reflected in the annual progress report.’

Orji said the programme, therefore, aimed to reflect the stakeholders’ views in the 2023 APR of the NEI in line with the requirements of the global EITI.

He said the event served as an opportunity to evaluate and celebrate the progress, milestones, and achievements recorded in Nigeria’s extractive sectors in the year under review.

Orji called on stakeholders to share their contributions to the sector to enable NEITI to report and celebrate them through the instrumentality of the global EITI.

According to him, the APR is not solely the business of the NEITI Secretariat but a collective effort by all parties working towards achieving EITI objectives in Nigeria.

‘While we acknowledge that there are still man
y issues to be addressed in the sectors, we must document, report, and celebrate our efforts and progress.

‘Addressing those issues will build trust, earn citizens/investors’ confidence, and attract the desired investment into our extractive sectors and economy.’

Also speaking, a former member of the EITI International Board, Mrs Faith Nwadishi, decried the regular dissolution of the board by successive governments.

Nwadishi said,’ the fact that each time a new government comes into office, it dissolves the EITI Board in the country is a concern.

‘This is because it can lead to the country’s suspension from the international body, but we are lucky that the Board was eventually put together.

‘I am sure that if the NEITI Board had not been put together, the EITI International Board meeting happening right now in Geneva would have been a serious concern.

‘We had a similar issue in 2016. Therefore, we must understand the role of the Board.’

Nwadishi, while commenting on the draft report, also observed that
not many Civil Society reports had been captured in the APR.

She urged them to send their reports, saying it was why it is a country work plan comprising inputs of all stakeholders, civil societies, government, and companies.

NAN reports that the meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from companies, government agencies, civil society organisations, and other entities involved in the EITI process.

The participants contributed and expressed their concerns, which the NEITI pledged to address accordingly.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria