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Botswana Ready to Learn Nigerian Entrepreneurial, Resilience Spirit, Says Envoy

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Botswana Ready to Learn Nigerian Entrepreneurial, Resilience Spirit, Says Envoy

By: Michael Mike

The Botswana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Miss Philda Nani Kereng has sought improved bilateral relations with Nigeria, stating that her country is ready to learn from Nigeria.

Kereng who spoke on Monday night in Abuja on the occasion of her country’s 58 Independence anniversary, said she would be working towards ensuring active projects between both countries.

The envoy said her people want to learn the entrepreneurial and resilience spirit that makes Nigerians excel wherever they find themselves.

She said:”Nigeria for us is a very, very critical partner. We have had relationship with Nigeria for a long time, but this time we want active projects, tangible projects, tangible business collaborations that will see our people trading together, that will see our government trading together, that will see us joining together to lead the rising of the African continent because of the strength that both countries have.”

The envoy said Botswana has special regards for Nigeria, saying “This is a country where we have seen a lot of progress in terms of enterprise, trade, the spirit of enterprise of Nigerians. These people, when they want to do business, they go all out.They hit all milestones and they go against every odds so that they can achieve their intentions.

” We have seen and learned from Nigerians that the mindset of business is something that Botswana wants to learn from. Our people, the government does so much to support small enterprises, micro enterprises, businesses, young people, women and so forth.

“But we want to connect more so that we can learn from you how you do this business, how you venture out in the global space, technology application in trade markets and venturing out into the globe.

” We are also looking up at Nigerian creative sector that is so vibrant. We have talented young people who are not working, but they want to be developed so that they can enter the film industry, fashion industry, food industry, culinary arts, acting, arts, music and everything because Nigeria lives in that space”.

The envoy, who is just four months in Nigeria, said her major task in Nigeria is to foster better trade and business relations between both countries.

According to her: “I’m here to make those connections. And as I celebrate, I know I’m celebrating some milestones because I have already started talking with critical stakeholders. Last week on Monday, we had a business breakfast meeting with the stakeholders in business, giving them information about Botswana investment opportunities. And together we joined one spirit to say we can work together as the two countries.

“At the end of it all, we are using tangible projects and business connections and progress for people of Nigeria and Botswana to make sure that business dealings and business facilitation is made easy for us because we want to both benefit.”

Speaking on areas of interest, the envoy said currently the trade between both countries are secondary and still very small, ” But, you know, we are looking at opportunities where we can get more products from here, especially the natural, you know, products, you know, how you do cosmetics and stuff like that, textiles and so forth.

“We also want to trade on skills and capacities. So there’s not much that we are doing together in terms of volumes of imports and exports, but we are here to cultivate what we have seen a big potential.”

On the other hand, she said Nigeria can learn from her country in the area of agriculture, especially aniimal husbandry.

“Those that are in the agricultural sector, Botswana beef production story, livestock rearing story is very powerful. We have been exporting to the European market the best beef for decades. So we want to teach you how to do animal husbandry, produce quality beef, because here, I’m sorry, I can’t eat the beef because I’ve tasted the best.

“So we want to collaborate for the beef development sector. But Nigeria can also invest in Botswana to do trainings and set academies for the creatives and also bring your products to Botswana. But most importantly also, or more importantly, travel to Botswana as tourists.”

She stressed that “We believe that cultural exchange is a powerful tool for building bridges between nations. By sharing our customs, traditions, and values, we can deepen our understanding and appreciation for one another.

“As we move forward, we’ll continue to promote people-to-people diplomacy, fostering greater understanding and cooperation. We believe that the ties between Botswana and Nigeria will grow stronger with each passing day.”

Botswana Ready to Learn Nigerian Entrepreneurial, Resilience Spirit, Says Envoy

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Maiduguri: Zulum assesses roads, bridges destroyed by flood

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Maiduguri: Zulum assesses roads, bridges destroyed by flood

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, conducted an assessment of some vital infrastructure including roads, bridges and hospitals damaged by the flood disaster that struck Maiduguri Metropolis and the surrounding local government areas.

The devastating September 10 flood, described as the worst seen in Maiduguri in over three decades, has caused damages, isolated communities and hindered the movement of essential goods.

The governor’s assessment includes visits to key areas such as Gwange maternity, road networks and Fori, Moro-Moro and Gwange bridges.

Zulum, while lamenting the destruction caused by the flooding pointed out that the houses built on the river banks obstructed the passage of water from river Ngada.

He said, “the quantum of the destruction was enormous, you can see we had just visited one place. It is very unfortunate that some people choose to build houses right inside the waterways which obstructed the water passage. Otherwise, the water could have passed onto the lowland without affecting the main city.Maiduguri: Zulum assesses roads, bridges destroyed by flood

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, conducted an assessment of some vital infrastructure including roads, bridges and hospitals damaged by the flood disaster that struck Maiduguri Metropolis and the surrounding local government areas.

The devastating September 10 flood, described as the worst seen in Maiduguri in over three decades, has caused damages, isolated communities and hindered the movement of essential goods.

The governor’s assessment includes visits to key areas such as Gwange maternity, road networks and Fori, Moro-Moro and Gwange bridges.

Zulum, while lamenting the destruction caused by the flooding pointed out that the houses built on the river banks obstructed the passage of water from river Ngada.

He said, “the quantum of the destruction was enormous, you can see we had just visited one place. It is very unfortunate that some people choose to build houses right inside the waterways which obstructed the water passage. Otherwise, the water could have passed onto the lowland without affecting the main city.

Maiduguri: Zulum assesses roads, bridges destroyed by flood

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Borno Flood: Zulum Presents N61 billion Supplementary Budget for Reconstruction

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Borno Flood: Zulum Presents N61 billion Supplementary Budget for Reconstruction

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, in order to begin reconstruction of damage infrastructure as a result of devastating flood which submerged over half of the capital city, Maiduguri and its environs, has requested the State House of Assembly for an additional N61 billion to the initial N358.7 billion total budget size which was signed into law on January 10, 2024.

The governor’s request was read on the floor of the State Assembly by the Speaker of the House, Abdulkarim Lawan, seeking to amend the 2024 appropriation act.

The additional funding would specifically target key infrastructures that were severely damaged by the September 10 flood which affected nearly 2 million people and completely submerged parts of Maiduguri and surrounding local government areas.

In addition to the reconstruction of key infrastructure, the supplementary budget would also cover the funding of other government expenditures such as emergency relief and humanitarian aid, support to farmers, economic recovery as well as environmental management.

Zulum on Thursday conducted the assessment of the destroyed bridges, road networks and hospitals to ascertain the extent of damage. He noted that the devastation from the flood was massive.

Meanwhile, Borno State House of Assembly has extended sympathy and condolences to the flood victims. The house also commended individuals, local and international organisations, state governments, medical personnel, and security agencies for their contributions in ameliorating the plight of affected persons.

Borno Flood: Zulum Presents N61 billion Supplementary Budget for Reconstruction

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Taraba Government House Renamed to Honor T.Y. Danjuma’s Contributions

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Taraba Government House Renamed to Honor T.Y. Danjuma’s Contributions

The Taraba State Government on Friday officially renamed the Taraba Government House to “T.Y. Danjuma House” in recognition of Gen. T.Y. Danjuma’s significant contributions to the state’s development.

Deputy Governor Alhaji Aminu Alkali, who also chaired the renaming committee, stated that the honor reflects the state’s appreciation for Danjuma’s vital role in both nation-building and the growth of Taraba. “This renaming recognizes his tireless efforts and serves as a token of gratitude for his enduring impact on the state,” Alkali said.

At the inauguration of the remodeled government house, Danjuma expressed his gratitude, calling the gesture a motivation to continue fostering development in Taraba. He urged for unity among Taraba citizens, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious differences, to support Governor Kefas’ administration.

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