National News
ACReSAL Takes Center Stage in Adamawa State’s Development Journey

ACReSAL Takes Center Stage in Adamawa State’s Development Journey
By: Michael Mike
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) team, on a joint World Bank/Federal Government of Nigeria Implementation Support Mission, made a stop-over assessment of implementation activities in Adamawa state. The team was warmly received by three commissioners of the state, who expressed their commitment and support to the project.
“We have only two things in Adamawa today, ACReSAL and other projects,” declared Alh. Mohammed Sadiq, Commissioner for Environment, Adamawa state. “ACReSAL has become a household name in Adamawa state, and I am very happy to be part of this laudable initiative. The journey of ACReSAL will never finish without Adamawa state reaping its maximum impact.”
He noted that hundreds of people call him daily to testify that the ACReSAL Project has transformed their lives completely. “Communities that have never seen any development in Adamawa before are now flourishing, courtesy of the ACReSAL Project. We are now enjoying different impactful and livelihood enhancement activities because of the ACReSAL Project.
Over 20,000 farmers have been trained on regenerative agriculture and landscapes restoration across 21 local government areas in the state. Some farmers have been provided with the use of one hectare of land each for a period of 10 years, free of charge, along with agricultural inputs. Additionally, many communities now have access to clean solar-powered boreholes for drinking water, and we are witnessing a significant improvement in dry season farming.”
Alh. Audu Tanko Ayuba, Commissioner for Water Resources, remarked, “I have seen lots of projects carried out by ACReSAL in Adamawa state. ACReSAL is one of the best sustainable developmental programs currently in the state, and I assure you that all the necessary support the project needs is available.” He assured the team of the state and stakeholders’ willingness to collaborate for the success of the project.
On his part, Prof. David Finchiwa Jatau, Commissioner for Agriculture, Adamawa state, emphasized the importance of land restoration in all sectors of production. “Some communities never knew what dry season farming was, but today, I am happy to report that the ACReSAL project has made dry seasoning farming possible in communities in Adamawa state.” He expressed his excitement for the ACReSAL Project, noting the state’s full support.
Abdulhamid Umar, the National Project Coordinator for the ACReSAL Project, expressed his delight with the level of support and collaboration among the key lead implementing ministries of the ACReSAL Project in Adamawa state, evident in the presence of the three commissioners. “I feel really fulfilled with the success stories emanating from Adamawa state, which means the ACReSAL Project can bring more investment to the state.”
Dr. Joy Iganya Agene, Task Team Leader for the ACReSAL Project, announced that ACReSAL will support farmers and agro-business initiatives through its Community Resolving Fund (CRF) loan scheme. “We will provide loans to 140 communities in Adamawa state to support their agro-business initiatives. She encouraged the Adamawa State ACReSAL Project Management Unit (PMU) to scale up the intervention and monitor the projects closely to ensure impacts on communities, sustainability, and effective utilization of the funds.” She thanked Governor Fintiri, the commissioners, and the entire team for their efforts to ensure the project’s success in the state.
The ACReSAL project has received widespread support from stakeholders, and its success is expected to have a lasting impact on the communities in Adamawa state.
ACReSAL Takes Center Stage in Adamawa State’s Development Journey
National News
Zulum to scale up funding for child nutrition,to establish Tom Brown production facility

Zulum to scale up funding for child nutrition,
to establish Tom Brown production facility
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced an increase in funding to support child nutrition initiatives in the state.
This is an effort to combat food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among children under five.

Governor Zulum made the announcement during a high-level roundtable discussion on scaling up the Tom Brown nutrient-dense product, organized by Borno State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Abuja.
Tom Brown is a locally produced food supplement designed to address malnutrition among children under five and lactating mothers.
The governor also revealed plans to establish a Tom Brown production facility in the state to enhance food and nutrition security, empower farmers and create job opportunities.

“I want to assure you that Borno State will increase its funding portfolio to the child nutrition basket fund,” Governor Zulum stated, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling malnutrition as part of a broader strategy to enhance social and economic resilience.
“This initiative marks a significant milestone in our efforts to combat malnutrition, strengthen food security, and create sustainable economic opportunities for our people,” he added.
According to him, Borno State has been at the forefront of initiatives designed to strengthen food security, including the Tom Brown programme in collaboration with FAO and other development partners.
The governor called on the federal government and relevant agencies to support nutrition-sensitive policies and prioritize locally produced food supplements, in alignment with the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan which emphasizes the need for integrated, multi-sectoral interventions to address food insecurity and malnutrition in Borno and across the North East.

Governor Zulum was accompanied at the event by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malam Gana, and Commissioner for Agriculture, Bawu Baba Musami.
The occassion was attended by key dignitaries, including FAO Country Representative, Dominique Koffy Kouacou, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, and UNDP Country Representative, Elsie G. Attafuah.
Zulum to scale up funding for child nutrition,
to establish Tom Brown production facility
National News
NIDCOM Boss Congratulates Amanda Azubuike on Promotion to Brigadier General in US Army

NIDCOM Boss Congratulates Amanda Azubuike on Promotion to Brigadier General in US Army
By: Michael Mike
Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has congratulated Amanda Azubuike on her historic promotion to Brigadier General in the United States Army.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Head, Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun on Sunday, Dabiri-Erewa lauded Azubuike’s remarkable achievement as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and exceptional service.
Born in London to a Nigerian father and a Zimbabwean mother, Azubuike’s journey is a source of pride for Nigerians worldwide.
She joined the U.S. Army in 1994, becoming an aviator after completing the Army Aviation Officer Basic Course.
Over her distinguished career, she has held pivotal roles, including serving as a platoon leader, flight operations officer, and public affairs officer. She currently serves as Deputy Commanding Officer at the U.S. Army Cadet Command.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the significance of Azubuike’s promotion, stating, “Amanda’s elevation to Brigadier General not only shatters glass ceilings but also highlights the invaluable contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora to global advancements.”
The NiDCOM Chairman urged Nigerians worldwide to draw inspiration from Azubuike’s accomplishment, reinforcing the importance of perseverance and excellence in their respective endeavours.
NIDCOM Boss Congratulates Amanda Azubuike on Promotion to Brigadier General in US Army
National News
VP Shettima launches 6th MSME Clinic, announces unconditional grant of N300,000 for each Borno Entrepreneurs

VP Shettima launches 6th MSME Clinic, announces unconditional grant of N300,000 for each Borno Entrepreneurs
…MSME the only way to strengthen the resilience of our people – Zulum
By: Our Reporter
Borno State entrepreneurs participating in the 6th Expanded National MSME Clinics and Fashion Hub will receive an unconditional grant of N300,000 each to support and enhance their businesses.
This was announced by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, during the official opening of the event on Tuesday at the Government House in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Senator Shettima revealed that each of the outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that participated in the exhibition would be eligible for the N300,000 grant. “I am pleased to announce on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that an unconditional grant of N300,000 will be awarded to each outstanding MSME exhibiting at today’s clinic,” he stated.
The Vice President further explained that the Borno State centre is part of the ongoing national initiative to establish Expanded National MSME Clinics across the country. He assured that the grants are non-repayable, reflecting the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the success and sustainability of small businesses in the region.
Senator Shettima also highlighted the newly inaugurated Borno State Fashion Hub, which he said has the capacity to create up to 48,000 jobs annually, describing it as a significant step towards enhancing the MSME ecosystem in the state, particularly in the fashion industry.
“This hub is among the largest ever established by the Federal Government, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support the fashion manufacturing cluster in Borno State,” he added.

In a remark, Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, noted that his administration has adopted an inclusive approach to support small and medium scale businesses, recognising it as essential to strengthening resilience amid the challenges faced by MSMEs.
Governor Zulum acknowledged that MSMEs in Borno State have faced severe hardships due to the prolonged insurgency and the broader economic challenges in the country.
“The MSME Clinic will revitalise business activities in Borno State, create employment opportunities, and increase income sources for our people,” Governor Zulum said.
“Our government is committed to providing more opportunities for our people to expand their income sources.”
Governor Zulum also outlined several initiatives by his administration, including the disbursement of soft loans to empower entrepreneurs, the construction of modern markets, the establishment of vocational training institutions, and the renovation of skill acquisition centres damaged during the insurgency.
The Governor expressed optimism that the MSME Clinics would focus on five key areas: funding, skill development, infrastructure, access to markets, and technology. Additionally, the clinics will provide business registration, training, and mentorship services to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

“The expansion of this Clinic is not just a project; it is a demonstration of our belief in the creativity and resilience of the entrepreneurs in Borno State and Nigeria. When MSMEs thrive, they create jobs, reduce poverty, and drive innovation across sectors,” Governor Zulum said.
“These strategies are designed to address challenges and unlock the full potential of our entrepreneurial systems.”
Governor Zulum also urged entrepreneurs and business owners to fully utilise the resources provided by the MSME Clinic to grow their businesses, enhance their skills, and explore new opportunities.
Before the programme, Vice President Kashim Shettima commissioned the Borno State Fashion Hub at the defunct Kashim Ibrahim College of Education and WEMA Bank partnership branch.
Dignitaries that accompanied the VP include the minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of State Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMES, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson.
VP Shettima launches 6th MSME Clinic, announces unconditional grant of N300,000 for each Borno Entrepreneurs
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