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Agriculture accounts for 80 percent of employment opportunities in Yobe, says Gov. Buni
Agriculture accounts for 80 percent of employment opportunities in Yobe, says Gov. Buni
By: Yahaya Wakili
Agriculture is the mainstay of the Yobe state economy, which employs 80% of our people, and it plays a key role in women and youth empowerment, employment generation, and poverty alleviation, among others.
Governor Mai Mala Buni CON disclosed this to newsmen in Damaturu when he celebrated his five years in office.
He said that when we came on board, we realized that the sector was largely characterized by traditional practices of subsistence farming.
“This therefore propelled us to organize an agricultural summit in 2019 to chart a course for agricultural transformation to enhance food sufficiency and food security and to make agriculture more profitable” he said.
Buni further revealed that the outcome of the summit culminated in the formation of a steering committee on the revitalization of agriculture, which, in conjunction with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, developed the state sector strategic plan.
“In realization of this, the government procured 7500 metric tons (250 tracks) of NPK fertilizer for the 2019/2020 cropping season and sold it to farmers at a highly subsidized price of $5,000 per bag, and the government has now placed emphasis on the dry-season cultivation of crops to further boost production for the attainment of food security in the state.
In addition, the government also procured 1500 metric tons (50 trucks) of NPK fertilizer to support 2022–2023 irrigation farming in the state, and these fertilizers have since been distributed and sold at a subsidized rate of $13,000 per bag through open market sales to the general public.
Buni said, through a public-private partnership, the government procured 1,500 metric tons of Neem-coated NPK fertilizer to support rain-fed crop production for the 2023 farming season. Under this arrangement, a company supplied the fertilizer at a cost of $25,000 per bag, while the government, on its part, sold the fertilizer to farmers at a rate of $13,000 per bag.
According to him, Yobe State Government and the Federal Government have agreed on mutual collaboration to establish Livestock Development Centers (LDC) in the three Senatorial Districts in the state in phases, starting with Jakusko/Nasari LDC (Zone C) in 2021/2022. Gurjaji LDC (Zone B) in 2022/2023, and Bade Gana LDC (Zone A) in 2023/2024.
“These products consist of the following facilities: Veterinary and Human Clinics, Milk Center and Milking Parlor, Artificial Insemination Unit and Small Ruminant Multiplication Unit, 50 units of Hardsmen’s Settlement, Feed Mill and Feedlot (5 Nos.), Earth Dams and Aquaculture Administrative Block, Security Outpost, Primary School, Tractors, and Planters
Others include harvesters, lawn mowers, ambulatory vehicles, the renovation of loading ramps and pastures, the construction of a wherehouse, the construction of a 6.0-kilometer access road, and the provision of electricity.
Agriculture accounts for 80 percent of employment opportunities in Yobe, says Gov. Buni
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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