NSCDC Parades Four Streetlight Vandals in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

Four suspected vandals of streetlights have been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Parading the suspects at the FCT Command of the NSCDC on Friday, the FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said they were caught in the act.

He said: “Today, we have four suspects in connection with vandalism of streetlight poles at different locations in the city centre.

‘This arrest is the latest in a series of successful operations against vandals, marking another remarkable milestone in the Command’s ongoing efforts to combat vandalism in the Federal Capital Territory.”

Odumosu while stating that the exhibits recovered from them include one medium size traffic light pole and two gigantic traffic light poles, said the suspects are Japheth Adams, male 21 years and his accomplice Friday Ojo, male 51 years from. He said they were both arrested by my his men around 0100 hrs on Wednesday around Eden Garden in Utako area of the Federal Capital Territory, vandalizing medium street light poles.

He added that Ibrahim Aliyu, male, 19 years and Hassan Abdullahi; 23 years were caught in the act of vandalizing gigantic street light poles along Moshood Abiola stadium, National Hospital junction around 2:00 am on Thursday.

Odumosu said the suspects are currently undergoing investigation, assuring that due diligence will be followed in ensuring that justice is served.

The Commandant, while warning vandals in the capital city to desist from their unpatriotic acts, said his men would continue to conduct 24-hour surveillance and patrol of the metropolis and the surrounding suburbs.

He therefore solicited the cooperation of residents of the FCT to furnish the Corps with credible intelligence and information.

NSCDC Parades Four Streetlight Vandals in Abuja

Nigeria Rallies SAPZ-2 Partners To Accelerate Agro-Industrial Growth

*** Innovative hubs target food security, job creation, economic diversification – VP Shettima

By: Our Reporter

The Nigerian government has called on international development partners to co-finance phase two of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone known as SAPZ-2 programme to accelerate the implementation of the initiative for agro-industrial growth in the country.

This is just as Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the project as a game changer for the nation’s economy, saying accelerated implementation plan for phase one and the on-boarding of the phase-two states will enable the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to actualize its food security agenda.

The Nigeria Special Agro Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme aims to create new hubs that integrate the production, processing and distribution of targeted crops and livestock to achieve food security, increase incomes, improve livelihoods, and support economic diversification.

Speaking on Thursday during the SAPZ-2 programme co-financiers meeting held at Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Vice President said the SAPZ programme would be a win-win situation for both the Nigerian government and the development partners in meeting their development objectives and impacting livelihoods.

He said, “This meeting has become imperative to mobilize additional financing for the second phase of the programme to accommodate more States beyond the ten that has been earmarked.

“We currently have a commitment of US$600 million from AfDB through a multi-tranche financing arrangement of US$200 million/year and US$300 million from BADEA expected to be allocated on a US$100 million/year basis.”

On phase one of the initiative, VP Shettima noted that the first phase taught a lot of lessons which is helping the government to reshape the programme towards an accelerated delivery,

Noting that the whole idea will actualize the administration’s food security agenda, he said, “With the African Development Bank (AfDB), the SAPZ programme is different from any other programme and has been set on autopilot with the Design, Build and Operate (DBO) model that is set to deliver infrastructure for the processing zones by the end of 2025.

“The accelerated implementation plan for phase one and the on-boarding of the phase-two states will enable us to achieve Mr. President’s Food Security Agenda.

“The strategic focus is to set modalities for increased production and processing of Cassava, Rice, Maize, Cocoa, Tomatoes, and Livestock amongst other designated SAPZ priority crops in all the seven participating states and the FCT for this upcoming dry season”.

The VP described SAPZ as the agri-business model for Nigeria to diversify its economy through agriculture as well as a platform for development partners to deliver on their developmental objectives across the various SDGs.

He noted that the Nigerian government has made it a Presidential priority programme and has “kick-started the legal arrangement to institutionalize it as an agency of government for sustainability”.

Applauding their commitments to co-finance the initiative together with the Nigerian government, the VP commended the AfDB, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that SAPZ programme delivers on its objective.

Earlier, National Programme Coordinator, SAPZ, Dr. Kabir Yusuf, said the project is designed to bolster Nigeria’s agro-industrial development, boost food security, create jobs, and reduce poverty, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The primary objective is to support sustainable and inclusive agro-industrial development through four components: infrastructure development in agro-industrial hubs, agricultural productivity, policy implementation, and program management.

“For every participating state, we first identify the crop with a competitive and comparative advantage, then support production and agro processing to reduce Nigeria’s 40 percent post-harvest losses. Closing this gap can improve food security by 40 percent,” Yusuf explained.

The programme spans eight states—Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“We provide catalytic infrastructure such as power, access roads, and water treatment plants, significantly reducing operating costs for investors. This initiative not only supports agro-industries but also positions Nigeria for sustainable economic diversification,” he added.

Also, Nigeria Country Director for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Ms. Dede Ekoue noted that the SAPZ-1 had remarkable success in the states.

“We are seeing positive outcomes in Kano, where the lives of smallholder farmers and agro-industries have improved. This programme is a federal government priority, aiming to promote inclusive agro-industrialisation, enhance food security, and create jobs. Nigeria’s leadership in this sector can influence the entire continent,” she stated.

For his part, Director General of the African Development Bank Group’s Nigeria Country Office, Dr. Abdul Kamara described the SAPZ as having the highest potential to bring change to Nigeria.

“This comprehensive programme doesn’t just boost production but also creates opportunities for value addition, aligning with President Tinubu’s commitment to food security and youth employment. It positions Nigeria to leverage opportunities like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) by adding value to exports beyond national consumption,” Kamara explained.

Also, a member of Nigeria Country Office for the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Mr. Daniyar Abylkhan, commended the SAPZ initiative, saying it aligns with the IsDB’s goals of addressing food insecurity and improving livelihoods.

“Based on the success of the first phase, we are committed to participating in the second phase and ensuring its continued impact,” Abylkhan noted.

Other partners present at the meeting included the Federal Ministry of Finance, World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, Japan International Cooperation Agency, Rural Electrification Agency (REA) among others.

Nigeria Rallies SAPZ-2 Partners To Accelerate Agro-Industrial Growth

At the Abuja International Carnival, 2024 Borno contingent scoops second overall and several benchmark prices

By: Sam Kayode

The Borno State culture delegation has won the second overall best award in the just concluded Abuja international carnival 2024.

A statement from the commissioner of information in Borno state Prof Usman Tar stated that the 60 man troop which participated at the 2024 Abuja International Carnival held on 21-25 November 2024 did so along participants from Nigeria, Africa and overseas.

The Abuja Carnival comprised several benchmark activities which included opening ceremony, command performance, street march, fashion parade, and culinary contest.

The Borno contingent presented the cultural/historical artifacts of Borno during the carnival, and participated actively in all the keenly contested events.

“Team Borno swept the second overall award, next to Rivers State. After a very competitive exercise.

“The Borno team won the following awards: 2nd Overall Best Carnival King Award, after Rivers, 2nd Best in International Food Competition Award. 2nd Best in Cultural Night Events Award.

“2nd Best carnival Queen Award. 2nd Best carnival costumes Award. 3rd Best Indigenous Nigeria Fashion parade Award. 3rd Best Carnival Float Award and 2nd Overall Best State Award.” Said Tar

Meanwhile, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima who graced the opening ceremony, showed his appreciation to the Borno Team for participating in the culture show.

Senator Shettima praised Borno State Governor Prof Babagana Zulum for his investment in reinvigorating Borno’s rich culture.

Similarly, the Minister for Culture and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, praised the Borno Team for putting up a rich show during the carnival.

As Borno State emerges from a decade-long insurgency, its participation in National Culture Festivals demonstrates the resilience and determination to overcome its challenges and showcase the state’s deep history and splendour in the national culture events.

The Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar in his remarks stated that: “Borno’s 25 year development plan projects cultural renaissance and social reorientation as a pillar of our recovery and sustainable development under the watch of the Executive Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum.

“What we are witnessing is a bold step to reposition our state in the national cultural map, as a strong and active constituent part of the Nigerian federation.

At the Abuja International Carnival, 2024 Borno contingent scoops second overall and several benchmark prices