News
NALDA DG to Zulum: You are committed to achieving Tinubu’s agricultural agenda
NALDA DG to Zulum: You are committed to achieving Tinubu’s agricultural agenda
By: Babagana Wakil
The Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has urged other stakeholders to emulate the efforts of the Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, in reviving agriculture, which he said is in line with President Tinubu’s agricultural agenda for food security.
Mr. Ikonne said, “I want to call on all other stakeholders to quickly key into this agricultural revolution of Mr. President by adopting the method of the Governor of Borno State, the method of unconditional land donation, and the method of total commitment.”
He added, “This is the mission and mindset of the President, and you are worthy of our commendation, Mr. Governor.”
Mr Ikonne made the call on Thursday during the inauguration of projects executed by NALDA in Jere Local Government Area in Central Borno.
The ES expressed gratitude to Governor Zulum for the support he has been rendering to NALDA and assured continuous partnership with the Government of Borno State.
“I thank you, Mr. Governor, for your support for agriculture, your support for development. Borno is a catchment area because of your disposition. NALDA will continue to partner with Borno State because Borno has the potential that is required to develop food production and achieve food security in Nigeria,” Mr. Ikonne said.
Speaking after inaugurating NALDA’s rural housing scheme, Zulum commended Mr. Ikonne for choosing Borno to execute such projects, noting that it will contribute to the economic development of the state.
“Let me use this opportunity to commend the hardworking Executive Secretary of NALDA for all his initiatives that are geared towards creating employment and means of livelihood for the people,” Zulum said.
The housing scheme comprises 120 housing units and livelihood support for the beneficiaries selected from among those affected by the insurgency.
About 120 heads of households benefitted, and each received a house, mattresses, other household materials, 2 she-goats, and a buck each.
Delivering the opening remarks, Borno State Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engr. Bawu Musami, urged Governor Zulum to consider the establishment of a drip irrigation system to encourage communities around the facillity on water management methods in farming.
He further called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the facilities to develop themselves and their families, and contribute to the economic development of the state.
NALDA DG to Zulum: You are committed to achieving Tinubu’s agricultural agenda
Security forced arrested three over illegal arms dealings in Bauchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Three men have been arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal weapons dealings in Bauchi State, security sources said.
The suspects, identified as Peter Pama and Saleh Monday, both of Iburu, and Sunday Makama of Kasuwan Magani, were apprehended on Feb. 17 following intelligence on illicit arms activities.
Zagazola gathered that one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and one fabricated pump-action gun from the suspects.
Investigations into the case are ongoing as security agencies work to determine the full extent of the arms network.
Security forced arrested three over illegal arms dealings in Bauchi
Joint troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, neutralise two and recover motorcycle
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have repelled an armed bandit attack in Gida Soda Village, Katsina State, neutralising two attackers and recovering a motorcycle, security sources said.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 12:45 a.m. on Feb. 17 when suspected bandits stormed the village. Troops, acting promptly in coordination with local police and Civil Watch Patrol Teams, engaged the attackers in an intense gunfight, forcing the criminals to flee.
During the operation, two of the bandits were neutralised, and a Boxer-brand motorcycle belonging to the group was recovered.
Tragically, one resident, Hassana Muhammad, 30, was reportedly fatally shot during the attack. She was rushed to Dansoda Hospital, where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Sources said efforts to track fleeing bandits and secure the area are ongoing.
Joint troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, neutralise two and recover motorcycle
AACIS’26 Set to Open $40 Trillion Africa-Caribbean Market
By: Michael Mike
The 2026 edition of the Aquarian Consult’s Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (AACIS’26) will focus on boosting trade, investment, and private sector partnerships between Africa and the Caribbean, targeting a combined market valued at $40 trillion across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
The Chief of Staff of Aquarian Consult Ltd, Serumun Ubwa, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja, ahead of the summit scheduled for March 23–28, 2026.
She described AACIS as a strategic platform designed to connect African businesses with Caribbean partners, attract foreign investment, and promote sustainable economic collaboration across key sectors.
Ubwa highlighted that the inaugural AACIS in 2025 achieved landmark outcomes, including the establishment of the first direct flight from Africa to Saint Kitts and Nevis, the signing of Memoranda of Understanding in agriculture and cultural exchange, and a $40 million deep-water port agreement. She said these successes set the stage for the 2026 summit, which will expand opportunities for trade and investment.
She revealed that the 2026 summit will introduce two specialized events: the Afri-Caribbean Agriculture and Food Security Summit (March 23–24) and the Afri-Caribbean Health Summit (March 26), running alongside the main Investment Summit from March 25–28.
“By focusing on agriculture and healthcare, we aim to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance food security, open new export markets for African producers, and support policy frameworks that reduce import dependence in the Caribbean,” Ubwa said.
She added that the summit will feature structured Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) matchmaking sessions, an Investor Deal Room managed by investment promotion agencies, and sector-specific engagements in agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, tourism, digital technology, and the creative economy.
Ubwa added that over 2,000 participants are expected, including current and former heads of government, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral institutions, and private sector leaders. She emphasised that AACIS seeks to strengthen South-South cooperation and increase Africa-Caribbean trade, which currently represents less than one per cent of total trade between the regions.
Interested participants are expected to register for the summit at www.aquarianconsult.com/AACIS.
AACIS’26 Set to Open $40 Trillion Africa-Caribbean Market
Security forced arrested three over illegal arms dealings in Bauchi
Joint troops repel bandit attack in Katsina, neutralise two and recover motorcycle
AACIS’26 Set to Open $40 Trillion Africa-Caribbean Market
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