News
NIDCOM, UI sign MoU to establish first African Diaspora Resource Centre
NIDCOM, UI sign MoU to establish first African Diaspora Resource Centre
By: Michael Mike
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and the University of Ibadan (UI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of an African Diaspora Resource Centre.
The signing of the MoU for the TETFUND funded Centre of Excellence for Diaspora Studies held on Thursday in Ibadan at the university board room.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, who signed the MoU on behalf of the commission said the centre would be the first of its kind in the world.
Dabiri-Erewa said she was happy that TETFUND approved the project for UI, adding that she was not surprised, given that UI is the premier university in Nigeria.
She commended the Vice-Chancellor and other Management staff for the job of lifting the banner of the University high.
The NIDCOM boss also applauded the staff and students of the Institute of African Studies for their active participation in the activities of NIDCOM.
“Everybody is now talking about diaspora. This is a knowledge centre, that will be an international centre of excellence that will bring diaspora here.
“A lot of people are tracing their roots back to Africa. A lot of people are doing their DNA who are Nigerians and so this is an international project that will bring glory and fame to Nigeria through the University of Ibadan,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
In his remark, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kayode Adebowale, said research and training were highly rated at the University of Ibadan, adding that the establishment of the Centre of Excellence was a welcome development
He promised to do all within his power to ensure the timely and successful completion of the project.
“This is going to be a site for diaspora studies, an international programme not only for teaching but also research.
“There are a lot of people that are leaving the country, they are also an asset to us but we can also involve them even in the development of this country.
“And apart from that there are people who do not know there this would be a centre excellence for those types of research studies. I know it is going to be of benefit to the country,” Adebowale said.
The Centre of Excellence is to serve as Africa Diaspora Resource Research Centre, and it will be managed by the Diaspora and Transnational Studies Unit of the Institute of African Studies.
The Centre shall serve as an interface between the academia and related national governance institutions for policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.
It shall facilitate international cooperation by the Diaspora and Transnational Studies programme and NIDCOM with regional and other international institutions such as ECOWAS, AU, UN, IOM, etc.
The Centre shall organise joint research activities, lectures, conferences, symposia, and any other activity of mutual interest.
Research funding shall be provided by TETFUND to cover a 10 year- research programme on ‘Decriminalising the Global Nigerian Diaspora’.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission is an agency of the Federal Government established under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide for the engagement of Nigerians in the Diaspora in the policies, projects, and participation in the development of Nigeria.
The Commission also seeks to utilise the human capital and material resources of Nigerians in Diaspora towards the overall socio-economic, cultural, and political development of Nigeria for related matters.
The Memorandum of Understanding shall be for five years in the first instance and shall be renewable at the end of every five years.
NIDCOM, UI sign MoU to establish first African Diaspora Resource Centre
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
By: Michael Mike
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently support the Ministry of Livestock Development in getting its office ready.
The association decried that nearly eight months after the establishment of this crucial ministry, the renovation of the permanent office allocated to it for its operations is yet to be started, noting that this delay has impeded the
implementation of essential policies and programmes aimed at promoting the livestock sector and its value chains across Nigeria.
KACRAN, in a statement on Saturday, signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello said: “When the Ministry was established on July 9, 2024, we, Nigeria’s pastoralists, viewed it as a long-awaited answer to our prayers and a significant step towards addressing over 50 years of
neglect in the livestock sector.
“However, the lack of progress since then has been disheartening, preventing the Ministry from fulfilling its critical role in ensuring food security and contributing to
the national economy.
“Currently, the Ministry functions more as a Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services, lacking the resources and infrastructure necessary for it to operate independently and effectively.
“Despite the critical nature of its mission, the allocated office space/building remains unrenovated and a timeline for starting the renovation or completion has not been provided. This situation severely hampers the ability of the Honorable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff to coordinate effectively and execute
their responsibilities.
“Moreover, the financial resources allocated to the Ministry for the 2025 fiscal year are
insufficient for the Ministry to achieve its objectives.
“KACRAN is deeply concerned that without immediate attention to these challenges, the foundational goals of the Ministry will remain unattainable. As the political landscape evolves, it is vital that the focus remains on policy timely implementation rather than allowing the future of this very important Ministry to be muddling through uncertainties.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the renovation and operation of the Ministry’s office so that the Honourable Minister and staff can effectively promote and develop the livestock sector.
Additionally, we implore the President to invest significantly in the livestock
sector, for enabling the Ministry to actively engage in ensuring food security, enhancing the nation’s GDP, and reducing heavy reliance on imported milk and food products, which costs Nigeria billions of
dollars annually.
“Finally, KACRAN expresses gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Professor Muhammadu Attahiru Jega as an Advisor on Presidential Livestock Reform Programmes. We hope that under his
guidance, the Ministry can achieve its goals and bring tangible benefits to Nigeria’s pastoralists and the wider population.”
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed robbers attacked Government Secondary School Yashe in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing one night watchman and injuring another before escaping with a solar inverter.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 5:00 a.m. when the hoodlums stormed the school and assaulted the security guards with machetes.
One of the watchmen, Abdullahi Sanusi, 50, died on the spot, while his colleague, Aliyu Ahmed, 65, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Kankia General Hospital for treatment.
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Kaduna have rescued a former Executive Chairman of Kaura Local Government Area, Seimon Matthias, from a kidnap attempt at his Kagoro residence.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on February 14 at about 11:00 p.m. when an unspecified number of kidnappers stormed Matthias’ residence, shooting sporadically in an attempt to abduct him.
However, the sound of gunfire attracted the attention of police officers and other security operatives stationed nearby, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
The assailants, overwhelmed by superior firepower, abandoned their victim and fled to the mountains.
Police said the victim was rescued unhurt, and a joint operation involving the Army and Kaduna Vigilante Service (KadVS) was ongoing to flush out the criminals from the surrounding bush areas.
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
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