KACRAN Appeals to NEDC to Sustain Efforts in Promoting Livestock and North East Regional Development

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has appealed to the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to continue its commendable initiatives aimed at advancing the livestock sector and fostering general development in the region.

KACRAN, which was established with the aim of minimizing conflicts between herders and farmers, and dedicated to promoting peace and unity across Nigeria, striving to protect the interests of Nigeria’s pastoralists, who often face challenges in accessing social services due to their nomadic lifestyle.

The association also advocate for the inclusion of pastoralists in government policies and programmes, ensuring they benefit from the nation’s democratic advancements.

In a statement on Monday, the association commended the NEDC for its continued efforts in enhancing the livestock sector and regional development.

KACRAN stated in the statement that its appeal to NEDC is based on several key points, including:

“Inclusive Governance: The NEDC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to all communities in the region, regardless of state, tribe, religion, or political affiliation. Its leadership under Managing Director Alhaji Mohammed Alkali and Director of Finance and Administration Dr. Garba Iliya has been instrumental in achieving these goals.

“Support for Peace and Security: The Commission actively collaborates with local governments and security agencies to restore peace and stability in the region, which is crucial for the development of all communities.

“Exemplary Performance: The NEDC stands out as one of the most effective development commissions in Nigeria. Its success has inspired calls for similar commissions in other regions, showcasing the positive impact of its initiatives.

“Disaster Response and Reconstruction: The NEDC has played a vital role in addressing crises, such as the Maiduguri water flood, and has been involved in the renovation and rebuilding of schools, hospitals, roads, and bridges. These efforts reflect the Commission’s commitment to improving the welfare of the region’s inhabitants.

“Community Support Initiatives: The Commission’s distribution of palliative aid to both Christian and Muslim communities during festive periods exemplifies its dedication to equitable support for all citizens.

“Inclusion of Pastoralists: The NEDC’s policies include provisions for pastoralists, such as the establishment of water points and distribution of palliatives, underscoring its commitment to serving all segments of society.”

The statement added that: “Given the NEDC’s outstanding achievements and its readiness to tackle emerging challenges, KACRAN passionately appeals to the National Assembly members to provide adequate financial support to the Commission. This support is essential for sustaining its development efforts and addressing the new security challenges in the region.

“In conclusion, KACRAN encourages newly established development commissions across the country to look to the NEDC as a model for effective governance and regional development.”

KACRAN Appeals to NEDC to Sustain Efforts in Promoting Livestock and North East Regional Development

2.5 million Daily Egg Production Farm Underway in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

A 2.5 million eggs per-day production poultry farm is to be built in Nigeria by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

This is one of the major highlights of the ongoing visit led by the Director-General of the NCSP, Joseph Tegbe to China.

According to a statement on Monday, the delegation at a meeting with Chilwee Group scored a significant mileage during a visit to the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Headquarters, where they explored opportunities for replicating a 2.5 million eggs-per-day production poultry farm in Nigeria using innovative funding models.

The statement read: “The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has made significant strides in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting economic cooperation between Nigeria and China. Recent agreements and investments in the energy, technology, and manufacturing sectors are poised to drive Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation.

“At the forefront of these developments is the agreement between the NCSP and Chilwee Group, a prominent Chinese manufacturer of cutting-edge batteries and power storage solutions. This agreement is expected to enhance Nigeria’s energy security, promote renewable energy, and reduce carbon emissions. Chilwee Group has committed to investing in Nigeria through a multifaceted approach, including sales, manufacturing, and potentially mining raw materials for the power storage value chain.

“In addition to the agreement with Chilwee Group, the NCSP has also made significant progress in other areas. During a recent visit to China, the Director-General of the NCSP, Joseph Tegbe, led a delegation to the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Headquarters, where they explored opportunities for replicating a 2.5 million eggs-per-day production poultry farm in Nigeria using innovative funding models.

“Also, the NCSP facilitated a tripartite agreement between CPL Medical group, CSSC Haishen Medical Technology Co Ltd and China Habour Engineering Company over the renovation and upgrading of equipment in selected teaching hospitals across the country. While speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, Tegbe noted that the agreement represented an example of private-sector collaboration which the partnership hopes to promote.

The statement also revealed that the NCSP delegation also visited China Electronic Corporation, where Tegbe expressed optimism about cooperation between Nigeria and China in areas such as electronics equipment, public security surveillance, and identity management. He emphasized the potential for collaboration, stating that he has President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to identify top-priority projects that will drive Nigeria’s industrialization.

The NCSP delegation was also at Huawei, where they discussed opportunities for collaboration in the ICT sector, including training programmes and the deployment of smart city models. With the imminent deployment of the smart city model presented by Huawei to President Tinubu in Beijing, Nigeria is set to reap the benefits of the investments of Huawei in Nigeria and her partnership with the Tinubu-led administration.

These benefits include smart, qualitative education, better healthcare delivery, enhanced communications technology, improved security infrastructure, and digitalization of key government facilities. The NCSP also met with representatives from Loong UAV, a global leader in tactical drone solutions, to explore opportunities for cooperation in the field of drone technology.

The cooperation with Loong UAV is expected to bolster Nigeria’s domestic capabilities in drone technology, facilitating access to essential services and commodities in remote or hard-to-reach regions. This innovative use of drones could significantly enhance Nigeria’s logistical capabilities, creating new opportunities for economic growth and development.

According to the statement: “Overall, these agreements and investments demonstrate the NCSP’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation through targeted Chinese investments. By focusing on creating value-driven partnerships, strengthening Nigeria’s role in Africa’s industrialization, and coordinating initiatives that align with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the NCSP is poised to unlock new opportunities for economic growth and development in Nigeria.”

2.5 million Daily Egg Production Farm Underway in Nigeria

Governor Buni directs over 4,000 slots for community revolving funds to youths in Yobe.

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, of Yobe state, has directed the allocation of 4,825 slots out of the total 7,340 slots to the youths for maximum engagement and benefit of the Community Revolving Fund program.

The governor gave the directive today while launching the disbursement of a $2,525,000 non-interest Community Revolving Fund loan to 101 communities and farmer groups in the state.

He maintained that the launch of the first phase of the Community Revolving Fund loan last year, 10 pilot communities in Damaturu and Nguru local government areas received $25,000 (#32, 500,000.00) each.

“Reports reaching my office indicate that the benefitting communities and farmer groups have made good use of the facility and commence the repayment to sustain the revolving schemes and to afford others the opportunity to benefit,” Buni said.

He urged the benefitting communities and farmer groups to take full ownership of this and other government programs for maximum benefits to justify government investments in said projects.

“It is a non-interest loan that is to be repaid by the beneficiaries for a continuous financing of the program to expand the volume of beneficiaries through the revolving scheme.

Speaking earlier, ACReSAL project coordinator in the state, Alhaji Shehu Mohammed, revealed that the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) is not a grant but an investment fund that comes in the form of a “LOAN” aimed at revitalizing the agricultural practices.

He said this loan is for the communities and will circulate within farmers and be sustained through groups that would keep the loan in circulation in their various communities through prompt repayment to allow other farmers to benefit.

According to him, Yobe state is among the 8 piloting states selecting only 10 pilot communities from the two micro watersheds of Nguru and Damaturu.

Governor Buni directs over 4,000 slots for community revolving funds to youths in Yobe.