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Tinubu Launches Agric Empowerment Programme In Yobe
Tinubu Launches Agric Empowerment Programme In Yobe
…Restates firm resolve to create jobs, diversify Nigeria’s economy
By: Michael Mike
President Bola Tinubu has launched the Yobe State Agricultural Empowerment Programme in Damaturu, the state capital,
as part of efforts of his government to ensure food security and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria,
The initiative, which includes the provision of agricultural machinery and implements, is part of a broader national strategy to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Speaking during the launch of the programme in Damaturu, Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the programme is at the heart of his administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance food security, create jobs, and diversify Nigeria’s economy through agriculture.
Tinubu stressed the critical role of agriculture in national development and security, saying “food is the heart of security in every society.”
He said: “It is the foundation upon which we build our health, our well-being, and our economic stability. There’s no way we are going to achieve our grand goals as a government, whether at the state or national level, until we support and empower our farmers.”
The President noted that apart from boosting agricultural output, the initiative also aims to engage more Nigerians in the nation’s economic life.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to modernising the agricultural sector, including the livestock industry.
The President said the recently approved Ministry of Livestock Development is intended “to improve livestock production in the country and to change the destiny and narratives of our livestock production.”
On the shift towards modern farming techniques, the President said: “Each of us in this gathering must come to terms with the fact that the era of relying on rain-fed agriculture is gone. These machines are here to ease our practice of irrigation farming.”
The launch of the agric empowerment programme also saw the President approving Yobe State’s request for additional resources to support its agricultural ambitions.
These include “mini-rigs for tube wells, solar water pumps, agro-chemicals, power tillers, more fertilisers, and other farm implements to complement your irrigation scheme.”
Tinubu also addressed security concerns, assuring the audience that the government is “taking drastic measures to address the security challenges to make farmlands safe and accessible in every state of the federation.”
Shettima who represented the President at the event also visited the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashim II Ibn Umar Al-Amin El-Kanemi, to convey President Tinubu’s high regard for Yobe State and its people.
Shettima praised Governor Mai Mala Buni’s achievements, particularly in agricultural investments, emphasising the potential for agricultural mechanisation in the state.
Responding, the Emir of Damaturu expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s support and appreciated the administration’s efforts towards national progress.
Earlier, Governor Buni of Yobe State reaffirmed the state’s support for the Tinubu administration, acknowledging the challenges faced by Yobe, particularly in the agricultural sector.
He said, “In spite of all the challenges, agriculture remains the major preoccupation of our people. With the improvement in security across the state, farmlands are now accessible in almost all the local government areas.”
The Governor mentioned several government initiatives to revitalize agriculture, including an Agricultural Summit, the constitution of a Steering Committee on Revitalization of Agriculture, and partnerships with organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
He added that the state government, in collaboration with the federal government, has established Livestock Development Centres to address farmer-herdsmen clashes and boost meat and dairy production.
Buni also noted the revival of the 2000-hectare Lava Irrigation Scheme and the establishment of four Sesame Seeds processing factories across the state.
“This State Visit is no doubt a significant milestone as we launch the agricultural empowerment programme,” he added.
The items distributed include 100 Zoom Lion Tractors, 10 IMC Double Cabin 4-wheel drive vehicles for extension service supervision, 200 motorcycles for extension workers, 300 sets of ox-drawn ploughs, 5,349 small ruminants (goats), 1,349 hand-push planters, 889 hand-push plough machines, 590 hand-push tiller machines, 4,202 solar-powered irrigation water pumps, improved assorted seeds, and 72,000 bags of fertilizer.
Dignitaries present at the event include the Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu; Senator Osita Izunaso; former President of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan; Rep. Khadijah Bukar Abba Ibrahim; Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana; Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon. Buba Chiroma-Mashio, and his Deputy, Hon. Ya’u Usman Dachia.
Also in attendance were the Yobe State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka; Yobe State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Mohammed Gagiyo; former Special Adviser on Budget, Alhaji Sulieman Jamo; Emir Jajeri, Mai Hamza ibn Buba Mashio; Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Sulaiman; Chief Judge of Yobe, Gumna Kashim Kaigama; Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Garba; members of the House of Representatives, Lawan Shettima, Fatima Talba and Tijjani Zanna Zakariyya, among others.
Tinubu Launches Agric Empowerment Programme In Yobe
Family Seeks Fresh Probe into Missing Corpse at Anambra Hospital
By: Michael Mike
The family of a deceased engineer whose corpse allegedly disappeared from a mortuary in Anambra State has asked the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to order a supplementary investigation into the incident, citing omissions and inconsistencies in the police report.
The family, through its lawyer, Mr Joseph Offor, said the investigation into the disappearance of Chukwunweike Okammelu’s body from the mortuary of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, had left critical questions unanswered.
In a letter dated July 6 and addressed to the IGP, Offor, counsel to Chief Osita Okammelu, urged the police chief to review the investigation and direct further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the corpse.
The petition was also copied to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja.
Offor said the matter was referred to the IGP following the family’s complaint, after which it was assigned to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) for investigation.
He said the IRT had concluded its investigation and issued a report, but his client identified material omissions, inconsistencies and investigative gaps that, he argued, undermined the completeness, fairness and credibility of the findings.
According to him, the report acknowledged the possibility of criminal conspiracy and systemic failures but recommended the prosecution of only the mortician, Mr Clement Ogbonna.
He further alleged that the report acknowledged that significant aspects of the investigation remained outstanding while simultaneously recommending immediate prosecution.
Offor said the findings also identified serious administrative and operational negligence without adequately investigating or recommending appropriate action against all persons who might bear criminal responsibility.
He added that the investigators relied on financial records, call data records and other documentary exhibits without making comprehensive findings from the evidence.
The lawyer said critical questions concerning the chain of custody of the corpse, the roles of other listed suspects, institutional responsibility and the circumstances surrounding the alleged unlawful release and disappearance of the body remained unresolved.
Following the disappearance, the family had reported the matter to the police and raised concerns about what it described as the unprofessional conduct and poor handling of the case by the hospital management.
Offor alleged that, rather than adequately addressing the incident, the hospital leadership relied on what the family described as “spurious narratives and falsehoods” attributed to the mortician.
“Our client has accordingly prepared a detailed analysis identifying these gaps and respectfully demonstrating why he believes the investigation requires further review,” he said.
He urged the IGP to direct a supplementary investigation, with particular attention to the issues outlined in a memorandum accompanying the petition.
“Our client firmly believes that a thorough and comprehensive investigation will ensure that truth is fully uncovered and that justice is done to all parties without fear or favour,” Offor said.
Family Seeks Fresh Probe into Missing Corpse at Anambra Hospital
Presidential Campaign: Zulum Calls for Strategic Mobilisation
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for effective coordination and strategic engagement among members of the Contact and Mobilisation Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.
Zulum made the call on Tuesday at a meeting of the committee in Abuja where he urged members to demonstrate commitment to their responsibilities and work together to deliver on its mandate.
Zulum, who serves as Coordinating Director, Contact and Mobilisation, said the committee was responsible for coordinating the activities of its various units and groups in line with directives from the APC national leadership.
He stated that its central assignment was to work towards the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The Governor stressed the importance of holding periodic meetings to review activities, assess progress and develop strategies for engagement and mobilisation.
Governor Zulum also urged members to draw on their collective experience and strengthen consultations to ensure the committee delivers on its mandate.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council in charge of mobilisation, Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Presidential Campaign: Zulum Calls for Strategic Mobilisation
Great Ife Alumni Begin 11-Day China Retreat, Business Tour
By: Michael Mike
The Great Ife Alumni Association has commenced an 11-day international retreat and business exploratory tour in Guangzhou, China, bringing together more than 55 alumni members to strengthen the association and explore business opportunities.
The biennial retreat, which runs from October 23 to November 2, is part of efforts by the association’s Global Executive Council, led by Dr Leye Bunmi Falode, to reposition the alumni body and its alma mater for greater institutional excellence.
In a statement, the association’s Global Publicity Secretary, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the initiative was designed to advance the council’s agenda of placing the association and the institution at the forefront of excellence in all ramifications.
Among the delegation are the Global President, Dr Falode, a solicitor and Notary Public; the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Simeon Bamire; and a former Global President of the association, Engr. Wale Olaleye.
Balogun said no fewer than 55 members of the association had arrived in China for the retreat and business exploratory tour.
The programme combines the association’s biennial retreat with opportunities to explore business prospects in China, potentially opening new avenues for engagement among alumni members and strengthening ties with the international business community.
Great Ife Alumni Begin 11-Day China Retreat, Business Tour
Family Seeks Fresh Probe into Missing Corpse at Anambra Hospital
Presidential Campaign: Zulum Calls for Strategic Mobilisation
Great Ife Alumni Begin 11-Day China Retreat, Business Tour
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