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US, Global Shea Alliance Partners on Boosting Shea Production in Nigeria
US, Global Shea Alliance Partners on Boosting Shea Production in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United States government, in partnership with the Global Shea Alliance (GSA), the non-profit industry association with a mission to promote sustainability, quality practices and standards for shea in food and cosmetics, held its annual conference in Abuja.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the United States Embassy in Nigeria, this year’s theme ‘Bridging the Gap’ is centered on closing the divide between the visionary goals of the shea industry and the urgent need for practical action. Nigeria boasts the largest population of shea trees and shea collectors, positioning the country as a potential hub for production, processing, and innovation in the food and cosmetics industries across West Africa.
The statement read: “As the shea sector experiences significant growth, today’s conference serves as an opportunity to address challenges that limit market expansion, supply stability, resource management, climate adaptation, financing, women’s economic empowerment and more.
President of the Global Shea Alliance, Mamatou Djaffo, said: “Over 10 years ago the Global Shea Alliance began with a set of structures built to advance women in the industry and we have come a long way by improving our processes with input from shea beneficiaries,” adding that: “At Shea 2024, we will be targeting discussion on park land management, resource conservation, women’s economic empowerment, youth involvement, digitalisation strategies and effective trade policies to further unearth potential in the shea value chain.”
The conference will bring together key stakeholders from across the shea industry to: Examine the challenges and barriers that hinder the industry’s progress toward sustainability, including insufficient investment, new market opportunities, weak policy frameworks and social inequalities; Showcase examples of initiatives and projects that have successfully bridged the gap between the industry’s vision and present reality, emphasizing lessons learned and best practices; Foster partnerships among governments, NGOs, businesses and local communities to align efforts and resources towards a common goal of sustainability.
The three-day day event is expected to attract over 500 participants and will feature presentations from industry professionals on the above themes.
On behalf of the United States government, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires David Greene, in his remark said: “The United States government is proud to support the Global Shea Alliance through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID recently invested more than $8 million under its Sustainable Shea Initiative to support the shea industry in seven West African countries, including Nigeria. This investment stems from our recognition of the industry’s potential to bolster the economic landscape and advance women’s economic empowerment.”
US, Global Shea Alliance Partners on Boosting Shea Production in Nigeria
Police repel bandits, rescue six kidnapped victims on Yankara-Funtua highway in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Katsina State have successfully rescued six kidnapped victims after intercepting an armed bandit attack on Yankara-Funtua highway in Faskari Local Government Area.
Sources said on Jan. 24 at about 1:25 a.m., unidentified armed bandits blocked the highway and abducted six occupants of a green Honda Civic, registration number AAA 518 BC, en route from Funtua to Faskari.
The DPO Faskari, on routine patrol, promptly engaged the hoodlums in a tactical gunfight.
The bandits were overpowered and fled into the bush, abandoning their mission. All six victims, Rabi Hamisu, Safare Musa, Abubakar Samaila, Shehu Umar, Sara’u Yahaya, and Ibrahim Babangida, were rescued unharmed and safely returned to their homes.
Intensive patrols continue in the area, while efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are ongoing.
Police repel bandits, rescue six kidnapped victims on Yankara-Funtua highway in Katsina
Suspect arrested for trespassing, attempting robbery at Bauchi Emir’s palace
By: Zagazola Makama
A 20-year-old man, Umar Hamza, was apprehended Wednesday night for trespassing and attempting to steal from the Emir of Bauchi’s residence.
Sources said Hamza entered one of the Emir’s son’s rooms carrying a bunch of keys and tried to commit theft around 8:20 p.m. on January 23.
He was intercepted shortly after the act and taken into the Police custody for questioning.
Police said Preliminary inquiries indicate the suspect intended to steal from the palace.
Suspect arrested for trespassing, attempting robbery at Bauchi Emir’s palace
VP Shettima Returns To Abuja, Says Nigeria Firmly Back On Global Economic Frontline
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Abuja after a week-long diplomatic and economic mission to Guinea-Conakry and Switzerland.
This is just as he said Nigeria has reclaimed a frontline seat in global and regional policy conversations.
VP Shettima arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Guinea’s President, Mamadi Doumbouya, and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 56th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos.
According to the Vice President, the trip is part of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to regional solidarity in West Africa and its determination to reposition the economy under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The Vice President had departed Abuja for Conakry, where he attended President Doumbouya’s inauguration, reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role within ECOWAS, while opening new pathways for bilateral cooperation in agriculture and manufacturing.
From Guinea-Conakry, Senator Shettima proceeded to Davos, Switzerland, where he led the Nigerian delegation at the WEF 2026.
One of the highpoints of his engagements in that country was the commissioning of Nigeria House Davos, the Nigeria’s first-ever sovereign pavilion on the Davos Promenade, designed as a permanent investment hub showcasing opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture and the digital economy.
At a high-level WEF session titled, “When Food Becomes Security,” the Vice President outlined Nigeria’s new national food security framework, describing agriculture as a strategic pillar of national security and macroeconomic stability.
Vice President Shettima also joined former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, to advance the Accra Reset Initiative, a forum advocating African industrialisation driven by domestic capital and value chains rather than foreign aid.
On the economic front, the Vice President told investors that Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators were stabilising, citing a projected 4.4 per cent GDP growth in 2026 and a decline in inflation to 12.94 per cent.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s imminent transition into a net exporter of refined petroleum products, anchored by the Dangote Refinery, and the growing export of digital talent.
VP Shettima Returns To Abuja, Says Nigeria Firmly Back On Global Economic Frontline
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