News
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 foil bandits’ attack, recover AK-47 rifle in Abuja
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have foiled an attempted kidnapping by a notorious bandit gang and recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a midnight operation in the outskirts of the territory.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation followed credible intelligence from the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) of the Force Headquarters about a planned attack led by a gang leader identified as Idrisa, also known as Mai Duna.
Acting swiftly, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit laid an ambush between 9 p.m. on Oct. 10 and 1 a.m. on Oct. 11 along the rail track near Grow Home Estate, a location bordering the FCT and Niger State.
The armed gang, divided into two groups targeting Grow Home Estate and Royal Champion Church in Chikakore, Byazhin District, was intercepted by the police team.
A fierce gun duel ensued, lasting about 20 minutes, after which the bandits were subdued, forcing many to flee with suspected gunshot wounds.
During the search of the area, police recovered an AK-47 rifle with a defaced breech number, one magazine, and a live round of 7.62mm ammunition.
Reinforcement from the military, DSS, and local hunters was deployed to the area to secure the communities and block escape routes.
Sources said that the Commissioner of Police assured residents of continued security presence and renewed commitment to maintaining peace and safety in the FCT.
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit has commenced further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Police foil bandits’ attack, recover AK-47 rifle in Abuja
Police arrest mentally unstable woman for killing IDP in Monguno
By: Zagazola Makama
The Borno State Police Command has arrested a mentally unstable woman for allegedly killing a fellow internally displaced person (IDP) in Monguno Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said that on Oct. 10, 2025, at about 4:35 p.m., one Modu Kolomi of RRR IDPs Camp reported that a woman identified as Yagana Zara, aged 40, of the Water Board IDPs Camp, attacked his wife, Yagana Abba Butu, aged 30, with a wooden stirrer.
The suspect, said to be mentally challenged, allegedly beat the victim severely, resulting in fatal internal injuries.
Security forces Monguno promptly visited the scene, rescued the suspect from mob action, and evacuated the victim to the General Hospital, Monguno, where she was confirmed dead on arrival.
The body was deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy and later released to the family for burial according to Islamic rites.
According to sources, the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation, while the suspect has been taken to a state psychiatric facility for mental evaluation.
End
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims, sustain offensive against bandits in Kwara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued three kidnapped victims during sustained operations against bandits in parts of Kwara State.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, Oct. 11, followed credible intelligence that led troops deployed at the Patrol Base Babanla to a suspected bandit hideout within the Babanla Forest.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops rescued Mrs. Oluwabusayo Taiwo, 25, and her three-year-old son, Taiwo Irayomide, who were abducted at Oke-Ode on Sept. 28.
The victims, who were found in stable condition, are receiving first aid treatment at the Patrol Base sick bay and are expected to be reunited with their family members soon.
In a separate operation, troops on routine patrol along a suspected bandit route also rescued a local tea seller, Mr. Mohammadu Sani, popularly known as Mai Shayi, aged 40, from Garkarima community.
According to the sources l, the bandits fled upon sighting the patrol team, abandoning the victim, who was found in a pool of blood. Troops recovered one dane gun and a cutlass from the scene.
Sani is currently receiving medical attention at the Patrol Base sick bay.
The Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ezra Barkins, commended the troops for their swift response and professionalism.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the safety and security of citizens, pledging that troops would continue to intensify operations aimed at restoring peace and stability across Kwara State and its environs.
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims, sustain offensive against bandits in Kwara
GIZ Launches Peacecore Project in Taraba,Trains Thirty Journalists on Conflict-Sensitive Reporting
Police foil bandits’ attack, recover AK-47 rifle in Abuja
Bandits abduct five passengers in Zamfara
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
News6 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
