Connect with us

News

Gov Kefas: I’ll ensure tractors get directly to farmers.

Published

on

Taraba state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has said the newly bought tractors will not be diverted but go straight to farmers. He said the machines are part of his total commitment to making Taraba state the ultimate hub of food production. He reiterated his earlier declaration that Taraba state can feed its populace and the entire country. He said, “Taraba state has no business with hunger. With our vast land and potentials in crop and cattle, we are now prepared to become the national leader in food security”

Dr. Kefas said farmers remain the hope of the state and the nation as hunger is now a security threat to the nation. He said the machines are not just about technology but sowing the seeds of hope.

The governor was speaking at the unveiling of the first 250 out of the purchased 850 tractors and other farm implements from the Czech Republic. The event is the second in the three-day program designed to commemorate Governor Kefas First Year in office.

Earlier in his welcome address, the commissioner of Agriculture, Professor Nick Namessan, said the farmers will sign agreements on receiving the tractors. A peep at the agreement document showed farmers will produce guarantors that will serve as sureties. Payments will be on a 40 -60 % ratio with government taking the larger share of the repayments. The beneficiaries will pay 40 per cent of the cost, while the government will pick the remaining cost. By subsidizing the cost of the tractors, government expect more farmers to take advantage of the scheme. Prof Nick said government will assidiously monitor the repayments and maintenance of the tractors.

ALSO READ:  Tinubu appoints Shehu Mohammed as new FRSC Corps Marshal

Already a mobile maintenance vehicle is also available to ensure swift repairs when there are breakdowns.

Speakers at the event expressed their gratitude and noted that investment in agriculture is the way to go to ameliorate the food crisis in the land.

In his good will message, former governor of Taraba state, Rev. Jolly Nyame, extolled the virtues of Dr Kefas. He noted that the workshop he commissioned during his tenure was vandalized over the years. He said he was filled with pride that the current administration has restored the glory of the dilapidated structure.

He commended the governor for viewing government as a continuous phenomenon where uncompleted projects are revived and strengthened.

Representatives of the Czech Republic Ambassador to Nigeria said they are elated by the business relationships they have with the state.

In his speech, leaders of the various farmers groups in the state said the tractors have come at the time farmers were in dire needs of the machines. They pledged the support of farmers to be the main supervisor of the scheme to ensure its survival.

The program was attended by all top government functionaries and some traditional rulers prominent among them include the Aku Uka of Wukari and the Emir of Muri.

Emmanuel Bello

Special Adviser Media and Digital Communications

National

Eid-el-Fitr: Unity, Prayers Key to Security – Matawalle

Published

on

As Muslims in Nigeria and around the world celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle,
urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the military, noting that the Federal Government has made significant strides in combating insurgency and insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

has praised the resilience and dedication of the country’s Armed Forces and security agencies.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Ahmed Dan-Wudil, Dr Matawalle commended the tireless efforts of security personnel in safeguarding the nation.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the military, noting that the Federal Government has made significant strides in combating insurgency and insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

While acknowledging that security challenges have not been entirely eradicated, the minister expressed confidence in the administration’s achievements, rating its performance in tackling insecurity at 9 out of 10. He assured Nigerians that, by the end of the year, the country would be “99 per cent free from insecurity, by God’s grace.”

“As we celebrate today, let us remember the families of our fallen heroes—those who have paid the supreme price in defending our sovereignty. Their sacrifices shall never be in vain,” he said. “We remain committed to ensuring the welfare of our troops and their loved ones, as well as strengthening our military capabilities to address security challenges effectively.”

Dr Matawalle reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to national security, economic growth, and social development.

ALSO READ:  Trump Commits To Smooth Transition As He Meets Biden

He highlighted ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities through enhanced military operations, strategic partnerships, and intelligence-driven approaches.

However, he stressed that security is not the sole responsibility of the government and security forces, but a collective duty of all citizens.

He urged community leaders, religious scholars, and traditional rulers to work closely with security agencies by providing timely information and fostering peace.

“Eid-el-Fitr is a time of love, kindness, and reconciliation,” he said. “Let us use this period to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, forgive one another, and embrace the spirit of tolerance and understanding.”

The minister also called on Nigerians to extend a helping hand to the less privileged, including orphans and widows, emphasising that the true essence of Eid lies in sharing and caring for others.

“As we mark this special day, I pray that Almighty Allah accepts our fasting, prayers, and good deeds. May He grant us peace, prosperity, and continued progress as a nation. May He protect our gallant Armed Forces, bless their efforts, and reward them abundantly for their sacrifices.

“Eid Mubarak to you all! May this celebration bring renewed hope, joy, and divine blessings to our homes and communities.”

Continue Reading

Politics

SSAP-SDGs Felicitates with Muslims on Eid-el-Fitr, Calls for Unity and Sustainable Development

Published

on

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, has extended heartfelt greetings to Muslims across Nigeria and beyond as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement released in Abuja in her behalf by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, the SSAP-SDGs emphasized the significance of Eid-el-Fitr as a time for gratitude, reflection, and unity. She highlighted the values of compassion, generosity, and solidarity, which define the season and align with the principles of sustainable development.

“Eid-el-Fitr is not only a period of celebration but also a moment for renewed commitment to building a more inclusive, just, and sustainable society where no one is left behind. The teachings of Ramadan inspire us to uphold peace, unity, and selflessness. These are values that are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she stated.

Princess Orelope-Adefulire called on Nigerians to use the occasion to promote harmony, foster mutual understanding, and work together in addressing socio-economic challenges. She reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating progress on key SDGs targets, including poverty eradication, access to quality education, gender equality, and economic empowerment.

“As we mark this joyous occasion, let us remember those in need and extend kindness to the less privileged. Together, through collective action and a shared vision, we can advance sustainable development and create a better future for all,” she added.

The SSAP-SDGs concluded by wishing all Muslims a peaceful and blessed Eid celebration, urging them to continue embodying the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.

ALSO READ:  Accolades, Excitements As OSSAP-SDGs Unveils 100 Bed Hospital In Kebbi
Continue Reading

News

Recall election costlier than constituency election – INEC

Published

on

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is more expensive to conduct a recall election than a constituency election.

Special Adviser to INEC Chairman, Mohammed Kunna, made this statement during an online discussion on “INEC Regulation and Guidelines for Recall 2024.” The discussion also covered BVAS and IREV: Facts and Myths.

The event was held on Saturday via the X social media platform.

Kunna explained that conducting a recall election was similar to conducting three constituency elections.

“Once a petition is received and verified to meet legal requirements, INEC must first conduct a verification exercise at the affected polling units.

“For that verification to happen, we have to use the Bi-Modal Voter Verification System (BVAS) because those who signed the petition must be verified as genuine registered voters in those units.

“Then, INEC needs to establish 50 per cent plus one signature from the constituency.

“After that, we proceed to the final stage: conducting the referendum, which involves a yes or no vote by registered voters in the constituency,” Kunna said.

He added that this process involved mobilising staff, deploying election materials, transportation, and other resources, much like conducting three senatorial district elections.

“In my opinion, the recall process is much more expensive than conducting a single senatorial district election,” he said.

The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, acknowledged the high cost but emphasised that INEC must adhere to the law.

“What is important is what the law says we should do in each case if constituents wish to recall their representatives,” Oyekanmi said.

ALSO READ:  Alleged N400m fraud: Court cautions I-G in charge against Andy Uba

Earlier, Oyekanmi explained that INEC’s regulations and the Electoral Act specified the process for conducting a recall election.

“The law allows a recall election only if the petitioners meet constitutional requirements, including submitting signatures from at least half of the registered voters in the constituency.

“Once the petition is received, INEC performs a preliminary check and then verifies the signatures.

“The lawmaker facing recall is informed and has the right to deploy agents to observe the process.

“Observers and media personnel can also participate in the verification and referendum,” he said.

Oyekanmi also addressed the possibility of online voting, stating that the Constitution did not permit INEC to conduct electronic voting.(NAN)

Continue Reading