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KDSG to distribute N10bn fertilizer in 21 days
Kaduna State Government will in the next three weeks distribute 12,000 metric tonnes worth over N10 billion to farmers in the state at no cost to boost agriculture and ensure food security in the state.
Gov. Uba Sani disclosed this on Saturday during the State Executive Committee Meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Hall, Murtala Square Kaduna.
Sani, while recounting achievements recorded within one year of his administration, said that agriculture was one of the key sectors the state was determined to key into.
“We need to invest in agriculture because we contribute about 42.8 per cent of our GDP in Kaduna State.
”As such, in the next three weeks, we are distributing, for free, about 12,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer to our teeming farmers.
“12,000 metric tons today is over N10 billion and in terms of trucks, we are talking of about 500 trucks to be distracted free not subsidised and this is all targeted towards reducing poverty in our region,” he said.
Sani recalled that upon assumption to office about a year ago, one of the cardinal focuses of his administration was rural revitalisation.
He added, ”The only way we could do this is by reducing the deficit in terms of infrastructure between the rural and urban local government areas in Kaduna State.
“Today as we speak, we have done the ground breaking of about 57 roads in the state out of which some have been completed and inaugurated.”
The governor mentioned that amongst several feats recorded in healthcare, the present administration was reconstructing, rebuilding and equipping at least nine secondary healthcare facilities in the state.
He said: “The most important area I want to emphasise here today is that we did not decide to embark on the projects without research, statistics and data because the level of deficit is alarming.
“The only way to we could take prosperity to every part of Kaduna State is to ensure we take development to every part of the State and as such, we made it clear to everyone that politics was over.
“I want to seize this opportunity that having thanked the members and leaders of APC who are here, I want to make it clear to all of us that while we play politics, we should not forget about governance.”
According to Snai, governance is also key as the government cannot just take one of those important aspects and sacrifice it because of the others.
He added, “Governance is key and we made it clear after the election that we will take development in Kaduna State everywhere irrespective of party affiliation or any affiliation because we took an oath to be fair to everyone in Kaduna.
“So, we are going to support our party leadership but most importantly, even those that did not vote for us, we must take development to their own areas and that is why we are making this progress.
“The reason we have been able to witness relative peace in the state is due to equity and fairness and we should not be distracted by people who are ethnic and religious marchants in Kaduna State.
“We will continue to defeat them by being focused, fair and just to everyone.”
The governor commended the efforts of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, describing them as unprecedented.
He said; “At the moment, what the House of Representatives is experiencing in the last one year, no Speaker in the history of Nigeria has been able to achieve that fit.
“For me, its a glory to Kaduna State that one of us is making us proud on a daily basis,”
Sani added that Abbas had brought about stability in the House within his one year on the seat and has also embarked on the construction of roads in Zaria Local Government. Area
“I urge him to equally look at other local governments within the state where he can extend similar gestures as this is one of the importance of having a Speaker from Kaduna,” he said.
In a remark, Abbas congratulated Sani, saying the last one year was characterised by a lot of achievements both in terms of peacemaking and infrastructural development.
“I believe that the next three years will be more successful and impactful in the lives of our people and I urge you to maintain the tempo and find ways of improving,” Abbas said.
The speaker urged the party to use every machinery within its disposal to foster unity especially amongst the aggrieved party members.
He said: “I urge the party leadership to carry everyone both at the national, state, ward and pulling units level as doing such will be a big investment for us in the future.
“I want to assure you that myself and the Governor are both on the same lane to ensure that all our party members and executives are given priority.” (NAN)
Nigeria has commenced the Stakeholders’ Consultation in preparation for the 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The regional consultation for Nigeria’s 2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR) across the six geopolitical zones was launched in the South West zone, with Lagos State hosting the session.
Held under the theme: “Advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals for leaving no one behind,” the consultation brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states.
This was contained in a statement issued to the media by the SA Media, OSSAP-SDG, Desmond Utomwen.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, stated that the consultation aims to review Nigeria’s 2024 SDGs progress report. She highlighted key areas of focus, including institutional frameworks, progress on the 17 SDGs, lessons learned, implementation challenges, and key recommendations.
Orelope-Adefulire, who was represented by her Senior Technical Adviser, Dr Bala Yunusa, referenced the Sustainable Development Goals Report (2024), which identified a global lack of progress towards the SDGs, with only 17 percent of targets currently on track. She stressed the need for renewed commitment and transformative actions to accelerate progress towards achieving the goals.
She noted:
“To date, 366 VNRs have been conducted and presented by 191 countries, with 138 countries having conducted more than one VNR. Nigeria has previously presented two VNRs, in 2017 and 2020. This year, Nigeria will present its third VNR alongside 38 other countries.Conceptually, the VNRs are most useful when conducted through an inclusive, broad-based, and participatory process. This is why we are here—to consult widely with key stakeholders across all segments of society.”
She further explained that following the Lagos launch, consultations would be held in Uyo (South South), Enugu (South East), Gombe (North East), Kaduna (North West), and Abuja (North Central), culminating in a National Validation event in Abuja.
Orelope-Adefulire highlighted that since 2016, Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) (2017-2020), the Economic Sustainability Plan (2020), the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (2021), and the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021-2025) have all been aligned with the SDGs. She emphasised that these goals are also embedded in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on SDGs, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, stated that the review is aimed at advancing collective actions to improve Nigeria’s ranking among the top performers in the global SDG framework.
She noted that Lagos State has consistently driven SDG implementation efforts, leveraging evidence-based decision-making to enhance impact.
“The Lagos State Voluntary Local Review (VLR) conducted in 2023 stands as a testament to this commitment, providing periodic assessments of our progress and significantly influencing policies and decisions under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The state’s policies are now more aligned with international development targets, with improved resource allocation, increased inter-agency collaboration, and enhanced participatory governance achieved through the VLR exercise.”
She added that Lagos remains a beacon of subnational leadership in SDG localisation, fostering strategic partnerships and innovative solutions. She described the VNR as a crucial mechanism for SDG implementation, enabling both national and subnational governments to periodically assess progress, identify gaps, strengthen accountability, and promote scalable innovations.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on SDGs and Water Resources, Mrs Damilola Otubanjo, underscored the significance of the VNR in ensuring full implementation of the SDGs. She emphasised that the process must represent the interests of all Nigerians, as it highlights key challenges and outlines pathways for Nigeria’s global positioning in sustainable development.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Centre for Actualisation of SDGs at Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Tayo Ajayi, noted that since the United Nations launched the SDGs in 2015, Nigeria has mainstreamed them at the national level, with Lagos State playing a pivotal role.
Ajayi stated that since its establishment in 2022, the centre has organised two international conferences on SDG implementation, launched the LASU SDGs Youth Club with over 3,500 members, and is now advancing its efforts through the LASU Sustainability Policy to further institutionalize the SDGs within the university.
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The former Governor of Plateau state and Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Mr. Simon Bako Lalong, has congratulated Rev. John joseph Hayab on his recent election as the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
In a congratulatory letter to the chairman, Lalong said, “I received with immense joy and gladness the news of your election as the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern states.
“Your well deserved election is a testimony of your commitment to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and a vindication of your years of labour in the Lord’s vineyard.”
Lalong explained that the chairman of the Northern states has earned through the grace of God, a place of pride within the body of Christ in the northern region, Nigeria and the world at large by his sacrifices, adding that he hà also ensured labour and hardworking in propagating the gospel of salvation and touching humanity positively.
According to the former Governor, “With your election as the Christian Association of Nigeria chairman of the 19 Northern states, l have no doubt that you will bring to bear your capacity to work with all the Christian blocks in protecting the interests of the Christian community and also enhancing peaceful coexistence, respect and collaboration with other Faith’s.”
He prayed that his tenure would usher in more love, prosperity and deepening of the word of God in the region to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Lalong assured, “Be assured that l shall continue to pray for you and offer support in whatever way the Lord Grant’s me the opportunity.”
As Nigerians observe the sacred periods of Lent and Ramadan, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has called on citizens to use this time for deep reflection, compassion, and commitment to societal peace and justice.
The Lenten and Ramadan seasons, both marked by fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, offer a unique opportunity to strengthen moral values that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Speaking on the significance of these holy periods, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, emphasised that fasting is not only a spiritual exercise but also a means to cultivate discipline, empathy, and service to humanity. She encouraged Nigerians to extend kindness to the less privileged and work towards building a society free of violence, corruption, and injustice, while promoting an atmosphere for prosperity for the people.
“These sacred periods remind us of the power of self-restraint, forgiveness, and community spirit. As we seek divine blessings and prosperity through prayer and fasting, we must also dedicate ourselves to promoting peace, fairness, and the rule of law,” she stated.
A statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Desmond Utomwen noted that Goal 16 of the SDGs highlights the need for inclusive and peaceful societies, access to justice for all, and accountable institutions. By fostering values of honesty, integrity, and reconciliation during Lent and Ramadan, individuals can contribute to national stability and sustainable development.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire further stressed the role of religious and community leaders in advancing these ideals. “Faith leaders have a critical role in shaping attitudes and inspiring positive action. Their messages of peace and tolerance can help unite communities and reduce conflicts,” she said.
The SSAP-SDGs reaffirmed the commitment of her Office to implementing policies and initiatives that uphold justice and human dignity, urging all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of the season beyond religious obligations and work towards a more equitable and peaceful nation.
“As believers observe these periods of fasting and prayer, the call to action remains clear—let the spiritual renewal lead to transformative change in communities, fostering a Nigeria where peace and justice prevail”. She concluded.