Author Archives: News All Around

By Jone Adigwu

Danbature who is the Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) said, the offer which is coming from outside the country was extended to him through one of their agents in Nigeria.

According to him, the offer is for him to engage in a two months two weeks of constant attack through press conferences, issuance of press releases on the person and personality of Bello Matawalle.

“They offered me $50,000 to blackmail the Minister of State for defence Bello Matawalle, and to tarnish his image and cordial working relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the good people of Zamfara State.”

“Infact, the Terrorists kingpin Bello Turji who came out recently in a viral video where he made unsubstantiated allegations against the Minister was offered same amount to carry out such hatchet job” he further disclosed.

Ambassador Danbature said, the Youths which he represents are committed to good governance and leadership and will not in any form allow themselves to be given to any form of gratification for image slandering and blackmail of any government personality, individual or organization.

He said, he is forced to speak out because there are individuals who are committed to tarnishing images of personalities for political interests, while calling on Youths to beware of such individuals and avoid their antics and manipulations.

“For me, the Minister of State for defence Bello Matawalle is a good man who gave his best as Governor of Zamfara State and currently contributing in no small measure to stabilizing the security situation in the country.”

“I therefore wish to use this medium to call on all and sundry that I cannot, neither can our group be used to malign any body in an attempt to settle political scores” he stressed.

BY Abike Kadiri

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) said they are now ready to dialogue with the Federal Government and have the governor between now and the end of next week to initiate the dialogue process or will be left with no option than to return back to the streets in protest.

Speaker of the AYAGL, Ambassador Andul Danbature who is one of the organizers of the protest stated this in a telephone conversation shortly after he appeared on Channels Television to give more insight into the protest and it’s suspension.

According to him, “We started this movement because we want to express our grievances and anger and the need for the federal government to meet our needs.

“Some of our demands include;, the return back of fuel subsidy, creation of employment opportunities for youths, stoppage of payment to ex governors , relocation of all service Chiefs to North West to address insecurity holistically
dress insecurity holistically and reversal of harsh government policies among several others”.

“We however commended the Federal Government for calling for dialogue which we have agreed to because the peaceful protest which we started has been hijacked by hoodlums which is not part of our plans and that is why we have suspended the protest to take the part of dialogue with the government.

“Our major problem is the removal of fuel subsidy and naira inflation which has affected poor masses and resulted in unemployment. There is no single development on ground that will benefit the poor masses directly, all we know is that money is being released from the federation account to the National Assembly and also to the governors.

“When we started this movement, we sensitize the youths to understand that our major problem is the governors who sit on allocations from the federal government. We also engaged our coordinator at the local government to engage the governors.

“We are ready to dialogue with the Federal government on our demands and we are giving the government between now and next week, in which failure to do so, we will return back to the streets and.continue the protest” he stressed.

ENDS

By Comrade Martins

Extreme weather and climate change have worsened Africa’s food insecurity, especially in Nigeria, where oil dependency and other socio-economic factors further strain the food ecosystem. Transforming the agricultural sector is crucial to meeting these challenges, and the cassava value chain offers a viable solution for combating hunger, improving livelihoods, and sustaining the rural economy.

Cassava, a perennial woody shrub with an edible root, was first cultivated in South America and introduced to Nigeria in the sixteenth century. It is a major staple food for millions across the globe and was introduced to Nigeria in the sixteenth century. With Nigeria producing about 63 million tonnes in 2022 (FAO 2022), there’s still a 24 million tonnes deficit in meeting domestic demand. Issues like low farm yields, inadequate land management, poor storage and transportation, pests, diseases, and limited access to improved varieties hinder cassava production.

Despite government efforts over the years, the supply hasn’t kept pace with the growing demand.

To address these challenges, Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and CEMUOA Limited have been collaborating since 2020 on the Building an Economically Sustainable and Integrated Cassava Seed System (BASICS II) project. As part of the program activities, Demand Creation Trials (DCT) are set up in Akwa Ibom State to increase farmers’ and processors’ awareness of adopting high-quality cassava varieties to improve production, increase food security, and promote sustainability in Nigeria.

On 17 July 2024, this partnership hosted a Farmers’ Field Day event at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Mr. Emmanuel Ameh, Programme Analyst at Sahel Consulting, highlighted the importance of showcasing high-quality cassava varieties to stakeholders and the use of DCT as an evidence-based tool for making informed decisions on the sustainability of cassava varieties.

A critical success factor for this initiative is the active engagement and investment from private sector partners. Mrs. Caroline Udom, Executive Director of CEMUOA Limited, emphasized the success of this collaboration in providing smallholder farmers with improved cassava seedlings.

‘It has been a satisfying experience working with Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited. With better cassava varieties and superior seeds, CEMUOA Limited can easily achieve more. With what we’ve accomplished here, we’ll go back and multiply the seeds to ensure that our farmers have unimpeded access to high-quality and improved seeds over the course of the next five to six farming seasons.’’ Mrs. Caroline Udom, Executive Director of CEMUOA Limited.

Mr. Uche ThankGod Oche, Senior Researcher Supervisor of the Cassava Breeding Unit at IITA, praised the DCT as a crucial tool for integrating cassava breeding into Nigeria’s seed system activities. He emphasized the importance of strategic innovation and collaboration for food sustainability in Nigeria.

“How to feed Nigeria’s constantly expanding population is one of the country’s most urgent issues. It is therefore revolutionary to adopt the DCT approach in the production and processing of cassava.

Collaboration with regional processors, such as CEMUOA Limited in Uyo, was essential to proving the effectiveness of the many cassava varieties used in the Basic II (DCT) initiative”.

Mrs. Theresa Akpan, President of Women Link Agro International Commission, shared how the DCT project has transformed cassava farming for women in Uyo. She reported that since the group’s founding in 2018, they have never seen such success. The introduction of high-yield varieties like Ayaya and Baba 70 has increased cassava yield and allowed women farmers to better support their families and communities.

The Demand Creation Trails are raising awareness and adoption of high-quality cassava varieties, serving as a vital decision tool for breeders, seed producers, and farmers. Sahel Consulting is dedicated to transforming Nigeria’s agriculture and nutrition landscape, ensuring food security and sustainable development for all.

Join us in this mission and help build a resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria. Reach out to learn more about our initiatives!

By Chioma Ambrose

As the ongoing nationwide protests enters the fourth day, prominent stakeholders within the government and private sectors in the four walls of Nigeria who are patriotic and optimistic about the progress of this country political and socio-economic structures have continued to plea with the youths to shelves their swords.

One among these dignified epitomes is a Real Estate Serial Entrepreneur with decades of successful experiences, Chief Executive Officer of MYK Limited Alhaji Abubakar Mayaki who is calling on the youths to renounces their fate towards the protest.

Speaking to Journalists on Sunday, Alhaji Mayaki said “As a real estate entrepreneur, I understand the frustrations and challenges faced by Nigeria’s youth. However, I strongly advise against resorting to nationwide protests, which can lead to destruction of property, loss of lives, and economic instability.

“Instead, I encourage the youths to channel their energy into constructive dialogue with the Federal government to provide entrepreneurship, and community development platforms for direct benefits.

” Though, I understand that there is economic challenges causing skyrocketed inflation, epileptic electric supply, hunger and poverty but Let’s work together to build a better Nigeria through innovative solutions, job creation, and collaborative governance.

“Remember, our collective future is brighter when we build, not destroy. Let’s focus on creating opportunities, promoting peace, and driving progress for all Nigerians.”

The Innovator tasked on all tiers of government to listen to the concerns and demands of the protesting youths, and engage in open and honest dialogue to understand their perspectives.

According to him the government should address unemployment and economic empowerment by implementing policies and programs to create jobs, promote entrepreneurship, and support small businesses to address economic challenges.

He said ” improve education and skills development to enhance access to quality education, vocational training, and skills development programs to equip youths for the future.

“Ensure good governance and accountability by demonstrating transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs, and tackle corruption and mismanagement.

“Provide mental health support by offering access to mental health services and support to address the emotional and psychological well-being of youths.

Alhaji Mayaki tasked the government to foster inclusivity and diversity to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities for all, regardless of ethnicity, religion or socio-economic background.

He said ” Address security concerns to ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly youths, and address issues like police brutality and extortion.

Meanwhile, the Serial Entrepreneur commended the Nigerian Police Force and other security personnel for their professionalism and restraint during the the ongoing protests.

“Your commitment to maintaining peace and order while respecting the rights of citizens to express themselves is truly commendable. Your actions demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of protecting human rights and upholding the principles of democracy. By not resorting to harmful tactics, you have shown that it is possible to maintain security without compromising the safety and well-being of citizens.

“We recognize that your role is crucial in ensuring the stability and security of our nation, and we appreciate your dedication to serving and protecting the people of Nigeria as your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we encourage you to continue upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”

Kaduna State Senator who represented the Central Senatorial District in the 8th Assembly, Comrade Shehu Sani has urged protesters to discontinue the nationwide protest to save lives and properties of citizens.

Reacting to what he described as unfortunate development , Senator Sani, in a tweet on X said the situation where hoodlums have hijacked the protest is unacceptable.

While expressing disappointment over the manner hoodlums hijacked the protest and destroyed properties of innocent citizens in Kaduna; Kano and other parts of the country on day-one of the protest, he advised those willing to encourage continuation of the protest, especially in the north to reconsider their stands based on potential danger ahead.

He tweeted:”With scores dead,hundreds injured and properties worth billions of Naira belonging to private businesses and Government destroyed by hoodlums,mostly in Northern states,those wishing to encourage the continuation of this protest,especially in the North should reconsider.At our end its violent protest without visible leadership and must be discontinued.”

According to him ,the protest constitutional right of Nigerians, but should be peaceful and without any threat to life and property.

He commend the proactiveness of the security agencies in the state for their quick intervention. “

In the statement via his X handle, Senator Sani pointed out curious patterns in protest participation, raising questions about the motivations and historical consistencies of different regions , with his comments sparking discussions about the complex interplay of regional politics, economic concerns, and public demonstrations in Nigeria.

Speaking further about the current situation,he noted the apparent absence of protests in the South East, despite what he perceives as support for the cause among many South Easterners. This observation highlights the complex political landscape of the region and raises questions about the factors influencing public demonstrations there.

He however, commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani for the proactive measures taken so far to calm raging nerves in the state. Adding that dialogue and consultation are two instrument that have always helped in any crisis situation.

After hoodlums yesterday burnt down a government agency; looted and destroyed properties worth millions in State, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani swift into action to hold meetings and consult with security agencies and citizens to avoid escalation of violence.

The planned peaceful protest against bad governance held in Kaduna yesterday turned violent, leaving no fewer than 3 youths dead and many other protesters injured.

However,the swift consultations made by Governor to stop the palpable tension stirred up by violent protests and impending mayhem appeared to have yielded results with the visible relative normalcy that has returned on the day-two of the protest.

Our Correspondent who took a tour round the metropolis today , observed that the relative calm could be linked to the deliberate efforts my by Governor Uba Sani ,who immediately meet with security agencies and embarked on wide consultations with opinion leaders as well as stakeholders to avoid further breach of peace and fall out of Kano situations.

Though Some residents out of fear of further breach public peace and destruction of properties had called for 24-hour curfew to be imposed on the state ,but Governor Uba Sani had allayed the fear of the residents,with an assurance that situation is under control in the state.

The Governor, who posted on his social media handle yesterday allayed the fears. Saying,there was no need for curfew as the heightened situation and tension is under control .

Meanwhile, information gathered from the tour round the metropolis also revealed that the overt palpable tension stirred up by yesterday’s violent protests have doused down amongst residents.

Some of residents interviewed at Barnawa; Sabon-Tasha , Nasarawa,Kudenda ,Rigasa ,Kawo and other areas within the metropolis expressed joy that the protest today appeared coordinated with everyone calm.They therefore commended the Governor for his swift reaction and efforts made to provide adequate security.

Meanwhile , the former lawmaker and Senator who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Senato Shehu Sani expressed disappointment over the manner hoodlums hijacked the protest and destroyed properties of innocent citizens in Kaduna.

He advised those willing to encourage continuation of the protest, especially in the north to reconsider their stands .

The Human Rights Activist who stated this via Twitter handle,Said,”With scores dead,hundreds injured and properties worth billions of Naira belonging to private businesses and Government destroyed by hoodlums,mostly in Northern states,those wishing to encourage the continuation of this protest,especially in the North should reconsider.At our end its violent protest without visible leadership and must be discontinued.”

Group condemns attempt to burn Matawalle’s house under protest pretence

.Insists Tinubu is the target

.Asks Gov Dauda Lawal to thread softly

Group, Zamfara Peace Initiatives Forum (ZAPIF) has strongly condemned an attempt to raze the Minister for State Defence, Bello Matawalle’s house in Guzau, Zamfara State on Thursday.

The group in a statement by its Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Bako
(Danmadamin Kucheri) alleged that the attempt was initiated by political enemies of President Bola Tinubu under the guise of the ongoing nationwide protests.

According to the group, it was saddening to see children between 15 to 17 years of age from Lalan, Gada Biyu, Tudun Wada, Birnin Ruwa, Hayin Maigemu and Unguwar Dallatu, to be mobilised by suspected agents of the State Government to make such an attempt on Matawalle’s property.

To this group, “President Tinubu’s political allies including Matawalle, Sen Abdul’aziz Yari, Sen Sahabi Yau, Hon Rikiji among others, were being targeted and attacked by hired miscreants just to get at him.

“Such open attacks on these highly respected elders by the sponsors of the protest in Gusau, Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda are doing so to get political sympathy from the people and they must be stopped.

“It is unfortunate that the same state government that failed to account for billions of naira released by the federal government through allocations, COVID-19 intervention for sustainable development and fight against poverty, hunger, and insecurity could be blaming President Tinubu’s administration for its failure

“We, therefore call on well-meaning Zamfara State indigenes to caution Gov Dauda Lawal, to focus on good governance rather than promoting vandalism and intimidation of his perceived political enemies.

“We also call on parents to put their houses in order by way of cautioning their children from being used as an instrument of violence and social unrest in the state while the children of their sponsors are enjoying their lives abroad.

“To the security agents, we acknowledge your efforts at maintaining peace and order in Zamfara and Nigeria a s a whole. However, be reminded that it is your constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of Nigerians by placing miscreants to where they belong”, the group cautioned.

No fewer than 45 Kaduna based Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and hundreds of Citizens across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state today announced decision to pull out of the proposed August 1 protest against the Federal Government.

According to the CSOs and citizens , the decision to withdraw is out fear that it could be hijacked by hoodlums and used for selfish reasons, beyond economic hardship issues.

The Civil Society Organizations and the citizens under the umbrella of Movement for Greater Kaduna (MGK) in a Statement signed by the Coordinator ,Hon. Bawa Ismail Muhammad however acknowledged the frustrations stirred up by the current economic situation, but expressed fears that protests can lead to more harm than good.

In the statement ,the group stressed, “Kaduna is a volatile state and because of past experiences ,we decided to hold a meeting of an enlarged house,where we discussed implications of the protest and possibilities of selfish politicians using it to destabilize the polity .

Stating further , it averred that ,”From information gathered, the national protest is a fifth column script aimed at taking undue advantage of the poor masses to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration .

“While we feel the same pains and understand the excruciating effects of some policies of the Tinubu led government , acknowledged that fact that he has with the past days deployed urgent interventions to cushion the effects, this don’t see reasons to embark on the protest.”

However, the group which commended various opinion leaders, trade unions, youth groups, civil and religious and traditional leaders that have so far dissociated themselves from the planned protest, noted that with collective efforts and will the Nigerians can compel the federal government to embrace people friendly policies.

By Zara Aliyu

The Zamfara Conscience Movement strongly condemns the recent actions of the government of Zamfara State in inviting known criminal, Musa Kamarawa, to the government house in Gusau and engaging him in a sinister partnership with infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji. This collaboration is allegedly aimed at perpetuating false propaganda against the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who currently serves as the Minister of State for Defence.

According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the movement, Tanko Illo Salihu, the unethical, dangerous, and irresponsible tactic will lead to misinformation, confusion, and public backlash. Such actions are unacceptable and must be resisted.

The effort to associate with individuals like Musa Kamarawa and Bello Turji, whose credibility and trustworthiness are severely compromised due to their criminal histories, is ultimately counterproductive. The Zamfara State government risks further tarnishing its own reputation and eroding the trust of the electorate by engaging with these notorious figures as mouthpieces for false propaganda.

It is deeply concerning that Governor Dauda Lawal is prioritizing political attacks on Matawalle while neglecting the pressing security needs of Zamfara State. The state remains vulnerable to the actions of dangerous bandits, kidnappers, rapists, and other criminal elements who exploit the apparent lack of political will to challenge them.

This continuous focus on attacking Matawalle is not only misguided but also detrimental to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Zamfara State.

The Zamfara Conscience Movement will vigilantly monitor, resist, and challenge any attempts by the Zamfara government to deploy notorious criminals for spreading false propaganda. We urge Governor Dauda Lawal to shift his focus to tackling the real issues affecting his state, primarily the security crisis, rather than engaging in unethical and ineffective tactics that compromise the democratic process.

We call on the people of Zamfara State to remain vigilant and hold their leaders accountable and warn Governor Dauda Lawal to prioritize the interests of the people and work towards creating a safer, more prosperous future for all residents of Zamfara State.

The Zamfara Conscience Movement stands firm in its commitment to upholding the principles of honesty, integrity, transparency, and overall security of lives and properties in Zamfara and the North-West. We will not stand idly by while the citizens of Zamfara State are left vulnerable to criminal elements and political manipulation.

In conclusion, the Zamfara Conscience Movement demands that Governor Dauda Lawal prioritizes the security and well-being of the people of Zamfara State, rather than engaging in unethical political tactics. We urge the people of Zamfara State to remain vigilant and hold their leaders accountable for their actions. Together, we can create a safer, more prosperous future for all residents of Zamfara State.

By Barau Kinkino

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held a successful ward congress in Kaduna State, with an impressive turnout across the 23 local government areas. The congress, which took place on July 27-28, 2024, was conducted peacefully in all 81 wards of Kaduna Central Senatorial District, under the supervision of party officials and observed by INEC officials and security operatives.

Senator Lawal Usman Adamu (Mr. LA), representing Kaduna Central, took the opportunity to donate 12 trailers of fertilizer and over N50 million to his constituents, fulfilling his promise to support their well-being.

While monitoring the congress in his constituency, Sen. LA emphasized the importance of unity, discipline, and political cohesion among PDP members. He described the ward congress as a chance to inject new leadership and endorse those who have performed well for party progress.

Sen. LA assured the party leadership of his unwavering support and loyalty towards achieving the set goals for PDP’s progress and development in the state and beyond.

“We will continue to support our great party, PDP, and our leaders at all levels to ensure we give Nigerians a sense of belonging once again,” he said.

Reports from across the state indicated that the 2024 party congresses in almost all wards of the 23 local governments were conducted peacefully.