Climate Change: FMARD trains 40 farmers on resilient practices in Yobe

From Mohammed Maitela, Damaturu

To address climate change and boost agricultural productivity, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) in collaboration with Yobe state government on Thursday held a two- day emergency training and demonstration of climate resilient practice in maize and wheat production.

The FMARD also empowered farmers and agric extension agent with starter packs (input) in Damaturu, Yobe state capital.

While opening the training, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar said the training was initiated to teach farmers smart agricultural practices to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on crops production nation wide.

The Minister, represented by FMARD’s assistant director,

Sulaiman Musa, said that at the end of the training, farmers would be empowered with agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, herbicide, wheat and maize improve seed as stater pack to boost wheat and maize production in the state.

For his part, the Programme Manager, Yobe state

Former Agric Minister urges govt to prioritize education

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Former Minister of Agriculture, Professor Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah has urged the governments at all levels to give the required priority to educational sector to achieve development, promote social harmony and curb social vices especially among the youth.

He made this known while delivering the 4th combined convocation lecture, themed: ‘Building Bridge Between Community Elites, Education, Youth, University and

Challenges for Development in the 21st Century’, at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State.

Prof Abdullah further revealed that neglecting the youth portends a great risk to the progress of the country and her image at the international community, hence the need for community renewal, empowerment of Nigerian youth and building of a solid interconnectivity between ruling elites and the ordinary citizens to make Nigeria.

Sheikh Abdullah who lectures in ABU Zaria challenged

Nigerian Universities to adapt to changes in teaching and learning across the world especially the full adoption of ICT to enable their graduates fit into global ways of doing businesses and make themselves relevant to the country’s development.

He said about 70 percent of qualified Nigerians lack access to quality and skillful education that would make productive citizens after graduation, lamented that obtaining certificates in Nigerian schools have been monetized leading to production graduates without skills even in the areas they have studied.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of IBB University, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu has applauded the state government for its support thus far, adding that the 4th combined convocation marked another milestones in the journey of development of the Institution .

The chairman of the event and Niger state deputy governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso stated that building bridges between community elites, youths and university students required intentional effort and a commitment to working together towards common goals.

Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Alhaji Ali Kolo Geidam show that, the training in the state on climate resilient practices will boost productivity of farmers in the two crop value changes.

Represented by the director agric services, Mohammed Mallam, he commended the ministry for initiating such a Programme in the state.

He adds that the knowledge and experience acquired by the farmers would go along way to boost production and yields in the state.

Plateau govt promises to end attacks on communities

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

Plateau state Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has reiterated his commitment and capability in handling the criminals involved in the attacks on communities across Plateau state before leaving office.

He was speaking with newsmen after the 4th convocation ceremony of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai.

Lalong declared that his government will not fold its hands to see its citizens killed, maimed and displaced.

The Governor stated that the recent attacks by gunmen which left over 117 people dead, several people injured and 20,000 people displaced, said the criminals have started resurfacing because he is about to exit office.

Speaking about his award, Lalong appreciated the state government for honoring him and other awardees with the prestigious Doctorate Degrees saying they would be good ambassadors of the institution.

Director of Legal, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Mrs Serah Okunade (4th R), handing over signed documents for the distribution of Presidential Palliatives for Year 2022 flood victims in Imo State, to the Head of Operation National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Owerri, Mr Nnaji Ifeanyi (2nd L), during the ceremony at the NEMA ware house in Owerri on Monday (22/5/23). With them are, Commissioner, State Ministry Niger/Delta, Dr Henry Okafor (L) and other government officials.

Gbajabiamila felicitates Falana at 65

By Christiana Ekpa

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated legal icon and human rights activist, Femi Falana, on his

65 years birthday celebration.

Gbajabiamila said Falana’s footprints in the sands of time in the development of law and Nigerian society are undeniable.

The Speaker said: “I join millions of Nigerians to celebrate our legal luminary, Femi Falana, who has spent his whole life advocating for a fair and equitable society.

“It is no mean feat to be dedicated to advocating for good governance and a better life for the poor and underprivileged because it is a big sacrifice.

“It is my prayer that the almighty God will grant the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) longer life, good health and more wisdom to keep serving the country”.

The Niger state Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello said that the IBB University Lapai is working to address the personnel gaps needed in several critical sectors especially the medical field.

He added that the IBB University is working to improve skills so that graduates will stop the reliance for white collar jobs.

He appreciated the Plateau state Governor and the Chairman, BUA Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Isyaka Rabiu for their generosity towards the development of the university and its students.