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Pathfinder International trains IDPs on skills acquisition in Abuja

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Non-governmental Organisation, Pathfinder International in collaboration with Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) have trained children of Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) in Abuja on skills acquisition.

Nigerian Newssphere learnt that 40 participants in the Durumi, Area 1 IDPs camp went through 24-weeks intensive training on life building, personal hygiene, healthy hygiene, soap making, shoe-making skills.

Pathfinder International, Country Director, Dr Amina Dorayi speaking to journalists after the program tagged, ‘Empowered Choices Project’, Dissemination and Graduation ceremony, noted that the intervention is germane to enabling the participants get better life.

Dr Aminu, reiterated that interventions such as the ‘Empowered choices Project’ is crucial to achieving the mission, vision of Pathfinder international.

She explained that the program has availed participants with requisite skills-set to achieve their life’s dream if carefully harnessed.

“We believe that everyone, women, children, families in general in spite of where they live, have a right to strive and achieve their full potentials.

“We are here in collaboration with Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency(FERMA) to contribute our quota to the young people in this Internally Displaced Persons Camp.

“Why we decided that this will be a very important intervention is because we believe that when we catch then young, you are doing a lot of good. They depend on government interventions to live their full potentials.

“This intervention is called, ‘Empowered Choices’, if the Children do not have information to make decisions about their lives, if there are not empowered with knowledge, they will not be able to take critical decisions that will define their future.

“They went through series of lessons; trainings on goals setting, understanding puberty, personal hygiene, how to make santiry pads. You can hear that someone of them talked about what they want to be in the future; some said they what to be doctors, soldiers, Pilot, Engineers. it means they have dreams and potential. It is our dreams to make them achieve their potentials.

“Skills like soap making, shoe-making and others were also acquired by the participants, beckause knowledge is not enough, skills are very important.

“We hope that these skills will be used for the rest of life and also train others who required empowerment”, she said.

Earlier, Director General FCT Emergency Management Agency(FERMA), Abbas Idriss said,
“The impact of the skills acquisition is because it is critical to survival our contemporary society.

“We have concentrated on the vulnerable areas, we are in every areas councils in Abuja, anywhere there are IDPs we go there and give them skills acquisition, specially where we have collaboration like this with Organisations.

“Whenever we identify gaps, needs, we try the provide solutions. We try as much as possible to distribute our interventions across all IDPs”, he stated.

Abbas further urged parents to key into government’s free education scheme for IDPs.

“Already, 10124 pupils have been registered for free education scheme, I urged parents here whose children haven’t enrolled, to do and key into the program”, he said.

Public Relations Officer of Area 1 IDPs camp, Umar Gola, Women Leader, Liyatu Ayuba, parent of participants, Audu Buba and selected participants took their turns to applaud Pathfinder International for the intervention while calling on the government to do more in addressing their plights.

Nigeria to commence airlifting for 2022 Hajj Pilgrimage, fixes June 9 as date

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..NAHCON urges airline operators to treat intended pilgrims as VIPs

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Friday announced that the first batch of Nigerian pilgrimages to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2022 hajj exercises will begin on June 9.

The NAHCON chairman Zikirullah Hassan said this at the signing of the 2022 hajj airlift agreement by shorlisted 2022 hajj air carriers in Abuja.

The three airlines selected for the exercise, announced by the commission are Azman Air, Max Air and Flynas Airlines, a Saudi Arabian based airline.

Mr Hassan further revealed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has approved a total number of 43,008 allocations for Nigerian pilgrimages for the Hajj exercise in 2022.

In his remarks, Mr Hassan congratulated the successful airlines. He urged them to offer all pilgrims the VIP treatment that they deserve in the course of the exercise.

He referred to the contract signing as the start of Hajj activities, stating that exercise cannot take place without air transportation from Nigeria.

The NAHCON chairman, speaking about how the partnership with the new airline will address the issues of passenger transport, Mr Hassan said the partnership is based on a careful selection of the three airlines.

He said the commission is confident, based on the airlines’ assurances, that the upcoming Hajj operation will benefit not only the commission but all Nigerians.

“We are convinced based on the assurance of the airlines, this year Hajj operation would be indeed the one that would be of benefit to both the pilgrims and as well as the Hajj managers at the Hajj commission and the states as well.

“The total number of allocations we had from Saudi Arabia is 43,008. But believe me, if we had been given a higher amount it would not have been enough.

“This is because many pilgrims have been yearning to participate in the pilgrimage over the last two years.

“But I can assure you that our challenges are not how to fill in the slots we were given, but how to genuinely persuade some people that no matter what happens they would have to wait till next year.

“The airlift of pilgrims would hopefully, begin on the 9th of June and the Hajj fare would be announced on Saturday, as well announce the total packages for the exercise.

Speaking on Covid-19 testing, the NAHCON chairman explained that the commission is working on covid-19 testing with the presidential task force.

He said the commission would oversee the testing at a number of Hajj camps across the country.

He stated that the testing would take place within 32 days before the pilgrims’ departure for the Hajj exercise.

Nigerian Newssphere gathered that due to the covid-19 outbreak, Saudi Arabia’s government had in May 2020 limited participation in Hajji exercises for international pilgrimages to just its citizens.

Earlier, the NAHCON Commissioner of Operations, Abdullahi Hardawa, described the gathering as a delightful moment after nearly three years without Hajj as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.

He said the successful air carriers were selected after rigorous assessment among many airlines that applied.

He, therefore, urged the airlines to be diligent, and responsive in ensuring the welfare of the Hajj pilgrimage.

“For almost three years we (NAHCON) have not had the privileged to have a gathering gladly surprising by the covid pandemic which affected all spaces of life globally.

“The aftermath was the cancellation of the Hajj for two consecutive years for international pilgrimages. Alihamdulliahi we are alive this significant event for Hajji preparation in Nigeria

“We are indeed blessed to witness the airlift agreement with a successful airline that participated in a very rigorous and diligent session at the end of which they emerged successfully.

“It is my pleasure that on behalf of the chairman and staff of the commission I humbly congratulate the successful carriers”, he stated.

APC screening Committee disqualifies 10 Presidential Aspirants

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…Yet to name disqualified aspirants

The All Progressives Congress’ presidential screening committee has disqualified 10 aspirants from its primaries scheduled for next week.

Chairman of the Committee, John Oyegun, revealed this on Friday.

According to Mr Oyegun, only 13 out of the 23 aspirants screened were cleared by the committee.

However when asked about the identity of the disqualified aspirants, Mr Oyegun declined to disclose the names.

Mr Oyegun added that contrary to rumours making the rounds, it didn’t screen former president Goodluck Jonathan.

The committee held the screening exercise between Monday and Tuesday this week.
Cleared aspirants are expected to contest the presidential primary at a scheduled special convention in Abuja between June 6 and 8.

APC Primary: Osinbajo, Lawan in Last-Minute rush to woo delegates as Tinubu, others, talk tough

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Activities intensified on Thursday among key players within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party continues its search for a strong and acceptable presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.

The party had fixed next week Monday to commence a special convention for its presidential primary shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) extended the deadline for political parties to conduct their primaries.

Ahead of the primary, some of the presidential hopefuls have stepped up activities aimed at boosting their chances of emerging as the party’s flagbearer in the forthcoming presidential primary.

Shun Monetary Incentives

In what could be described as a last-minute effort, one of the aspirants and incumbent Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, was said to have met with the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, and five governors of the ruling party.

Although his spokesperson, Laolu Akande, has yet to confirm this, the meeting was reportedly held on Thursday evening at the official residence of the Vice President in Abuja.

Meanwhile presidential aspirant and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has said he was instrumental in Muhammadu Buhari becoming Nigeria’s president.

Mr Tinubu spoke while meeting the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, leaders and delegates of the party at the presidential lodge, Ibara, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.

If the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, will be fair enough, he will confirm that, if not for God and me, he will never become governor in this state,” Mr Tinubu said.

“We were together at the MKO Abiola Stadium, he was intimidated, they didn’t want to give him the party’s flag, I was the one that handed the flag to him. He knows that he cannot be the governor without the help of God and my support. It has been over 25 years now that I have been serving them.”

Lawan names Orji Kalu, Fani-Kayode, others as compaingn team

The Ahmad Lawan campaign organisation has named Orji Kalu, senate chief whip, as the director-general of the campaign committee.

Lawan is seeking the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The APC presidential primary is billed to hold from June 6 to 8.

The chairpersons of the eight campaign committees were announced at a meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.

In May, Kalu withdrew from the 2023 presidential race and endorsed Lawan.
According to a statement from Lawan’s office, the team met to fine-tune strategies and consolidate on the gains made so far.

Members of the committee include Auwal Lawan, chairman of finance and budget; Sani Musa, co-chairman; Ikechukwu Obiora, chairman of strategy and planning; Betty Apiafi, deputy chairman; Barau Jibrin, chairman of contact and mobilisation, and Peter Nwaoboshi, deputy chairman.

23 Aspirants For Ticket

As part of activities lined up for its presidential primary, Osinbajo, Lawan, Tinubu, and 20 others had appeared before the John Oyegun-led APC Presidential Screening Committee.
In no particular order, they include Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole; and oil magnate, Tein Jack Rich.
Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa; former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha; popular Pastor Tunde Bakare, former governor of Zamfara State, Sani Yerima; and former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, also appeared before the panel.
Also screened were former Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba; former presidential candidate, Nicholas Felix; a female aspirant, Uju Ken-Ohanenye; Ondo North Senator, Ajayi Boroffice; and a former Senate President, Ken Nnamani.
Others include Governor David Umahi Ebonyi; former Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ogbonnaya Onu; Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi, and former Minister of Information under the late General Sani Abacha regime, Ikeobasi Mokelu.

80% of Nigeria’s crude oil stolen by corrupt Politicians- Adebayo, SDP Presidential Aspirant

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…2023 is opportunity to take-back Nigeria from corrupt politicians, Adebayo tells Youths

Social Democratic Party,(SDP), presidential aspirant, Adebayo Adewale has disclosed that 80 per cent of Nigeria’s crude oil has been stolen by corrupt politicians.

Also Adebayo has said that real politicians in Nigeria are not up to 200 in number, insisting that the rest are armed robbers who speak political languages. He urged that forthcoming general elections is an opportunity for Nigerian Youths to takeback the country from thieves parading themselves as politicians.

Speaking at a book launch in Abuja on Thursday, Adewole also said that security agents and the government of the day were not willing to end the operations of bandits and Boko Haram in the country.

According to the presidential hopeful, ministers, members of the National Assembly and most civil servants in the country are not good people, adding that a good person would not steal over N140 billion from the country’s coffers, alluding to the Accountant-General of the Federation.

He said those stealing the country dry are making the economic imperative and potential of Nigeria impossible. He said the criminals have decided to continue destroying Nigeria.

“If the President says he does not want One Chance in Abuja, there’ll be no One Chance. If security agencies say they don’t want bandits, and want them eradicated in 7 days, they’ll eradicate them in seven days. But they’ve rented the country out to them.

“Our ministers, National Assembly members and civil servants are not good people. Look at the way they behave. Good people don’t steal N140b. Good people don’t steal N1 at all. Good people are not ministers who want to contest for President but refuse to resign.

“The number of politicians in Nigeria cannot be up to 200. The rest are armed robbers speaking political language. Nigeria doesn’t have many politicians.

“In an atmosphere of governmental orphanage, those who are responsible for the affairs of the government, for proper governance, absconded from their duties, so Nigerians are like children of a wealthy family who lost their parent and their caretakers are looting the resources without taking care of the beneficiaries or a company that is under a hostile takeover.

“So what I am saying to the Nigeria youths is that it is not enough to be angry, it is not enough to complain,  you must take ownership. Because those who are in government, those who came before them and those who are planning to come now are planning to come and loot your resources. The earlier you wake up and do three things the better for you.

“You must find a solution to your problems by yourself. You must act collectively to be productive.

“You must take control of the politics and put people who can think and are energetic and responsible and stop complaining to them. 2023 is an opportunity to do so.

“That is why I’m preaching to young people to stop complaining to the government and be the government. That is how you take control like an orphan who becomes prematurely mature and takes control of his own future.”

NCC seeks consumers’ support to improve telecoms service delivery

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…Urges community protection of telecom infrastructure.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has solicited the support of telecoms consumers in complementing the Commission’s important efforts to ensure improved telecoms service delivery in their communities.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC (EVC/CEO), Prof. Umar Danbatta, made the appeal at the second edition of the Village Square Dialogue (VSD), one of the Commission’s consumer outreach programmes. The dialogue took place in Danbatta Local Government Area, Kano State recently with a focus on, “Protection of Telecom Infrastructure for Improved Quality of Service: The Role of Residents.”

While addressing telecoms consumers and traditional rulers at the forum, Danbatta, who was represented by NCC’s Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Bako Wakil, said to ensure improved telecom service delivery, a community must protect telecom infrastructure in its vicinity by allowing the installations of equipment and maintenance or repairs on sites by technical staff of service providers.

Danbatta also enjoined members of respective communities to guard against destruction of telecoms infrastructure, through prompt notification of service providers of any ongoing road construction activities by companies or government agencies to avoid service disruption that may arise from damaged infrastructure.

The EVC further stated that protecting telecom infrastructure is very important in any community, as the ability to connect and communicate is fundamental to human existence considering its centrality in improving businesses, government services, education, communities and families to share information through seamless connections.

He also highlighted that technological advances have assisted people to gain access to learning opportunities outside traditional schooling. “Today, you simply need a computer, smartphone, and the Internet connection to do so many things and telecom infrastructure in your communities provide the critical facilities that support Internet access to these devices and therefore, you are expected to protect the infrastructure,” he said.

Danbatta particularly noted that vandalism of telecom infrastructure has a great negative impact on the community as its reduces coverage area, leading to ‘dead spots’ on the network which result in poor quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) by the consumers.

In addition, Danbatta said that destruction of telecom infrastructure discourages investment in network expansion by operators.

Besides satisfaction of basic needs, and improvement in education, Danbatta told the participants that by protecting telecom infrastructure, they are  helping in creating jobs, promoting e-commerce, assisting farmers in the villages to connect with potential buyers in the cities, as well as enhancing connectivity through which citizens in both rural and urban areas are able to harvest their potentials, access information, and engage in social interactions among others.

“Therefore, as a community, you are expected to report cases of telecoms infrastructure vandalism to the nearest law enforcement agents such as the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and share adequate information received from NCC with your family, friends, neighbours. We believe that together with your cooperation as critical stakeholders in the telecoms sector, we can all work with the law enforcement authorities in protecting telecom infrastructure in your community,” he added.

While reiterating the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that the telecoms consumer is protected, well informed, empowered and educated on telecoms-related issues, Danbatta reminded the participants of the availability of the NCC’s toll-free number 622 for resolving telecom service-related complaints; the Emergency Number 112 to get succour during emergencies; the 2442 Do –Not-Disturb Short Code for managing cases of unsolicited text messages, among others.

The EVC also encouraged participants to leverage the various social media and web portals of the Commission to lodge complaints for effective and satisfactory resolutions.

“One of the NCC’s core mandates is to ensure that the consumer is the main focus of the Commission’s regulatory activities. This is why Section 104 of the Nigerian Communications (NCA) 2003 mandates the NCC to ensure that service providers meet such minimum standards of QoS as the Commission may, from time to time, specify and publish; deal reasonably with consumers; and adequately address consumer complaints”, Danbatta said.

The event was preceded by a courtesy visit to the District Head of Danbatta community, Alhaji Wada Waziri, who expressed delight at the mission of the Commission in his community. The maiden edition of the VSD took place in Ogun State in April, 2022.

EFCC frees suspended Accountant-General on bail

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Suspended Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, has been released on bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed the development to Channels Television.
The EFCC had arrested Idris on May 16 over an N80 billion fraud.

He was arrested after failing to honour the commission’s invitations to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent act, the EFCC said.
After his arrest, the Ministerof Finance, Zainab Ahmed, suspended Idris.

The suspension was contained in a letter by the minister dated May 18, in which she said the move was necessitated by the need to “allow for proper and unhindered investigation into the serious allegations in line with Public Service Rules 030406”.

According to the minister, during the suspension period, which is without pay, Mr Idris is not “expected to attend to your place of work or contact any official in your Office except for any disciplinary hearing that may be advised”.

NCC boss, Danbatta pledges support to new WATRA leadership

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The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has promised the new leadership of the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) of the unflinching support of the Commission towards advancing the socio-economic agenda of the Assembly for the sub-region.

Danbatta gave the pledge during a recent courtesy visit of the new WATRA executives led by its new Chairman, Sekou Oumar Barry of the Republic of Guinea. Barry came to vist Danbatta in company of the first and second Vice Chairmen of the Assembly, representing Mali and Sierra-Leone respectively; as well as the Executive Secretary of WATRA, Aliyu Aboki, among others.

“In my capacity as the immediate past Chairman of WATRA, I promise my commitment to always share ideas with the new leadership of WATRA towards consolidating the successes so far recorded by WATRA under my leadership. I will give advice that will make you succeed as a friend and not the one that will undermine your authority,” Danbatta said, while welcoming the WATRA team in his office.

Speaking further, the EVC urged the new WATRA chairman to ensure diligent implementation of the new Strategic Management Plan (SMP) 2022-2024 developed for WATRA. The EVC also emphasized that the strategic vision plan is expected to guide the activities of the Assembly over the next years.

According to Danbatta, the past one year of his tenure as former chair of WATRA has been eventful with a lot measures put in place towards deploying the power of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for advancing socio-economic development of the sub-region.

Danbatta acknowledged the important role WATRA has been playing in creating policy, legal and regulatory frameworks in the sub-region since the mid-1990s and commended the synergy among member states that has resulted in significant growth to the ICT ecosystem.

“I would like to congratulate my dear brother, Sekou Oumar Barry, on your emergence as the new WATRA chairman and to express, in very clear terms, our commitment as NCC and in my capacity as immediate past Chairman of WATRA to support your leadership to succeed in consolidating on existing achievements of the Assembly towards taking WATRA to a greater height,” he said.

Reinforcing his delight, Danbatta said, “This is an action in the right direction because we cannot deny the fact that successes are needed and financial and human resources are crucial to achieving success in any organization and WATRA with 16 member countries is not different. The expectation of our citizens is very high, especially in the area of ICT and we must strive to meet and surpass their yearnings.”

He further tasked the new WATRA executives to roll their sleeves and deepen the work they had started towards achieving the mandate, vision and mission of the Assembly. “If we work together as a team, I believe we would make a lot of difference in a manner that will result in the socio-economic transformation of our sub-region in order to improve the standard of living of our people as we have seen this done successfully in many countries. So, we can repeat the same feat here in Africa,” he said.

In his response, Barry, who thanked Danbatta for making giant strides during his one-year tenure as Chairman of WATRA, assured of his readiness to work closely with member states and the EVC for valuable advice and guidance to collectively take WATRA to the next level over the next one year.

He pointed out that his leadership will focus on four key areas of priorities. These, according to him, include ensuring that the SMP is finalized and fully becomes operational, ensuring that member fees contribution is revised upward so that WATRA will have adequate resources to run its operation, build its  permanent structure, and ensuring that the regional roaming policy for the sub-region becomes a reality.

“We want to ensure that the plan you started is not going to stop. We understand that the time left for us is short. We know we cannot do everything and that is why we are going to be focusing on the four key priorities areas as itemized above so that at the end of the tenure we can say we have succeeded on those priorities,” Barry said.

Danbatta handed over to Barry as the new WATRA Chairman during the 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Assembly which took place from March 29-31, 2022, in Conakry, Republic of Guinea.  The Assembly currently has 16 members states including Togo, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Nigeria, Niger Republic, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea Bissau, Republic of Guinea, The Gambia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Ghana and Liberia.

WATRA, among other objectives, serves as a platform through which telecommunications regulators work together to broaden access to ICT services in the sub region. It also promotes the adoption of best global practices that stimulate investment in telecommunications infrastructure and services, deliver cheaper services to more citizens and connects people, societies and economies across West Africa and beyond.

World Milk Day: Stakeholders brainstorm on solutions to challenges facing Nigeria’s diary industry

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…Call for speedy approval of National Diary Policy by FEC, massive investment in milk production
Plethora of stakeholders within Nigeria’s Diary industry recently gathered in Abuja to seek solutions to the low local production, insecurity, rising prices, foreign exchange and other challenges bedevilling the industry.
World Diary Day, held on June 1st was established in 2001 by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations to celebrate the dairy sector and recognize the significance of milk as an important component of food.
In marking this year’s celebration,the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria (CODRAN), Sahel Consulting Agriculture in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, other partners in the milk industry conveyed an high-power conference to chart a way forward.
The event focused on the theme, “Catalyzing a Milk Revolution in Nigeria through Strategic Investment in Dairy Development,” looking at the transformation, development and good policy environment for the dairy value chain.
The event highlighted the opportunity and potential that could be exploited in terms of financial opportunity, creation of job opportunity and positioning the sector to contribute significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
Speaking at the event, representative of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry Service of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Winifred Ifeoma lai-Solarin, stated that the theme of this year’s conference aligns very seamlessly with the economic diversification and sustainability focus of government and all critical stakeholders.
“This annual conference held globally and celebrated in the world today will no doubt ensure that the very critical and strategic sector remain in the forefront of our national economic discourse until we get to where we want to go, “ she said.
Mrs. Winifred stressed that “The Federal Ministry of Agriculture Trade and Investments is also at the fore front of implanting the National Livestock Field Improvement programme, National Pasture Development programme and the Livestock Productivity and Resilient support project.
Speaking on the sideline of the conference with NewsDirect Newspaper, The Executive Director Commercial Dairy Rancher Association of Nigeria (CODRAN), Mr Dianabasi Akpainyang called on the federal government to quickly approved National Diary Policy.
He stated that Nigeria’s Diary sector will equal that of Kenya and India if that federal government executive council okays the National Diary Policy document.
Meanwhile, Keynote Speaker, Operations officer-Upstream, International Finance Corporation(IFC) Manufacturing Agricbusiness and Services, African, Dr Hope Pachena, Panelist, MD/CEO L& Z Interated Farms Nigeria Limited, Kano Ahjahi M.D Abubakar represented by Mr Ojo Paul, another Panelist, MD/CEO Integrated Diaries Limited, Jos, Mr Sheyin Shekarri,  also the General Manager, Delifrost Caterers Nigeria Limited, Anthony Alkosseifi all stated that colossal investment in the local production, processing and manufacturing of diary products, panacea to unprecedented growth in the sector.
Major decisions arrived at the conference are expected to stimulate federal government, private sector and stakeholders at improving the Nigeria’s diary ecosystem.

Prelate Kanu Uche: HURIWA threatens to mobilise christians on peaceful protest against Nigerian Army

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Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria(HURIWA), on Thursday has threatened to mobilize millions of Christians on peaceful protest against Nigerian Army in solidarity with the Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Samuel Kanu-Uche.
This is coming after the Nigerian Army invited the Prelate for interrogation over the deep revelations he made to Nigerians after he left his abductors den in Abia State.
Addressing the press in Abuja on Thursday, the National Coordinator HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said that it is shameful that the Army cannot go after the kidnappers, but was fast to summon the prelate, who only gave account of what he saw while in the  den of the deadly criminals.
The prelate Kanu-Uche was abducted by those he identified as Fulani terrorists along Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, and, according to paid the sum of N100m, which came from the church coffers, to secure his freedom.
The cleric, together with his chaplain, Very Rev. Abidemi Shittu, and the Bishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark, were taken into the forest by the criminals who showed them decomposing bodies of some past victims.
He noted that the eight-man gang was made up of “Fulani boys,” who claimed to be against the government.
The cleric said only one of the hoodlums understood English, while others spoke Fulfulde.
More importantly, Uche said he observed that military men of the Nigerian army were around the place where the hoodlums operated, while their cows were also around the vicinity.
But responding to the claims made by the cleric, the army in its response, said it “would take this weighty allegation seriously and approach the Prelate and the Methodist church to unravel the basis for the allegation”.
Reacting, HURIWA’s Onwubiko said, “The development is unfortunate and condemnable. The Army is chasing shadows and Christians in Nigeria will not keep quiet.
“HURIWA calls on all Christians to join the Prelate to attend the Army’s interrogation and reject these oppressive tendencies.
“This is persecution. Army can’t stop terrorists because most Army officers are Fulanis and most terrorists are Fulanis. So, it is not a strange occurrence that they conspire against Igbos to cause instability.
“We support the Prelate and we are urging Millions of Christians to turn up and join the Prelate on the day of the appointment.  the Prelate should transparently tell us about the date.”
According to HURIWA, the revelation of the Prelate Uche-Kanu is not new. It recalled that in February 2021, Julius Abuda, the younger brother of Chief Dennis Abuda, an American-based Nigerian businessman who was killed by kidnappers at Ahor, Benin, Edo State, said he dropped ransom for his brother’s kidnappers near police station.
Also, that a former Assistant Director with the Department of State Services, Mr. Dennis Amachree, in February 2021, said the compound where Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi, met bandits in Niger State to discuss the release of the abducted students and teachers of Government Science College, Kangara, was very close to a military post.
“An important question to ask is that why the abduction of Christian clerics? Has any Nigerian heard of the kidnapping of any Muslim cleric? In May, Rev. Fr.  Alphonsus Uboh of St. Pius X Parish IkotAbasi in the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State was kidnapped,” HURIWA said.
“Rev. Fr. Uboh’s abduction occurred barely three weeks after the Founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church, Apostle John Okoriko was abducted by gunmen in his church premises at Ibekwe Akpan Nya in the same Mkpat Enin LGA.
“In March, Reverend Father Joseph Bako of the St John Catholic Church, Kudenda in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State was kidnapped and he died in the kidnappers’ den.
The Christian Association of Nigeria said non state actors now target clerics engaged in their pastoral duty across the country, adding that no fewer than 10 clerics have been kidnapped in 2022 alone. While ransom were paid to secure the release of some, others didn’t make it out alive.
“The development is saddening and it must stop. The Army must not be intimidating outspoken Nigerians. Enough!”
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