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FG commences sensitization on implementation of Bio-ethanol project in Northwest

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The Federal Government on Tuesday in Kano commenced sensitisation of cassava stakeholders in Northwest on strategic implementation of the bio-ethanol project.

In his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mr Nebolisa Anako, said that the aspiration of the federal government was to bring about higher GDP growth and to significantly reduce unemployment by creating meaningful opportunities for the youth.

Represented by the Director, Finance and Accounts, Alhaji Muhammed Kabir, he said that the Bio-economy Policy aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth and development by creating a Bio-based economy that would contribute to job creation, poverty reduction, and increased access to food and energy.

According to him, this will be achieved through the development of cassava Bio-economy, as well as other Bio-resources.

The Permanent Secretary lauded the efforts of Federal Ministries, Department and Agencies for their collaboration and enduring partnership in developing the Bio-economy Policy, adding that, it was a Ministerial deliverable, that was captured in the National Development Plan of 2021 – 2025.

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He said that the framework would employ a Triple-Helix Knowledge Transfer Partnership in its implementation.

“This includes the Academia, Research and Development Institutes, farmers, the Private Sector and Government MDAs, as well as Civil Society, Development Partners and Development Finance Institutions.

“It is pertinent to look at the Bio-economy response and how it can contribute to the deceleration of the rising food insecurity.

”The country, at this time, needs an approach that will increase food production, youth employment, and increased growth through the provision of industrial feedstock and exportable products to boost our economy.

“To achieve this, one strategic pathway is to develop the Cassava Bio-ethanol Value Chain. This becomes even more imperative, given the recent removal of subsidy on Petroleum products, re-evaluation of the Naira through the merging of official and non-official exchange windows,” he said.

According to him, the objective of the Cassava Bio-ethanol Value Chain is to demonstrate the efficacy of private sector-led approach in promoting investment in renewable Biomass, create wealth, provide jobs, reduce poverty and improve food security.

The State Commissioner for finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Jibrin, who represented Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, restated the state government’s commitment to develop the project.

He said that a program of this nature, would benefit a large population of the state.

The consultant of the project, Prof. Ken Ife, said that the workshop would highlight the inaugural focus on the Cassava bio-ethanol value chain, which would stimulate industrial growth, and enhance food production and availability, across the nation.

He underscored the need to engage universities with a view to producing young bio-entrepreneurs and extension service agents, for the country to boost agricultural productivity.

Ife said that there was an urgent need to create new initiatives, aimed at addressing youth unemployment in the country.

Mr Felix Okonkwo, Director of Macro Economic Analysis of the Ministry, said that the objective behind the initiative was to reinforce government’s commitment to achieving key national goals.

He said that the objectives included, enhancing food nutrition, promoting agriculture, ensuring food security, and working towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Some of the participants who spoke to our correspondent commended the federal government for the project and promised to share the knowledge with orders.

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NUJ Kano State Council Urges Government to Provide Fertilizer Ahead of Raining Season

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, has called on the Kano State Government to ensure the timely provision of adequate fertilizer and other agricultural inputs to farmers in preparation for the upcoming rainy season. This appeal was made in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the council’s congress meeting, which brought together representatives from various chapels under the union.

The congress, presided over by the council’s chairman, Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, focused on addressing issues affecting journalism, the unity of its members, and broader concerns impacting the state. In his opening remarks, Dederi commended members for their dedication to their professional duties and emphasized the importance of the meeting in fostering dialogue and collaboration.

During the session, the congress reviewed and adopted the council’s secretariat and financial reports. Members also deliberated on a range of pressing issues, leading to several resolutions:

1. Environmental Concerns: The congress expressed alarm over the rampant felling of trees and indiscriminate bush burning across the state, which threaten the ecosystem and ozone layer. It urged the government and relevant stakeholders to address these practices and called on individuals to desist from such harmful activities.

2. Health Initiatives: The congress appealed to the state Commissioner of Health to implement measures to combat mosquitoes and prevent malaria outbreaks in both rural and urban areas.

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3. Sports Development: A recommendation was made to the state Commissioner of Youth and Sports to procure a luxury bus for Kano Pillars, aiming to alleviate transportation challenges faced by the team.

4. Power Supply: The congress highlighted the adverse effects of incessant power outages on the socio-economic lives of Kano residents and called on stakeholders to find lasting solutions.

5. Agricultural Support: The council reiterated its plea for the government to provide farmers with necessary inputs, including fertilizer, to ensure a successful farming season.

In addition to these resolutions, the congress extended commendations to the Kano State Government for its efforts in reviving education and improving infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, and street lighting. The council also lauded the Correspondents Chapel for raising one million Naira to support the family of a deceased member, Mr. Ted Odugwu, and congratulated the newly inaugurated Online Chapel on its achievements.

The communiqué was signed by Comrade Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, the council’s chairman, and Abubakar Shehu Kwaru, the council’s secretary. The drafting committee included Abdullahi Yusuf, Abubakar A. Dangambo, and Farida Umar Abdu.

The NUJ Kano State Council remains committed to advocating for the welfare of its members and addressing issues of public interest.

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Bandits Kill Abducted Chief Imam of Historic Maru Central Mosque

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Malam Salisu Suleiman Liman, the Chief Imam of the First Jumu’at Central Mosque in Maru, the headquarters of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and his two sons, who were abducted by bandits, have been killed.

The Imam was abducted alongside his children, a newlywed couple, and several others on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

The terrorists invaded Maru town during a midnight raid that lasted for about two hours.

The newlyweds, Muhammad Suleiman and his wife, Balkisu, were kidnapped on the first night after their wedding ceremony.

Security analyst Bakatsine confirmed the sad development on Tuesday, April 29, stating that the bandits also killed his family members.

Nigerian Tracker reports that, during the colonial era, prominent Northern Nigerian scholars, including Sheikh Abubakar Gumi and Malam Aminu Kano, taught in Maru schools.

 

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Gov. Yusuf Hosts First Council Meeting at New Government House in Kwankwasiyya City.

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In a strategic move to accelerate urban development and strengthen government presence, Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Monday chaired his administration’s first Executive Council Meeting at the newly reclaimed Government House Annex in Kwankwasiyya City.

This was contained in a statement issued by governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday

The symbolic relocation of the 27th Council Meeting from the main Government House to Kwankwasiyya City is part of Governor Yusuf’s broader efforts to revive the long-abandoned estate and encourage property owners to take up residence, in line with government directives.

“This shift is intentional. We want to show that Kwankwasiyya City is alive and ready for habitation. I urge all homeowners here to move in immediately or risk sanctions,” the Governor warned.

Kwankwasiyya City and the Government House Annex were developed during the second term of former Governor Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso under the supervision of then-Commissioner of Works and Housing, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

However, after years of neglect and repurposing by the immediate past administration, Governor Yusuf has now restored the estate to its original vision.

Beyond urban revitalization, the Governor used the platform to reaffirm his commitment to tackling the pressing water crisis facing the state. He summoned all stakeholders in the sector, directing them to immediately devise sustainable solutions.

“Access to clean and safe water is not negotiable. We will leave no stone unturned in resolving the lingering shortages affecting our people,” he declared, vowing urgent action.

Governor Yusuf also highlighted fresh legislative moves aimed at fast-tracking Kano’s development, revealing the signing into law of five key bills.

These include the establishment of:

• Kano State Protection Agency (KASPA)

• Kano State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KASIAA)

• Kano State Information and Communication Technologies Development Agency (KASITDA)

• Kano State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (KASMEDA)

• Kano State Infrastructure Management Agency

He assured residents that these agencies would play critical roles in driving modernization, job creation, infrastructure maintenance, and economic growth across the state.

Meanwhile, the Governor announced that the nominee for the newly created Ministry of Internal Security has been forwarded to the State House of Assembly for screening, adding that the incoming commissioner would participate in the next council meeting.

Governor Yusuf also addressed the tragedy of 16 Kano indigenes killed in Edo State, assuring bereaved families that the government remains committed to securing justice and compensation.

Expressing profound gratitude to Kano residents for their consistent support, he pledged that every community across the state would feel the impact of his administration’s development agenda.

“The journey to rebuild Kano is on course. Together, we will achieve a modern, prosperous, and united state,” he concluded.

 

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