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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.

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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Murder: Family of Slain Teenager Plans Protest, Legal Action Against Kaduna Govt

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29 days after ‘AHMED MUSA’ was brutally killed in Government Technical College Malali Kaduna, family of the deceased planning to go to court to demand justice and adequate compensation for the unfair treatment meted to them.

In a statement on Monday, jointly signed by the deceased father Comrade Musa Mohammed (Moonlight), and the members of the family.

They stated that the incident was a “reflection of how insecure and unsafe” Nigeria has become for young people striving for a better future.

The family demanded “an expedited, transparent, and decisive legal process” to ensure justice is served, warning that they “will resist any attempts at political interference or compromise.”

Among their demands, they called on the state government to acknowledge that “students are no longer safe in their communities. If young people can be killed in such gruesome circumstances, what hope is left for the future of Nigeria? a formal apology from the kaduna state Government and comprehensive compensation for the family.

We demand Five Hundred and Sixty Million, Three Hundred Thousand Naira (N560,300,000), as compensation from kaduna state government.”

“We think the time has come for the Kaduna State Government and all who are on the side of humanity to respond to the cry for remediation of the family and relations of the deceased student.
That is why we will go to court.”

“Also, we warn kaduna state government, that if they didn’t meet up with our demands we will be forced to mobilise the full strength of the masses movement across kaduna State in protest.

“This is about the fundamental right to life that every Nigerian student deserves. We will not sit idle while students are hunted and butchered.

Recall, the father on a petition dated 24th February 2025which was addressed to the executive governor of Kaduna state through the honorable commissioner of education, appealing for comprehensive investigation to un-cover those behind his son death, and whoever is found to have a hand in the death of his son should be punish accordingly.
And also demanded from kaduna state government adequate compensation for negligence being the custodian of the deceased Ahmed Musa.

In another development, the Chief Magistrate court of Kabala Doki in Kaduna State has adjourned the Ahmed Musa murder Case again, against 4 kaduna state vigilance service (KADVIS) personnel on charges of criminal conspiring and negligence which cause the death of Ahmed Musa.till 17th April 2025 because the witness and the prosecutor are absent in the court, because the witness and the prosecutor are absent in the court.

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Rivers Assembly Initiates Impeachment Of Gov. Fubara, Deputy

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Rivers State House Of Assembly has passed a resolution raising impeachment allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu

The Assembly mandates Clerk to publish in national dailies, letter of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Sim Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu pursuant to Section 188 of 1999 Constitution (as amended)

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Amnesty International to NYSC: Stop threatening corps member who criticised Tinubu

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Amnesty International has condemned officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for allegedly sending threatening messages to a corps member who criticised the President Bola Tinubu-led administration over rising inflation and economic hardship.

Daily Trust had reported how the corps member in a widely circulated video shared on Tiktok expressed frustration over the deteriorating economic conditions in Nigeria.

 

She openly tackled President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible leader,” and questioned what steps the government is taking to ease the suffering of citizens.

After her video gained traction, the serving corps member claimed she began receiving threatening messages, allegedly from NYSC officials.

 

She shared another video in which she was receiving calls from an NYSC official.

In the video, the official could be heard saying, “Are you normal? Keep quiet and bring down the video you posted.”

Reacting, Amnesty International, in a post on X, said instead of threatening her, the authorities “should be prioritizing addressing the country’s economic woes.”

“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should be prioritizing addressing the country’s economic woes.

“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights.

“The Nigerian authorities must stop responding with violence and threats to individuals and groups who express dissenting opinions — in utter disregard for Nigerian constitution and international law. Holding and voicing dissenting views is not a crime,” the human rights organisation said.

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