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IsDB President Commits Strong Support for Nigeria’s Development at UN Food Systems Summit+2

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Vice President Kashim Shettima with Nigerian Delegation and IsDB President Dr Muhammad Al-Jaseer(left) at the Summit

 

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) President, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, has reiterated the firm commitment to support Nigeria in achieving its development aspirations and implementing its future national development plans.

 

The IsDB president made the remarks during the “Nigeria High Level Event on Special Agro-Process Innovative Finance for Food Systems Transformation – Nigeria’s Value Chain Development and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones Programs (SAPZ).” The event was part of the UN Food Systems Summit+2, which opened in Rome, Italy, on Monday, 24 July 2023.

Other panelists at the high-level panel discussion on innovative financing for food systems transformation in Nigeria included H.E. Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E. Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State; Dr. Alvaro Lario, President of IFAD; Mrs. Hassatou N’Sele, Vice President of AfDB; Mr. Reji George, Vice-President of OLAM International; Mrs. Ejim Lovelyn, Vice President of Commodity; and Alliance Forum representing farmers.

During his intervention, the IsDB President congratulated the Nigerian Government for the new initiatives that are spearheading food systems transformation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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He also thanked the African Development Bank for taking the lead in designing the SAPZ, which, as he stated, is vital not only to Nigeria but also to other IsDB Group member countries in the region, as it is aligned with IsDB’s revised strategic priority and Nigeria’s National Development Plan (2021-2025). He also commended efforts by IFAD and other partners for joining the SPAZ program, which is directly benefiting Kano and Kwara States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory. “IsDB is proud to be part of this commendable initiative to support Nigeria’s inclusive and sustainable agro-industrial development,” Dr. Al Jasser stated.

He then asserted that IsDB is concerned about the impact of the recent conflicts on the food security of its member countries, including Nigeria. “To help member countries cope with this new challenge, the Bank rolled out, in July 2022, a Food Security Response Program (FSRP) worth US$ 10.50 billion,” said Dr. Al Jasser, asserting that Nigeria will be among the first countries to benefit from this program. “We have finalized the second phase of the National Program for Food Security Project, to be approved very soon for an estimated US$ 30.00 million, while discussions are ongoing with several other states, including Zamfara, Katsina, Yobe, and Lagos, for additional investments in the agriculture sector of Nigeria under the FSRP Program,” the IsDB president added.

Describing SAPZ as an ambitious yet efficient program, Dr. Al Jasser further expressed confidence that SAPZ will boost food production, reduce food price inflation, and transform the agriculture sector while assuring food security and creating jobs.

IsDB Group’s involvement in Nigeria has focused on various sectors, especially agriculture, which is a significant driver of growth and employment in IsDB member countries. Currently, the Bank has a rich pipeline of projects for Nigeria, and consultation is ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning for undertaking the IsDB Member Country Partnership Strategy for Nigeria in the near future.

 

 

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Excessive Heat Blamed for Explosion at Giwa Barracks, Army Confirms

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. The Nigerian Army has attributed the explosion at Giwa Barracks to the soaring temperatures in Maiduguri, dismissing speculations of an attack.

In an official statement issued by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at Headquarters Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI, the army confirmed that the incident involved the explosion of ordnance stored in one of their ammunition facilities. “The explosion was due to the current high temperatures in Maiduguri, which led to the detonation of some munitions,” Kovangiya stated.

Authorities were quick to contain the situation, deploying multiple fire response units to prevent further damage. “The situation has, however, been brought under control with the combined efforts of the Borno State Fire Service Department and fire trucks from various security agencies,” Kovangiya assured the public in his statement.

In addition to firefighting efforts, troops from Operation HADIN KAI have been mobilized to secure the area and prevent any form of exploitation by miscreants. “Troops have been deployed to protect the public and prevent miscreants from taking advantage of the situation,” Kovangiya emphasized, highlighting the army’s swift response to secure the affected region.

The army has also urged residents of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council to remain calm and disregard any unfounded rumors of an attack. “The general public is therefore urged to please discountenance any speculation of an attack and remain calm,” the statement concluded.

As investigations continue into the incident, authorities are expected to assess the impact of extreme weather conditions on military storage sites to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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Viral Video Misattributed to ISWAP Sparks Misinformation Concerns

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A video circulating widely on social media has sparked controversy and confusion, as it is being falsely linked to ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) and attributed to a recent comment by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Nigeria. However, security analyst Zagazola Makama has debunked these claims, clarifying on his verified Facebook page that the footage has no connection to Borno State or Nigeria.

According to Makama, the video in question originates from Burkina Faso and features members of JNIM (Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin), a militant group active in the Sahel region. The misrepresentation of this footage is not only misleading but poses significant risks, as it can fuel unnecessary tension and undermine trust within communities.

Makama emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it online, especially in sensitive matters like security and governance. “It’s unfortunate how quickly misinformation spreads, especially when people don’t take time to verify facts,” he stated.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. As social media continues to play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, users are urged to exercise caution and responsibility in consuming and sharing content. False narratives, particularly in matters of national security, can have far-reaching consequences, including heightened anxiety and strained relationships between communities and authorities.

Governor Zulum has not commented on the video, but the clarification from Makama highlights the need for vigilance and critical thinking in the face of viral content. As Nigeria and other nations grapple with security challenges, the spread of unverified information only adds to the complexity of addressing these issues effectively.

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Gombe Commences building of NYSC Lodge to Accommodate Corpers – Education Commissioner

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National Youth Service Corp’s (NYSC ) members deployed to Gombe State have been urged to avail themselves with the massive on going transformations in the State.

The call was made by the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Professor Aishatu Umar Maigari while addressing the Corp members during their routine daily briefing at NYSC Orientation camp in Amada, Akko Local Government.

Prof Aishatu Maigari said in support to the contributions of the NYSC in the state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration is building in the first phase self contained houses that can accommodate over 100 corp members across public schools.

She therefore, urged the members of the scheme to feel at home throughout their service year as people of Gombe State are peace loving and hospitable in addition to the conducive environment created by the present administration in the state.

Responding, the Gombe State Coordinator of the NYSC Mrs Chinwe Nnanne Nwachukwu commended the giant transformative drive of Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the innovations taking place in the education sector of the state.

The NYSC Coordinator also appreciated the Commissioner for attending the daily briefing which is a moral boaster to Corp members.

More than 1500 Youth Corp members are currently at the camp and will soon be posted to their various places of primary assignment for the service year.

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