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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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Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin Distributes 1000 Motorcycles to Kano Police

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Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has distributed 1,000 operational motorcycles to the Kano State Police Command, in a move aimed at enhancing the mobility and operational capacity of the police force. The distribution ceremony, held in Kano, was attended by various dignitaries and stakeholders.

In his speech, Jibrin expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian police for their efforts in maintaining peace in Kano. “I am thanking the Nigerian police Kano command for bringing peace to reign in Kano,” he said. He acknowledged the role of traditional rulers in supporting the police and emphasized the importance of their contributions to the state’s security.

Jibrin highlighted the significance of the motorcycles in improving the efficiency of the police force. “My intention is to give a motorcycle to every policeman,” he stated, underscoring his commitment to equipping the police with the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively.

Muktara Gashash, Chairman of the Eminent Persons Forum, commended Jibrin for his generous gesture. “This initiative will greatly enhance the operational capabilities of the Kano police,” Gashash remarked, praising the Deputy Senate President’s dedication to supporting law enforcement.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo Garba, also spoke at the event, urging his fellow officers to utilize the motorcycles to enhance their service delivery. “As we embrace this new chapter of enhanced mobility and operational capacity, I urge my fellow police officers to embrace these motorcycles as tools of service excellence,” Garba said. He emphasized the importance of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in their duties.

Garba further encouraged the police officers to use the motorcycles to strengthen their relationships with the communities they serve. “Let us leverage this significant investment to forge even stronger bonds with the communities we serve, fostering trust, cooperation, and mutual respect,” he added.

The distribution of the motorcycles is expected to significantly improve the response time and effectiveness of the Kano State Police Command, contributing to the overall safety and security of the state.

 

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President Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation for Lt. General Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

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President Bola Tinubu on Friday wrote the Senate, seeking confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

“In his letter sent today, President Tinubu seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with the provision of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement.

The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu writes Senate, seeks confirmation of Lt. General Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff.’

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Tinubu appointed Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30 following the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

General Lagbaja, however, died on November 5.

Onanuga said, “President Tinubu is confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience of Lt. General Oluyede to lead and inspire the army to ensure national security and stability.”

Before he was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede, a member of the 39th Regular Course, like his predecessor, served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

 

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Lawyer Alleges Tenure Elongation Plot in Letter to Governor Yusuf

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Barrister Mustapha I. Zubair, a prominent lawyer and politically conscious citizen of Kano State, has written a letter to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, alleging a plot by certain senior civil servants to extend their tenure of service beyond the mandated retirement age. The letter, which expresses deep concern over the issue, highlights the potential implications of such actions on the state’s governance and public trust.

Zubair, a registered voter of Gwale Local Government, begins the letter by expressing gratitude and admiration for Governor Yusuf’s leadership and pro-people policies. “Your exemplary leadership and pro-people policies have continually fostered growth and prosperity, and we, the citizens, are deeply appreciative of your dedication,” Zubair states in the letter.

However, Zubair quickly shifts focus to the matter of tenure elongation, which he describes as a growing concern among the people of Kano State. “It is evidently clear that after the recent posting of permanent secretaries in the state, some top government functionaries who will be due for retirement in December 2024 are now striving day and night to secure tenure elongation only for themselves,” he alleges.

The letter emphasizes the potential negative implications of such actions, suggesting that the attempt to prolong service tenure by a few senior civil servants could undermine the principles of fairness and transparency in the state’s administration. Zubair urges Governor Yusuf to address the issue promptly to maintain public trust and ensure that the state’s governance remains transparent and accountable.

The letter concludes with a plea for Governor Yusuf to take immediate action to prevent any attempts at tenure elongation and to uphold the integrity of the state’s civil service. “We trust in your commitment to justice and fairness, and we believe that you will take the necessary steps to address this issue,” Zubair writes.

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The allegations have sparked discussions among political observers and citizens, who are keenly watching how Governor Yusuf will respond to the concerns raised in the letter.

 

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