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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.

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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Dangote Cement places premium on Community engagement, sustainability in Host communities

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Alhaji Aliko Dangote

Dangote Cement Plc, is prioritizing  community engagement, empowerment, and environmental stewardship to sustain its upward trajectory,

The cement manufacturing firm said it believed that true progress is measured not only by economic prosperity but also by the holistic development of all stakeholders.

The Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc Obajana, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, who disclosed this during a media chat in Obajana, said that the relationship between Dangote Cement and its host communities and other stakeholders transcends transactional exchanges as it is built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.

“The communities in which we operate are not just beneficiaries; they are our partners in progress,” he affirmed.

While reaffirming the company’s commitment to its host communities, Nawabuddin, who recently moved from the Ibese plant, emphasized that the company would collaborate with key stakeholders in Obajana to implement impactful projects.

He said crucial to the vision is the empowerment of residents through skills development and capacity-building initiatives. “We recognize the importance of equipping community members with the requisite skills to thrive in today’s competitive landscape,” Nawabuddin asserted.

The Dangote Cement boss said this will enhance employability and foster entrepreneurship among youth and women in the host communities.

With a steadfast commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development, Nawabuddin outlined initiatives to strengthen the bond between Dangote Cement and the communities. He emphasized that the company views its host communities as partners.

“In terms of community engagement, we will hold meetings to explore avenues for supporting them, including opportunities for businesses and contracts. The communities are integral partners for us. Through dialogue with them, we aim to execute significant projects that will bring them lasting benefits,” he stated.

Nawabuddin also stressed the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainable practices in Dangote Cement’s operations. “We are custodians of the environment, and it is our duty to ensure that our activities leave a positive impact on the ecosystem,” he added.

Nawabuddin explained that in addition to socio-economic development is the importance of addressing security concerns in the host communities. He said through collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies and community-based initiatives, security risks will be mitigated, and the well-being of residents will be upheld.

“We are working closely with local authorities and community leaders to enhance security measures and create a safe and conducive environment for all,” he added.

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Kano-Kaduna-Abuja Passengers Spent Night In Kaduna Due to Traffic Jam

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Some passengers traveling from Abuja to Kano found themselves stranded in Gwanin Gora town, Kaduna State, due to a traffic jam.

An eyewitness and passenger, Dr. Lado Bala, informed NIGERIAN TRACKER that they had been stranded since 3 AM with no indication of movement.

Regarding the cause of the traffic jam, Dr. Bala mentioned that it may be attributed to an unknown accident that occurred further down the road.

As of the time of reporting, no security agency had responded to clear the jam.

The Kano-Abuja-Kaduna Express is a major Nigerian road that links Northern and Southern Nigeria.

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Nigeria Tracker Congratulates Sarkin Bai Mansur Mukhtar On Wedding of His Daughter Amina

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The wedding ceremony

 

The management of Nigeria Tracker Communications, publishers of Nigerian Tracker online newspaper, has extended its congratulatory message to the family of Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank ,Dr Mansur Mukhtar on the wedding of his daughter, Amina Mansur Mukhtar.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of the leading online newspaper, Abbas Yushau Yusuf.

The wedding fatiha and solemnization which took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, had in attendance family, friends, and well-wishers, with a dowry of $1000.

On behalf of the board of directors of Nigeria Tracker Communications, we wish the couple a happy married life and Allah’s blessings, and success to the entire Sarkin Bai of Kano’s family, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar.

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