Connect with us

News

ABU Alumni holds Pre-AGA lecture

Published

on

The lecture

 

As part of activities marking its Annual General Assembly (AGA) for this year, Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association has held its 17th Pre-Annual General Assembly Lecture, today, Friday, 27th September, 2024.

The lecture took place at the Assembly Hall, Ahmadu Bello University, Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.

Presenting a paper, titled: “Hunger and Economic Hardship: A Call to Return to our Roots and Embrace Innovative Agricultural Solutions”, the Hon Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, CON, explained that according to the United Nations, hunger is increasing in many countries where economic growth is lagging and mostly in countries that rely heavily on international primary commodity trade, and that Nigeria is a classical case, in which it was ranked 109 out 128 countries in 2023.

Represented by the Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Prof. Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, the Minister disclosed that this was what informed the prime position of Food Security in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-point Renewed Hope Agenda.

Senator Sabi stated that other causes of this ugly phenomenon are climate change and environmental degradation; conflict and displacement and economic factors.

The Minister, who is also the Baraden Borgu, noted that Northern Nigeria was known for peace and tranquility, which is now replaced with the long standing terrorism by the Boko Haram group, and which is now complicated and garnished by the scourge of banditry and armed criminal herdsmen rampaging across the north and south, further creating mistrust in the relationship between the north and the south.

Advert

Senator Sabi reiterated that the North was known for massive agriculture as the foundation of wealth and prosperity. He said states in the North known for cash and food crops such as ginger, groundnut, soyabean, sesame, cotton, beans, rice, maize, cowpea, sorghum, yams, potatoes, tomatoes, onions and water melon among others.

The Minister reminisced on the fond memories of how the north held the position of Africa’s largest livestock population with 19.5 million cattle, 72.5 million goats, 41.3 million sheep, 28,000 camels, 145 million chickens, 1.2 million turkeys and 947,499 donkeys.

Senator Sabi encouraged the North to give maximum support to the current administration to change the tide and restore the hope of the North through massive agricultural programs and initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He posed a challenge to ABU to come up with initiatives to re-live the vision and dream of the founding fathers.

Earlier in a remark, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Bala, commended the ABU Alumni Association for organizing the Pre-AGA lecture and urged all invited guests to make contributions where necessary.

Prof. Bala reminded all alumni of the University Endowment Fund and the need for everyone to contribute.

The Vice-Chancellor lamented on how education is facing its biggest threat due to gross underfunding.

He said graduates of Harvard University pay certain amount of money every year, hoping that Nigerians will reciprocate in the same way to their home Universities.

In a welcome address, Chairman of the Occasion, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, CFR, stated that all alumni should be encouraged to donate one percent of their monthly income to the University.

Represented by the Wazirin Zazzau, Khadi Inuwa Aminu, the Chairman enjoined all established alumni to build hostels in the University due to challenges faced by students outside.

Alhaji Yayale, who is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, said there is need for the government to import food into the country as an emergency in order to bring down the cost of food items in the market.

He advised the Federal Government to tackle insecurity, which is one of the reasons people cannot go to their farms.

Also speaking, the President World-wide of Ahmadu Bello University Alumni Association, Malam Adamu Mamman Kontagora, thanked Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed and Senator Sabi for accepting to chair the occasion and be the presenter respectively.

The President, who is also the Barden Kontagora, appreciated the leadership of the University under Prof. Kabiru Bala for their unwavering support all the time.

Highlights of the event were interactive sessions and awards presentation to the Vice-Chancellor and other distinguished alumni of the University. The event was attended the Principal Officers, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, staff and students of the University.

 

 

News

Barau Jibrin Drives Grassroots Empowerment with 47 Vehicles, 287 Motorcycles in Kano North

Published

on

 

The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has distributed 47 vehicles and 287 motorcycles to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the Kano North Senatorial District as part of efforts to support grassroots empowerment.

The beneficiaries include APC local government chairmen, their secretaries and other party stakeholders in the district.

Barau, who spoke through the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Salihu Sagir Takai, said the intervention was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the vehicles and motorcycles were meant to ease economic hardship and improve the livelihoods of the beneficiaries.

Advert

According to him, the initiative is part of his continued interventions in human and capital development in Kano North, adding that more programmes would follow.

“This is not the first time we are carrying out such an intervention, and it will certainly not be the last,” he said.

The Chief of Staff to the Deputy President of the Senate, Professor Muhammad Ibn Abdullahi, described the gesture as a capital-intensive intervention aimed at lifting beneficiaries out of poverty and promoting self-reliance.

He said Kano North was fortunate to have a leader committed to initiatives that stimulate development and improve living standards.

Abdullahi also urged the beneficiaries not to sell the items but to use them productively to generate income.

Similarly, Barau’s media aide, Shittu Madaki, said the items were carefully distributed to selected beneficiaries, noting that more empowerment programmes were in the pipeline.

Also speaking, Takai, a former governorship candidate in Kano State, said the intervention reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level, aimed at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of constituents.

Since his election as the Deputy Senate President on 2024 Senator Barau Jibrin has been empowerimg his constituents on self reliance and capital support to small scale industrialists

Continue Reading

News

One Kano Agenda Commends Governor Yusuf For Selecting Garo As Deputy Governor

Published

on

 

The One Kano Agenda wishes to commend His Excellency, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, for the nomination of Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor, as the decision is strategic move that reflects foresight, inclusiveness, and commitment to effective governance.

We wish to note that, the nomination aligns with the broader vision of strengthening governance through experienced leadership capable of bridging policy direction and grassroots realities.

It is our belief that, Governor Yusuf’s decision has demonstrated a clear understanding of the political and administrative demands of the state, emphasizing that leadership at such a critical level requires competence, loyalty, and a deep connection with the people.

“The nomination of Hon. Murtala Sule Garo is a commendable step toward consolidating governance and enhancing administrative coordination. It reflects a deliberate effort by His Excellency to prioritize capacity and experience in advancing the state’s development agenda

Advert

As we observe, Hon. Garo’s track record in public service and political engagement, positions him as a valuable asset in supporting the Governor’s vision for sustainable development and responsive governance.

One Kano Agenda therefore wishes to call on stakeholders across political divides to rally behind the nomination, stressing that unity and collective responsibility remain essential for achieving long-term progress and stability.

We urge political actors to embrace collaboration over division, noting that the success of governance ultimately depends on shared commitment to the welfare of the people.

We wish to reaffirm our support for the administration, and we pledge our continued advocacy for policies and decisions that promote inclusiveness, institutional strength, and improved service delivery across Kano State.

We equally express confidence that the nomination will further strengthen governance structures and contribute positively to the realization of the administration’s developmental objectives.

 

Continue Reading

News

APC forum commends Gov Yusuf, backs Garo for stronger Kano leadership

Published

on

 

A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Emerging Progressives Leaders’ Forum (EPLF), has praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what it described as a bold and strategic move in selecting Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor.

Garo, who previously served as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in Kano State, was described by the group as a seasoned administrator with a deep understanding of governance and party structure.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Hafiz Idris, the forum said the appointment reflects a firm grasp of Kano’s political realities and the need for experienced leadership to strengthen governance in the state.

The group pointed to Garo’s record in public service, citing his administrative competence, loyalty to party ideals, and consistent ability to deliver results.

Advert

It added that his contributions to the growth of the APC in Kano remain notable, portraying him as a trusted figure within the party.

According to the forum, Garo’s emergence is expected to unify party members, bridge internal divides, and foster stronger cohesion ahead of future political activities.

The statement noted that Garo’s grassroots connection and political experience would not only consolidate governance but also reposition the APC for greater unity and influence in Kano State.

The forum further called on party members to support the new deputy governor, stressing that collective backing is essential for sustaining progress and achieving shared political objectives.

It also expressed optimism that the partnership between Yusuf and Garo would usher in a period of stability, inclusiveness, and effective leadership in the state.

Continue Reading

Trending