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Sasakawa Inaugurates Funded IsDB Mechanization Hub to Boost Smallholder Farming in Kano

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The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), under the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP), has commissioned the Kadawa Agricultural Mechanization Centre in Garun Mallam Local Government Area, one of three agricultural mechanization hubs established to transform smallholder farming in Kano State.

It was gathered that, the intervention, funded by the Kano State Government, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), will see similar centres established in Danbatta and Gaya LGAs.

The effort is part of a six-month extension to the five-year KSADP, which began in 2021 and now runs until December 2025. While the Kano State Government provided land for the hubs, SAA is responsible for construction and equipment installation under the project’s crop component.

Speaking during the commissioning, SAA Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Godwin Atser, represented by the Project Coordinator, Abdulrasheed Hamisu Kofarmata, said the intervention would “lift thousands of smallholder farmers out of low-productivity cycles.”

Kofar Mata explained that improved access to mechanization will empower farmers to compete in larger markets, create jobs, and strengthen food security.

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According to him the hubs will also generate opportunities for youth and women in machine operation, maintenance, and agro-processing. To ensure sustainability, he noted, the project is anchored on a Private Service Provider (PSP) model that integrates cooperatives and private operators.

In his remarks, Dr. Rami Ahmad, Vice President (Operations) of IsDB, expressed satisfaction with the commissioning of the Kadawa hub, describing it as a milestone that will significantly boost farmers’ productivity.

“This project is aimed at touching the lives of three million people. It is something for all of us to be proud of, as it benefits Kano State and farmers across the surrounding areas,” he said.

On his part, Kano State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud said that the project’s full impact would be felt in the years to come.

“From crop production, irrigation, value addition, processing, and livestock productivity enhancement to climate-resilient initiatives, the benefits of this project will crystallize over time,” he said, expressing hope that the state and private sector partners would sustain and expand the initiative beyond donor involvement.

A beneficiary of the mechanization support, Sagir Abubakar from Ciromawa community, revealed that farmers under the project had collectively generated and saved N21 million.

“Out of this, N20 million has been deposited in the bank, while N1.3 million was distributed among members to enable them to purchase seedlings,” he explained.

Each of the hubs, according to report, will provide clusters of farmers with access to modern machinery and technical services for land preparation, planting, harvesting, processing, and storage. The facilities are equipped with tractors, power tillers, planters, harvesters, and threshers, operated by trained technicians.

Other highlights of the event included the formal commissioning of the Kadawa hub by Dr. Rami Ahmad, tour around the facility and a tree planting exercise.

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Gombe flags off the disbursement of the second batch of the AGILE Conditional Cash Transfer

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Gombe State Government has flagged-off the distribution of ATM cards to Adolescent Girls in public schools under the Conditional Cash Transfer,CCT of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, AGILE Project.

Speaking at the flagging off of the disbursement at Government Junior Secondary School Malamsidi central in Kwami Local Government area, the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Associate Prof Aishatu Umar Maigari said the disbursement of the CCT is part of the Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s zeal and passion for the girl child education in the state.

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She said the concept is also geared towards supporting parents to cater for their children to remain in schools up to completion of their secondary education.

Associate Prof Aishatu Umar Maigari then assured the students that the government will continue to bring more educational policies that will further support students to pursue education with ease.

Earlier, the project coordinator of the AGILE, Dr. Amina Abdul noted that with the disbursement of the second cohort of the conditional cash transfer, the project was able to record significant improvement in enrollment and retention of students in schools across the state.

The project coordinator therefore urged parents to utilize the funds judiciously through supporting the education of their children.

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso Celebrates Senator Lado @60, Says Is A Political Dogma

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From Muhammad Kabir Kano

The spokesperson of Political Appointees Forum from Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who also doubles as the Chairman of the Appointees, on his 60th birthday, as a Political Blog who plays the game with maturity and respect.

Kwankwaso who also describes Senator as Political Dogma, praised his contributions to democratic governance, humanitarian services and national development.

“Senator Lado is a dependable public servant and accomplished legislator whose experience had helped strengthen relations between the Executive and the Senate and also steer ship the activities of the Political Appointees with huge respect and understanding”,

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He said it is on notice that Lado served in the Senate for four years before his by late President Buhari on Relief agency and subsequent appointment as Tinubu’s liaison officer in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Lado represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Seventh National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Lado facilitated several constituency projects, including the Kundila Bridge, popularly known as Gadar Lado, in Kano State. His contributions to humanitarian services through his previous roles as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He said Lado contributed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, combating human trafficking and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Kwankwaso further commended the senator’s humanitarian initiatives through the Ladon Alheri Foundation, particularly in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, rural water supply and support for disadvantaged communities.

” Lado’s contributions across public service reflected his commitment to national development and the welfare of Nigerians”, he added.

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