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ABU Alumni holds Pre-AGA lecture

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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.

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.

 

 

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Vice President Shettima Calls for Unity Among Kano’s Political Gladiators

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged political leaders in Kano State to set aside their differences and prioritize the development and unity of the state.

Speaking in Hausa to emphasize his message, Shettima called on members of the Kwankwasiyya and Gandujiyya factions to remember the bonds of kinship that unite them and to avoid letting political disagreements create divisions.

The Vice President made this plea during a condolence visit to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the Kano State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas. The visit was in honor of the late Galadiman Kano, Abbas Sunusi. Addressing an audience that included prominent political figures from both factions, Shettima stressed the importance of harmony in a state as influential as Kano.

“Kano is a model for the entire nation,” Shettima remarked. “It is disheartening to see political differences lead to discord. Kano is the heart of the North, and what affects Kano affects the entire region.”

In a poignant moment, Shettima acknowledged his own linguistic limitations, stating, “Though I am not a native Hausa speaker, I have made an effort to deliver this message in Hausa so that it resonates deeply with you.”

The Vice President also offered prayers for the late Galadiman Kano, expressing hope that he rests in paradise. Additionally, he extended his condolences to the families of those affected by recent bandit attacks in Shanono, where lives were lost and a water vendor was kidnapped.

“We pray for peace in Nigeria and across the world,” Shettima concluded, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to ensure stability and progress.

 

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APC Persons With Disabilities Reject Kwankwaso’s Return to APC

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The APC Persons with Disabilities Support Organization in Kano State has publicly rejected the potential return of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This announcement was made by Comrade Aminu Muazu Fagge, Chairman of the organization, during a press briefing at the Kano Press Centre.

Comrade Fagge emphasized that the organization’s stance reflects the collective interests of its members and their commitment to preserving the party’s stability, prosperity, and unity. He stated, “Kwankwaso’s self-interest would undermine the party’s peace and success, treating APC like his personal company, similar to his past parties.”

Reaffirming Loyalty to Party Leadership

The organization reiterated its unwavering loyalty to the APC leadership under Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and Hon. Abdullahi Abbas Sanusi. Comrade Fagge praised their leadership, describing it as a true embodiment of the party’s values and principles.

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Welcoming Genuine Supporters

While rejecting Kwankwaso’s return, the organization expressed its openness to welcoming individuals who genuinely contribute to the growth of the APC. “APC is not one person’s property; it’s a great party for all good citizens of Nigeria,” Fagge remarked, underscoring the organization’s zero tolerance for discord.

Prioritizing Party Unity and Stability

The APC Persons with Disabilities Support Organization reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing the unity, stability, and prosperity of the APC. This, they believe, is essential for the party’s continued success and relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Appreciation for APC’s Inclusive Approach

The organization also lauded the APC’s inclusive approach, which empowers Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through various welfare initiatives under President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. Comrade Fagge expressed gratitude for these efforts, highlighting their positive impact on the lives of PWDs.

 

In closing, the organization extended its appreciation to all supporters and stakeholders, declaring, “Long live Nigeria! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! Long live APC! Long live President Ahmed Bola Tinubu!”

 

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Hajj 2025: Let’s build United front for hitch free exercise, AHMSP urges stakeholders

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The Association of Hajj Media Support Professionals (AHMSP) has advocated unhindered support and harmonious relationships among stakeholders in Hajj industry in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims.

AHMSP, a non-profit interest group of media professionals in Nigeria, urged relevant and key players in the industry to support the preparation and tireless efforts of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to guarantee seamless pilgrimage this year.

The Professionals who monitor and report Hajj activities concerning Nigerian pilgrims, are worried about the flood of negative thoughts and sponsored media articles around the Hajj regulator of recent, even as activities for 2025 Hajj are gathering momentum.

In a statement signed by Ibrahim Abubakar Nagarta, National Coordinator, AHMSP believed that, at a peak period when upbeat swing for 2025 Hajj speaks volume, throwing a spanner in the wheel of progress, for whatever motives, should be discouraged by all.

Instead, AHMSP urged stakeholders to consider the significance of Hajj exercise as a sacred call to serve Almighty Allah, above other mundane and peculiar interests, adding that derailing sensitive activities at this material time earns no one any meaningful gain.

AHMSP cited the tremendous achievements recorded so far ahead of airlift of pilgrims commencement, insisting that NAHCON, under the tutelage of Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh, deserves commendation from the expanded stakeholders.

The group called on interested parties to refrain from constituting any act capable of frustrating NAHCON’s preparation to transport over 52,000 Nigerians to Saudi Arabia for the spiritual exercise .

” It is no longer strange that Hajj exercise and activities around the Nigerian Hajj house are attracting a wide range of media outreach. In other words, the loud ovation symbolizes the significance of hajj in Nigerian context.

“AHMSP has monitored activities of NAHCON and preparation for hajj 2025 in the last month and came to the realization of tremendous achievements recorded so far by the commission under the leadership of Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh.

” We have seen how the present NAHCON board disbursed refunds from Saudi Arabia, monies for poor and non-rendered service to Nigerian pilgrims in previous hajj. Professor Saleh, instructed for prompt and immediate disbursement of the funds to all affected 2023 pilgrims. This act signified utmost transparency and fear of Allah.

” AHMSP also took cognisance of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman’s diligence in negotiating a downward review of the cost of services and eventually securing discounts on accommodation, transportation, feeding and other services at Masha’ir. This development led to drastic drop in the overall Hajj fare for 2025 against the expectations of higher fare courtesy of the uncertainty of forex rate in the country.

” Against all odds, the Commission also took responsibility and secured accommodations for private tours ahead of the deadline, even when the operators could not raise funds for the service.

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