By Uzair Adam Imam 

The National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria (NAFN) has hailed the Dangote Group as a pivotal force in the growth of the country’s agricultural sector. 

Dr. Samuel Negedu, the National Coordinator of NAFN, affirmed the group’s significance during the opening ceremony of the 2023 National Agricultural Show. 

Describing the Dangote Group as a powerhouse and the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, Dr. Negedu highlighted the company’s efforts in constructing rice mills that will significantly contribute to the government’s push for food security.  

He expressed gratitude to Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the establishment of what he referred to as the largest fertiliser plant in Africa. 

Furthermore, Dr. Negedu noted that the Dangote Group is a major sponsor of the ongoing 2023 National Agricultural Show.  

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, also shared insights during the event, outlining the government’s immediate and short-term plans to establish a standard framework for facilitating agricultural business in the country. 

Senator Kyari expressed the importance of agricultural shows as essential platforms for showcasing the latest developments in the sector. 

He highlighted their role in bringing individuals together for networking and business transactions and offering the public a glimpse into farming life. 

The shows also serve as hubs for farming and rural communities to exchange ideas and take a brief respite from their daily farming routines. 

Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, urged stakeholders to make substantial investments in agriculture, envisioning a transformed Nigeria renowned for food security and value chain addition. 

Arch Kabiru Ibrahim, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NAFN and National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), underscored the relevance of this year’s theme: “Towards the Realization of Presidential Declaration of Emergency on Food Security.”  

According to Arch Ibrahim, the theme was chosen to inspire all stakeholders in Nigeria to collaborate in addressing the challenges of food security as outlined in President Tinubu’s administration.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari 

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have attacked a police station in Adamawa State. 

The incident happened in the wee hours of Wednesday at the police station located in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State. 

According to a resident who agreed to speak to the press anonymously, the sounds of gunshots disturbed the peace of the community and hence caused residents to panic. 

The police spokesperson, SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, confirmed the attack to newsmen but assured the public that the situation is under control. 

Nguroje also disclosed that the attack was repelled but that the police have yet to identify the perpetrators of the attack.

Kannywood actress Aisha Humaira has pledged to clear all outstanding debts left behind by her late colleague, Aminu S. Bono, who passed away on Monday following a brief illness. 

Taking to her Instagram handle to convey her condolences, Ms Humaira called upon anyone with legitimate claims against the deceased to step forward, assuring them that she would take responsibility for settling his debts. 

“I call on everyone who is owing Aminu S. Bono money or has sold anything to him on credit and was yet to pay before his death to come forward,” she stated.

“By God’s grace, I will offset the debt so long as it is not beyond my power. If the person wants to get the money even before his funeral, I will relieve him of all the burdens as long as it is not beyond my power.” 

Reflecting on the amiable character of the late actor, she expressed fond memories of their friendship and urged forgiveness from those who may have been offended by him. 

As the Kannywood community mourns the loss of Aminu S. Bono, Aisha Humaira’s compassionate gesture stands as a testament to the solidarity and support within the industry.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Aminu Magashi Garba (AMG) Foundation has pledged its support to 50 individuals in Kano State in a groundbreaking effort aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant thugs into society. 

The announcement was made by the foundation’s founder, Aminu Magashi Garba, via a Facebook post on Tuesday, following the “Post Oct 17 Kano Youth Summit” held at Sani Abacha Stadium. 

Garba expressed the foundation’s commitment to fostering positive change in the community by providing opportunities for former troublemakers to redirect their lives.  

The initiative seeks to empower these individuals with the necessary skills and support to successfully reintegrate into society. 

During a courtesy visit to the AMG Foundation by the Kano Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Mr. Sholadoye Kazeem, on Monday, November 20, 2023, a new dimension to the foundation’s efforts was unveiled. 

The foundation has partnered with the Federal Fire Service to train 30 youths as “Fire Safety Ambassadors.”

These ambassadors will undergo rigorous training to handle fire safety and prevention measures effectively. 

Garba explained that the trained youths would be strategically placed in congested markets and business areas to mitigate the risk of fire outbreaks.

In return for their services, each ambassador will receive a monthly allowance of N15,000 for three months.  

The hope is that the Kano State government will consider retaining them as ad-hoc staff members after the initial training period. 

The visionary initiative also involves collaborative efforts with the Kano State Police Command and the Youth Society for Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS). 

According to him, the YOSPIS organisation has been actively engaged in rehabilitating over 200 repentant thugs, making it a valuable partner in the AMG Foundation’s mission. 

Garba expressed gratitude for the support from the Kano Controller of the Federal Fire Service and highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in creating lasting impact.  

The AMG Foundation’s multifaceted approach to social intervention demonstrates its commitment to addressing various challenges faced by the youth in Kano State. 

The collaboration between the AMG Foundation, government agencies, and grassroots organisations serves as a model for holistic community development and crime prevention efforts.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are set to clash one last time in the Riyadh Season Cup this February.

Following their recent encounter in January, where Paris Saint-Germain triumphed over a Riyadh All-Stars XI, many believed it marked the end of their on-field rivalry. 

While fans had hoped for a grand farewell on the World Cup or Champions League stage, the Riyadh Season Cup now serves as the conclusive arena for these icons.

Over a decade of dominance, Messi and Ronaldo’s rivalry garnered 12 out of 14 Ballon d’Or awards and featured in one of Europe’s biggest derbies when Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid in 2009. 

With Messi’s eight Ballon d’Ors and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, the debate over who’s better may finally find resolution.

The February friendly will be the last chance for fans to witness these football titans side by side, bringing an end to a captivating era in the sport.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kano State has emerged as a primary recipient of a groundbreaking European Union-funded initiative.

The programme, designed to enhance learning and empower youth, is set to make a substantial impact in Kano, Jigawa, and Sokoto states. 

The Ministry of Education’s Director of Public Enlightenment issued a statement on Tuesday, detailing a briefing by a delegation from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) led by Mr. Michael Banda.

The initiative aims to bolster education and skills development opportunities for both girls and boys in the selected states. 

Running for four years, from September 2023 to August 2027, the programme will be implemented across 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in each of the three states.

Its ambitious scope encompasses approximately 1.2 million learners, 5,000 teachers, 150 education officials, and 5,400 community members, focusing on various educational interventions. 

Mr. Banda outlined the programme’s three primary objectives as strengthening education governance and learning, expanding access to safe and inclusive learning environments, and delivering quality, continuous learning with enhanced competencies. 

Recognising the evolving digital landscape, Mr. Banda emphasised the importance of digital training for both teachers and learners.

He stressed the need for a systematic approach involving teachers, learners, and ministry officials to successfully integrate digital technology into the education sector. 

The programme also places emphasis on empowering education committees, such as the Schools Based Management Committee, to foster community partnerships and elevate the overall standard of education. Addressing potential challenges, Mr. Banda noted that data assessment might be a hurdle in Kano, citing historical inaccuracies in teacher recruitment.

To address this, he advocated for the establishment of a Teachers Management Information data system. Expressing gratitude, Commissioner Umar Doguwa thanked the EU for selecting Kano as a beneficiary state.

He also pledged the administration’s unwavering support to reach the targeted 1.2 million students and 5,000 teachers, highlighting the state government’s approval of funds for a comprehensive census of all teachers.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Rivers State House of Assembly finds itself mired in an ongoing crisis as law enforcement once again took control of the assembly complex on Tuesday.

Tensions escalated as members aligned with rival factions reportedly conducted separate sessions at different locations. 

A notable security buildup included the presence of four police patrol vans at the assembly’s entrance, coupled with restricted movement along the Moscow Road Axis.

An Armoured Personnel Carrier patrolled the area, accompanied by armed operatives strategically positioned.

The specific reasons prompting this surge in security measures remain undisclosed. 

Reports indicate that on Tuesday, House Speaker Martin Amaewhule led a gathering of 25 lawmakers who deliberated on the suspension of the strike by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria.

Additionally, they called on State Commissioner for Police, Olatunji Disu, to launch an investigation into the recent explosion that ravaged the Assembly, causing significant damage. 

In a parallel development, lawmakers aligned with Speaker Edison Ehie expressed staunch support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara during their session on Tuesday.

A resolution passed during this meeting commended the governor for his developmental initiatives and security measures aimed at preserving peace in the state. 

Speaker Ehie, represented by Legislative Aide Ken Uchendu in an official statement, lauded the governor’s visionary leadership and pledged ongoing support for his consolidation and continuity agenda.

This faction vehemently condemned the recent attack on Ehie’s residence and the arson that engulfed the House of Assembly, urging the governor to expedite rehabilitation efforts. 

Furthermore, lawmakers from this faction urged the Inspector General of Police and other pertinent security agencies to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attacks, emphasising the importance of swiftly bringing the perpetrators to justice.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, has described Nigerians as hard to govern.

Buhari made the disclosure in an interview with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA)The former president however maintained that he did his best in the eight years that he served Nigerians as President despite the difficulties he encountered.

He said Nigerians are a difficult people to manage because “they think they should be” in charge “not you”.

“God gave me the opportunity to serve my country, but I did my best. But whether my best was good enough, I leave for people to judge.

“Nigerians are extremely difficult. People know their rights. They think they should be there, not you.

“So, they monitor virtually every step. And you have to struggle day and night to ensure that you are competent enough,” he said.

Buhari also stated that his government was able to defeat insecurity in the Northeast, adding that he’s pleased with the successes he recorded.

He said, “We are lucky to have control in the Northeast. I achieved security because, without it, nothing else can develop.

“Go and ask the governor of Borno how hard it is. Most local governments were in the hands of Boko Haram. They were doing what they liked.

⁣“The first thing is to secure the state or the country and earn the citizens’ trust.” ⁣⁣

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has initiated legal action against his former club, filing a multi-million-pound lawsuit at an employment tribunal.

Mendy alleges that the Premier League champions engaged in unauthorised wage deductions during the period he faced criminal charges. 

According to Sky Sports, Mendy, now playing for French club Lorient, claims that City ceased payment of his salary in September 2021 when he was accused of rape and sexual assault.

Despite being acquitted in two trials earlier this year, Mendy contends that City withheld his wages for nearly two years, spanning the duration of the legal proceedings. 

His lawyer, Nick De Marco, confirmed the legal action, seeking all owed wages up until Mendy’s City contract expiration in June 2023.

The legal claim argues that City was not contractually entitled to impose such an extended wage suspension, emphasizing Mendy’s clearance of all charges. 

Mendy, once hailed as the world’s costliest defender after his £52 million move from Monaco to City in 2017, achieved success with three league titles.

However, his last appearance for City dates back to August 2021, just before his arrest. 

The statement released by Mendy’s legal team highlighted the critical details of the case: “Manchester City FC failed to pay Mr Mendy any wages at all from September 2021, following Mr Mendy being charged with various offenses, all of which he was subsequently acquitted of, until the end of his contract in June 2023. The claim will come before an Employment Tribunal.” 

This legal saga adds another layer to Mendy’s tumultuous journey, raising questions about the handling of wages during legal proceedings and the contractual obligations of football clubs in such situations.

By Zayyad I. Muhammad 

For 24 years, most Nigerians were only familiar with one style of operation by their National Security Advisers (NSA)—a regimental style—because of the complete military background of the previous NSAs. Having NSAs with military experience is an excellent idea, but some critical situations require looking at things from different angles, including outside-the-book approaches.

The coming of Nuhu Ribadu as Nigeria’s National Security Adviser is a paradigm shift and a systemic and systematic approach by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tinubu brought not only a person that he understood but also a person who understood his steps. It’s a kind of quality assurance.

Because for two decades, Nigerians have been used to one style, they need to be educated from a layman’s perspective. NSA Nuhu’s style will and must always be soft and hard, silent and loud, publicly and secretly, unique and ordinary because of his background, training, and experience—an excellent police officer and an anti-corruption czar who has gone through the mills of his fields.

Before his appointment and signs that he would be President Tinubu’s NSA, some people thought de-marketing and painting him black would deny him the position. They forgot that security matters; it goes beyond politics when dealing with goal-getters like Tinubu. It’s a matter of the quality of Nuhu Ribadu and Tinubu’s philosophy on exceptional human resources.

The National Security Adviser manages Nigeria’s security on behalf of the President, and he is the chief advisor on all matters vital to Nigeria’s very survival.

The big questions are: has Nuhu Ribadu brought on board something new, being a new face with different backgrounds from the previous NSAs in 24 years? Has Nuhu Ribadu been able to separate politics from policy? He has actively participated in politics before now. Has Nigerian security improved under Nuhu Ribadu?

Analysing security issues and their managers is often difficult, or rather futile because the gains achieved in a decade can be wiped away within a few minutes by one senseless act by terrorists, bandits, or common criminals. Nuhu has brought something unique: Nigerians are being informed of happenings in the fight against criminality, the NSA is now visible when required, confidence has been built, and resources are appropriately distributed while separating needs from wants. Under NSA Nuhu Ribadu, kinetic and non-kinetic approaches are being applied to tackle the security challenges in Nigeria. Inter-agency synergies are now a key in the security architecture.

Furthermore, all security agencies are being reformed and reinvigorated to play their role in internal security effectively. At the same time, the military is being freed from the burden of performing both its constitutional role and that of the police, thus allowing it to concentrate on external security fully.

Politics and man are like love and humankind—they co-exist. Human beings must always love something; the same is true of politics: once one knits tight with politics, they live together. Even his adversaries must admit that Mallam Nuhu was able to separate his office from politics, knowing fully the enormous responsibilities on his head, and Nigeria and the world are keenly watching him. Furthermore, Mallam Nuhu has been able to drive the ONSA back to its original status as a National Security Vehicle, not the sad belief that it is a kind of  ‘big pot ‘for politicians to scoop from.

Silently and interestingly, NSA Nuhu is building a strong interface among all the security agencies. Roles are being defined to allow seamless work to achieve one goal: the peace of the country and its people. Mallam Nuhu is piloting and overseeing security through the eyes of a well-trained security czar who understands both the hard and soft approaches.

Inter-agency collaboration has improved; ordinary Nigerians now view the NSA as just for security only; NSA words now not only matter but work. An example is the recent off-cycle governorship election in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states. Mallam Nuhu assured Nigerians that the governorship elections would be conducted without interference. And it was. This is how NSAs work—their worlds translate into actions and results.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja via zaymohd@yahoo.com.