By Abdullahi Mohammed

The Jigawa Government, on Thursday, said it had delineated more than 400,000 hectares of untapped farmland for allocation to prospective investors in agricultural production in the state.

Gov. Muhammad Badaru made this known at the inauguration of the tallest National flag erected at about 50.3 feet and a tour, by five governors, of the Malam ALU Integrated Agro Allied farm, in Birnin Kudu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 50 .3 feet National Flag, erected on the farm, is said to be the tallest flag in Nigeria, specifically erected to symbolise National pride.

The Governors, who inspected the farm were, Badaru, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Bello Masari of Katsina, Abdulrahman Abdurrazak of Kwara, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano, and Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe States.

However, Ganduje was represented by his deputy, Dr Nasiru Gawuna, while Yahaya was represented by the Speaker, Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Muhammad.

Badaru explained that of the 400,000 hectares, 35,000 had already been allocated to some companies who are currently operating in various localities in the state.

The governor, therefore, called on prospective farmers to come forward and apply for the farmland for possible production of rice and other agricultural produce.

He appreciated the efforts of Hon. Faruku Adamu in establishing the Malam ALU Integrated Agro Allied farm in Birnin Kudu, citing it as a clear demonstration of patriotism and consistent with the President Muhammad Buharis National Agricultural Policy.

Earlier, Fayemi, who is also the Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum, said he initiated the visit after watching a documentary about the farm on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

The governor said what they saw on the farm was the best scientific approach to achieving food security, poverty eradication and sustainable economic development in Nigeria.

Similarly, Masari, Abdurrazak and Ganduje, called on political leaders to support and promote such private initiatives for Job creation, poverty eradication and sustainable economic development.

Earlier, Aliyu, also the Chairman of the company, said the initiative was sequel to the call made by president Buhari on all Nigerians to return to the farm for the realization of food security in the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ismail Abdulaziz
Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC (DSR) has denied an online publication claiming the companys involvement in price-fixing and not transparently engaged in any Backward Integration Programme as claimed.

DSR wishes to vehemently refute the allegations and assertions in their entirety as the false allegations are geared at tarnishing the good name and brand of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc and Dangote Industries Limited.

DSR does not engage in artificial price manipulation of its products, either during the Holy month of Ramadan or at any other time. We have never ever increased price of our food items or commodities during the Holy month of Ramadan in the history of our operations according to the Group Managing Director, Mr Ravindra Singhvi.

He also added that the Company is socially responsible and considers price-fixing to be unethical.

Such allegation is highly mischievous and a calculated attempt to smear the reputation of DSR. DSR can only sadly conclude that the online publication is mischievous and geared at creating some form of undue advantage to some Industry players, he said.

Singhvi said that the company began its Backward Integration Programme (BIP) with a 10-year sugar development plan, to produce 1.5 million MT per annum of sugar from locally grown sugarcane.

The Project commenced with acquisition of large expanse of land in strategic locations such as Taraba, Adamawa and Nasarawa States. To this end, three BIP sugar companies; Dangote Taraba Sugar Limited, Dangote Adamawa Sugar Limited, Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited were incorporated.

The Company had commenced rehabilitation and expansion of its Sugar Factory at Numan. Sugarcane planting has also commenced in the two other BIP locations.

He said DSR has a responsibility to the Government, Nigerians and the Sugar Industry and other stakeholders to protect the integrity of the Sugar industry.

He gave the assurance that DSR would do all that is necessary to protect the integrity of the Sugar Industry, not engage in price fixing and to encourage healthy competition among the players.

He said that DSR had alerted the government of a practice that runs contrary to the Federal Government drive for self sufficiency in Sugar through a letter dated Jan. 28 for investigation.
PR:

Source: NAN News

By Itohan Abara-Laserian
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned the public on the proliferation of unregistered online investment and trading platforms facilitating access to securities trading in foreign markets.

This is contained in a circular to the Capital Market Operators (CMOs) issued by the management of the commission made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

The attention of the SEC has been drawn to the existence of several providers of online investment and trading platforms which purportedly facilitate direct access of the investing public in the Federal Republic of Nigeria to securities of foreign Companies listed on Securities Exchanges registered in other jurisdictions.

These platforms also claim to be operating in partnership with CMOs registered with the Commission, it said.

The Commission stated that by the provisions of Sections 67 to 70 of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA), 2007 and Rules 414 and 415 of the SEC Rules and Regulations, only foreign securities listed on any Exchange registered in Nigeria may be issued, sold or offered for sale or subscription to the Nigerian public.

Accordingly, the commission notified the CMOs who work in concert with the referenced online platforms of the Commissions position and advised them to desist henceforth.

The Commission enjoins the investing public to seek clarification as may be required via its established channels of communication on investment products advertised through conventional or online mediums it added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Trading at the domestic equities market closed positive on Thursday with the market capitalisation increasing by N14 billion due to buying interest in tier 1 banks.

The market capitalisation which opened at N20.286 trillion inched higher by N14 billion or 0.07 per cent to close at N20.300 trillion.

Also, the All-Share Index grew by 25.80 points or 0.07 per cent to close at 38,799.83 from 38,774.03 posted on Wednesday.

Accordingly, month-to-date and year-to-date losses moderated to 0.6 per cent and 3.7 per cent, respectively.

The market gain was driven by price appreciation in large and medium capitalised stocks amongst which are; Okomu Oil, Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Oando and Access Bank.

Market breadth was positive with 13 stocks gainers against 12 losers.

Consolidated Hallmark Insurance dominated the gainers chart in percentage terms with a gain of 9.68 per cent to close at 34k per share.

Japaul Gold and Ventures followed with 9.43 per cent to close at 58k, while Oando was up by 5.16 per cent to close at N3.26 per share.

AIICO Insurance rose by five per cent to close at N1.26, while Zenith Bank appreciated by 3.81 per cent to close at N21.80 per share.

Conversely, Royal Exchange led the laggards chart in percentage terms with 7.69 per cent to close at 36k per share.

Jaiz Bank followed with a loss of 6.06 per cent to close at 62k per share.

Honeywell Flour Mill shed 5.04 per cent to close at N1.13, while Daar Communications and Linkage Assurance depreciated by 4.76 per cent each to close at 20k and 80k per share, respectively.

However, the total volume of trades decreased by 59.2 per cent as investors bought and sold 145.33 million shares valued at N1.58 billion in 3,525 deals.

This was in contrast with 356.46 million shares valued at N4.19 billion exchanged in 6,130 deals on Wednesday.

Transactions in the shares of FBN Holdings topped the activity chart with 21.85 million shares worth N157.18 million.

Guaranty Trust Bank followed with 20.50 million shares valued at N589.17 million, while Zenith Bank traded 17.58 million shares worth N379.88 million.

Access Bank sold 8.59 million shares valued at N68.89 million, while Japaul Gold and Ventures transacted 7.58 million shares valued at N4.34 million. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Deborah Coker
The Atlantique Marine Engineering Services (AMES), promoters of the AMES-Edo Inland Container Dry Port, has disclosed that it projected a standard gauge rail for the port.

Dr Charles Akhigbe, MD/CEO of AMES, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Benin, that the rail line was significant to the project meant for transport infrastructure.

He explained that the Federal Government had already paid for the feasibility plan for the rail and the projection was made for standard gauge rail.

He also disclosed that the Edo Government had approved the reconstruction of the road leading to the dry port while a rail connection from Agbor in Delta State was also in the offing.

Akhigbe disclosed that the Inland Container Depot/Truck Transit Park Implementation committee had also engaged the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

This is to discuss dedicated export warehouses, refrigerated warehouses, containers and other top facilities required for an export centre.

He noted that container dry ports were top priority projects that would grow the Nations Economy when operational.

Akhigbe further said that the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), at a recent meeting had given assurance to position the project as one of the foremost transport infrastructures in the country.

He said that this was with a view to attract investments and partnerships for the Edo dry port.

He also explained that the NSC had disclosed that it intends to engage the Afreximbank for funding for the project (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday eulogised the tenacity, courage and commitment of the First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari.

Osinbajo was speaking during a public presentation of a Book written by Dr Hajo Sani, titled Aisha Buhari: Being Different, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the first lady has championed and improved access to healthcare for women especially on maternal health with the aim of reducing maternal mortality in rural communities.

We understand the roots of her relentless pursuit in these past years of the empowerment of women especially through education, the need for young girls to get primary and secondary education before getting marriage, he said.

The vice president also commended the first lady for expressing her views on issues, especially issues that affect the advancement of women and girls.

She is of course the first, first lady to be on Tweeter, on Instagram and other social media platforms, getting her views across to the Nigerian people.

She is probably the first to receive in real time the opinion of Nigerians on her views, he said.

She has established an on-going conversation with the people, the issue that concern them most and the issue that concern us most is the issue of security, putting food on the table.

Osinbajo also said the first lady championed the fight against drug abuse, violation and victimisation of women and girl child education.

There is no question that Aisha Buhari is different, her difference has been empowering women and girls.

It is unlikely that Aisha Buhari will forever be forgotten and even if there was a chance of this happening, this well written attempt of documenting her life and times;

Her contribution as first lady to national life through the courses she promoted removes that possibility, he said.

While commending the effort of the author, Osinbajo said, it does not matter how many degrees, chieftaincy tittles or honours one has but courage, integrity and selflessness.

History has shown that it doesnt matter how many degrees you have, titles or honours follow your name or how high the position you hold.

The rare privilege of public service can only be justified by courage, integrity and selflessness, to these Aisha Buhari as being yourself, being different.

He said the book highlights the evolution of the first lady from a silent supporter of the Presidents political adventures to an active mobiliser.

It also highlights her evolution from a silent supporter of her husbands political adventures to an active mobiliser and campaigner who played a major role in selling him to the Nigerian electorate.

The author also seeks to document practical work that first lady does in the past five years.

Which it begin with the detail and a most sensitive chronicle of her childhood years and her growth as a woman, wife and a mother, he noted.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by the APC National Leader Bola Tinubu as Chairman; former first lady Patience Jonathan, Gov. of Yobe Mai Mala Buni; Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State; and former governor of Nasarawa State, Sen. Tanko Al-Makura.

Others are the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Adewusi.

Source: NAN News

By Isaiah Eka

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has arrested one David Ubong, one of the inmates set free when suspected hoodlums attacked a correctional centre in Owerri.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Odiko Macdon, in Uyo on Friday, said that Ubong confessed to have escaped from the Owerri correctional centre on April 5.

Macdon said that the suspect would be returned to Imo, to face his jail term.

On April 6, 2021, personnel of Ikot Udota Police Division, Eket, relying on credible intelligence, apprehended one David Victor Ubong m of Ibaka, Mbo Local Government Area (LGA).

Suspect confessed to be one of the inmates who escaped from the Nigerian Correctional Service in the recent jailbreak at Owerri, Imo on April 5, 2021.

Until his conviction, the suspect was a resident of Obinze in Owerri, Imo. Suspect will be sent back to face his jail term, Macdon said.

On the security in Essien Udim LGA of Akwa Ibom, Macdon quoted the Commissioner of Police, Mr Andrew Amiengheme, as saying that successes had been recorded and that a mop up operation was ongoing in the area.

Amiengheme urged residents of Essien Udim and its environs to remain calm but be security conscious.

He assured that security agencies would continue to do their best in restoring peace, law and order in the area and state at large.

Source: NAN News

By Isaiah Eka

Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has commiserated with the Nigeria Police Force on the death of its officers in an attack in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that hoodlums had on March 30, attacked security operatives maintaining peace in Essien Udim Local Governent Area of the state.

Three police officers were reported killed with four others declared missing from the attack.

The governor, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Ini Ememobong, on Friday in Uyo, promised to assist the families of the deceased officers.

Emmanuel said the gallantry and patriotism of those personnel who lost their lives in line of duty was deeply appreciated by the state government and its people.

He said that the officers paid the supreme price for peace to reign in Essien Udim LGA and its environs.

Accepting to pay the supreme sacrifice to restore law and order is the greatest act of loyalty to the country and the force, Emmanuel said.

He expressed satisfaction that the security operatives had neutralised the activities of criminal elements and restored peace to Essien Udim.

Emmanuel promised to continually support the police and other security agencies in the discharge of their duties.

To the glory of God, the criminal elements have been neutralised, their unwholesome activities thwarted and absolute tranquility has returned to the troubled area.

The conquest of evil and return of normalcy, to my mind, is the most befitting condolence message to the force and families of the fallen officers, because it adds a note of positivity to their already very painful death, he said.

Source: NAN News

By Frank Shedrack

Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State For Petroleum Resources, on Friday said the Nigerian Oil and Gas Park Scheme (NOGAPS) at Emeyal, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa will create at least 2,000 jobs on completion.

TheNews Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sylva, who visited the NOGAPS site to ascertain the pace of work, said the project which is 70 per cent completed, would be ready for inauguration by the fourth quarter of 2022.

NAN reports that the groundbreaking ceremony for the project was performed on May 4,

He said that when it begins full operation, it will create a regional low-cost manufacturing hub that will produce equipment components and spare parts to be utilised in the nations oil and gas industry.

I must say Im very impressed with what I have seen today. Once upon a time this place used to be a swamp.

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to bring jobs to our people because we believe that job creation can also solve the problem of the Niger Delta Region. President Buhari is living up and doing just that.

We are certain that within the life of this administration this project will be settled and commissioned.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, (NCDMB)has done very well. Before the establishment of this Board, local participation was just about three per cent but today they have taken it to over 30 per cent and the trajectory is to boost it to 70 per cent within a few years from now.

This place, when completed, can create 2000 jobs, and this is just one of many we have across the country, the minister said.

Sylva applauded the host community for a sustained atmosphere of peace, adding that the feat could not have been attained without peace.

Also speaking, Mr Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, commended the minister for his drive towards the success of the project.

This is possible because of the support you have given to this project since becoming minister of State For Petroleum Resources and that is responsible for the swift pace of work we are seeing here today.

NOGAPS is the NCDMBs flagship project, which is in line with the Federal Governments mandate to develop indigenous capacities for the oil and gas Industry.

The policy of President Buhari-led Federal Government to drive towards opening up local manufacturing in the country is one sure way of driving economic development, Wabote said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Folorunso Poroye

Some victims of the early morning fire, which gutted 28, Ola Str., Ijesa Road, Itire, Lagos, on Friday called on the state government for support to overcome the trauma.

The victims, who made the appeal, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that they had lost all their properties worth millions of naira in the fire.

A fashion designer, Mrs Ifeoma Okorie, said that she lost bundles of clothes, belonging to her customer, to the inferno.

According to her, the clothes are meant for wedding and burial parties.

As I am now, Im confused; I dont know what I will tell the owners of the clothes.

The Lagos State Government should please come to our aid, she said.

Both 28-year-old Sunday Akpan and 40-year-old Mrs Felicia Bassey from Akwa Ibom also called for the state governments support, to ensure their survival.

The Leader of the team from the Lagos State Fire Service, Isolo Fire Station, described the destruction to the 12-room bungalow as massive and severe

We received the distress call at 6.30 a.m., the officer, who pleaded anonymity because he is not allowed to speak to the Press, said.

According to him, the cause of the fire could not be immediately ascertained.

A tenant in the neighbourhood, who also does not want her name in print, told NAN that the caretaker simply identified as Emeka from Delta, sold the property last year for N16 million and absconded.

She said that the caretaker sold the property consisting of four rooms in the main building and eight additional rooms in the boys quarters without the owners consent.

Meanwhile, a NAN correspondent who was at the scene of the inferno, reports that emergency responders and the Police were seen cordoning off the burnt property.

This is as tenants were seen picking little things they could salvage from the ruin of their homes.

The victims were also seen in groups lament their losses. (NAN)

Source: NAN News