News
NGO Distributes 170 Cows To Poor Families
A Fulani socio-cultural organisation, Pastoralist Resolve (PARE), has distributed 170 cows to some poor families in Bauchi State.
The President of the organisation, Alhaji Ahmad Joda, said on the occasion at the Galambi Cattle Ranch on Saturday in Bauchi that the gesture was made to empower women.
“We are distributing well bred young cows (heifers) to vulnerable women and poor families selected from the Bauchi, Ganjuwa and Toro Local Government Areas of the state.
“PARE is also providing training and investment funds to the beneficiaries to enable them to engage in viable livestock production.
“The aim is to empower women, reduce poverty and improve the living standards of the cattle breeders,” he said.
Joda said the cows were distributed to 25 community associations and added that more than N620,000 was also given to them for feeding the cows.
He said the organisation had concluded plans to establish two milk processing plants to encourage dairy production in selected communities.
The president said the organisation, in collaboration with the Netherlands-based Oxfam Novib, National Livestock Project, National Agency for Nomadic Education and Bauchi State Ministry of Agriculture, had trained the pastoralists on modern livestock production techniques.
He said the beneficiaries were also trained on alternative income generation, milk processing, animal health and fattening, genetic improvement of breeds, feeds and pasture production.
“ The organisation trained community leaders on peace building and conflict resolution as part of measures to check incessant Fulani/farmers clashes,” he said.
Joda urged the Bauchi State Government to support the organisation in its drive to improve the socio-economic status of Fulani cattle breeders.
In a remark, Gov. Isa Yuguda said his administration had set up six veterinary clinics and introduced a drug revolving scheme to enhance animal health care delivery.
Yuguda, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Tanko Duste, said the government had de-silted eight earth dams located at various grazing reserves across the state.
“The state government has carried out animal vaccination and tsetse fly control exercise in the last three years,” he said.
Yuguda commended PARE for its gesture and urged the beneficiaries to use their new skills to boost livestock production in the state.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
