News
Herdsmen Attacks: Buhari Passes Buck To Govs
President Muhammadu Buhari, has challenged state governors to find lasting solutions to the persistent cases of farmers/herdsmen crisis in the country.
The president gave the challenge at an interactive session with members of Katsina Elders’ Forum organised by the Katsina State Government in Katsina.
He tasked the governors to go back to a comprehensive study and report carried out by the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) on how best to address farmers/herdsmen conflicts.
“When I was in PTF we did a comprehensive report on grazing reserves and cattle routes across the country.
“Grazing reserves were carved out; cattle routes were marked out, dams, water and veterinary clinics were also established with the help of our leaders, traditional and district heads at that time.
“Any herdsman, who allowed his cattle to destroy farm land then, would be fined and when he failed to pay his cattle would be sold to pay the fine, and if there was remaining change the amount would be handed over to him.
“But, now what do we see. The grazing reserves and the routes had been taken over by the rich and politicians,’’ he said.
According to the president, the disappearance of the grazing reserves and the cattle routes has been causal factor for the persistent conflicts between farmers and herdsmen across the country.
He said he had already directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Governors’ Forum to study the PTF Report with a view to addressing the menace.
In his contribution at the parley, Alhaji Isa Funtua, a member of the Katsina Elders’ Forum, called for the establishment of vocational training centres in the three senatorial districts of the state.
He said the centres, when operational, would address the problem of delinquencies and unemployment among the young population in the state.
Funtua expressed his readiness to partner with the state government in establishing such training centres.
Other speakers at the event commended the foresight and vision of Gov. Aminu Masari for organising the Katsina Business and Investment Summit aimed at attracting investors into the state.
Our correspondent report that a Presidential Dinner in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari was also hosted by the Katsina state government.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
-
Oil & Energy1 day agoIncreased Oil and Gas: Stakeholders Urge Expansion Of PINL Scope
-
News1 day agoFG denies claims of systematic genocide against Christians
-
News1 day agoUN Honours Ogbakor Ikwerre President General
-
Niger Delta1 day agoOtu Reiterates Commitment To Restor State’s Civil Service
-
News1 day agoStakeholders Tasks Fubara on recognition of Nwoga As Nzeobi of Egbema kingdom ….laud Tinubu for lifting Emergency in the state
-
Sports1 day agoPalace End Liverpool’s Invincibility
-
Oil & Energy1 day agoReps C’mitee Moves To Resolve Dangote, NUPENG Dispute
-
News1 day agoChina sentences former Agric minister to death