Abuja Reports

NIRSAL Trains 2,000 Farmers In 4 States

Published

8 months ago

August 8, 2024

As part of its mandate to promote the Agro Geo-Cooperative approach to primary production, NIRSAL Plc said it has trained over 2,000 farmers across four states of the country to boost their capacities to access and repay commercial loans.

NIRSAL which primarily targets lead farmers with the experience and skill to share new knowledge with members of their various cooperatives for its training programmes said it trained farmers in Imo state, Sokoto state, Oyo state as well as Kwara state.

In Imo State, no less than 500 participants assembled in two locations—one urban and one rural, the focus was on efficient models for fish production. It was the same in Sokoto State, while the Oyo and Kwara outings focused on cassava.

Imo State House Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Mr. Uche Agabige, lauded NIRSAL for including Imo in this round of the capacity building programme, with the belief that it would complement local efforts aimed at boosting agricultural productivity in the state.

Head of Value Chain Capacity Development at NIRSAL Plc, Mr. Ibrahim Suleiman, said that the capacity development programme, which is part of the Technical Assistance offered by NIRSAL to agricultural value chain actors under its Technical Assistance pillar, was happening simultaneously in three other states spanning four Geo-political zones.

According to Suleiman, lead farmers and extension agents in aquaculture and cassava were similarly gathered at two urban and rural locations in Sokoto, Oyo, and Kwara States, and they are expected to cascade the training to an estimated 6,000 farmers across the states.

In addition to the formation of functional cooperatives with proper governance structures, the training programme also discussed readiness for possible protocol breaches and early warning systems. Participants who spoke after the lectures said that they were delighted at the new insights they gained, pledging to share same with members of their various cooperatives.

Abuja Reports

Reps Seek Funding for Abuja Traditional Rulers

Published

11 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The House of Representatives has pledged to push for better funding and legal recognition for traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Chairman of the House Committee on FCT Area Councils, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, made this commitment during a meeting with the FCT Traditional Council in Abuja on Monday, March 24, 2025.

Agbedi praised the rulers for their role in maintaining peace, security, and cultural heritage, emphasizing that the committee would advocate for policy changes to ensure financial support.

He noted that lawmakers are considering a possible five percent allocation from Area Council funds to support the traditional institution.

He acknowledged that current laws do not provide direct funding for traditional rulers, but ongoing legislative efforts, including the Area Councils Administration Bill, could address this issue.

Speaking on behalf of the rulers, Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa lamented poor funding and the absence of a legal framework to support their operations.

Lawmakers also discussed the marginalization of FCT natives and the lack of proper resettlement plans, vowing to engage further in protecting the interests of traditional institutions in Abuja.

Abuja Reports

FCT Teachers Resume Strike Over Unpaid Minimum Wage

Published

11 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

Primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have resumed an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage in their February salaries.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, announced the decision after an emergency meeting of its State Wing Standing Committee (SWSC) in Gwagwalada on Saturday, March 22.

The union expressed disappointment that Area Council Chairmen failed to honour their agreement to implement the new wage, which had led to the suspension of an earlier strike in February.

Teachers described the omission in their February salaries as disheartening.

NUT Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Shafas, stated that the union had called off its initial strike based on assurances that the wage increase would take effect in February. However, the failure to fulfill this promise left them with no choice but to resume the strike.

The teachers are demanding the immediate payment of the new minimum wage, arrears, and allowances, including a 40 percent peculiar allowance.

Parents have been advised to keep their children at home until further notice.

Abuja Reports

EFCC Arrests 133 Suspects in Abuja Over Alleged Ponzi Scheme

Published

15 hours ago

March 24, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 133 individuals linked to an alleged Ponzi scheme operating under the name Q University, also known as Q Net, in Abuja.

The suspects were apprehended on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Compensation Layout in Gwagwalada, following credible intelligence.

According to investigators, the academy lured young Nigerians with promises of massive profits through a scheme branded “Special Training for New Generation Billionaires.”

Recruits were required to purchase forms titled “Independent Representative Application Form” and were encouraged with slogans like “I am a Champion” and “I am Unstoppable.”

The EFCC carried out the operation in collaboration with the 176 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

Items such as mobile phones, computers, and other electronic gadgets were seized from the suspects.

The anti graft agency confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion.