News

Kaduna Eyes Nutrition Budget Increase

Published

1 year ago

October 23, 2024

The Committee of Kaduna State on Food and Nutrition has said it will push for higher allocation for ministries, departments and agencies in the 2025 budget.

Bashir Muhammad, who is the chairman of the SCFN, made this known while speaking to newsmen at a two-day second-quarter review and coordination meeting of the committee at the state’s Planning and Budget Commission in Kaduna.

‘Alive & Thrive’, a global nutrition initiative for improving the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents supported the second quarter review and coordination meeting.

The PBC permanent secretary, Mr Muhammad also said that members would look at the challenges after the second quarter review meeting.

He said that some MDAs in the state do not have budgetary provisions for nutrition activities.

“We will make those provisions in the nutrition line for MDAs so that for 2025, they can address malnutrition using their budget,” he said.

The chairman said the quarterly meeting focused on updates on MDAs’ nutrition interventions, orienting stakeholders on Multi-Micronutrient Supplements and their importance, and fostering partnerships for coordinated scaling-up of nutrition initiatives and reviewing performance management appraisal.

It was noted by him that the committee meets with all Kaduna stakeholders every quarter to discuss malnutrition’s menace. He also stressed the urgency of addressing malnutrition in Kaduna.

The issues surrounding malnutrition, including stunting and wasting, was also mentioned by Mr Muhammad, as He explained that when the stakeholders make their presentations, the committee will look into the success stories of achieving targets to reduce malnutrition in the state and then discover the challenges.

He said that the committee would expand its membership to incorporate additional MDAs like the Livestock Regulatory Commission to bolster nutrition efforts.

Mr Muhammad said the committee needs to bring onboard the Livestock Regulatory Commission to tell the committee what they are doing in the state and how every agency in the SCFN can collaborate with them to reduce the menace of food and nutrition in Kaduna.

News

FG Targets Guinness World Record with 3.6km Dining Table in Abuja

Published

2 hours ago

November 6, 2025

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Federal Government will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest dining table during the Mega Renewed Hope NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival slated for December 6 in Abuja. The 3.6-kilometre table is expected to host between 2,000 and 3,000 participants.

Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Dr. Abisoye Fagade, announced this on Thursday alongside the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.

Fagade said the record attempt will be followed by communal dining, cultural displays, music, and comedy, adding that the initiative aims to position Abuja as a major cultural destination.

He noted that the festival aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, promoting tourism, hospitality, and youth empowerment through skills development.

Minister Musawa described the event as a platform for economic inclusion and creative growth, highlighting gastronomy’s role in national development alongside film, music, and fashion.

The week-long festival, themed “Oriki: Taste of Culture,” will feature exhibitions, culinary masterclasses, food tastings, and investment dialogues showcasing Nigeria’s rich food heritage.

President Tinubu is expected to officially unveil the festival and record attempt in Abuja.

News

Senate Clears Air Peace, Faults NSIB Over Drug Allegations

Published

2 hours ago

November 6, 2025

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Senate has cleared Air Peace of wrongdoing in the July 13 runway overrun at Port Harcourt International Airport, describing the drug and alcohol allegations against the airline’s pilots as “inconsistent and uncoordinated.”

The decision followed an investigation by the Senate Committee on Aviation, which reviewed the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), report and found discrepancies that could harm Nigeria’s aviation reputation.

Committee Chairman, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), said the aircraft sustained no damage and returned to Lagos the same day, warning that inaccurate reports could erode global confidence in the country’s air safety ratings.

He commended Air Peace and other domestic carriers for maintaining strict safety standards and urged regulators to support indigenous airlines.

Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, criticised the NSIB’s handling of the matter, calling it misleading and damaging to the airline’s reputation.

He clarified that the incident resulted from human error, not mechanical failure, and reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to safety.

The Senate is expected to issue a final report recommending better coordination and clearer communication among aviation regulators.

Defence and Security

Army Chief Pledges Better Welfare, Fair Postings for Troops

Published

2 hours ago

November 6, 2025

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has pledged to prioritise troop welfare, transparency, and fairness in postings to boost morale and strengthen operational efficiency.

Shaibu made the promise on Thursday in Maiduguri during an interactive session with defence correspondents as part of his operational tour of the North-East.

He commended troops for their resilience in defending the nation and assured that the Army would sustain and improve the soldier-first welfare policy introduced by his predecessor.

“As soldiers get what is due to them on time, we will extend that support to their families while they serve their fatherland,” he said.

The COAS also vowed that merit and professionalism would guide all postings and appointments, ensuring fairness and competence in leadership.

Shaibu, who assumed office on October 30, 2025, described morale as a key component of fighting power and reaffirmed his commitment to timely payment of allowances and other entitlements.

His visit was part of efforts to assess field operations and enhance the welfare of frontline troops battling insurgency in the region.

(NAN)