NAN Archive

Loading

NAN Archive

All posts by 07033856019

Economy

SMEDAN trains women, youths on entrepreneurial skills in Kano

SMEDAN trains women, youths on entrepreneurial skills in Kano

Training
By Muhammad Nur Tijani
Kano, July 26, 2022(NAN) The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has begun training of 90 persons in Kano on entrepreneurship skills.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training is under its National Business Skills Development Initiative (NBSDI) and lasts for five days.
Mr Olawale Fasanya, Director-General, SMEDAN, at the official opening of the training on Monday in Kano said the programme was being implemented in the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to spur entrepreneurship.
Fasanya , represented by Mrs Funto Babarinde, Chief Enterprise Officer, SMEDAN, listed fashion and designing, Catering, hairdressing and make-up as the trades to be learnt by the beneficiaries.
According to the Director-General, a total of 3,330 entrepreneurs would be impacted with entrepreneurship and vocational skills and empowerment materials nationwide at the rate of 90 per state including FCT.
He said it was in the bid to support the MSMEs in the most practical way that the agency developed the NBSDI to fill the capacity gap of the youth by enhancing their engagement in productive ventures.
“The NBSDI enhances youth engagement in productive ventures, thereby ensuring they earn income through filling the artisanal gap in Nigeria,” the DG said.
Fasanya said that after the training, the participants would be empowered with equipment and materials to start their chosen businesses or improve them.
MSMEs account for the majority of the enterprises in Nigeria and the highest number of jobs created in the economy.
The state Commissioner for Commerce, Alhaji Ibrahim Mukhtar, urged the participants to develop a passion for the vocation they chose to learn.
Mukhtar said the training was coming at a time when Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje had lined up many programs and policies to create jobs.
According to him, the entrepreneurs will be employers of labour, rather than employees.
One of the beneficiaries, Amina Sani, lauded SMEDAN for exposing them to modern skills.
She urged the government to patronize their various businesses to enable them to succeed.(NAN)
MNT/IA
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman
Agriculture

FG moves to regulate manufacture, sales of Agro-chemicals

FG moves to regulate manufacture, sales of Agro-chemicals

Agro-chemicals

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Kano, July 25, 2022(NAN)The Federal Government says it is working with relevant National Assembly Committees on Agriculture to have a framework to ensure sanity in the agro-chemicals or pesticides business in the country.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Abubakar, disclosed this during market sensitisation workshop organised for dealers and stakeholders of Agro-chemicals (Plants Pesticides) on use and sales of agrochemicals on Monday at Sabon-Gari Market, Kano.

Represented by The Director, Farm Inputs Support Services Department, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Abba Bashir, said that the new draft or harmonised Bill was set to regulate manufacture, importation, distribution, sales and improve quality of Fertilisers and Plant pesticides and other agricultural inputs in Nigeria.

He said that the initiative was to stem the rejection of Nigeria’s agricultural products and produce in international markets.

Abubakar said that the practice had rendered “our food unsafe and causing a variety of health hazards and economic loses to our people and country.’’

According to him, this negates the Federal Government’s plan to prioritize agriculture as one of the key sectors in diversifying the economy.

“Our agricultural produce has suffered in the last few years from rejection in the international markets due to poor adherence to standards and maintenance of required quality,” he explained.

The minister noted that the sensitisation was also organised to broaden the knowledge and create further awareness among farmers and order stakeholders across Nigeria.

According to him, the ministry has commence registration of all agrochemical & fertiliser dealers to ensure that farmers and other inputs end users buy fertilisers and agrochemicals from reputable and accredited dealers only for safety and quality assurance.

Earlier, the zonal coordinator federal ministry of Agriculture, Abbagana Yamani, said that government was doing everything to reverse the trend, adding that the sensitization organised to enlighten and create further awareness among farmers across and agrochemicals dealers in Nigeria.

He said that Nigeria s agricultural commodities were being rejected in the international market due to poor quality arising from contaminations due to misuse of the chemicals.

He urged the participants to take the training serious and pass the knowledge to orders.

Alhaji Kabiru Umar, the President of Northwest Agro Input Dealers Association (NAIDA) said the association was collaborating with the ministry in sensitising it’s members the on the Initiative.

Umar said it had become imperative for the ministry to sensitise farmers and dealers against the misuse of agrochemicals because of its prevailing health implications.

He advised that the sensitization be made more elaborate using the mass media (print and electronic media), as well as wider coverage of markets/farmers associations to promote the awareness campaign

One of the participants, Ali Hamza, lauded the FMARD for workshop and promised to educate his business partners on proper use of Agrochemicals.(NAN)

MNT/EAL

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

General news

Shippers’ Council unveils new operational manual for Inland Dry Ports

Manual

By Muhammad Nur Tijani-07033856019

Kano, July 21, 2022 (NAN) The Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), on Thursday in Kano, unveiled operational manual for Inland Dry Ports to enhance efficiency at the ports across the country.

The Executive Secretary of the Council, Mr Emmanuel Jime, who spoke at the official launching of the manual, said it would address operational gaps, boost transparency and accountability in the sector.

He said the operational manual which would be launched in Kano, Porthacourt and Lagos respectively would provide detailed processes and procedures for the main activities of the Inland Dry Ports.

“The strategic importance of producing the manual which articulates the step-by-step procedures for receiving, storing, handling and delivery of cargoes as well as highlighting the operations, the responsibilities of agencies and timeline for discharging such tasks was sine-quanon,” he said.

Represented by Director Inland Transport Service, Philip Eduwa, Jime said the operators and the regulators are compelled to abide with the operational processes as contained in the manual.

The NSC boss explained that activities in the operational manual include, container import by rail, container export by rail, container import by truck, container export by truck, customs controls and empty container storage.

Jime said the manual specifically describes functions and activities of the dry ports, lay out design and align dry ports operations to international best practices.

According to Jime, the manual will be used as a measure of performance by the regulator and will be subjected to future review.

He said the Ports projects were conceived as part of Federal Government’s reform programmes in the transport sector to promote efficient transportation and to engender trade facilitation.

Jime said the Federal Executive Council granted approval for the establishment of Inland Dry Ports in March, 2006 at six locations across the country.

He listed the ports to include Isiala-Ngwa in Abia; Erunmu in Oyo, Heipang in Plateau, Funtua in Katsina State, Maiduguri in Borno, and Dala Dry Port in Kano State, which would soon be commissioned.

The executive secretary restates the commitment of the agency and Federal  Ministry of Transport in providing the enabling environment for dry port projects nationwide to operate optimally.

Earlier, the representative of Minister of Transport, Ewoche Victor, a Deputy Director in the ministry, said the projects were developed through Public Private Partnership using the build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) model.

He saidthe manual was based on best international practices adapted to local context, but not fully customised for each dry port and each port would have its own specialties.

The minister noted that effective operations of a dry port requires seamless coordination between the seaport and other key stakeholders involved in port operations.

He described the launching of the manual as a milestone to fast track development and operations of IDP projects in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

MNT/OIF/RSA

=============
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Rabiu Sani-Ali

General news

Mixed reactions trail late night ban on tricycle operations in Kano

Ban

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Kano, July 19, 2022 (NAN) Some residents of Kano on Tuesday expressed mixed feelings about the ban on late-night operations by commercial tricycle riders by the Kano State government.

The state government issued a statement on Monday banning the operations of commercial tricycles after 10 p.m., as part of security measures.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano, some residents commended the directive while others advised the state government to rescind its decision.

Malam Sani Lawal of Gwamaja Quarters described the restriction as punishment for many for the sins of a few people.

Ado Saleh, a commercial motorcycle operator resident at Unguwa-Uku, said the restriction would affect many commuters’ source of livelihood, because many work night shifts.

According to Saleh, travellers going into the state in night buses will be affected.

Shade Moses, a resident of Sabon-Gari, stated that the restriction would have adverse effect on residents living in remote areas of the state capital and other parts of the state.

Bala Muhammad, who resides at Dakata area of Kano, described the directive as a step in the right direction.

According to him, many lives have been lost to the activities of some criminals, who used tricycles to perpetrate evil.

Another resident of Hausawa area of the state capital, Aminu Isa, said the restriction would curb the destruction of lives and property by criminal gangs using commercial tricycles at night.

Labaran Aliyu, a civil servant, commended the state government for the restriction, saying it would reduce rampant cases of phone-snatching and other crimes.

Aliyu said he lost a family member to criminals posing as commercial tricycle operators in the state capital one night.

He called on other states to emulate the Kano State government as the 2023 general elections approach. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

MNT/FLP/ALLI

============

Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Alli Hakeem

 

General news

Rainstorm destroys FIIRO’s lab, tomatoes plant in Kano

Rainstorm destroys FIIRO’s lab, tomatoes plant in Kano
Rainstorm
By Muhammad Nur Tijani
Kano, July 19, 2022 (NAN) The Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) has appealed to Kano State Government to repair it’s Northwest zonal office which was damaged by rainstorm.
The Director-General of the institute, Dr Jummai Tutuwa, made the appeal while conducting newsmen round the office on Monday in Kano.
She said that the rooftop of its new central laboratory and tomatoes processing plant were affected by the storm.
Tutuwa, who was accompanied by board members of the institute, said that the damage ran into millions of naira.
According to her, the institute has no capacity to immediately fix the damage.
She, therefore, urged Kano State Government to assist in repairing the damaged portion of the office.
Tutuwa explained that the institute utilised local raw materials to accelerate growth in food and agro allied processing.
The FIIRO boss added that the tomatoes processing plant was established in Kano to reduce post harvest loses being recorded by farmers in the state.
Also, Chief Ajayi Nicholas, Chairman, Business and Investment Committee of FIIRO, called on members of the National Assembly from the state to intervene due to the importance of the facilities to the state.
He said the institute was established to conduct and promote market-driven research and development for the industrialisation and socio-economic development of the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that heavy storm that accompanied Wednesday’s rainfall caused havoc in some parts of Kano.
The rain, which started at midnight, came with heavy wind that fell trees and blew off roofs of houses.(NAN)
MNT/MZA/IA
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed/Idris Abdulrahman
General news

Eid: Ganduje urges Muslims to pray for end to security challenge

 

Prayers
By Muhammad Nur Tijani
Kano, July 9, 2022 (NAN) Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State , has urged Muslim faithful to use the El-el-Kabir to pray for divine intervention toward ending security challenges bedeviling the country.
Ganduje made the call while speaking with newsmen shortly after the  Eid prayers at Kofar-Mata prayer ground in Kano on Saturday.
He urged the people not to despair and miss the essence and meaning of the Eid-el-Kabir festivities and the divine succor it brought.
The governor stated that government would not condone any act that could possibly result in loss of lives and property.
Ganduje congratulated the Muslim faithful across Nigeria for witnessing another Eid-el-Kabir, reminding them not to forget the lessons of obedience to Allah.
“As we mark the festivities, let us remember the sacrifice and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim and always submit ourselves fully to the will of the Almighty and in service of all mankind,” he said.
‎In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zahradeen, admonished Muslims faithful to use good teachings of the Eid to promote love and brotherhood as well as live in peace and harmony with one another.‎(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MNT/COA/CHOM
==================
Edited by Constance Imasuen/Chioma Ugboma
General news

Eid-el-Kabir: Ban on Political rallies, posters at Eid ground still in force- Gov. Ganduje warns

Eid-el-Kabir: Ban on political rallies, posters at Eid ground still in force – Gov. Ganduje

Ban

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

 

Kano, July 9, 2022 (NAN) Kano State Government has reaffirmed that the ban on hiking up of posters and political rallies at  Eid praying grounds and other Sallah festivities like the traditional Hawan Daushe at the Emir’s Palace, was still in force.

This is contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba on Saturday in Kano.

According to the statement, such acts are not only distractions but also in violation of the Electoral Act.

He said Sallah festivities were not political but solely religious and cultural gatherings aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage where people of different political leanings and foreign visitors were in attendance.

The governor urged security agencies to take appropriate measures against persons breaching the prevailing peace and defying the festivities.(NAN)

MNT/IA

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

 

 

General news

Hajj, Umrah operators urge FG to review 2022 Hajj operations

 

Hajj

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Kano, July 8, 2022 (NAN) The Association for Hajj And Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has urged the Federal Government to urgently review the 2022 Hajj operations.

The National President of the Association, Alhaji Nasidi Sulaiman, made the call during a news conference on Friday in Kano.

Suleiman said that no fewer than  700  intending pilgrims who were supposed to travel to the Holy land for the 2022 pilgrimage were stranded in Kano, Abuja and Lagos.

“We appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria to as a matter of urgency set up a powerful and genuine panel to review this year’s Hajj activity from scratch.

“What happened is really pathetic in the history of Hajj Operation in the country, with the aim of restoring sanity into the future operations.

“Out of our 55 companies, 2,750 intending pilgrims deposited N1.2 million each to the NAHCON account.

“Therefore, we call on NAHCON to immediately start remitting the entire amount which is over N3 billion for onward disbursement to our clients,” he said.

SuIaiman also said that the review would restore sanity in future Hajj operations in the country.

The association urged the National Assembly to set up a committee to consider amending the NAHCON Act 2006 “so that all stakeholders, especially Tour Operators, will have important role to play in the system.”

“We hereby appeal to intending pilgrims that suffered avoidable stress and trauma due to the situation to accept our deep regrets and apologies.”(NAN)

MNT/MAM/VIV

=====

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Vivian Ihechu

 

General news

Respect tradition, culture of host communities, NYSC D-G tells corps members

Respect tradition, culture of host communities, NYSC D-G tell corps members

Call

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

07033856019

Kano, July 5, 2022 (NAN) The Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Muhammad Fadah, has charged the NYSC Batch B stream 1 Corps members to respect the cultures , norms and values of their host communities ,with the aim having a successful service year.

Fadah disclosed this on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of 2022 Batch B stream 1 orientation camp training at the permanent orientation Camp , Kusalla, Karaye Local Government Area of Kano state.

The D-G who was represented by the state coordinator of the scheme in Kano, Aisha Tata -Mohammad, enjoined the corps members to perform their duties with diligence and be guided the provisions of the NYSC Act and Bye-Laws.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 1,658 corps members will participate in the exercise.

The corps members consist of 1,376 males and 282 females.

The NYSC boss urged the corps members to be security conscious ,and should avoid any act that would endanger their lives,geared towards achieving the set objectives.

“You should avoid staying out late, attending night parties, visitation of dangerous places , and acceptance of car ride from strangers,” he advised.

He assured the corps members the commitment of the scheme in ensuring the security and general welfare.

The D-G appealed to the corps members to always maintained covid 19 protocols and should sensitize the public on the dangers of the Virus.

Fadah further warned the corps members against unauthorised journeys and night trips.

“I, therefore, advise you to always cut short your trips from six o’clock in the evening and pass the night at NYSC lodges, military barracks, and other locations officially designated as safe,” he said.

The director-general commended the state government, and the people of the state for the sustained moral support to the corps. (NAN)

MNT/VIV

===

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

 

 

 

 

 

Health

Coca-cola, Medshare donate N3bn equipment to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Coca-cola, Medshare donate N3bn equipment to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
Donation
By Muhammad Nur Tijani
Kano, July 1, 2022 (NAN) The Coca Cola company and its partner, Medshare, in collaboration with Federal Government, on Friday donated equipment worth N3 billion to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano under the Safe Birth Initiative (SBI).
The equipment and supplies were formally unveiled and handed over at a special event held at the Hospital in Kano.
At the handover ceremony, the Managing Director of Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Alfred Olajide, said the initiative was aimed at improving maternal outcomes and reducing child mortality incidents.
“The Safe Birth Initiative is a part of the company’s wellbeing Programme, to support the efforts of the government in reducing the alarming numbers of women and newborns who die from birth-related issues,” he explained.
Olajide restated Coca Cola’s commitment to upholding the health and well-being of women as pillars of the society.
Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, Director Public Affairs and Sustainability, said that through the SBI, the company wanted to support the untiring efforts of hard-working doctors, midwives and nurses.
She said the health workers battled against great odds in public hospitals to manage life-threatening complications affecting mothers and the newborn.
”The issue of maternal mortality is very important to us. Globally, Coca-Cola has a commitment to women whom we consider pillars of the society and also pillars of our business in Africa, where they have always played a dominant role in our vast distribution and retail network,” she said.
She said the equipment donated included anaesthetic machines, baby Incubators, ICU beds, Ultrasound and Auto Clev, among others.
Onyemelukwe added that company, with it’s partner had trained over 20,000 women and youths across the state on series of transformative skills and knowledge programmes.
The company also presented certificates to biomedical engineers trained by the company in collaboration with Medshare International USA.
Prof. Auwal Gajida,  the Chairman Medical Advisory Council of the hospital, who pledged judicious use of the items, commended the company for the gesture.
He said that the gesture would go a long way in improving maternal outcomes and reducing child mortality incidents.
“I commend and thank the management of Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited for these very wonderful initiative aimed at strengthening our capacity to address the issue of maternal and newborn mortality in Nigeria.
 “We are here today, receiving loads of medical equipment worth $720,000,” Gajida added.
Alhaji Ado Kurawa, District Head of Tarauni who represented the Emir of Kano, commended the companies for their efforts in reducing child mortality incidents.
He urged other companies and corporate organizations to emulate coca-cola.(NAN)
MNT/IA
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman