Ondo APC Guber Primary: Crisis Looms As Aspirants Raise Alarm, Allege Political Violence By Governor Aiyedatiwa

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March 1, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

With less than a month to the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship Primary in Ondo State, Aspirants under the ruling Party in the State have raised alarm over a possible political violence that would mar the primary.

No fewer than 20 Aspirants are vying to hoist the Party’s Flag and get the Ticket ahead of the Governorship Election scheduled for a later date in the year.

The Aspirants are alleging that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the State who is also vying for the ticket has been tormenting and intimidating other Aspirants’ supporters who he sees as threats to him. Thugs have reportedly destroyed billboards, and threatened other opponents and their supporters.

The Aspirants alleged that there is need for the APC leadership to wade into the crisis before Ondo State is turned into a theatre of war.

It was alleged that during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the State, supporters of Governor Aiyedatiwa intimidated other aspirants and even barred them from seeing the President, as they allegedly unleashed mayhem.

Speaking on behalf of the aspirants, a former Finance Commissioner in the state,Wale Akinterinwa said that his supporters and that of other governorship aspirants were attacked by thugs sponsored by those in Government.

A statement issued by Akinterinwa’s spokesperson, Segun Ajiboye, in Akure, said that “The thugs, who brazenly fired gun shots into the air to cause confusion, went on a destruction spree as they attacked property, while billboards of other gubernatorial aspirants were defaced, pull down or out rightly destroyed.

“Party members perceived to be loyal to all gubernatorial aspirants except to Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, sustained varied and diverse degree injuries resulting from the attacks unleashed on them. T-Shirts, faze caps and other insignia wore by members of the targeted aspirants were torn to shreds.

“The thugs who carried out the orchestrated attacks were armed with all sorts of dangerous weapons. It is sad to note that many of our supporters with deep cuts are in the hospitals receiving treatments at the moment.

” It is, however, surprising that no aspirant other than the governor was spared of the attacks.

“ Let me state here that the need for this press statement is not borne out of fear or inability to protect our supporters.

“We have the capacity to give adequate protection to all our members who have remained peaceful in the face of this dastardly attack.

Ajiboye said that “We are also not unaware of the overriding need to save our dear state from an ugly re-enactment of the dark days by those who harbor vaulting and mechanical ambition.

“At this juncture as members of the Wale Akinterinwa Campaign Organisation, we would also love to state that as responsible leaders and members of our party with genuine intentions to serve our dear people, we are unable and will not accept the imposition on the party members a regime of panic and fear in other to supplant popular participation in a democratic process aimed at emplacing accountable and responsive leadership.

“We, therefore, call on Mr President and the national chairman of the APC to prevail on Mr Governor to halt the use of thugs to advance his political interest. The field is wide enough for everyone to operate.

“Also, we urge all security agencies to not only to be on red alert against future occurrence but also ensure that those who carried out these dastardly attacks are apprehended and brought to books to serve as deterrent to others who may be emboldened by this barbaric act.

However, debunking the claims of Akinterinwa and other Aspirants, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said that the governor has directed the security agencies to arrest those who attacked supporters of the governorship aspirants and pulled down their billboards.

Adeniyan noted that the governor has equally asked the security agencies to prosecute the political thugs.

According to him” The attention of Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has been drawn to reports of alleged attacks on some persons and destruction of campaign materials in the wake of the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the State on Wednesday.

“The governor says his administration will not tolerate any form of violence that is capable of threatening the peace and tranquillity of the State.

“As the Governor has said repeatedly, any political campaign that disturbs the peace in the State is unacceptable and must be met with the decisive actions of law enforcement agencies.

“It is pertinent to make it clear that nobody associated with the Governor or the government of Ondo State was involved in any of the reported activities ascribed to “political thugs” during the President’s visit to Owo and Akure.

“The governor has therefore asked law enforcement agencies in the State to arrest and prosecute anyone found to be engaged in such violent activities.

Adeniyan added that “The governor urges politicians and their followers to ensure that their campaigns are issue based, devoid of blackmail, spreading falsehood, inciting the public and intimidating opponents”.

Ekiti Council Of Elders Urges Labour To Dialogue With Government, Flays Calls For Military Take Over

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Ayodele Oni

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March 1, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Coming a day after President Bola Tinubu cried out over incessant strike and protest by the organized labour since the administration took over, the Ekiti Council of Elders has appealed to Nigerians and the Labour Force to be circumspect in their approach to the economic situation of the country at the moment.

Rising from its meeting in Ado Ekiti, the Elders’ Council enjoined the Labour force to engage more in dialogue with the government in finding solution to the long standing economic and security quagmire that has been the bane of the development of our country.

It condemned calls for military takeover to destabilize the government of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement in Ado-Ekiti by its President, Prof. Joseph Oluwasanmi and Secretary, Elder Niyi Ajibulu said that patriotic Nigerians will resist attempts to destabilize the nation.

The council appealed to President Tinubu to expedite actions in resolving the economic hardship in the country while appealing to Nigerians to be patient with the government to resolve the issues.

The statement reads: “Rising from an emergency meeting, the Ekiti Council of Elders acknowledges the pains Nigerians are currently going through.

“The council is worried that Nigerians should go through this difficult and throat-cutting economic condition when they had hoped that the present administration was coming to ease their long-standing pains.

“However, the Elders appeal to Nigerians to be patient with the government to fix the accumulated problems bedevilling the country’s economy and security.

“Further, the Elders’ Council enjoins the Labour force to engage more in dialogue with the government in finding solution to the long standing economic and security quagmire that has been the bane of the development of our country.

“The Council therefore appeals to Nigerians and the Labour Force to be circumspect in their approach to the economic situation of the country at the moment.

“The Elders condemn in very strong terms the unguarded utterances of some Nigerians which are not only undermining the revered office of the President, but also inciting and a subtle call for illegal change of government. Such careless utterances can cause anarchy and set the country many years back.

“The council appeals to the Yoruba to be weary of the antics of some ethnic bigots whose hidden agenda is to subvert and discredit the Yoruba as a never do well in governance so as to get through the back door what they failed to achieve through the ballots.

“The body cautions any monarch or prominent figures who by their actions or utterances are unpatriotic or suggesting a “military takeover”, warning that, genuinely patriotic Yoruba and Nigerians will resist any attempt to destabilize the nation.

“The body, appeals to President Tinubu to expedite actions in resolving the economic nightmare that is making life unbearable to most Nigerians.

“The council commends the President for adopting the Oronsaye Report of 2012 and urges him not to waste time in addressing other pressing national matters like the State Police and other restructuring issues.”

Appeal Court Affirms Conviction Of Gombe Fmr Auditor General For Local Governments

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Ayodele Oni

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March 1, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The hope of the former Auditor General for Local Government in Gombe state, Idris Yahaya to regain freedom has been dashed as Gombe Division of the Court of Appeal, upheld his conviction.

Yahaya had earlier been convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment last year by Justice Muhammad Lawu Lawan of the Yobe State High Court.

He was arraigned by the Maiduguri Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), on one count of criminal misappropriation of money to the tune of over N19 million.

Yahaya received funds from the Office of the Auditor General for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Yobe State, for the purchase of an official vehicle, a 2015 Toyota Corolla, and diverted part of the money to his personal use.

The lone count reads: ”That you, Yahaya Lawal Idris, being the Auditor General for Local Government, Yobe State, between the 20th to 21st day of May, 2017 at Damaturu, Yobe State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, received the sum of N19,900,000.00 via your personal account number 1001480930 with account name Alhaji Yahaya Idris domiciled in United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) from the Local Government Audit Account Number 5030030060 domiciled in Fidelity Bank Plc.

“This fund was meant for the purchase of a brand new Toyota Corolla 2015 Model, and did dishonestly misappropriated the gross sum of N10,100,000.00 (Ten Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira) only.”

However, dissatisfied with the judgment, Yahaya approached the appellate court, where he raised five grounds of appeal and prayed the court to set aside the judgment of Justice Lawan.

While arguing against the appeal, counsel to the EFCC, Mukhtar Ali prayed the court to uphold the judgment of the lower court and dismiss the appeal on the grounds that “the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubts.”

Delivering judgment on Thursday, the three-man panel led by Hon. Justice A.A B Gumel, upheld the conviction of Yahaya and unanimously dismissed the appeal and consequently affirmed the judgment of the trial court.

Insecurity: Matawalle Urges Intensive Onslaught Against Banditry In Northwest

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Ayodele Oni

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March 1, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has called for Intensified Operations against Terrorists and Bandits in the northwest region of the country.

In a statement signed by the Director Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike on Friday, in Abuja, the minister explained that the call was against the backdrop of incessant insecurity occasioned by the activities of terrorists and bandits in the zone.

According to Matawalle, the activities of bandits have increased over time especially in Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states, which led to attacks on personnel and loss of lives and destruction of military hardware.

Consequently, the Minister directed the Nigerian Military to adopt a more proactive approach in decimating the activities of bandits and in dealing with insecurity in those states as he emphasized the need for synergy amongst the Services to be able to wipe out insurgency and other form criminalities in the region.

He stressed the urgency of these operations, stating, that: “The safety and well-being of our citizens remain paramount, and it is imperative that decisive action be taken to curb the menace of terrorism and banditry in our communities.”

Highlighting the significance of these operations beyond just security, Dr. Matawalle underscored their role in fostering a conducive environment for agricultural activities to strive.

“Enhanced security in the region will not only safeguard the lives and properties of our people but also improve the quality of farming and irrigation. Farmers will be able to cultivate their lands without fear of attacks, thus ensuring food security and economic prosperity for the region.”

The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government in tackling insecurity head-on and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.

He called for cooperation from stakeholders, urging communities to support security agencies in their efforts to rid the region of criminal elements.

CBN: World Bank Wiz, Eke Rejects Tinubu’s Appointment As Apex Bank Board Member

By

James Orji

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February 29, 2024

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Urum Eke, a World Bank consultant has rejected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment as a member of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Board.

He was supposed to be confirmed alongside other four members appointed by the president on Thursday by the Nigerian Senate.

The president had, on February 13, forwarded the names of Eke and four others for confirmation as members of the board for the CBN.

But speaking during the confirmation exercise today, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu stated that Eke has called him to reject the offer.

The senatir informed his colleagues that his appointment will conflict with his job at the Breton woods United States of America based bank.

Facts About Eke

Born on November 20, 1964, Eke attended the Comprehensive Secondary School, Aba and Government College, Umuahia, the state capital, for his West African School Certificate and Higher School Certificate respectively.

He obtained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Lagos in 1985.

Afterwards, Eke earned his Master in Business Administration in Projects Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri in 2008.

The 59-year-old is an Alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School and the Wharton Business School, amongst others.

Eke is a recipient of Nigeria’s National Order of Merit and

National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.

He began his career in 1986 with Deloitte Haskins & Sells International as a senior auditor till 1991.

Eke further went on to serve as an Executive Director at Diamond Bank Plc for 19 years from 1992 – 2011.

Eke, a consummate financial services expert, is a former Group Managing Director at First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc.

He also served as a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of FBN Limited and FBN Merchant Bank Limited.

In 2017, he was appointed to the board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (Sovereign Wealth Fund) and served until 2021.

Eke is the Executive Chairman, Fairchild Group which comprises Fairchild Capital Ltd, Fairchild Base Investment Ltd, Fairchild Ventures Ltd, among others.

He is also the Chairman, Board of Directors of NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, a foremost cancer treatment centre in West Africa.

Eke has over 35 years of experience in financial services covering auditing, business assurance, consulting, amongst others.

Meanwhile , the Senate has confirmed the appointment of four other members of the Board of Directors of the CBN – Robert Agbede; Ado Yakubu Wanka; Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi and Mrs. Muslimat Olanike Aliyu.

THE PUNCH

Soyinka To Tinubu: Restructure Now, Stop Taking Nigerians For A Ride

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James Orji

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February 29, 2024

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Prof. Wole Soyinka, says Nigeria must restructure to move forward and overcome its current challenges.

The Nobel Laureate disclosed this on Thursday at the Punch Nigeria Ltd 50th Anniversary Lecture titled “Recovering the Narrative at Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Soyinka spoke a day after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said he needed time to restructure the country.

President Tinubu had told Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, during a visit to Ondo state on Wednesday that the country needed to be fixed first before restructuring.

Tinubu had been a frontline advocate of restructuring as opposition leader for many years.

The former Lagos state governor has suddenly developed cold feet since he became president, those watching his administration said, wondering whether the pecks of office has made him changed his mind.

Speaking today on the issue, Soyinka stated that it would amount to “taking” Nigerians for “a ride” the refusal to restructure the country.

Soyinka demand for an immediate action to restructure the country, adding it is necessary for “nation being.”

According to him: “It is about time that leaders of these nation stopped taking us for a ride.

“Do we actually have to go through surrogates, dismantling empires in order to come to fulfilment.

“Decentralise simply so that government can come closer to the people and productivity ability manifested as a product of citizens, not simply as a manna from heaven,

“Let me state quite clearly that no one has ever claimed that fecentralisation – a precise word I personally prefer – will end hunger in the land or terminate religious conflicts and other forms of national malaise, no.

“We simply insist that this is central to the incomplete mission of – nation-being.

”it is essential to activities of basic existence such as food production, and access to such products. Palliatives remain crude, short term, stop- gap measures only,” he said.

CBN: Hiking Interest Rate Is Counterproductive, Obi Hits Cardoso

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James Orji

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February 29, 2024

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Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election has criticised the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for increasing the interest rate.

The monetary policy rate, MPR, was increased during the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting on Wednesday.

The magazine reports that the Yemi Cardoso-led CBN raised the interest rate by 400 basic points to 22. 75 per cent from 18.75 percent.

According to Obi, the hike in the interest rate will worsen the economic situation in the country.

He explained that the decision will also lead to huge job loses, adding that the policy is counterproductive, in the sense that it will not affect money supply in the economy.

In a statement the LP party presidential candidate posted on his X handle today, Obi said the “manufacturing and other sectors” will be worse hit by the CBN decision.

He said: “I am of the strong opinion that the recent decision of the Monetary Policy Committee to increase the onetary policy rate (MPR) to 22.5% and the cash reserve ratio (CRR) to 45% will further worsen the economic situation of most Nigerian households as it is bound to cause more job losses in the productive sector, especially manufacturing and other sectors that rely on bank loans and credit facilities for their funding needs.

“Tightening liquidity in the financial system does not improve productivity, ie food production, which is the major cause of inflation in Nigeria.

“Moreover, only about 12% of N3.6 trillion of the total money in circulation is in the banking system which means that 88%, about N3.2 trillion is outside the banking system.

“So, this measure would rather be counterproductive as it would not address the intended purpose of managing the money supply.

“These new measures will worsen the fragile economy as the supply of funds would dry up for the real sector, and the new MPR rate hike will push the interest rate on loans to above 30%, which would be very difficult for the real sector operators especially manufacturers and SMEs to repay; resulting, obviously, in increased bad loans, and worsening the nation’s economic situation.”

Zamfara Benefits From Education Intervention By UNICEF, UBEC

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Ayodele Oni

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February 29, 2024

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Dauda Lawal - Zamfra State Governor — Governor Dauda Lawal

By Ayodele Oni

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Abuja and United Nations Children Education Fund, (UNICEF) are collaborating to remove Zamfara from states tagged as educationally disadvantaged states in the country.

To this end, the two bodies have provided teaching and learning materials for 250 public primary and junior secondary schools in the state.

Flagging off the distribution of the materials, in Gusau, Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Dauda Lawal said that education is a top priority of his administration’s six smart agenda adding that education is the foundation of civilisation.

A statement by the spokesperson of the governor, Sulaiman Idris, revealed that the materials were provided by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Abuja and UNICEF.

According to the statement, the items to be distributed were for 250 beneficiary schools, and it comprise 242,176 Textbooks for different grades, 200 Play Materials for ECCDE, 25 ECCDE Tables & Chairs, 8,210 Library materials resources, and 35 UNICEF (NLP) focus schools for solar power equipment.

Governor Lawal said that Zamfara, an educationally disadvantaged state in Nigeria, will continue to require support and engagement from national and international partners to advance education in the state.

“I am delighted to be at this significant event of distributing reading materials to students in our basic education subsector. This gesture is one of the many interventions that Zamfara State benefits from.

“We are overhauling 60 secondary schools across the state under the World Bank Assisted Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA).

“Each local government area has six secondary schools undergoing renovation, while the state capital, Gusau, has eight

“The education emergency declared in the state is not limited to only basic and secondary education but also tertiary-level education.

“Provision of new facilities and rehabilitation of old ones is ongoing in all tertiary institutions across the state.

“Today’s event is a step in the right direction at the right time. It complements our efforts to provide Zamfara with qualitative and equitable education to liberate our people from ignorance and poverty.

“UNICEF’s noble objectives of promoting literacy and educational opportunities for students and learners in the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP) initiative, aimed at facilitating learning both within and outside the classrooms, are commendable”

The governor further disclosed steps his government took to settle the backlog of WAEC and NECO debts owed by the previous administrations of the state.

“We are reviving education at all levels to give meaning to the lives of our young people. Today, our students are writing both WAEC and NECO examinations like their counterparts across the country, leading to timely result releases.

“We have negotiated with the examination bodies and began settlement of liabilities inherited due to the failure of the past regimes to meet this basic requirement.”

Harsh Economic Situation: Governor Yusuf Blames Immorality In The Land

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The Source

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February 29, 2024

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Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has decried the erosion of societal values and the descent to immorality among many in Kano state .

This is just as he has solicited the continued support, advise and understanding of the State’s religious leaders in his efforts to pilot the affairs of Kano.

Governor Yusuf who, like his Jigawa counterpart just returned from the Islamic Holy Land, spoke on Thursday February 29 2024, during a meeting with members of the Kano state Council of Ulamas at the Government House.

The Governor blamed the excruciating difficulties being faced by the citizenry partly on the high level of immorality in the land.

“Committing sins is part of the reasons our people and country are in this difficult situation. Immorality has taken the place of morality and as a responsible Government we can not continue to tolerate the ugly situation. Ulamas (Islamic Scholars and preachers ) are no longer respected to the extent that people will go on Radio and other Media platforms to abuse them.

Kano is well known for upholding high moral values and religious beliefs and as such will no longer allow our cherished values to be freely eroded ” Governor Yusuf declared.

The Kano State Governor while appealing to the religious leaders for advise and guidance , revealed that efforts are being made by his administration to improve their welfare and the conditions of most the Jummat Mosques and other worship centres in the state ,adding that the major reason for the parley with the Ulamas is to seek their support, regular advice and blessings .

He assured that his administration will be amenable to constructive criticisms, that can help in taking kano to a greater height.

More importantly, Governor Yusuf urged the Islamic scholars to preach against societal ills and ensure that Nigerian leaders at all levels are committed in to the hands of God.

Responding on behalf of the Islamic preachers Chief Imam of the popular Sheikh Amadu Tijjani Mosque in Kofar Mata area of Kano Metropolis, Sheikh Nasir Adam appreciated the Governor for his recognition of their roles in the development of the society, promising to lend their unalloyed support to the quest of the administration for a better society.

Scarcity Of Essential Commodities: Jigawa Embarks On All-Year-Round Farming

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The Source

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February 29, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In an effort to boost food sufficiency amidst the current scarcity of essential commodities in the country, the Jigawa state Government has announced plans to start an all year round farming system.

The scheme which will entail engagement in both rainy and dry seasons mass production of essential food crops, will be woven around the Maigatari area and Sahel parts of the state.

Governor Umar Namadi, just back from his economic mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at an interactive session on Thursday February 29 2024 in Dutse the state capital revealed that several foreign investors have bought in to the idea and are set to partner with the state in investing in Dry season farming in addition to the usual Raining season exercise.

A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant SSA to the Governor on Media Affairs Hajia Zainab Rabo Ringim, noted that the all year round farming which will be powered by an actively functional irrigation system is geared towards ensuring food sufficiency in the state and beyond.

” Some of the proposals bother on the need to introduce irrigation services where there are none by way of providing mini Dams sporadically, as well as boreholes” the statement stated.

To ensure ready markets for the agricultural produce, Govenor Namadi said plans are under way to upgrade and expand existing local markets within Maigatari and environs ,adding that already the area is playing host to the largest cattle and animal businesses in the West African sub region.

The Jigawa state Governor assured of putting all required measures in place for standard and quality packaging of agricultural produce with a view to boosting value chain and competitiveness at the international market.

According to Governor Namadi, the Maigatari Free Trade Zone located within the fringes of Nigeria/Niger border is already a key economic asset to Jigawa,with potentials to increase its foreign earnings, as well as support the State’s ambitious economic development agenda.