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Ami Reuben

One of the leaders of the Arewa Youth who was among leaders of the end bad governance protests in Nigeria, Ambassador Abdul Danbature has disclosed how he was offered the sum of $50,000 to blackmail the Minister of State for defence Bello Matawalle which he turned down.

Danbature who is the Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) said, the offer which is coming from outside the country wass extended to him through one of their agent in Nigeria.

According to him, the offer is for him to engage in a two months two weeks of constant attack through press conferences, issuance of press releases on the person and personality of Bello Matawalle.

” They offered me $50,000 to blackmail the Minister of State for defence Bello Matawalle, and to tarnish his image and cordial working relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the good people of Zamfara State.

” Infact, the Terrorists kingpin Bello Turji who came out recently in a viral video where he made unsubstantiated allegations against the Minister was offered same amount to carry out such hatchet job” he further disclosed.

Ambassador Danbature said, the Youths which he represents are committed to good governance and leadership and will not in any form allow themselves to be given to any form of gratification for image slandering and blackmail of any government personality, individual or organization.

He said, he is forced to speak out because there are individuals who are committed to tarnishing images of personalities for political interests, while calling on Youths to beware of such individuals and avoid their antics and manipulations.

” For me, the Minister of State for defence Bello Matawalle is a good man who gave his best as Governor of Zamfara State and currently contributing in no small measure to stabilizing the security situation in the country.

” I therefore wish to use this medium to call on all and sundry that I cannot, neither can our group be used to malign any body in an attempt to settle political scores” he stressed.

ENDS

By Mike Odoh

The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) said they are now ready to dialogue with the Federal Government and have the governor between now and the end of next week to initiate the dialogue process or will be left with no option than to return back to the streets in protest.

Speaker of the AYAGL, Ambassador Andul Danbature who is one of the organizers of the protest stated this in a telephone conversation shortly after he appeared on Channels Television to give more insight into the protest and it’s suspension.

According to him, “We started this movement because we want to express our grievances and anger and the need for the federal government to meet our needs.

“Some of our demands include;, the return back of fuel subsidy, creation of employment opportunities for youths, stoppage of payment to ex governors , relocation of all service Chiefs to North West to address insecurity holistically
dress insecurity holistically and reversal of harsh government policies among several others”.

“We however commended the Federal Government for calling for dialogue which we have agreed to because the peaceful protest which we started has been hijacked by hoodlums which is not part of our plans and that is why we have suspended the protest to take the part of dialogue with the government.

“Our major problem is the removal of fuel subsidy and naira inflation which has affected poor masses and resulted in unemployment. There is no single development on ground that will benefit the poor masses directly, all we know is that money is being released from the federation account to the National Assembly and also to the governors.

“When we started this movement, we sensitize the youths to understand that our major problem is the governors who sit on allocations from the federal government. We also engaged our coordinator at the local government to engage the governors.

“We are ready to dialogue with the Federal government on our demands and we are giving the government between now and next week, in which failure to do so, we will return back to the streets and.continue the protest” he stressed.

ENDS

By Comrade Martins

Extreme weather and climate change have worsened Africa’s food insecurity, especially in Nigeria, where oil dependency and other socio-economic factors further strain the food ecosystem. Transforming the agricultural sector is crucial to meeting these challenges, and the cassava value chain offers a viable solution for combating hunger, improving livelihoods, and sustaining the rural economy.

Cassava, a perennial woody shrub with an edible root, was first cultivated in South America and introduced to Nigeria in the sixteenth century. It is a major staple food for millions across the globe and was introduced to Nigeria in the sixteenth century. With Nigeria producing about 63 million tonnes in 2022 (FAO 2022), there’s still a 24 million tonnes deficit in meeting domestic demand. Issues like low farm yields, inadequate land management, poor storage and transportation, pests, diseases, and limited access to improved varieties hinder cassava production.

Despite government efforts over the years, the supply hasn’t kept pace with the growing demand.

To address these challenges, Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited, the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and CEMUOA Limited have been collaborating since 2020 on the Building an Economically Sustainable and Integrated Cassava Seed System (BASICS II) project. As part of the program activities, Demand Creation Trials (DCT) are set up in Akwa Ibom State to increase farmers’ and processors’ awareness of adopting high-quality cassava varieties to improve production, increase food security, and promote sustainability in Nigeria.

On 17 July 2024, this partnership hosted a Farmers’ Field Day event at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Mr. Emmanuel Ameh, Programme Analyst at Sahel Consulting, highlighted the importance of showcasing high-quality cassava varieties to stakeholders and the use of DCT as an evidence-based tool for making informed decisions on the sustainability of cassava varieties.

A critical success factor for this initiative is the active engagement and investment from private sector partners. Mrs. Caroline Udom, Executive Director of CEMUOA Limited, emphasized the success of this collaboration in providing smallholder farmers with improved cassava seedlings.

‘It has been a satisfying experience working with Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Limited. With better cassava varieties and superior seeds, CEMUOA Limited can easily achieve more. With what we’ve accomplished here, we’ll go back and multiply the seeds to ensure that our farmers have unimpeded access to high-quality and improved seeds over the course of the next five to six farming seasons.’’ Mrs. Caroline Udom, Executive Director of CEMUOA Limited.

Mr. Uche ThankGod Oche, Senior Researcher Supervisor of the Cassava Breeding Unit at IITA, praised the DCT as a crucial tool for integrating cassava breeding into Nigeria’s seed system activities. He emphasized the importance of strategic innovation and collaboration for food sustainability in Nigeria.

“How to feed Nigeria’s constantly expanding population is one of the country’s most urgent issues. It is therefore revolutionary to adopt the DCT approach in the production and processing of cassava.

Collaboration with regional processors, such as CEMUOA Limited in Uyo, was essential to proving the effectiveness of the many cassava varieties used in the Basic II (DCT) initiative”.

Mrs. Theresa Akpan, President of Women Link Agro International Commission, shared how the DCT project has transformed cassava farming for women in Uyo. She reported that since the group’s founding in 2018, they have never seen such success. The introduction of high-yield varieties like Ayaya and Baba 70 has increased cassava yield and allowed women farmers to better support their families and communities.

The Demand Creation Trails are raising awareness and adoption of high-quality cassava varieties, serving as a vital decision tool for breeders, seed producers, and farmers. Sahel Consulting is dedicated to transforming Nigeria’s agriculture and nutrition landscape, ensuring food security and sustainable development for all.

Join us in this mission and help build a resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria. Reach out to learn more about our initiatives!

By Chioma Ambrose

As the ongoing nationwide protests enters the fourth day, prominent stakeholders within the government and private sectors in the four walls of Nigeria who are patriotic and optimistic about the progress of this country political and socio-economic structures have continued to plea with the youths to shelves their swords.

One among these dignified epitomes is a Real Estate Serial Entrepreneur with decades of successful experiences, Chief Executive Officer of MYK Limited Alhaji Abubakar Mayaki who is calling on the youths to renounces their fate towards the protest.

Speaking to Journalists on Sunday, Alhaji Mayaki said “As a real estate entrepreneur, I understand the frustrations and challenges faced by Nigeria’s youth. However, I strongly advise against resorting to nationwide protests, which can lead to destruction of property, loss of lives, and economic instability.

“Instead, I encourage the youths to channel their energy into constructive dialogue with the Federal government to provide entrepreneurship, and community development platforms for direct benefits.

” Though, I understand that there is economic challenges causing skyrocketed inflation, epileptic electric supply, hunger and poverty but Let’s work together to build a better Nigeria through innovative solutions, job creation, and collaborative governance.

“Remember, our collective future is brighter when we build, not destroy. Let’s focus on creating opportunities, promoting peace, and driving progress for all Nigerians.”

The Innovator tasked on all tiers of government to listen to the concerns and demands of the protesting youths, and engage in open and honest dialogue to understand their perspectives.

According to him the government should address unemployment and economic empowerment by implementing policies and programs to create jobs, promote entrepreneurship, and support small businesses to address economic challenges.

He said ” improve education and skills development to enhance access to quality education, vocational training, and skills development programs to equip youths for the future.

“Ensure good governance and accountability by demonstrating transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs, and tackle corruption and mismanagement.

“Provide mental health support by offering access to mental health services and support to address the emotional and psychological well-being of youths.

Alhaji Mayaki tasked the government to foster inclusivity and diversity to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities for all, regardless of ethnicity, religion or socio-economic background.

He said ” Address security concerns to ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly youths, and address issues like police brutality and extortion.

Meanwhile, the Serial Entrepreneur commended the Nigerian Police Force and other security personnel for their professionalism and restraint during the the ongoing protests.

“Your commitment to maintaining peace and order while respecting the rights of citizens to express themselves is truly commendable. Your actions demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of protecting human rights and upholding the principles of democracy. By not resorting to harmful tactics, you have shown that it is possible to maintain security without compromising the safety and well-being of citizens.

“We recognize that your role is crucial in ensuring the stability and security of our nation, and we appreciate your dedication to serving and protecting the people of Nigeria as your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we encourage you to continue upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”

After hoodlums yesterday burnt down a government agency; looted and destroyed properties worth millions in State, Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani swift into action to hold meetings and consult with security agencies and citizens to avoid escalation of violence.

The planned peaceful protest against bad governance held in Kaduna yesterday turned violent, leaving no fewer than 3 youths dead and many other protesters injured.

However,the swift consultations made by Governor to stop the palpable tension stirred up by violent protests and impending mayhem appeared to have yielded results with the visible relative normalcy that has returned on the day-two of the protest.

Our Correspondent who took a tour round the metropolis today , observed that the relative calm could be linked to the deliberate efforts my by Governor Uba Sani ,who immediately meet with security agencies and embarked on wide consultations with opinion leaders as well as stakeholders to avoid further breach of peace and fall out of Kano situations.

Though Some residents out of fear of further breach public peace and destruction of properties had called for 24-hour curfew to be imposed on the state ,but Governor Uba Sani had allayed the fear of the residents,with an assurance that situation is under control in the state.

The Governor, who posted on his social media handle yesterday allayed the fears. Saying,there was no need for curfew as the heightened situation and tension is under control .

Meanwhile, information gathered from the tour round the metropolis also revealed that the overt palpable tension stirred up by yesterday’s violent protests have doused down amongst residents.

Some of residents interviewed at Barnawa; Sabon-Tasha , Nasarawa,Kudenda ,Rigasa ,Kawo and other areas within the metropolis expressed joy that the protest today appeared coordinated with everyone calm.They therefore commended the Governor for his swift reaction and efforts made to provide adequate security.

Meanwhile , the former lawmaker and Senator who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Senato Shehu Sani expressed disappointment over the manner hoodlums hijacked the protest and destroyed properties of innocent citizens in Kaduna.

He advised those willing to encourage continuation of the protest, especially in the north to reconsider their stands .

The Human Rights Activist who stated this via Twitter handle,Said,”With scores dead,hundreds injured and properties worth billions of Naira belonging to private businesses and Government destroyed by hoodlums,mostly in Northern states,those wishing to encourage the continuation of this protest,especially in the North should reconsider.At our end its violent protest without visible leadership and must be discontinued.”

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged Nigerians, mostly youths and sports personalities to toe the path of peace and dialogue, instead of engaging in violent protest regarding the challenges facing the country.

This admonition is coming on the heels of planned protest by some persons in parts of Nigeria on August 1, 2024.

SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement through the Association’s Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo on Wednesday reckoned that while citizens have right to protest, such should be done in a most peaceful manner.

President Benjamin while recalling how previous protests in Nigeria had damaged critical National assets, called on the protesters to be mindful of mostly Sports infrastructure across the country as any form of destruction will further create needless deficit.

He said that instead of embarking on destruction of lives and properties, citizens should reflect on positive and progressive moves aimed at ensuring improved Sports development, which has obvious potential to uplift the country’s economy.

“As the second most economic viable option in the entire world, Sports serve as catalyst for needed growth and development in any society. Therefore Sports men and women including athletes, officials, administrators and of course the sporting media have the responsibility to lead the way in terms of conduct and influence in our various residential and public places.

“Instead of joining any band wagon of destructive tendencies, let us encourage fellow Nigerians to engage in sporting activities in terms of physical exercise and other areas of gainful endeavours,” he said.

The number one sports writer in Nigeria then admonished leaders at all levels to, in line with global standards, use legislative means to initiate sustainable policies that will loosen tight ends and clear bureaucratic bottlenecks, which had hampered sports development in the country.

He said, “Also, Nigeria as a developing nation should be a fortress for talent discovery and development because of abundance of human capital resources that abound in every nook and cranny of our communities, local government areas and states.

“Therefore, there is need for continious engagement with all stakeholders to harness and engage them meaningfully. In doing this, the role of the private sector which is a major driving force of the economy is critical.

“Again, the government at all levels should do more in the provision of sporting infrastructure at the grassroots, as a veritable way of engaging mostly the young people, because Sports, with the right funding approach, has enormous potential to drastically reduce unemployment.”

The SWAN President then assured that, “As professional Sports Writers, we are ever ready to offer useful contributions in form of advice amidst taking practical steps that will make meaningful impact.”

By Agedu Isaiah

A Zamfara-based peace advocacy group, Zamfara Peace Initiatives Forum (ZAPIF), has strongly condemned the attempted arson attack on the residence of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in Gusau, Zamfara State.

In a statement issued by the group’s Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Bako (Danmadamin Kucheri), ZAPIF alleged that the attack was orchestrated by political adversaries of President Bola Tinubu, disguising their intentions under the guise of the ongoing nationwide protests.

The group expressed dismay at the involvement of minors, aged between 15 and 17, from various locations in the state, who were mobilized by suspected agents of the state government to perpetrate the act.

ZAPIF asserted that President Tinubu’s political allies, including Matawalle, Sen Abdul’aziz Yari, Sen Sahabi Yau, and Hon Rikiji, were being targeted and attacked by hired miscreants in an attempt to discredit the president.

The group criticized the state government for failing to account for federal allocations and COVID-19 intervention funds, instead blaming President Tinubu’s administration for its shortcomings.

ZAPIF called on Governor Dauda Lawal to focus on good governance, urging parents to caution their children against being used as instruments of violence. The group also commended security agents for their efforts in maintaining peace and order, reminding them of their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.

No fewer than 45 Kaduna based Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and hundreds of Citizens across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state today announced decision to pull out of the proposed August 1 protest against the Federal Government.

According to the CSOs and citizens , the decision to withdraw is out fear that it could be hijacked by hoodlums and used for selfish reasons, beyond economic hardship issues.

The Civil Society Organizations and the citizens under the umbrella of Movement for Greater Kaduna (MGK) in a Statement signed by the Coordinator ,Hon. Bawa Ismail Muhammad however acknowledged the frustrations stirred up by the current economic situation, but expressed fears that protests can lead to more harm than good.

In the statement ,the group stressed, “Kaduna is a volatile state and because of past experiences ,we decided to hold a meeting of an enlarged house,where we discussed implications of the protest and possibilities of selfish politicians using it to destabilize the polity .

Stating further , it averred that ,”From information gathered, the national protest is a fifth column script aimed at taking undue advantage of the poor masses to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration .

“While we feel the same pains and understand the excruciating effects of some policies of the Tinubu led government , acknowledged that fact that he has with the past days deployed urgent interventions to cushion the effects, this don’t see reasons to embark on the protest.”

However, the group which commended various opinion leaders, trade unions, youth groups, civil and religious and traditional leaders that have so far dissociated themselves from the planned protest, noted that with collective efforts and will the Nigerians can compel the federal government to embrace people friendly policies.

Monday Itodo

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has issued a stark warning regarding a troubling and increasingly apparent close relationship between the Zamfara State government, led by Dauda Lawal Dare, and notorious bandits and criminal gangs that have devastated the state and neighboring areas in the North-West region.

In a press statement, NAN hinted at the recent invitation of Musa Kamarawa to the government house in Gusau, suggesting this visit furthers Governor Lawal’s conspiracy with some disgruntled northern politicians against President Tinubu, targeting the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

Musa Kamarawa, arrested during Matawalle’s tenure and subsequently released by the current administration, is purportedly working as the link between Dauda Lawal and Bello Turji. Kamarawa, last seen at the Zamfara Government House, is also to be the architect behind a video featuring Bello Turji, a prominent bandit leader.

In the video, Turji openly criticizes eminent political leaders such as Minister Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

According to NAN, such bold statements could not have been made without governmental support, pointing to a potentially deeper and more sinister collaboration with these criminal elements.

In a statement signed by NAN Chairman Sahabi Lawali, the forum highlighted a prior video showing hooded armed bandits confessing to having ties with the current government. “These disturbing revelations, coupled with Turji’s audacious declarations, suggest a worrying trend of collusion between the current administration and criminal groups,” Lawali stated.

The bandits in the videos expressed their loyalty to Dauda Lawal and vowed to execute any orders he may give, raising significant questions about the administration’s motives. “There appears to be a deliberate strategy employed by Dauda Lawal to use these bandits as instruments to discredit his predecessor,” added Lawali.

“This tactic undermines the rule of law, erodes the ethical foundations of our political process, and jeopardizes the safety and well-being of our citizens.”
NAN noted the significant deterioration in the security situation in Zamfara State under the current administration compared to the previous leadership of Bello Matawalle.

The group pointed out that local government headquarters were never infiltrated by bandits during Matawalle’s tenure, whereas such areas are now under constant attack. “The lack of action from Governor Lawal in addressing these frequent invasions is disappointing,” Lawali stated.

“Instead of consoling the victims or condemning the attacks, Governor Lawal seems more focused on criticizing his predecessor.”

The Network warned the Governor to shift focus from political squabbles to the pressing issue of security in the state, advocating for cooperation with federal efforts to address the root causes of the attacks and implement effective preventive measures.

NAN also highlighted the role of former IGP MD Abubakar, who now serves as chairman of the state Security Trust Fund after leading Lawal’s transition team. “We recall that MD Abubakar led the reconciliation committee under the previous administration of Bello Matawalle and engaged with various stakeholders, including leaders of the bandits,” they said.

Despite Governor Lawal’s propagated stance against negotiating with bandits, the fact that bandits still exist in the government house suggests ongoing negotiations behind the scenes. NAN calls for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into these alarming developments to ensure justice prevails and the integrity of Zamfara’s political system remains intact.

“The administration must address these allegations head-on,” Lawali stated. “It is imperative that swift, decisive action is taken to dismantle any existing alliances between the government and the bandits.”

“The video evidence depicting bandits pledging allegiance to Dauda Lawal and the appearance of Kamarawa at the government house are clear indicators of the alarming collusion that threatens the state’s peace, security, and democratic ethos. Immediate and thorough measures are critical to safeguard the interests of the citizens and uphold the sanctity of the political process in Zamfara State,” Lawali concluded.

By Blessing Annebi

Zamfara Conscience Movement Denounces Government’s Alliance with Criminals, Urges Focus on Security

The Zamfara Conscience Movement strongly condemns the recent actions of the government of Zamfara State in inviting known criminal, Musa Kamarawa, to the government house in Gusau and engaging him in a sinister partnership with infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji. This collaboration is allegedly aimed at perpetuating false propaganda against the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, who currently serves as the Minister of State for Defence.

According to a statement issued by the Chairman of the movement, Tanko Illo Salihu, the unethical, dangerous, and irresponsible tactic will lead to misinformation, confusion, and public backlash. Such actions are unacceptable and must be resisted.

The effort to associate with individuals like Musa Kamarawa and Bello Turji, whose credibility and trustworthiness are severely compromised due to their criminal histories, is ultimately counterproductive. The Zamfara State government risks further tarnishing its own reputation and eroding the trust of the electorate by engaging with these notorious figures as mouthpieces for false propaganda.

It is deeply concerning that Governor Dauda Lawal is prioritizing political attacks on Matawalle while neglecting the pressing security needs of Zamfara State. The state remains vulnerable to the actions of dangerous bandits, kidnappers, rapists, and other criminal elements who exploit the apparent lack of political will to challenge them.

This continuous focus on attacking Matawalle is not only misguided but also detrimental to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Zamfara State.

The Zamfara Conscience Movement will vigilantly monitor, resist, and challenge any attempts by the Zamfara government to deploy notorious criminals for spreading false propaganda. We urge Governor Dauda Lawal to shift his focus to tackling the real issues affecting his state, primarily the security crisis, rather than engaging in unethical and ineffective tactics that compromise the democratic process.

We call on the people of Zamfara State to remain vigilant and hold their leaders accountable and warn Governor Dauda Lawal to prioritize the interests of the people and work towards creating a safer, more prosperous future for all residents of Zamfara State.

The Zamfara Conscience Movement stands firm in its commitment to upholding the principles of honesty, integrity, transparency, and overall security of lives and properties in Zamfara and the North-West. We will not stand idly by while the citizens of Zamfara State are left vulnerable to criminal elements and political manipulation.