News
FG encourages climate smart agriculture in commemoration of World Animal Day
By Olaseinde Gbenga, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), and stakeholders joined the rest of the World to commemorate World Farm Animals Day and World Animal Day to advocate for climate smart Agriculture.
The commemoration with the theme, “Good Animal Husbandry Practice is Climate Smart” was held at the ministry’s premises, recently in Abuja.
In his speech, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri, said that the commemoration of World Animal Day reminded all to examine the animal husbandry practices in relation to the environment in the ever changing climate situations with the view to adapt and mitigate its effects as we strive for productivity, the profitability of production, and the associated businesses.
He pointed out that the Climate Smart Agriculture Strategies which included sustainable livestock production systems was to address environmental issues while ensuring improved productivity, enhanced resilience, reduced greenhouse gas emissions amongst others.
Speaking further, Shehuri revealed that the World Animal Day was officially adopted in May 1931, by the International Animal Protection Congress in Florence, Italy, where October 4th was declared as the day for global commemoration of World Animal Day, while World Farm Animals Day was declared on October 2nd, 1983.
In her remarks, the Director, Animal Husbandry Services Department, Mrs. Winnie Solarin, noted that the mission of the World Animal Day was to raise awareness, sustainability and profitability of animal production as well as animal protein in nutrition for healthy living.
The Director emphasized that the mission was in tandem with the mandate of Department of Animal Husbandry (DAHS) and Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) in general, stressing that World Animal Day embraces all animals including domestic animals.
She noted that the unique concerns of each, in every country but with emphasis on animals for slaughter as meat as well as those kept for other socioeconomic purposes such as farming and transport.
According to her, “In many countries, World Animal Day is now being celebrated by various organizations, government bodies, these include: Society for the Protection of Animal Rights in Egypt (SPARE), Animals Lebanon and Animal Naturalis Colombia. The Himalayan Animal Rescue Trust (HART) and the Sudanese Animal Care & Environmental Organization, to mention but a few.”
In his goodwill message, the Registrar, Nigeria Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), Prof. Eustace A. Iyayi, said that animals play a vital role in Agriculture and other sectors, hence generate income for the economy.
He reiterated that that was the first time Nigeria would be celebrating World Animal day with other countries, pointing out that, what they were celebrating was to create awareness and sustain the economy.
By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
One of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) helicopter has crashed in the early hours of Monday in Tami village, located in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.
According to ryewitness reports, the incident occurred at about 5:00am, causing significant alarm among villagers.
The helicopter, on a routine operational flight, experienced technical difficulties that led to the crash. Fortunately, the pilot managed to execute emergency protocols effectively, ensuring his own survival.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the pilot emerged from the wreckage unscathed. Residents of Tami village quickly gathered at the crash site, offering assistance where possible and expressing relief that no live was lost.
“We heard a loud noise and rushed to the scene. We were surprised and relieved to see the pilot alive,” said a villager who witnessed the crash.
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
The elders of Mbayion and Yandev clans from Gboko local government area of the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have unanimously agreed to support the administration of Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the executive governor of Benue state and the Speaker of the 10th Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh (The Atonko u Mbatiav) for sustainable deliverance of democracy dividends to the masses of the state.
In similar vein, the Gboko local government area chapter of the Benue Motorcycle Hirers Association (BEMOA), Gboko branch also pledged their total loyalty and support to the Governor of the state and the Speaker of the state Assembly for more economic stability and infrastructural development in the state.
The three groups made their position known on Sunday when Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Dajoh, met with the esteemed Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of Mbayion clan led by Elder Atsenda Ishwa Iortim in Gboko to appreciate them for coming out in their numbers to welcome the Governor during his thank you tour recently.
“I also had a meeting with the stakeholders of BEMOA, Gboko branch and appreciated them for their support on the day of Gov. Alia’s thank you visit to Gboko.
“In addition, I had a productive meeting with Hon. Batholomew Igbanum (Batho) in Yandev alongside his kinsmen who all agreed to support the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia to bring more development to our dear State,” Speaker disclosed.
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that the Honourable Speaker (Atonko u Mbatiav) was accompanied by Rt. Hon. Cephas Dyako, Hon. Solomon Gyila and Hon. Solomon Jiji Aluor.
By Sodiq Adelakun
Members of the Old Students Association of Odogbolu Grammar School’s 1979/84 set gathered on Friday, June 28, to commemorate significant milestones and reaffirm their commitment to supporting their alma mater.
The occasion marked 45 years since their admission to the school and 40 years since their graduation.
Speaking at the 40th-anniversary press conference, The Alumni President, Bolade Ogunfodun (BOT) emphasised the association’s dedication to giving back to the institution that shaped their formative years.
Highlighting their contributions over the years, President Ogunfodun announced the completion of a block of renovated classrooms, the provision of 120 new ironed chairs, and support for sporting activities among others.
“The essence of our reunion is to give back,” President Ogunfodun stated, reiterating the alumni’s ongoing commitment to enhancing educational facilities and opportunities at Odogbolu Grammar School.
Among the distinguished alumni present was Prof. Adebola Osipitan, a former president and head boy of the 79/84 set, who spoke passionately about the alumni’s broader impact.
He revealed that the association has been creating welfare and job opportunities for members’ children and extending assistance to students and teachers alike.
“We began our efforts while some of us were still students, Our approach has always prioritised collaboration over pressure, laying a strong foundation for the association’s enduring structure,” Prof. Osipitan said.
Meanwhile, former students gathered to reminisce about their alma mater, recalling tough but transformative discipline, coordinated efforts among peers, and other formative experiences that shaped their lives.
In response to the reunion, Vice Principal Mr Oyibo expressed gratitude for the alumni’s commitment to their school and praised their initiative in launching projects aimed at benefiting current teachers and students.
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