By Umar Akilu Majeri Dutse

The Jigawa State Government has approved the Released of N3.5billion to support 30,000 farmers in the state mostly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was confirmed by State commissioner for Information Youth Support and Culture Hon. Sagir Musa while briefing newsmen on the outcome of state executive Council meeting yesterday.

He said the aim and objective is to support 30,000 poor and vulnerable groups under the FADAMA phase IV and V as presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural resources to boost food security and improve livelihood.

According to him “Government in collaboration with world Bank seeks to mitigate these challenges and ensure that farmers are able to recover and sustain their livelihoods”

It was earlier reported that Governor Umar Namadi promised to support over 30,000 poor and vulnerable before the end of 2024.

He emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers in overcoming the economic setbacks brought about by the pandemic.

He reiterated the government’s dedication to prioritizing the welfare of its citizens and ensuring farmers continued with their productivity amidst ongoing global uncertainties.

Governor Namadi said the initiative is expected to not only mitigate the immediate impact of the pandemic but also contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability and economic growth within the state.

Under the programme farmers were supported with agricultural inputs and assets to vulnerable especially at rural areas.

The Jigawa State Taskforce Committee on Advocacy and Sensitization of Hadejia Wetland Game Reseeve to National Park Service has advocate to the community of Lafiyari in Guri Local Government Area to support the formal handover of Baturiya Game Reserve to the federal government.

The Chairman of the committee and the Jigawa Stare Head of Service, Alh. Muhd K. Dagacheri, emphasized the importance of upgrading the game reserve to a national park

He highlighted on the benefits of the National Park towards the improvement of social infrastructure, including roads, healthcare, education, electricity, water supply, and agriculture to the communities around.

He further emphasize that, the upgrades is aim to create jobs opportunities and improves the living standard of the
rural dwellers in that area .

The Head of Service who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Mins of Environment, Dr Abdullahi Namadi explained that the federal government has identify ten key game reserves across the country for upgrade to a National park service in which Baturiya Forest Reserve is Inclusive.

He Commended the effort of the present leadership in the state under Gov Namadi for setting up a state govt transition committee that will facilitate the formal handing over of the Baturiya Forest Reserve to the National Park Service..

Dr Namadi lament that, the jigawa state govt has approved the reconstruction of Hadejia , Baturiya ,Kadira , Guri Road to give access road network within the Villages around the forest Reserve to facilitate transportation of farm produce.

In his welcome address the Acting Chairman of Guri Local Government, who is the Director Admin and General Services, Comrade Muhammed Gudaji Kazaure commended the state government for selecting Baturiya Forest Reserve to be a National Park Service .

He assured full local govt support and cooperation to ensure smooth and peaceful takeoff of the forest reserved.

In his fatherly address the District Head of Kadira, Dan Majen Hadejia Alh Abbass Haruna urged Village and Ward Heads, Fulani Heads( Lamido,s) and Relevant Key Stakeholders of the District to Mobilise thier Communities to ensure proper and convenient take off of the Baturiya Forest Reserve which is extended to Lafiyari Village in Guri local govt area.

By Seun Ibiyemi

As Nigeria continues to harness the potential of its maritime sector, experts have advocated for sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health and productivity of its blue economy.According to various experts who spoke at the sixth edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference held at the University of Lagos, Nigeria needs to take seriously the issue of policies and stringent regulations that support environmental protection, economic efficiency, and social responsibility.

According to Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group, the industry needs to be strategic and decisive about sustainability as well as exploiting the range of business opportunities that the blue economy presents.

He said: “There are diverse opportunities in the industry beyond the traditional shipping and port operations. The newly-created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has to expand its scope to provide policies and regulations that will guide investors’ foray into areas like coastal tourism and renewable energies.

This, however, must be done in a sustainable manner that will protect the ocean ecosystem and provide benefits for the coming generations.”

Renowned maritime lawyer and keynote speaker, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, who Mr Victor Onyegbado represented, harped on the importance of achieving sustainable shipping as a nation, through ethical conduct, improved port operations and adequate legislation within the industry.

According to him, it is imperative to achieve this system in order to build a maritime industry that is functional, providing resources that transcends generations.

“Sustainable shipping is the backbone of a resilient and thriving global economy. We all know that shipping carries the bulk of world trade and it encompasses practices that ensure long-term health of our oceans while meeting the economic and logistical demands of global trade.

“The significance of the Nigerian Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is not only timely but also crucial as we navigate the evolving dynamics of the global, regional, and sub-regional maritime industry. This ministry is pivotal for innovative policy development and sustainable practices that will drive Nigeria’s maritime sector forward”, he stressed.

Examining the state of the nation’s maritime ecosystem, Akabogu reiterated the need to draw up innovative approaches and diversified economic activities to drive growth and sustainability.

He further explained that this was particularly important for the Ministry to consider as there are several other non-shipping stakeholders within the industry.

On his part, the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Temisan Omatseye emphasised the digitization of the industry as well as the development of a national maritime strategy.

He noted further that developing key performance indicators will have a positive impact on human capital development and service delivery.

“We need to move away from where the sector is dependent on human beings and begin to be a bit more AI-compliant in our processes. Two, the industry is also due for a national maritime policy that will provide the roadmap for its development. Right now, Nigeria does not have an approved national maritime policy, which says clearly what our policies are, and also something that also powers what we call a national maritime strategy”, he stated.

The Conference, themed: “A Blueprint for Sustainable Shipping: The Significance of the Nigerian Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy” featured key discussions and interactive sessions amongst experts, industry key players, and students alike.