NIPSS Inaugurates 97 New Participants As Members Of SEC 47

NIPSS inaugurates 97 new participants as members of SEC 47. The vice president further said that the nation could unlock its oceans’ full potential through research, dialogue, and collaboration.

The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) has inaugurated 97 participants as members of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47.

Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the participants on Monday in Jos.

The vice president, represented by Josephine Piyo, the deputy governor of Plateau, congratulated the participants for their nomination as participants for the course.

Mr Shettima, who described their research theme “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities” as timely, called on them to provide solutions to the challenges currently facing the nation.

“As you embark on this new chapter of exploration and learning, you are reminded of the critical importance of sustainable development and the preservation of our oceans and marine resources.

The blue economy represents a vast and untapped potential for economic growth, innovation, and environmental conservation.

“It encompasses a wide range of activities, from fisheries and aquaculture to marine tourism and renewable energy.

By harnessing the resources of our oceans responsibly and sustainably, we will create new opportunities for prosperity while safeguarding the health of our marine ecosystems.

“As scholars and policymakers, it is our collective responsibility to delve deep into the complexities of the blue economy, to understand its challenges and opportunities, and to develop strategies that promote inclusive and sustainable growth,” he said.

The vice president further said that through research, dialogue, and collaboration, the nation could unlock the full potential of its oceans and ensure a prosperous future for future generations.
“This induction marks the beginning of a rigorous academic inquiry, thoughtful analysis, and informed policy recommendations.

“It is a testament to our nation’s commitment to excellence and dedication to shaping a better Nigeria through knowledge and expertise.

NIPSS

“I urge you to approach this study topic with curiosity, passion, and a sense of purpose. I urge you to engage in meaningful discussions and strive for innovative solutions that will drive positive change in our country,” Mr Shettima urged.

Earlier, Ayo Omotayo, the institute’s director general, also congratulated the participants on their formal induction into the institute.

Mr Omotayo said participants would undergo rigorous academic sessions and other activities for the next 10 months.

He promised that the institute would continually provide policies that would shape the growth and development of the nation.

Fire Destroys Benue Rice Mill Market, Property Worth Millions

Fire destroys Benue rice mill market, property worth millions. A devastating fire has destroyed properties worth millions of naira at the popular rice mill market in Wurukum, near the River Benue bridge in Makurdi.

The blaze erupted in the early hours of Monday, but swift intervention by firefighters prevented it from spreading further.

However, several shops were severely affected, with processed and unprocessed rice, milling machines, and other goods completely destroyed.

One of the victims, Mercy Hanmaikyur, lamented losing about N10 million in the fire. “I opened this shop in December, investing N10 million.

I had three machines—a de-stoning machine, a rice polishing machine—and many bags of rice. Everything was lost,” she said.

Another trader, Iorwa Jeremiah, said the fire broke out at a time when no one could salvage anything. “By the time I got there, firefighters and shop owners were battling the flames, but the damage had already been done,” he recounted.

Benue Rice Mill Market

Market Chairman Terva Igyar confirmed that several shops, a motorcycle, and six milling machines were destroyed.

He noted that Makurdi Local Government officials and other stakeholders had promised to assess the damage.

The traders ruled out electricity as the cause of the fire, stating their shops had no power supply.

They have appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia for assistance to help them recover from their losses.

Benue Government Partners FACAN On pricing Of Agric Commodities: Food Security

Benue government partners FACAN on pricing of agric commodities to tackle food security . FACAN state coordinator Vitalis Tarnongu said Benue farmers were ready to partner with the government in the regulation of prices.

The Benue State government is partnering with the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN) on the pricing of agricultural commodities in the state.

Donald Akule, managing director and chief executive officer of Agricultural Development Company (ADC), disclosed this on Monday in Makurdi, saying the partnership would enhance food security.

Mr Akule restated the state government’s willingness to work with FACAN to mediate between the farmers and the government on the prices of commodities.

The MD said the aim was to ensure that all farmers get value for their produce and food availability.

“We have declared a state of emergency on food insecurity. We want to make sure that every farmer gets value for what they produce.

“In the coming days, we are going to roll out a template of how this produce can be bought or mopped by the ADC and to make sure that we fill up our silos and food banks,” he said.

Mr Akule advised farmers to form cooperatives or groups for easy transactions, adding that the government would not work with individual farmers.

“Agriculture business is a collective business; it is a collaborative business. We are going to liaise with FACAN to make sure that we regulate the prices of grains.
“We will not recognise any person that is working in isolation. Any farmer that is not part of an organised working group would not be accepted,” he said.

FACAN state coordinator Vitalis Tarnongu said Benue farmers were ready to partner with the government in the regulation of prices to enable them to get value for their produce.

Government Partners FACAN

Mr Tarnongu said their mandate was to ensure the prices of commodities are set in such a way that both farmers and the government make gains.

The new state coordinator assured the government of FACAN’s commitment with ADC to boost agricultural production.
“We are ready to work closely with ADC to ensure food sufficiency.

“We solicit your support and cooperation for the association to succeed in its assignment,” he added.