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.

Kano Governor Abba Yusuf Swears In New Housing Commissioner

Kano governor Abba Yusuf swears in new housing commissioner. Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Monday swore in Ibrahim Wudil as the new commissioner for housing development.

The attorney-general and commissioner for justice, Haruna Dederi, administered the oath at Government House Kano.

After the swearing-in, Mr Yusuf urged Mr Wudil to utilise his extensive experience to drive the state’s development and congratulated him on his new role.

The governor urged Mr Wudil to ensure the effective utilisation of cities developed during the administration of Rabiu Kwankwaso, including Kwankwassiya, Bandirawo, and Amana cities.

The governor expressed confidence in Mr Wudil’s ability, citing his decades-long experience as an architect and his previous role as the managing director of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority.

“I’ve worked closely with him for decades, and I know his capacity. I am sure he will not let us down,” the governor said.

Abba Yusuf

The governor appealed to the new commissioner to use his vast experience in addressing the challenge of the state’s housing deficit.

The secretary to the state government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim, commissioners and other top government functionaries attended the ceremony.

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.