Economy
MACBAN: Cattle Breeders Union Not Religious Group, Says President
MACBAN: Cattle Breeders Union Not Religious Group, Says President
MACBAN: Cattle breeders union not religious group, says president. Mr Othman-Ngelzarma stated that Nigeria’s pastoral sector was a critical part of the nation’s economy.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), says the organisation is not a militia, armed group or religious movement, but a socio-economic association engaged in lawful trade representation.
The President of MACBAN, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, stated this on Sunday in Abuja at a news briefing on the U.S. House Resolution (H. Res.) 860 and recent developments.
Mr Othman-Ngelzarma also said that MACBAN does not support, condone, harbour, finance, or protect any form of criminality, extremism or violence, adding that the association was not and never been an armed group or violent organisation.
According to him, MACBAN condemns in the strongest possible terms banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, terrorism, or any crime whatsoever.
The president stated that any individual who engages in crime, whether pastoralist or not, acts alone ” and must face the full weight of Nigerian law.
He said, “Our membership spans all states of the federation and contributes significantly to Nigeria’s food security, rural economy, and national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As a non-political, non-religious and non-violent association, our focus remains advocacy for pastoral development, modernisation of livestock systems, and the peaceful coexistence of herders and farmers through dialogue and mutual respect.
“MACBAN’s identity is founded on appreciation, service, and community development—not violence or confrontation. Any attempt to associate us with any extremists or criminal elements misrepresents our core objectives and values.”
Mr Othman-Ngelzarma assured that MACBAN would continue to support peace building and security initiatives for a harmonious and resilient Nigeria.
He said that criminals must not be mistaken for pastoralists, and the peaceful pastoral majority should not and must not ever be profiled because of the actions of a few violent individuals who exploit pastoral identity.
He added, “MACBAN wishes to address the Nigerian public, the international community, and particularly the United States Government including the distinguished members of the United States Congress regarding the recently introduced U.S. House Resolution H. Res. 860.
“MACBAN acknowledges the humanitarian concerns that underpin the resolution. However, some of its assertions present an incomplete and misleading picture of pastoral communities in Nigeria.
We, therefore, find it important to request for a balanced, factual, and informed position and offer clarification that reflects the realities on the ground.
“Any international intervention—legislative or humanitarian—must be based on accurate context, not stereotypes or incomplete narratives.”
Mr Othman-Ngelzarma appealed to the United States Congress to reverse HR 860 to remove all mention of MACBAN.
MACBAN
“They should engage with credible local actors, including pastoralist and farming groups, security agencies, and civil society partners and evidence-based assessments that include the humanitarian losses of pastoral communities. The congress should support long-term interventions, including grazing reserves and land restoration,” he said.
Mr Othman-Ngelzarma stated that Nigeria’s pastoral sector was a critical part of the nation’s economy and cultural heritage and required support, not stigmatisation.
He added,” MACBAN reaffirms its dedication to peace, justice, and national unity. We will continue to work with the security agencies, development partners, and governments to address the root causes of conflict and ensure that herding and farming communities coexist in safety and mutual respect.
“We urge all Nigerians and international stakeholders to stand with those who risk their lives daily—security operatives, community mediators, traditional rulers, and pastoral leaders—working tirelessly to restore peace to our nation. ”
Okpebholo Threatening Me With Violence, I’ll Fight Back Says Obaseki
Okpebholo threatening me with violence, I’ll fight back says Obaseki. Godwin Obaseki, the immediate past governor of Edo, has accused Monday Okpebholo, his successor, of threatening him with violence. Obaseki spoke during the weekend at an event in London, the United Kingdom.
BACKGROUND
Since assuming office in November 2024, Okpebholo has initiated a series of actions aimed at scrutinising Obaseki’s tenure.
He first constituted a 14-member committee to investigate the assets, liabilities, contracts, and financial decisions made under Obaseki.
Okpebholo then expanded the scrutiny to the state civil service, ordering a probe into all recruitments conducted between May and November 2024, alleging a violation of due process.
Last week, Okpebholo asked the federal government to repatriate Obaseki to answer questions over public funds linked to the controversial Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) project.
‘OKPEBHOLO THREATENING ME’
Obaseki said the governor is threatening him with violence and allegedly sent thugs to attack him in the UK.
“Those who live by the sword will die by the sword,” Obaseki said. “And to tell the governor, Okpebholo, I don’t know him; I have never met him. When you start with violence, you will reap violence.
“For one year since I left office, I didn’t say one word. I decided to respect myself and allow them to try [in governance] as well. Go and find out, you won’t see one thing I said about his government.”
He accused Okpebholo’s government of being behind the attack on diplomats during the exhibition in MOWAA.
“As if that was not enough, the government paid people to come to Manchester to attack me,” he said.
“Who has started this violence? Is it me? Last week, this governor held a disgraceful press conference in which he threatened me not to come to Benin.
Obaseki
“They have been threatening violence. So if I respond, nobody should hold me responsible. “I can’t leave myself empty to be hurt and attacked by deranged people.
“So I am going to fight back. I will fight back. I didn’t start the fight. They are afraid. They know they did not win the election.”
Jigawa: 9,600 Teachers Register For Special Training
Jigawa: 9,600 teachers register for special training. No fewer than 9,600 teachers under the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) registered for a competency test to determine the specific training required to improve their skills and enhance teaching outcomes in the state.
The Executive Chairman of the Board, Professor Haruna Musa, revealed this while briefing journalists on the purpose of the examination, adding that 12,000 teachers were expected to register for the exam.
He explained that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi, was committed to repositioning the state education sector as a key foundation for sustainable development, in line with its “12-Point Agenda.”
Prof. Haruna noted that while the government has been spending significant resources to improve educational infrastructure, meaningful learning improvements cannot be achieved without also enhancing the capabilities of teachers.
“Based on that, the State Executive Council approved for the board to organise a competency test for all teachers. This will enable us to understand the kind of training each teacher requires to improve his or her skills”.
“Out of the 9,600 teachers registered for the exam, over 70% have never attended any capacity-building training since they were employed, including some with over 15 years of service,” the Chairman added.
Teachers Register For Special Training
He stated that after the exam, the teachers will be categorised into three groups: Group A, those with both knowledge and teaching skills; Group B, those with knowledge but lacking teaching skills; and Group C, those lacking both knowledge and teaching skills.
“Each group will be offered specialised training. Those in Group C will undergo intensive training and subsequent examinations for a period to ensure they are equipped with the required knowledge and skills”.
“For those with slower learning uptake, we will attach them to competent teachers within their schools for ongoing guidance and mentorship,” Prof Haruna said.
He further stated that the project is not about retrenchment, but his primary goal is to enhance teachers’ capacity for better learning outcomes within the state’s basic education sector.
PFA: Leadway Pensure Leverages Innovations For Quality Service Delivery
PFA: Leadway pensure leverages innovations for quality service delivery. A Pension Fund Administrator (PFA), Leadway Pensure said, it is leveraging innovation to escalate quality
service delivery to its retirement savings account (RSA) holders. This milestone marks 20 years of trust, exceptional service delivery, and value creation as it celebrates its anniversary. It highlights two decades of dedication to protecting the financial wellness of Nigerian workers.
Over the last 20 years, the PFA has served thousands of customers across Nigeria and beyond, standing as a clear testament to its commitment to providing financial stability at various stages of workers’ career journeys.
Speaking on this remarkable achievement, MD/CEO, Leadway Pensure PFA, Olusakin Labeodan, stated that: “As we celebrate 20 years of Leadway Pensure PFA, this milestone is more than a celebration of longevity, it is a tribute to trust, service and innovation.
From the very beginning, our mission has been very clear, to deliver a pension system without barriersOver two decades, we have transformed this vision into reality by simplifying pension access, embracing cutting-edge technology, and ensuring our services are always within reach. With a nationwide presence, a robust mobile platform, and the AI-powered assistant LISA, we have made pension services accessible to eligible Nigerians.
“We have supported countless customers in achieving life goals, from retirement to home ownership, by ensuring access, clarity and care at every step. This is a testament to the strong relationships and legacy we have built with every customer. Trust is at the heart of our service, propelling us to uphold world-class standards and earning us global certifications such as ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for information security, a mark of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our customers’ funds. ”
Leadway Pensure
Looking ahead, the company said, it is committed to promoting youth-focused financial literacy, growing personal pension plans and strengthening customer engagement across every stage of the pension journey.
“The next years and beyond will be shaped by the same dedication that brought us this far, a future-forward mindset, a culture of excellence, and an unyielding promise to stand by our customers every step of the way,” Olusakin concluded.
As it commemorates 20 years of service, Leadway Pensure reaffirms its commitment to simplifying retirement planning, delivering consistent value, and driving financial inclusion across Nigeria.
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