NEWS
Tinubu Pushes Ranching Reforms, Security Offensive at NEC Summit
By Tony Obiechina, Obiechina
President Bola Tinubu yesterday renewed his administration’s twin commitment to ending insecurity and transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector, declaring that ranching reforms, economic diversification, and decisive action against terrorism are central to national stability and growth.
The President spoke while declaring open a two-day National Economic Council (NEC) Conference at the State House, Abuja, where he expressed confidence that the gathering would yield practical resolutions on ranching, dairy farming, livestock investment, and broader agricultural reforms.
“I’m confident that the resolutions of this conference will include dairy farming, livestock investment, ranches, and diversification of our agricultural produce.
I promise you here, I will play my part. I promise Nigeria that this will be delivered,” Tinubu said.He described banditry and terrorism as alien to Nigeria’s culture and a major economic hindrance that must be urgently confronted, assuring governors and Nigerians that his government remains determined to win the war against insecurity.
“To further find ways to strengthen our security forces to defeat terrorism and combat banditry is what has kept all of us sleepless at night. But I assure you that we will win with determination and resilience,” he said.
Tinubu linked the push for livestock reform directly to national security, recalling his earlier directive to Vice President Kashim Shettima and the NEC in December 2025 to develop a roadmap for transforming the livestock industry through ranching as a permanent solution to farmer–herder conflicts.
“We must eliminate these areas of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable. The opportunity is there; let’s utilise it,” he said.
Following that directive, the NEC inaugurated a Livestock Development Committee at its 155th meeting on December 18, 2025. The committee, chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris with representatives from the six geopolitical zones, is tasked with fast-tracking nationwide ranching and livestock production reforms.
The President also commended several state governors, particularly those of Borno and Katsina states, for their resilience and initiatives in combating insecurity.
“I commend many of you, particularly the governors of Borno State and Katsina, and others who have done so much to defend our freedom, liberty, and our commonwealth,” he said.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan 2026–2030,” Tinubu said the forum reflected a shared dedication to national progress and cooperative federalism.
He expressed satisfaction that recent economic reforms have stabilised the economy, restored global confidence, and improved the financial position of states and local governments.
“States and local governments now receive increased and more predictable FAAC allocations, improving their capacity to pay salaries, invest in infrastructure, and deliver social services,” the President said, adding that improvements in revenue performance, public financial management, and fiscal coordination have strengthened macroeconomic stability.
Tinubu outlined key pillars of the Renewed Hope National Development Plan, including economic diversification, infrastructure expansion, human capital development, private sector–led growth, climate resilience, and subnational competitiveness driven by comparative advantage. He stressed that effective implementation at state and local government levels would be critical, placing the NEC at the heart of aligning national priorities with grassroots realities.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the NEC, described the council as a vital forum that keeps Nigeria’s federal union relevant and responsive.
“What has kept the National Economic Council alive and relevant is our shared awareness of what is at stake if we fail,” Shettima said, noting that the council remains the largest gathering of elected executives in the country and a platform that gives federating units a strong voice in national governance.
He described the conference as a continuation of a “covenant with the Nigerian people” and a demonstration of the harmonious working relationship between the President and the council in driving transformative economic reforms.
In his welcome address, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the NEC plays a crucial constitutional role in managing Nigeria’s federal system by building consensus and confidence among the federating units.
Bagudu commended President Tinubu for valuing dialogue and consistently engaging the NEC, noting that the President’s reforms have strengthened federalism, improved the fiscal health of states and local governments, and attracted global recognition.
He cited recent World Bank and International Monetary Fund reports that ranked Nigeria’s reforms among global reference points and listed the country as one of the leading contributors to global economic growth, stressing that beyond international acclaim, the support of states across party lines underscored confidence in the administration’s direction.
The conference, convened by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, brought together state governors, top federal officials, development partners, and private-sector leaders as the Federal Government seeks to deepen reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda and chart a sustainable path for inclusive national development.
From Muhammad Muhammad Al-amin, Maiduguri
The Nigerian Army has conducted a solemn burial ceremony for Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Captain Ismail, and several other soldiers who lost their lives during a recent insurgent attack in Borno State.
The fallen officers and soldiers were laid to rest on Wednesday at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, where they were accorded full military honours in recognition of their service and sacrifice to the nation.
The troops were killed on April 9 following coordinated attacks by suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on military positions in Benisheikh, a key town in Kaga Local Government Area along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, the Nigerian Army described the burial as a deeply emotional and solemn occasion. It noted that the ceremony reflected both grief and honour as the nation paid tribute to the fallen heroes.
“Their sacrifice highlights the enormous price paid by members of the Armed Forces in defending Nigeria’s peace, unity, and security,” the statement said.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, and other senior military officers. They praised the deceased as courageous patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.
Prayers were offered for the departed, while military citations outlining their careers and contributions were read in the presence of grieving family members.
The Army also acknowledged the pain of the bereaved families, noting that their loss underscores the human cost of ongoing security operations, even as the bravery of the fallen remains a source of national pride.
From Rabiu Sanusi, Kano
The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf has congratulated Professor Hafiz Abubakar on his election as a Fellow of the International Academy of Food Science and Technology.
This was contained in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, on Sunday.
Prof.
Hafiz is the Chairman, Northwest University Governing Council.The Governor described the honour as a well-deserved recognition of Prof. Abubakar’s outstanding contributions to food science, research, and innovation at both national and international levels.
Yusuf noted that the achievement has brought pride not only to Kano State but to Nigeria as a whole, highlighting the growing impact of Nigerian scholars on the global stage.
He commended Prof. Abubakar for his dedication, hard work, and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in the field of food science and technology.
The Governor expressed confidence that the recognition would inspire young academics and researchers across Kano State to strive for excellence in their respective fields.
He further assured of his administration’s continued support for education, research, and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development.
Prof. Abubakar was among 27 distinguished scientists from 15 countries selected by the International Union of Food Science and Technology for the 15th class of the Academy.
He is expected to be formally inducted in October 2026 at the World Congress of Food Science and Technology in Hong Kong.
From Agbo Emmanuel, Kaduna
Chairman, Northern Christian Association (NCA) Rev. Joseph John Hayab has called on believers across Nigeria to exercise restraint in the face of rising religious provocations on social media, warning that engaging in heated online exchanges does not reflect the teachings of Christ.
The admonition was contained in a statement issued to journalists in Kaduna on Wednesday, particularly to young people and clergy, to avoid what he described as “vain and unprofitable arguments” capable of breeding division and spiritual decline.
Citing several Bible passages, including Titus 3:9, 2 Timothy 2:14, 2 Timothy 2:23 and 1 Timothy 6:4–5, Hayab noted that Scripture consistently warns believers against quarrels that produce strife rather than edification, stressing that online religious debates have become counterproductive, shifting from meaningful dialogue to abusive exchanges that undermine Christian witness.
The cleric further reiterated that Christians are not called to respond to provocation with insults or hostility, even when their faith is mocked or misunderstood as he explained that true Christian maturity is demonstrated through restraint, wisdom and peaceful conduct even as “believers cannot fight for God.”
He said, “The Bible warns Christians against engaging in vain arguments. From a Biblical angle, vain arguments include reckless, unprofitable, and provocative debates. Believers in Christ are, therefore, instructed to avoid vain arguments because they generate strife, ungodliness, and ruin the speakers and the listeners.
“There are applicable Bible verses, such as Titus 3:9, 2 Timothy 2:14, 2 Timothy 2:23, and 1 Timothy 6:4-5, which clearly admonish Christians to live by example. Accordingly, as a Christian leader, I do not teach, encourage or instruct church members or any Christian at all to insult the divinity of another faith just because some disgruntled persons say or write awful things about Jesus or Christianity. An honest study of the Bible will help you understand that as an ardent follower of Christ, you cannot “fight for God.”
“Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ can “fight” those who fight Him, as He did with Saul on his way to Damascus. From a Christian biblical viewpoint, the phrase “Who can battle with the Lord?” underscores that no one can battle against the Lord, because God is an omnipotent warrior and defender whose battles are strategic, and He never loses. Therefore, no Christian should be deceived into copying anyone’s religious zeal.
“Besides, the message in the verses against vain arguments is to prevent believers from wasting time on unproductive, divisive conversations that do not foster spiritual growth or love. Such debates are “unprofitable, worthless, and causes of ungodliness.
“Therefore, the Biblical instruction is to “avoid,” “shun,” or “have nothing to do with” them. It is not a show of strength when any Christian uses abusive words with others, thinking that they were “defending the faith.” Rather, such an act derides the Christian faith, makes a mockery of Christ’s spiritual authority and dims the bright light the Christian gospel brings to the world.”
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