By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening livestock production, aimed at boosting food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural development across the nation.

FCT Minister of State, Dr.

Mariya Mahmoud made this known at the 2025 National Pasture Planting Day held at the Kawu Grazing Reserve in Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

She explained that pasture planting is more than a farming activity,  stressing that it serves as a key intervention to ensure the year-round availability of quality feed for livestock, reduce overgrazing and land degradation, and advance the transition to modern, settled livestock systems.

According to the minister, these efforts would not only increase productivity but also help prevent conflicts, foster peaceful coexistence, and protect the environment.

Describing the Kawu Grazing Reserve as a strategic agricultural asset within the Federal Capital Territory, Mahmoud noted that with enhanced pasture management, improved water infrastructure, and expanded veterinary services, the reserve has the potential to serve as a model for other states nationwide.

This, she said, would enhance milk and meat production, create employment opportunities, and support harmonious relations among rural communities.

The minister commended the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development for leading the initiative and acknowledged the dedication of farmers, herders, and development partners who continue to innovate within the sector.

Mahmoud also reaffirmed the FCT Administration’s commitment to supporting pasture development projects that secure the future of Nigeria’s livestock industry.

She described the planting event as a symbol of a shared vision for abundance, peace, and prosperity.

According to her, “The National Pasture Planting Day event underscores the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proactive approach to overcoming challenges in the livestock sector, particularly the consistent availability of quality animal feed, positioning Nigeria toward a more modern, productive, and profitable livestock value chain.”

Also speaking, Minister of Livestock Development Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, noted that the event marks not just planting of seeds in the soil, but the sowing of a vision, the vision of renewed hope agenda for resuscitating great reserves, sustainable livestock development, environmental stewardship, peaceful pastoral practices and economic empowerment of millions of Nigerians who depend on livestock for their livelihoods.

Maiha revealed that the ministry is investing in release and registration of pasture varieties into the national seed system, noting that eight varieties have been released for the first time in 48 years.

The Minister assured that the present administration is fully committed to implementing the National Livestock Growth Association Strategy, which has been approved by National Economic Council and other policy frameworks that promote peace, productivity and prosperity in livestock.

He called for collaboration and cooperation within the community and between the community and the government to make the grazing reserves work.

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Civil Service Commission yesterday revealed that 915 workers, mostly at directorate cadre, have been cleared for a Computer-Based Promotion examination.

The Commission said that the participants, drawn from the Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) Secondary Education Board (SEB) Education Secretariat and other Departments and Agencies, would have to prove their qualification for the next level through the examination.

Chairman of the Commission, Emeka Eze noted that the computer based examination was introduced to ensure that those who would move to substantive positions as directors, are well qualified to face modern technology-driven challenges associated with the work.

Eze also disclosed that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who created the Commission with the approval of President Bola Tinubu, wanted to resolve the backlog of promotions that has been pending for many years.

While he revealed that the verification exercise to determine the workforce of the FCT was yet to be completed, he also disclosed that the commission encountered too many falsification of age in the service records.

According to him, workers who were caught in the web age falsification were asked to retire from the service.

Representative of South-East in the Commission, Martins Azubuike stated that participants who fail to scale through in the exams will have no one to blame for remaining in their position.

Azubuike also disclosed that the Computer based tests have come to stay in the system, and it remains a measure that will encourage workers to update their digital skills.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the treatment of Ms Comfort Emmanson aboard Ibom Air, describing it as reckless, unlawful and a grave violation of her right to dignity.This is contained in a statement signed by the NBA President, Mr Afam Osigwe (SAN) and the General Secretary, Dr Mobolaji Ojibara.

Report says that on Aug. 10, an incident occurred aboard an Ibom Air flight involving Emmanson. NBA described the manner in which Emmanson was removed from the aircraft as dehumanising.NBA noted that video footage showed an Ibom Air hostess blocking Emmanson’s exit from the plane.The association noted that the conduct could constitute false imprisonment and provocation, potentially escalating the situation.NBA expressed outrage over allegations that Emmanson was publicly stripped of her clothing, humiliated, filmed and had the footage circulated online.The association viewed the photographing, dissemination and online circulation of indecent images of her as both degrading and a serious invasion of privacy, constituting a criminal act.“Even if the incident had to be reported, the footage should have been blurred or edited in a way that did not expose her nudity to the public,” NBA said.The association stressed that those responsible for capturing and distributing the unedited footage must be identified and prosecuted.They warned that such acts erode public trust and undermine the rights of all citizens to be treated with dignity and respect.NBA considered the lifetime ban on Emmanson from flying Ibom Air or any other, as heavy-handed, legally and morally indefensible, and in breach of the principle of fair hearing.The association argued that only the relevant statutory regulator had the authority to suspend or restrict a passenger’s flying privileges, not private entities or airlines.The NBA demanded that Ibom Air lift the lifetime ban on Emmanson and issue a public apology.NBA urged the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and sanction those responsible.The association pledged to provide Emmanson with pro bono legal support to protect her rights and seek redress for the violations she suffered. (NAN)