The Performance Delivery and Coordination Unit (PDCU), says it has concluded mid-year performance review of Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs), to enhance good governance in the state.

The PDCU being supervised by the office of Gov. Umar Namadi, conducted a three-day retreat on the review mid-year performance of the MDAs.

This is contained in a statement by Hashim Hashim, the unit’s Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Facilitator, in Dutse on Thursday.

He said the unit interfaced with representatives of the MDAs to verify submitted data on the progress recorded against set targets in the performance bond earlier signed in January.

According to him, the workshop is pivotal in streamlining government achievements into one single scorecard and finalising the mid-year performance reports for the attention of the governor.

The statement quoted the PDCU Coordinator, Adamu Muhammad, who doubles as Public Private Secretary to the governor, as stressing the importance of the exercise in driving the manifested 12-Point Agenda of the governor.

Muhammad was quoted as emphasising the need for the members of the unit to scrutinise and fine tune all the submitted evidence for accuracy, relevance and completeness.

The coordinator lauded the FCDO-PERL programme for the support to the state government in actualising the PDCU and supporting the review process.

“The PDCU comprises of professional technocrats selected based on merit and specialisation to support the delivery of the Governor’s 12-Point Agenda”. (NAN)

Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue, announced on Thursday that his state is experiencing relative peace, enabling farmers to return to previously abandoned farms due to farmers/herders clashes.

He made this statement while briefing State House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

Alia visited the President to update him on Benue’s state of affairs, highlighting the high levels of peace during the current farming season.

“Since 1999, our people have paid less attention to farming, but since last year, and particularly this season, they have returned to the farms.

“We need to produce more and fill our basket to capacity.

He said that Benue had made significant security strides, with minor skirmishes persisting in two to three local governments.

Alia emphasised the need for attention in these areas to eradicate all skirmishes.

Regarding the federal government’s flood warning, Alia said his administration had implemented measures to prevent flooding.

“We are prepared to tackle flooding, having carried out adequate sensitisation for riverbank residents.

“We seek the Federal Government’s assistance to dredge the River Benue.

According to the governor, the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is equipped to handle flood-related challenges.

“We are prepared, not just waiting. We have SEMA, an emergency management team, and they are armed to respond.”

The governor noted that in spite of warnings, some residents refused to evacuate flood-prone areas.

“However, the government will persist in appealing to them, simultaneously highlighting the risks associated with staying in these vulnerable locations,” he said. (NAN)

China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has urged Nigeria to adopt strategic reforms and poverty alleviation mechanisms in order to fastrack the nation’s economic growth.

The ambassador stated this during a seminar on: “Taking New Opportunities for China-Nigeria Cooperation in Deepening Reform in the New Era,” organised by the Embassy on Thursday in Abuja.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration between the two nations, drawing from China’s own experiences in lifting about 800 million people out of poverty over the past few decades.

Yu outlined several key recommendations for Nigeria, focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting vocational training, and fostering infrastructural development.

“Poverty alleviation is not just about financial support; it is about creating sustainable opportunities,” he said.

The Chinese envoy said that Nigeria could benefit from adopting a multi-faceted approach similar to the one employed by China.

Yu while acknowledging Nigeria’s strides in poverty reduction, particularly in urban areas, pointed out the persisting challenges in rural regions where poverty rates remain high.

He said that China’s agricultural reforms in the late 20th century were a model, which involved introducing modern farming techniques, improving irrigation systems, and providing farmers with better access to markets.

The ambassador also stressed the importance of education and vocational training as critical components of poverty alleviation.

“Investing in human capital is essential. China also invested a lot in educating its people from having 1 million students yearly to having over 13 million university students every year.

“We also provided vocational training for many people because we believe the vital role education plays in equipping young people with the skills is crucial for building a prosperous future,” he noted.

He highlighted China’s significant investments in education, nurturing millions of university students annually, and offering vocational training to equip individuals with essential skills for a prosperous future.

Yu further urged the Nigerian government to prioritise investments in key infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and transportation networks, noting that they were crucial for economic growth and poverty alleviation.

He cited China’s progress in the electric vehicle market and transportation sector as examples of how infrastructural development fuels economic advancement.

Yu added that in line with China’s commitment to continuous reform, over 300 reform measures were set to be achieved in the next five years.

He said that this was because a successful poverty eradication is attributed to continuous reform, which removes outdated practices and obstacles.

While advocating for openness to learning from other nations, Yu highlighted the importance of preserving each country’s unique history, culture, and identity.

He stressed the value of mutual learning and exchange without resorting to mere imitation.

In his response, Mr Muhammad Sulaiman, President of the Society of Nigerian Artists, echoed Nigeria’s dedication to reform efforts.

He said that Nigeria was committed to economic restructuring and growth across various sectors.

NAN reports that the seminar concluded with a call for continued dialogue between Nigeria and China.

Both nations expressed the desire to further strengthen their partnerships in various sectors, including trade, technology, and education.(NAN)