From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

In its effort to ensure food security in the state, the Enugu State government has recently flagged-off the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support, L-PRES, programme on the training of farmers in the state on livestock production.

Performing the ceremony at the Master Skills Development and Service Ltd, in Agbani, Nkanu West LGA of the state, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Hon.

Patrick Ubru who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Victor Ngwu said the programme was in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s promise to eradicate hunger, unemployment and ensure zero headcount poverty index in the state.

According to him,  the workshop would expose the participants to knowledge on how to maximize production, deal with any challenges that may arise in the course of operating their farms, ensuring proper management and production of sufficient protein for the state.

Speaking earlier, the State Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nnajieze described L-PRES as a project aimed at developing objectives to improve livestock productivity, resilience and commercialization of selected value chains, while ensuring economic diversification.

According to her, L-PRES is a body sponsored by the World Bank, federal and state governments  to ensure food sufficiency, while remaining resilient in the fight against food insecurity.

She further extoled the Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah for the support his administration has been giving to the farmers, especially those in the livestock space who often undertake trainings and workshops, noting that Mbah’s vision to grow the state’s GDP from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, eradicate hunger and poverty in the state cannot be realized without being intentional about agriculture.

Dr. Nnajieze recalled that the Enugu State Government in collaboration with the National Animal Production Research Institute, NAPRI had recently sponsored the training of 30 persons, most of which were the lecturers from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) to Zaria, Kaduna State, for a two-weeks training on artificial insemination and the use of modern AI equipment to enhance animal productivity.

On his part, the consultant and trainer at the Master Skills Development and Service Ltd, Prof. Benjamin Marire applauded Governor Mbah for his support to the farmers in the state, describing him as a man who knows his onions in the areas of leadership, empowerment and equipping of the people with the much needed resources and knowledge to embrace the agricultural revolution.

According to him, the training will empower the livestock farmers to make input on their farms, ensuring food security and taking care of the protein needs of the state, while maintaining that human development which the state has undertaken is a great tool in economic revolution.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday said it has concluded arrangements to build two multi-event sports centers in Abuja.

The acting Executive Secretary (ES) of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Yunana Dauda, stated this while briefing journalists after the Executive meeting of FCT in Abuja.

The meeting that was chaired by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike was attended by all mandate Secretaries, management staff amongst others.

He said two companies were considered for the contract and they have been awarded accordingly.

The ES however did not mention the name of the two companies and how much the contracts were awarded.

The Mandatory Secretary for Transportation, Mandate Secretary, Transportation Secretariat, Dr. Chinedum Elechi, who also spoke at the Exco  meeting, said the FCT Exco is also greedy to renew the contract of the security agency handling the security of the rail line because of how  expensive the equipment are.

He emphasised how important the contract is for the security of the operation of the metro train. “Because if one single cable is vandalized, it will distort the operations for a long time. That is why it became imperative for the contract to be renewed between 2024 up to 2026. It’s a two-year cycle. And so that is what we arrived at and EXCO approved the contract”.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) on Monday said   over 3,500 lives were rescued from various emergencies in 2024.

Acting Director-General of FEMD, Abdulrahman Mohammed stated this at a press briefing in Abuja.

He outlined the department’s milestones, challenges, and projections for 2025.

Among the major incidents tackled were flooding, building collapses, fire outbreaks, road crashes and an attempted suicide.

Mohammed revealed that FEMD’s proactive measures, such as partnerships with local divers, traditional rulers, and stakeholders, played a pivotal role in mitigating disasters.

“Emergency management must be a bottom-to-top approach involving traditional rulers and local government authorities. This synergy has yielded positive results,” he said.

In 2024, the department conducted over 165 emergency responses, rescuing 75 individuals from floods and 105 from collapsed buildings. While FEMD successfully saved 1,230 persons from fire incidents without fatalities, four lives were lost to building collapses and floods. Additionally, FEMD provided relief materials to affected communities, including displaced persons and households impacted by disasters.

FEMD also collaborated with stakeholders like the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), and traditional rulers to mitigate the impact of disasters. Early warning systems and community-based disaster management approaches proved vital in addressing flood risks, which affected several areas in the FCT, including Angwan Hakimi in Orozo, Dutse Makaranta, and Nyanya.

Notably, the department saved 105 individuals from building collapses, although four fatalities were recorded in incidents at Guzape, Garki 2, Kubwa, and Sabon Lugbe. FEMD also responded to earth tremors in Mpape, Katampe, and Maitama Extension, which left over 2,000 residents traumatized.

In its drive to improve preparedness, FEMD engaged schools through sensitization campaigns, established disaster management clubs, and conducted anti-terrorism simulation exercises. The department also partnered with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) to enhance disaster response through geospatial data sharing and early warning systems.

FEMD distributed relief materials to disaster victims, including food items to 200 persons living with disabilities and Ramadan packages to internally displaced persons in Kabusa and Bwari. Additionally, the department donated hospital equipment to Kuje District Hospital and school beds to Government Secondary School, Kuje.

Looking ahead, Mohammed revealed plans to leverage technology for disaster management, including satellite-based risk assessment and real-time data monitoring to improve response time. “Our goal is to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in disaster response. We will deepen collaboration with traditional institutions and area councils while expanding campaigns on traditional and social media,” he added.

Despite challenges such as obsolete equipment, inadequate funding, and limited office space, FEMD remains committed to its mission. Mohammed reassured FCT residents of the department’s dedication to protecting lives and property while calling on stakeholders, including the media, for continued support.

“Disaster management is a collective responsibility, and with your partnership, we will make the FCT safer for all,” he concluded.