NEWS
FG to Establish Cattle Ranch in Niger – Minister

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a large-scale cattle ranch in Niger State, in partnership with JBJ Brazil, the world’s largest cattle rancher.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Malam Idi Mukhtar, made the announcement during a visit to Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger in Minna on Monday, where he was accompanied by a team from JBJ Brazil. Mukhtar explained that the project was part of an agreement between the Federal Government and JBJ Brazil to enhance livestock production in Nigeria. He highlighted that Niger State was selected due to its abundant resources, including ample water, and the state government’s commitment to allocating 1.2 million hectares of land for the 2.5 billion dollars livestock investment.The minister revealed that the proposed ranch would span 100,000 hectares of land and house 100,000 bulls.He noted that financial discussions regarding the project were still ongoing with the investors.In his response, Bago expressed confidence in the project’s success, emphasising the state’s comparative advantage over others.Represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, Bago assured that Niger was well-positioned to ensure the success of the Federal Government’s livestock development initiative.Also speaking, the Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr Sammy Adigun, confirmed that Brazilian companies JBS and JBJ were investing in animal production and processing, with the Federal Government facilitating the project.(NAN)NEWS
Gunmen Kill 11 Persons in Plateau

The police command in Plateau says gunmen have attacked Rubi community in Butura District in Bokkos Local Government and killed 11 persons.
Mr Alfred Alabo, the command’s spokesman made this known in a statement on Friday in Jos.
The Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC),also in a statement, confirmed that 11 persons were killed.
Alabo quoted Mr Emmanuel Adesina, the Commissioner of Police in the state, who visited the scene, as condemning the attack.
“On March 27, at about 10:00 p.m., we received a report of some gunmen who invaded Ruwi village at about 09:20 p.m. and began to shoot sporadically.
“As a result, some law-abiding citizens of the community who were at a wake-keep unfortunately lost their lives.
“Many others secured varying degrees of injuries.
“Immediately, the Commissioner of Police directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bokkos to mobilise to the scene for necessary action,”he said.
To have first hand information on situation, Alabo said that the commissioner visited the scene and commiserated with those who lost their loves ones.
Similarly, the Plateau government had condemned the incident and called on security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.
Mrs Joyce Ramnap, the state Commissioner for Information, called on residents of the community not to take the law into their hands.Ramnap reiterated the state government’s commitment to security of lives and property of all citizens of the state.(NAN)
NEWS
Tinubu Moves to Strengthen River Basin Authorities, Approves new Appointments

President Bola Tinubu has approved new appointments to strengthen the leadership of River Basin Development Authorities under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
At the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Abeokuta, Mr Sowade Adebayo will replace Mr Julius Oloro as the Executive Director of Engineering Services, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement on Friday.
At the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Mr Chucks Erhire steps into the role of Executive Director of Engineering Services, succeeding Dr Austin Izagbo.
The president also appointed Mr Sunday Hassan as the Executive Director of Planning at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, replacing Mr Chris Tarka.
Mr Okibe Timothy retains his current position as the Executive Director of Engineering at the Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority.
The president urged the appointees to uphold the highest standards of integrity and performance as they work to improve water management and rural development for the benefit of all Nigerians.(NAN)
NEWS
Stanbic IBTC Holdings to Pay Shareholders N38.87 bn as Dividend in 2024

Stanbic IBTC Holdings has announced plans to pay N38.87 billion in dividends to its shareholders for the financial year ended Dec.
31, 2024.This is a 36.3 per cent surge from N28.505 billion paid to its shareholders in 2023.
The company disclosed this in a corporate disclosure through the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.
, on Friday.The disclosure reads “A Final Dividend of N3.
00 per ordinary share of 50 kobo each, that is N38,870,991,489.00“Subject to deduction of appropriate withholding tax and approval will be paid to shareholders whose names appear in the Register of members at the close of business on Friday 11 April 2025.
“This is in addition to the Interim Dividend of N2.
00 paid in September 2024, thus bringing the total of 2024 dividend to N5.00.“The Register of Shareholders will be closed from Monday 14 April to Friday 18 April 2025.
“On Friday May 16, 2025, dividends will be paid electronically to shareholders whose names appear on the register as at the close of business on Friday April 11,
2025.
“It will be paid to those who have completed the e-dividend registration and mandated the Registrar to pay their dividends directly into their Bank accounts,” it said (NAN)