By Raphael Atuu, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, has distributed 100 bullocks, heifers and livestock production ancillaries to 52 women and 48 youths in Jigawa State as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector, improving food security, creating jobs and enhancing livelihoods across the country.

The empowerment programme, implemented in collaboration with Meteorite Logistics Ltd.

, was held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Kilometer 5, Shuwarin Cattle Market, Dutse, Jigawa State. Beneficiaries were drawn from the North-West, North-East and North-Central geopolitical zones.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who was represented by the Director of Livestock Extension and Business Development, said the initiative demonstrates the commitment of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to reposition the livestock sector through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister stated that, the distribution of quality breeding stock and livestock production inputs is one of the Ministry’s strategic interventions aimed at empowering women and youths to become active participants in the livestock value chain.

He noted that, improving access to productive livestock assets will enhance livestock productivity, increase household incomes, promote entrepreneurship and create sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.

He also noted that, the intervention is more than an empowerment programme, describing it as an investment in the future of Nigeria’s livestock industry. He urged beneficiaries to adopt improved animal husbandry practices, properly manage the animals and expand their herds to maximise the benefits of the programme.

“Use these animals responsibly and ensure that the investment made by the Federal Government yields lasting benefits for your families, your communities and future generations,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Dr. Maryam Rabiu Miko, Jigawa State Coordinator of the Association of Women in Agriculture and Rural Farmers of Nigeria (AWARFA’N), expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister for the intervention.

She described the support as timely, saying the heifer she received would enable her to establish a livestock business, improve her family’s income and contribute to food production.

Also speaking, Umar Usman, who received the items on behalf of his wife, Hannatu Musa, commended the Federal Government for prioritising women and vulnerable households.

He said the intervention would significantly improve their household income and strengthen food security for the family.

Similarly, Ahmed Abubakar, the Jigawa State representative of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), appreciated the Federal Government and the Ministry for extending the programme to livestock farmers in the state.

He said the intervention would support members of the association, improve livestock production and contribute to the development of the sector in Jigawa State.

In his closing remarks, Olorufemi of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the livestock and other items provided.

He described the programme as a landmark intervention following the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and encouraged beneficiaries to nurture the animals, expand their herds and become employers of labour.

“This is not a gift to waste. It is a seed for wealth creation, food security and a stronger livestock economy for Nigeria,” he said.

Officials of the Ministry and Meteorite Logistics Ltd. were on hand throughout the programme to provide guidance to beneficiaries on proper animal husbandry, feeding, breeding and animal healthcare practices to ensure the sustainability of the intervention.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development reaffirmed its commitment to implementing programmes and policies that will modernise Nigeria’s livestock sector, improve food security, create employment opportunities, reduce poverty and support the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Monday, said it has concluded an arrangement to transform the abandoned recreational garden at the Life Camp Roundabout into a modern leisure and sporting facility, as part of the FCT Administration’s broader drive to expand recreational infrastructure for Abuja residents.

Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, revealed this while inspecting the Life Camp Garden in Abuja.

Wike recalled that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had motivated the administration to invest more in green and recreational spaces in Abuja.

He described the condition of the Life Camp recreation park as unfortunate, lamenting that successive administrations had neglected a facility with enormous potential.

“It is unfortunate that governments have come and gone without thinking about this place. I must commend the First Lady for reminding us of the need to preserve areas where people can leave their homes and communities to relax,” he said.

According to him, the administration intends to restore the park with modern facilities that will cater for the recreational and sporting needs of residents.

“What we intend to do here is to bring it back and provide modern facilities so that people living within this area can come here for their daily sporting activities, recreation, relaxation, take photographs and enjoy themselves, just as it is done in advanced countries,” he said.

Wike disclosed that he had directed the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) to immediately begin the process of redesigning the facility, stressing that the project would receive emergency attention.

“I have directed the relevant officials of the FCDA to move very quickly and present us with what is most befitting for a city like Abuja. We are going to treat this as an emergency. It cannot go through the normal bureaucratic process because our people deserve better,” he said.

The minister also revealed plans to introduce an annual New Year fireworks display at the Abuja City Gate beginning this year, describing it as part of efforts to align Abuja with global capital cities.

“Just like it is done all over the world, where cities usher in the New Year with fireworks, that is what we intend to do this year at the City Gate. By the grace of God, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, we will, for the first time in this country, celebrate the New Year in that manner,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction with the natural landscape of the Life Camp site, Wike said the administration would engage reputable firms and compare multiple proposals before awarding the contract to ensure the best outcome.

“Look at the topography; see what we have been missing. Citizens want a good life, and they are not asking for too much. The administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to restore hope to our people. We will invite the best companies and also obtain alternative designs so we can compare and choose the very best. We want something that meets global standards, and we want it delivered as quickly as possible,” the minister said.

The planned redevelopment forms part of the FCT Administration’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life in Abuja by expanding access to green spaces, leisure parks and recreational facilities for residents.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has held talks with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and other foreign ministers as Cairo intensifies efforts to prevent further regional escalation, violence and conflict.

According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, the discussions took place via separate phone calls on Sunday.

During the call with Witkoff, Abdelatty stressed that political and diplomatic solutions remained the only viable path to restoring regional security and stability.

He called for intensified international and regional efforts to create conditions for renewed dialogue and address the root causes of conflicts.

In separate talks with Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the two officials reviewed diplomatic contacts supporting de-escalation.

They also discussed the regional impact of renewed military operations and stressed the need to return to negotiations.

Abdelatty and Al Thani called for the resolution of regional crises through political and diplomatic means while respecting international law.

During his call with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Jarrah Jaber Al-Sabah, Abdelatty called for stronger efforts to prevent the conflict from widening.

The two ministers agreed to maintain close coordination in support of de-escalation efforts, according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Abdelatty also discussed regional developments with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein during a separate telephone conversation.

The two officials agreed on the need to prioritise dialogue and political solutions to prevent further escalation.

These calls are part of a diplomatic push from Egypt’s border to contain escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, including military strikes and retaliatory attacks.

The U.S. military launched multiple waves of strikes on Iran in July, saying they were in response to Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and aimed at “degrading Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping.”

Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military bases and facilities in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Also on Sunday, Abdelatty discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and efforts to advance the implementation of the U.S.-proposed peace plan for the enclave during a phone call with Nickolay Mladenov, “high representative for Gaza” of the U.S.-led “Board of Peace.”

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the “Board of Peace” had reached an agreement for the “complete disarmament” of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim said Friday that Hamas agreed to the “latest version of the roadmap” for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement after “fierce” negotiations, but conditioned weaponry arrangements on Israeli withdrawal from the enclave and progress on reconstruction.