From Yagana Ali, Yola

The Adamawa State Agribusiness Support Programme ADAS-P has concluded arrangements to establish standard & digital structure/database for farmers and farmlands to contact with farmers to boost Agribusiness in the state.The chairman implementation committee of the ADAS Programme, Dr.

Ahmed Garba stated this while briefing His Royal Majesty, Hama Bata Homon Alhamdu Gladstone Teneke at his Palace in Demsa LGA of the state. The Database and structure will be used to ensure agricultural support reaches the genuine grassroots farmers to boost agriculture.He explained that the ADAS Programme will facilitate and drive the enhancement of production, commercialization and industrialization of agriculture for economic development to attract investors.He added that “we are going to use the traditional council to identify and profile farmers because they know the farmers and farmlands better than everyone” Dr Garba explained.Dr. Garba Added henceforth only those on the Database will benefit from agricultural support in Adamawa State.Speaking during the courtesy call, the Director of Chieftaincy Affairs Ibrahim Yaro challenged the district Scribes to convey the message to the District Heads and all farmers in their communities.On her part, the administrative Secretary of the ADAS Programme Mrs Joy Tarfa advised all stakeholders to be transparent and do the needful while discharging their duties.During the visit, the District Scribes, Directors Agric, and Sectional Heads among others were sensitized on the programme.

From Marcel Duru, Owerri

Igbo National Movement, a sociopolitical pressure group, has said that absence of diplomacy is responsible for secessionist and other agitations in parts of the country.This is contained in a release co-signed by the group’s President General , Anthony Olisa-Okolo, Vice President, Onyemuche Mbachu and Secretary, Ugo Akpe-Onwuka in Owerri on Monday.

According to the release, the group blamed rising insecurity in the country on absence of diplomacy in addressing separatist concerns in various parts of the country. It called on the Federal Government to employ dialogue and diplomatic interaction so as to fully understand the major reasons for the clamour for secession, address these and forestall violence.The group further pointed out that separatist groups do not represent the general interest of a particular people hence the need for a diplomatic approach. ” We urge the government to employ diplomacy to resolve the issues raised by agitators and eschew the use of force as a method of first resort.”Insecurity, especially in the South-East is a result of failure to diplomatically approach sundry grievances and agitations rather than unleash military force. ” We wish to state that Igbo people as a whole have never expressed widespread support for the Biafran agitation although we acknowledge that it is the constitutional right of those individuals to express their democratic rights in a non-violent manner.”It further called on political office holders to desist from the “use of divisive language which can fuel aggression and a vengeful spirit.”It added that there may be justifiable reasons for the various agitations for self-determination by diverse ethnic nationals within the Federation and called on the government to explore dialogue.It described the Igbo people as peace loving, accommodating and progressive and argued that violent reactions are alien to the people. “There are justifiable reasons for the various agitations for self-determination by diverse ethnic nationals within the Federation and this is why the government should respond to the agitations with fraternal considerations rather than the use of force.”Ndigbo love peace, unity and progress, hence our adage, “Egbe Bere Ugo Bere, Nke Si Ibe Ya Ebele, Nku Kwa Ya” (simply put, “Live and Let Live”).

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, expresses heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the management and personnel of the FCT Police Command for the kind gesture of the honorable minister, FCT, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for fulfilling his promise to the Command.

In a statement issued by FCT Police Command and signed by SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, in Abuja. It would be recalled that the Minister took decisive action by placing a bounty of twenty million naira on two notorious and most wanted kidnappers on February 14, 2024. The statement reads in part, “And has matched his words with action following the arrest of the two wanted kidnappers.”The implementation of such measures reflects the minister’s leadership and responsiveness to the security and safety of residents.”The Command is therefore highly honored and grateful for his unflinching and continuous support in combating crime and ensuring the well-being of the residents.”The CP ensured that the fund was distributed amongst the tactical teams and the divisional police officers of the command to ensure better service delivery. He also reassures the Minister and the residents of FCT that the command under his leadership will leave no stone unturned in the fight against crime and criminality and will continue to work assiduously to ensure the safety of residents.”He urges residents to be vigilant and take advantage of the police emergency lines to report suspicious activities through: 08032003913, 08028940883, 08061581938, and 07057337653 PCB: 09022222352, CRU: 08107314192”