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Tinubu commissions agric mechanised centre, road projects in Katsina

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President Bola Tinubu on Friday commissioned the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre and some road projects

President Bola Tinubu on Friday evening commissioned the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre, where 400 brand new tractors and supporting equipment were assembled.

Tinubu also commissioned a 24-kilometre road which was completed within the space of 18 months.

Both projects were executed by the Governor Dikko Radda-led administration, which came into office in May 2023.

Speaking, the president reiterated his administration’s commitment to revamping the agricultural sector with the view to ensuring food sovereignty in the country.

He said, “Agriculture must remain at the heart of Nigeria’s development strategy. The era of subsistence farming is over. We are investing in modern farming techniques, mechanisation, irrigation, and water management.”

Tinubu also added that part of revamping the agricultural sector is a plan to recapitalise the Bank of Industry (BoI) to make funding accessible to farmers across all levels.

He said the agricultural mechanisation centre was not “just about machines, it’s about food security, economic empowerment, and the future of our youth,” adding, “Once we free ourselves from hunger, peace and prosperity will naturally follow.”

On federal projects in the state, the president said the second phase of the Katsina-Kano road project is underway following the resolution of technical and bureaucratic issues.

He also announced that contracts have been awarded for full rehabilitation of the Maraba–Kankara–Zango–Katsina road, as well as the Sabuwa–Rimi–Danja–Dayi–Funtua–Dandume road.

He said the Kano–Jigawa–Katsina–Maradi rail project is expected to be completed by 2026, adding that the project, when completed, “will ease the movement of goods and people, and reduce the burden on our roads”.

“Let me assure you again: Katsina has not been forgotten. Many more federal projects are in the pipeline to support your growth and development,” he said.

Governor Radda said the Agricultural Mechanisation Centre would serve all 34 local government areas in the state, adding, “Mechanisation will help our farmers reduce the average cost of cultivation per hectare and open new lands for cultivation.”

He said the centre boasts several agricultural equipment that are ready for use, including “400 Lovol tractors, 10 multi-functional combine harvesters, 400 disc harrows and ridgers, 70 tractor trailers, and 1,000 multi-planters.”

Radda, who announced that distribution of 400,000 bags of fertiliser for the 2025 wet season farming would begin on Monday, added that the state has provided over 6,000 solar-powered water pumps to support irrigation and dry-season farming.

He said his administration had been making headway in infrastructure development through the Katsina State Urban Renewal Project, which boasts 55.53 kilometres of 4-lane dual carriageway and over 110 kilometres of township roads.

“In just two years, we have built over 160 kilometres of roads, improved intra-state connectivity, and provided our people and businesses with efficient transportation,” he said.

The governor also mentioned significant investments in water infrastructure, including “our history’s largest small-town and semi-urban water improvement project” under the SURWASH program, which will bring clean water to over one million people across the state.

Shortly after the commissioning, President Tinubu was a Guest at a Town Hall meeting held at the presidential wing, Government House, with the security challenges bedeviling the state said to have been a major point of discussion.

The president is also expected to serve as special guest of honour by 2 pm Saturday, when Governor Radda gives out his daughter, Aisha, in marriage.

Tinubu’s visit, which is the first since he became president, saw several state governors, including those of Benue, Jigawa, Kwara, Kaduna, and Borno, among others, on the ground to welcome him.

 

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Pastor Chris Okafor weds fiancée amid ongoing controversy with actress Doris Ogala

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Pastor Chris Okafor has officially tied the knot with his fiancée, a development that comes amid the ongoing public drama involving Nollywood actress Doris Ogala.

The wedding comes weeks after Doris Ogala went public with claims that she dated the clergyman for several years and was promised marriage — allegations she repeated during a live session with Daddy Freeze, where she shared detailed accounts of their relationship and fallout.

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Ooni Of Ife Installs Ghanaian President Mahama as Aare Atayeto Oodua (Photos)

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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Monday underscored African unity while conferring the prestigious chieftaincy title of Aare Atayeto Oodua of the Source on Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, stressing that Africans are “one people, one family” beyond colonial-era borders.

The ceremony, held at Afewonro Park within the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, attracted traditional rulers, political figures, and cultural dignitaries from both Yorubaland and Ghana, highlighting Ile-Ife’s historical significance as the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people.

Receiving President Mahama with full honours and tight security, the Ooni, who also serves as Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, described the Ghanaian leader as a symbol of cultural continuity, economic reform, and Pan-African solidarity.

“This palace is familiar to you. You have been part of our journey and have grown with us,” Oba Ogunwusi remarked, acknowledging Mahama’s enduring connection with Ile-Ife even prior to his return to the presidency of Ghana.

The monarch further stressed that artificial boundaries imposed during colonial rule should not diminish Africa’s shared heritage, citing linguistic and cultural ties between the Yoruba and Ghana people.

“In Ghana, you say ‘Akwaabo,’ and here we say ‘Ekaabo.’ Are they not the same? We are one people, one family,” the Ooni declared.

 

Oba Ogunwusi recalled that during a previous visit to Ile-Ife after leaving office, prayers were offered with a prophetic declaration that Mahama would return to leadership, a prophecy he noted has since come to pass.

“To the glory of God, you are now a true reformer. Upon assuming office for a second term, Ghana’s economy witnessed a remarkable turnaround. We are immensely proud of your leadership,” he said, commending Mahama’s economic achievements and expressing confidence in his potential influence on the African Union.

In his acceptance address, President Mahama expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Ooni and the people of Ile-Ife, emphasising the ancestral links between Ghana and Nigeria.

“The people of Accra trace their lineage to Ile-Ife. We are one family,” Mahama affirmed, dedicating the chieftaincy title to all Ghanaians.

He also pledged to leverage his new role to strengthen bilateral relations and foster reconciliation within West Africa.

“As long as I serve as President of Ghana, I will work to deepen ties between our nations and bridge divides within ECOWAS,” he promised.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES SENATOR IFEANYI ARARUME ON HIS BIRTHDAY

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President Bola Tinubu felicitates Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Ararume, astute politician and accomplished businessman, on his birthday, December 16.

Senator Ararume’s odyssey in politics began in the late 1980s, when he served as the State Treasurer of the Liberal Convention in old Imo State. He later joined the National Finance Committee of the defunct National Republican Convention.

He represented Imo North in the 9th National Assembly. He was first elected in May 1999 and re-elected in April 2003. He also served on several committees and held other official roles.

President Tinubu commends the former senator for his years of service to the nation and contributions to its peace, unity, and progress.

The President describes Senator Ararume as a resolute and shrewd politician, highlighting his courageous and remarkable political journey through the years.

President Tinubu wishes Senator Ararume a happy 67th birthday and prays that God Almighty will grant him more years of good health and strength.

 

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