KICNEWS

Category: Hero

  • Climate protest in Paris foiled on first day of Olympics

    Climate protest in Paris foiled on first day of Olympics

    Climate protest in Paris foiled on first day of Olympics

    Climate protest in Paris foiled on first day of Olympics

    Paris 2024 Olympics – Opening Ceremony – Paris, Paris, France – July 26, 2024. The delegation of Vanuatu is seen passing under a bridge aboard a boat in the floating parade on the river Seine during the opening ceremony. (Photo by Clodagh Kilcoyne / POOL / AFP)

     

    French police on Saturday blocked climate activists from holding a demonstration in central Paris on the first official day of the Olympic Games.

     

    Protesters from Extinction Rebellion (XR), once notorious for shutting down bridges over the Thames river in London, had planned to occupy the Pont des Arts bridge over the Seine, which had hosted the Games’ opening ceremony only hours earlier.

     

    Security forces are on high alert nationwide after saboteurs early Friday disrupted train travel throughout France.

     

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    The stint on the bridge, which organisers previously said would be “more visible than disruptive”, was called off after police kettled a group of journalists preparing to cover the protest.

     

    “The French government has deployed great resources to block our special Olympic action,” Extinction Rebellion France said in a statement on X.

     

    “Our democracy burns and we are watching the flame of Paris 2024.”

     

    Activists are calling for more participative democracy and the creation of a citizen assembly to design a new climate-focused constitution for France, which finds itself in a political impasse following elections earlier this month.

     

    “We need a new model for society, which has to be fair and democratically accepted. We want to put citizens back at the heart of the political project that we want to see,” said Sandro, an XR activist who didn’t want to give his full name.

     

    The foiled protest comes after eight XR activists were arrested on Tuesday for putting up stickers critical of the Games in the Paris metro, the city’s police said.

     

    They were later released.

     

    Organisers of the 2024 Paris Olympics promised to take “unprecedented” action for the climate by halving the event’s carbon footprint compared to previous Games.

     

    But academics and campaigners have been sceptical, criticising car giant Toyota’s sponsorship of the Games.

     

    Earlier this month, around 100 scientists signed an open letter arguing that “Toyota’s promotion of a hydrogen car is scientifically misaligned with net-zero and will damage the reputation of the 2024 Games”.

     

    Climate campaigners put up mock adverts in Paris and five other French cities this week highlighting Toyota as a high-emitting company.

     

    Toyota previously told AFP that hydrogen would play “a critical role among different decarbonisation technologies”.

     

     

  • #Endbadgovernment: Take leadership of protest to avoid anarchy – CSO tells organisers

    #Endbadgovernment: Take leadership of protest to avoid anarchy – CSO tells organisers

     

    #Endbadgovernment: Take leadership of protest to avoid anarchy – CSO tells organisers

    #Endbadgovernment: Take leadership of protest to avoid anarchy – CSO tells organisers

     

    A coalition of civil societies in Osun State, The Osun Masterminds, TOM, has stressed the need for the organisers of planned mass protests against bad governance to take leadership of the protest to avoid anarchy.

     

    The group, at its July state-of-the-State address, through its Executive Director, Professor Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli in Osogbo, disclosed that a protest without proper leadership and coordination is a recipe for anarchy.

     

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    While admitting that protest is a right of every citizen who deemed it fit to voice out on how a country is governed but warned the youth to be wary of a poorly organised protest to avoid being infiltrated by hoodlums.

     

    He said, “We strongly hold that the right to protest is that of every citizens of this country and no one should attempt to subdue people’s voices whenever they chose to cry out about how they are been governed or misgoverned. The state of affairs in Nigeria is truly worrisome and people have a right to voice their disapproval as guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for freedom of association, gathering, and speech.

     

    “We condemn threats by security agencies, groups, and political office holders against any form of protest. Our democracy as presently enjoyed, was borne out of agitations, therefore, if there is any component of democracy that is germane, it is that of freedom.

     

    “At a time that we have not fully recovered from the woes of the EndSars, the looting, maiming and destruction of lives and public facilities that were and still being replaced by our common patrimony or lost forever, we CAN’T afford to have a repeat of such as a nation and that is why the note of caution is been sounded to the ears of particularly the youths, than an uncoordinated protest or one that is without leadership is a very dangerous.

     

    “It is in this light that we caution that the protest be conducted peacefully, and no form of infiltration must be allowed by hoodlums and those whose intentions are not patriotic. We already are having a shortage in critical infrastructure in the country, and we can not afford to by ourselves destroy the very few functional national assets, in the name of showing grievances against the government.

     

    The group charged government at various levels to be proactive, transparent and accountable to gain the people’s trust.

     

    “We advise the government to be more proactive and engage the citizens more by being accountable, transparent, and showing empathy in their dealings and demand from the system that accommodate their representation and leadership”, he added.

  • Tinubu calls for strengthening Nigeria-China relations

    Tinubu calls for strengthening Nigeria-China relations

    1. Tinubu calls for strengthening Nigeria-China relations

    Tinubu calls for strengthening Nigeria-China relations

    President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja commended the partnership between Nigeria and China.

     

    The President gave the commendation when he received Mr Chen Xiaodong, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

     

    “For us, it is a new beginning with you. A relationship that has lasted more than 50 years must be nourished, nurtured, and promoted.

     

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    “Our mutual commitment to the values of labour, understanding, and development is very important.

     

    “I am very happy that President Xi Jinping is paying attention to Africa as a whole and our developmental needs,” President Tinubu told the Chinese delegation at the State House.

     

    The President welcomed the support of China for a more prominent position for Nigeria in the G20, UN Security Council, and the intergovernmental organisation of developing economies, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS).

     

    “We believe in ourselves. We are determined to enhance the values of our people. Over the years, China has gone through phases of transformation and development.

     

    “I once visited Shanghai when it was a village, and to see the rapid transformation, the technological development, is worth more collaborative efforts,” the president said.

     

    President Tinubu commended President Xi Jinping for consistently strengthening relations with Nigeria and Africa.

     

    “We believe in our bilateral relations, and we want to strengthen that. I am glad you mentioned United Nations, BRICS, and the G20. This is the largest economy in Africa.

     

    “To classify us as a backwater economy, no matter how hungry we are, we will manage our hunger. We will be friends and partners with those who respect our values, and China is one of them.

     

    “I commend what President Xi Jinping is doing in Africa, helping with capital mobilization for projects that positively impact the lives and livelihoods of our people in Africa,” said Tinubu.

     

    He stated that the infrastructure needs of Africa were monumental, particularly those of Nigeria.

     

    “You have good technology that you can transfer. You have a good opportunity to make an indelible mark on Nigeria.

     

    “We have a very vibrant youth population, well-educated and ready to learn. Skill development programmes and transfer of knowledge is extremely important,” President Tinubu added.

     

    He also thanked President Xi Jinping for an invitation to visit China.

     

    “I am glad you appreciate my effort on Lekki Free Trade Zone, and we are doing very well. We need to establish more industrial parks across the country.

     

    “Nigeria is blessed with mineral resources, and we have a lot of Chinese nationals around. We need to discuss more on that and promote cordial relationships for mutual benefit,” the president stated.

     

    In his remarks, the Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs said he was in Nigeria to brief the President on the invitation extended by Jinping and the itinerary of the state visit.

     

    Xiaodong commended the President for his strategic vision, playing leading roles in ECOWAS and Africa.

     

    “You are an important leader and a strategist in Africa. We believe that your meeting with President Jinping will open up more discussions and opportunities for Nigeria and Africa,” the Chinese envoy said.

     

    He also congratulated President Tinubu on his re-election as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. (NAN)

     

     

  • Putin vows ‘retribution’ against those trying to ‘divide’ Russia

    Putin vows ‘retribution’ against those trying to ‘divide’ Russia

    Putin vows ‘retribution’ against those trying to ‘divide’ Russia

    Putin vows ‘retribution’ against those trying to ‘divide’ Russia

     

    Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed Thursday to crush anybody who tries to divide Russian society as he hailed the effectiveness and unwavering loyalty of his country’s powerful law enforcement agencies.

     

    Putin has escalated a decades-long crackdown on civil society, independent media and opposition amid his military offensive in Ukraine, with dissent and criticism of the Kremlin outlawed and punishable by years-long prison sentences.

     

    “Those who try to intimidate people, to split our society, to play on religious or national feelings will never succeed,” Putin said in a video message posted by the Kremlin.

     

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    “Inevitable and just retribution awaits them,” he added.

     

    Russia regularly uses such language to describe those who oppose the Kremlin, including domestic critics who Moscow paints as being Western spies or puppets.

     

    Putin was marking Russia’s “Investigation Officers’ Day” and paid tribute to various Russian law enforcement agencies, including the Investigative Committee and the FSB security services, the successor to the Soviet-era KGB.

     

    “Investigators show unconditional loyalty to the Fatherland and our people,” Putin said.

     

    Critics of the Kremlin say Russia’s focus on investigating and prosecuting its domestic political opponents and rivals have left it blind to genuine security threats.

     

    In March, armed gunmen killed more than 140 at a Moscow concert hall in the country’s most deadly terror attack in almost two decades.

     

    The incident came just days after warnings from Western intelligence agencies that Putin publicly rejected as “blackmail” and an attempt to “destabilise our society”.

     

    The Islamic State group claimed responsibility, but Putin and other officials tried to link the massacre to Ukraine, without providing any evidence.

     

    Almost all of Putin’s main opponents are in jail or have fled into exile.

     

    Having stamped out dissent and passed strict military censorship laws that make criticism of the military illegal, Putin has repeatedly claimed Russian society is united behind his offensive on Ukraine.

     

     

  • Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke Sowore, Yesufu, others

    Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke Sowore, Yesufu, others

    Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke Sowore, Yesufu, others.

    Using Oro festival to stop protest, huge joke Sowore, Yesufu, others
    Sowore slams Nigerian Army for shutting Banex Plaza in Abuja over soldiers, traders’ clash

    Some rights activists, including Lagos natives under the aegis of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, Omoyele Sowore, and Aisha Yesufu, have criticised the use of the Oro festival to halt the planned national protest on August 1.

    They described this move as a huge joke and insisted that the protest would proceed as planned.

    The Oro festival has been trending on X (formerly Twitter) after a pro-Lagos social media page announced that the festival would take place during the planned nationwide protests from August 1 to 15, 2024.

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    The post read, “Attention residents and visitors of Lagos. Please be informed that the Oro festival will be observed in various communities across Lagos from the 1st of August to August 15. This traditional Yoruba cultural event involves significant rituals.”

    Reacting to this, the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, through its Media Office, said, “This government is bastardizing our cultures and traditions. What business does the state government have with ‘Oro’ and for what purpose? Let’s assume that the protesters defy this, and we think they should. How will the state enforce it as such enforcement is tantamount to a restriction of their fundamental human rights of freedom of movement, association, etc.? Again, for the Oro festival, will the government declare a work-free week?

    “Government should separate our traditions from this impending madness. What will the government do to assuage the feelings of those who will not be able to conduct their legitimate business during this period of malaise that the government is getting into? Yoruba will regret this unconscionable act of the government hiding behind this spiritual and traditional act in trying to scuttle the protest. Can’t they find another means?”

    Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) wrote, “Oro festival in Lagos now allegedly scheduled for the first two weeks of August. The exact same period as the planned protests by the youths.”

    Aisha Yesufu Jibrilla (@ukocarter) reacted via her X page, “The prestigious Oro Festival is now a political tool. Y’all now understand why they tried to ban ‘Gangs of Lagos’ because it exposed them.”

    United Kingdom-based writer Abanikanda Olumoro said, “Why are you so particular about Lagos and not your own states where your indigeneship, by constitutional rights, is domiciled? The festival of masquerade does not last long. You should be ashamed because Lagos State owners and indigenes are poised and have resources to take back their State, and you cannot stop them. If Nigerians are staging a nationwide protest against bad governance in Abuja, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Gombe, Sokoto, etc., don’t think anyone will take you seriously to say it is a Lagos issue. No. It is a show for Nigeria being staged by Nigerians across tribes and religions. President Tinubu has begged them not to protest, but you have spoiled all of that because these Nigerians, from the information I receive daily, are not going back regardless of military and police forces you are deploying.”

  • US Politics: Kamala Harris: Why I passed the torch to a new generation – US President, Biden

    US Politics: Kamala Harris: Why I passed the torch to a new generation – US President, Biden

    Kamala Harris: Why I passed the torch to a new generation – US President, Biden

    Biden

    President of United States of America, Joe Biden has given reasons he endorsed the vice president, Kamala Harris, to become the next president after him.

     

    Speaking to Americans four days after he announced his withdrawal from US Presidential race, Biden said he passed the torch to a new generation to unite Americans, noting that saving the country’s democracy is beyond personal ambition.

     

    Eulogizing Kamala Harris, US President opined that she is experienced, tough and capable of ruling the country.

     

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    His words: My fellow Americans:

     

    It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your President. I draw strength and find joy in working for the people. But this sacred task of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you. Your families. Your futures. It’s about “We the People.”

     

    America is at an inflection point. We must choose between moving forward or backward. Between hope and hate. Between unity and division. We have to decide: Do we still believe in honesty, decency, and respect? Freedom, justice, and democracy?

     

    The sacred cause of our country is larger than any one of us. And those of us who cherish that cause—the cause of American democracy itself—must unite to protect it.

     

    Over the next six months, I will be focused on doing my job as President. That means I will continue to lower costs for hard-working families and grow our economy.

     

    I will keep defending our personal freedoms and our civil rights—from the right to vote to the right to choose.

     

    I will keep calling out hate and extremism, and make it clear there is no place in America for political violence—or for any violence—ever.

     

    I will keep speaking out to protect our kids from gun violence, and our planet from the climate crisis. Nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy.

     

    And that includes personal ambition. So I have decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That is the best way to unite our nation.

     

    In just a few months, the American people will choose the course of America’s future. I made my choice. And I would like to thank our great Vice President—@Kamala Harris.

     

    She’s experienced, tough, capable. She has been an incredible partner to me and leader for our country.

     

    I have been privileged to serve this nation for over 50 years. I have given my heart and my soul, like so many others have.

     

    And I have been blessed a million times in return with the love and support of the American people. I hope you know how grateful I am to all of you.

     

    The great thing about America is that here, kings and dictators do not rule. The people do. History is in your hands. The power is in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.

     

    We just have to keep the faith and remember who we are. We are the UNITED States of America, and there is nothing beyond our capacity—when we do it together”.

     

     

  • Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events

    Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events

    Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events

    Three shot, cars damaged as anti-Fubara elements allegedly attack state events
    fubara
    …Police claim two-fighting

    By Davies Iheamnachor

    No fewer than three people were reportedly shot in Rivers State on Wednesday during an alleged attack on two state events in the state.

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    A yet to be identified baby had reportedly gone slide into unconsciousness after inhaling teargas shot by police operatives deployed to restore normalcy during the incident.

    It was alleged that supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, had attacked the two separate events organised by loyalists of Governor of the State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara.

    The states events were attacked at Omerelu Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area and Eliozu Community in Obio/Akpor LGA.

    It was gathered that some youths believed to be opposed to the current administration in the state alleged to be supporters of Hon. Martin Amaewhule, factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who loyal to Wike, had carried out the act.

    At Omerelu, it was learned that the Caretaker Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Darlington Orji and his team had visited Omerelu for an empowerment programme, but that the event was disrupted by the attackers.

    A source who preferred anonymity claimed that about three people were shot while many cars were destroyed.

    He sources said: “The shooting at Omerelu was as a result of the CTC Chairman’s visit to Omerelu for empowerment.

    “Some boys who are loyal to former LGA Chairman of Ikwerre, Samuel Nwanosike, stormed the venue and started shooting sporadically. About 3 persons had bullet wounds. They destroyed many cars.”

    At Eliozu, it was gathered that some youths alleged to be loyal to the factional speaker of the state assembly, Amaewhule, attacked the event organised by the state for aged woman, women and children in the area.

    The venue for the health outreach is said to be close to the home of Amaewhule, who the the leader of the 27 lawmakers in the state.

    It was learned that the state government had through the local government organised a medical outreach for women and children in the LGA, carried out by officials of State Ministry of Health.

    However, the project venue was attacked by some youths who are believed to be working for the anti-Fubara elements in the state.

    A source said the supporters of Amaewhule had gone to the event venue at Eliozu to confirm what was going on but that supporters of Fubara who were there had stopped them resulting to a free for all.

    It was gathered that while the attack was going on that men of Anti Riot Squad drafted from the State Command had arrived the scene with heavy gun fire and canisters to quell the situation.

    It was gathered that the police had blocked aged men and women from gaining access into the Health facility.

    However, the Public Relations Officer of the state police, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, noted it as two fighting.

    Iringe-Koko said: “A distress call was received from the health center in the Eliozu community today, 24th July 2024, where supporters of two separate political factions were engaged in a fight.

    “The police responded by sending operatives to the scene to restore law and order. The police deployed anti-riot tactics, including the use of canisters, to disperse the crowds. An investigation into the matter has been initiated.”

     

  • Katsina probes Hisbah over alleged torture, murder

    Katsina probes Hisbah over alleged torture, murder

    Katsina probes Hisbah over alleged torture, murder

    The Acting Governor of Katsina State, Faruk Umar, on Tuesday, inaugurated a committee to investigate a viral video on social media showing the alleged torture of some individuals by the personnel of Hisbah.

     

    Activities of Katsina State Hisbah Board were recently tagged by residents as anti-social and infringement of rights of people across the State.

     

    Investigations by PUNCH Online revealed that on May 5, 2024, in the Katsina metropolis, a joint operation by Hisbah and Community Watch Corps at a wedding ceremony turned violent. The security forces fired shots into the crowd, resulting in the tragic death of Mallam Gambo Maipaci, a middle-aged vulcanizer.

     

    An eyewitness, Mohammed Musa, told PUNCH Online that “immediately the Hisbah alongside CWC alighted, without much ado, they started shooting while those with knives too were seen chasing the crowd.

     

    He said, “In the process, a bullet pierced through Mallam Gambo, the vulcaniser. They rushed him to a nearby hospital where he later died. Not only that, Hisbah has been infringing on our rights ever since its establishment by Radda’s administration.”

     

    Related News

    Inaugurating the committee on behalf of the acting Governor, Secretary to the Katsina State government, Abdullahi Faskari, read the terms of reference to include “investigate the veracity or otherwise of the viral video on the social media on alleged torture of individuals by personnel of Hisbah.

     

    “Other allegations of victimisation and torture being perpetrated by the personnel of Hisbah; study the Law establishing HISBAH Board with a view to determining lapses (if any) leading to violations of fundamental human rights; identify Hisbah personnel who are involved in the act of victimisation and torture of people and recommend sanctions as appropriate.”

     

    He said the committee will submit a report within 10 days from the date of inauguration of the Committee.

     

    The Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, Aliyu Zakari, will chair the committee, while others are Permanent Secretaries of Ministries of Religious Affairs, Justice, Internal Security and Home Affairs, among others.

     

     

  • Protest: Shelve proposed nationwide protest, IG tells organisers

    Protest: Shelve proposed nationwide protest, IG tells organisers

    Shelve proposed nationwide protest, IG tells organisers

    The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday warned groups planning and mobilising for a nationwide protest against economic hardship in the country scheduled to begin August 1, 2024, to have a re-think and jettison the plan because it is ill-advised.

     

    He spoke against the backdrop of viral social media campaigns about the proposed protest which is gaining momentum, adding that the country had had its fair share of violent protests with dastardly consequences.

     

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    Speaking at a meeting with DIGs, AIGs and command police commissioners of the 36 states and FCT in Abuja, Egbetokun reminded Nigerians that the last #EndSARS protest aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts.

     

    He said: “Before concluding this address, it is important I address an issue of urgent national importance which appears to have gained some momentum, particularly on social media, in the past few weeks.

     

    “Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders and influencers, have been strategizing and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests.

     

    “While the force acknowledges the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in our constitution, we must ensure that these protests do not snowball into violence or disorder.

     

    “As a nation, we have had more than our fair share of violent protests, with rather dastardly consequences.

     

    “The last #EndSARS protest led to one-tenth destruction of public assets, including police stations, courts, and transport infrastructure, as well as the loss of several lives. Tales of sorrow, tears, and blood followed what was supposedly intended to be a well-intentioned exercise.

     

    “Rather than lead to any positive outcome, #EndSARS merely aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts of the country. Indeed, we are yet to fully recover from the huge economic losses and deep-seated psychological and emotional trauma inflicted upon our people by these protests.”

     

    Consequently, Egbetokun urged the citizens to jettison the proposed protest, insisting that the police had a responsibility to protect citizens and their properties.

     

    “Our position is that the proposed violent protests are ill-advised and should be jettisoned fortuitously. We have the responsibility to protect properties and everyone, irrespective of their race, colour, ethnicity, or tribe, who are lawfully embarking on their daily activities.

     

    “We will, therefore, not sit back and fold our arms to watch violent activities unleashed on our peaceful communities or destroy any of our national critical infrastructure and assets again,” he added.

     

    The IGP said measures were in place to ensure that any hoodlums attempting to disguise themselves as protesters would be apprehended.

     

    He said: “We have mapped out plans to ensure that no individual or group succeeds in fostering a reign of terror and anarchy on other law-abiding and dissolving Nigerians.”

     

     

  • FG doles out N150,000 grant for small businesses in Jigawa

    FG doles out N150,000 grant for small businesses in Jigawa

    FG doles out N150,000 grant for small businesses in Jigawa.

     

    FG doles out N150,000 grant for small businesses in Jigawa

    FG doles out N150,000 grant for small businesses in Jigawa

    The Federal Government, on Tuesday, offered N150,000 grants to outstanding Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in Jigawa.

     

    Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the offer while launching the 4th edition of the Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic in Dutse, Jigawa.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the expanded National MSME Clinics is one of the federal government’s strategies for ease of doing business in Nigeria.

     

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    This will be achieved through a series of business forums organised across the country to provide on-the-spot solutions to challenges confronting MSMEs.

     

    The first, second, and third editions were launched in Benue, Ogun, and Ekiti States, respectively, earlier this year.

     

    Shettima, who reiterated the federal government’s support for MSMEs, noted that the N150,000 grant “is an outright grant that does not require beneficiaries to repay.

     

    “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has mandated that a grant of N150,000 each be awarded to outstanding exhibiting MSMEs at today’s event.

     

    “Rest assured that this is an outright grant, and the beneficiaries will not need to repay it.”

     

    Shettima said that, as the very foundation of the nation’s economy, the MSMEs sub-sector had remained a top priority of the Tinubu administration.

     

    He noted that the MSMEs did not only represent 96 per cent of all businesses in Nigeria but contributed more than 45 per cent to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

     

    Shettima added that MSMEs provided a crucial lifeline to 80 per cent of the nation’s workforce.

     

    “We recognise your essence, and that’s why we are establishing MSME clinics across the nation.

     

    “These clinics will act as incubators for small businesses and offer alternative financing. They will also ensure that you have the support and resources you need to compete and thrive,” he noted.

     

    He observed that the prosperity of small businesses was the prosperity of Nigeria, and their downturn was the downturn of Nigeria.

     

    Shettima urged the business owners not to harbour any fear, assuring that the Tinubu administration would not rest until each of them “is in a vantage position to access the support and capital made available for them.”

     

    Earlier, Gov. Umar Namadi thanked the federal government for providing dividends of democracy to the people of the state through the MSME Clinics and related projects scattered across the area.

     

    Namadi urged the existing and aspiring small business owners in the state to take advantage of services provided through the clinics.

     

    He described the initiative as a rare opportunity for operators in the sector in Jigawa.

     

    He said the state government was aligning with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the ‘Greater Jigawa Initiative’ that provides social protection services and projects for the people.

     

    The high point of the event at the Malam Aminu Kano Triangle was the inspection of exhibition pavilions by MSMEs in the state and the commissioning of the Jigawa Retail Empowerment Shops.

     

    Earlier, on arrival in Dutse, Shettima commissioned the 10-hectare solar-powered irrigation farm at the Sumore Farm in Madobi.

     

    He also commissioned 1,435 J-AGRO Agricultural Extension Agents and the distribution of agricultural inputs under the NG-CARES Fadama Programme.

     

    NAN reports that the inputs will benefit more than 26,000 individuals, of whom 30 per cent were women.

     

    Similarly, Shettima inaugurated the Palliative Shop initiative at Yalwawa before proceeding to the Dutse Ultra Modern market, where he commissioned a 120KVA solar plant.

     

    Shettima said the solar unit would ensure that the entire market receives a minimum of eight hours of electricity per day during market hours. (NAN)