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Minna Airport renamed after President Tinubu

The Federal Government has renamed the Minna Airport in Niger State after President Bola Tinubu hours to the inauguration of the airport on Monday.

The airport had earlier been named after the late Abubakar Imam by the FG when 15 airports in the country were named after some prominent personalities in Nigeria.

The state Commissioner for Information, Binta Mamman, disclosed the latest development on Sunday during a media briefing at the Government House, Minna, where she unveiled preparations for the hosting of the President who would inaugurate the airport as well as some mechanised farming implements.

“All is set for the Niger State Government to receive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Minna, the state capital. During the President’s visit, he will commission the remodelled and upgraded terminal at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport”, she said.

The commissioner disclosed that the remodelling of the airport was originally an FG project but due to a delay in completion, the state government took over the project after consultation with relevant authorities for speedy completion.

She further stated that the project would serve as an alternative to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport considering the state’s proximity to the nation’s capital.

The state Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Aminu Takuma, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Governance and Reform, Dr Isah Adamu, while fielding questions from newsmen, explained that the renaming of the Airport was based on the support of the President to the state so far.

He said it was the FG’s prerogative to rename the airport since it was the same that had earlier named it.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Musa Salihu, also revealed that the state-of-the-art- equipment for agricultural mechanisation procured by the state government to support and achieve the food security agenda of both the State and Federal Governments would be inaugurated.

He explained that the equipment such as tractors, power tillers, planters and harvesters were already assembled at the airport for a symbolic demonstration of irrigation farming at the Airport City Free Agro Processing Zone.

Salihu said with all the efforts of the Governor Mohammed Bago-led administration especially on agriculture, the state would be the agricultural hub of Nigeria.

News

NAPTIP insists no reported case of organ harvesting in Akwa Ibom

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Akwa Ibom State Command, has insisted that there is no reported case of organ harvesting in any hospital within the state contrary to media reports.

This was contained in a statement, titled ‘Clarification on Misrepresentations regarding NAPTIP’S Presentation at the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Press Briefing’, signed by Ben Essang on behalf of the Zonal Commander, in Uyo on Tuesday.

Essang, flanked by Eno Akpan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Emem Ette, Director, Department of GBV, Ministry of Justice, as well as other stakeholders noted that the analogies presented at the event were drawn from global trends and intended “solely for the purpose of raising awareness without any specific reference to factual occurrences in Akwa Ibom State”.

According to him, “While NAPTIP promotes public awareness regarding the issue of organ harvesting, it’s important to clarify that there have been no reported incidents in any hospital or clinic within Akwa Ibom State.

“NAPTIP, Uyo Zonal Command therefore urges members of the public, government entities and organizations to ignore and disregard the publications.”

He also said human trafficking remained a pervasive global issue and urged the public to remain vigilant and cautious in their interaction, particularly concerning the welfare of both children and adults so they would not fall prey.

He, therefore, solicited the cooperation of citizens in the fight against human trafficking in the state.

News

Federal Govt confirms bird flu outbreak in Kano

The Federal Government has confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, popularly known as bird flu, in Kano State.

The bird flu affects various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowls and turkeys.

The disease is said to have has raised concerns over its potential spread in the region.

According to a circular by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Columba Teru Vakuru, authorities highlighted the heightened risk of transmission during this period.

“We urge all state veterinary offices and relevant agencies to activate their surveillance systems immediately. Strict biosecurity measures must be implemented, and public awareness campaigns intensified to curb the spread of the virus,” the circular stated.

While revealing how the outbreak started, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, Kano State chapter, Dr Usman Gwarzo, recounted an incident from December 2024 that sounded the alarm.

“A young man from Galadanchi quarters in Gwale Local Government Area purchased a duck from Janguza market in Tofa LGA and introduced it to his flock of hens and chickens.

“The duck suddenly died, and shortly after, the chickens followed,” Gwarzo explained.

The carcasses, according to him, were taken to the Gwale veterinary clinic, where avian influenza was suspected.

“Samples were sent for testing, and by the first week of January 2025, the results confirmed the presence of the virus,” he added.

He advised Kano residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious bird deaths to veterinary authorities.

News

Soldier arrested with ammunition at Borno motor park

A soldier identified as Nathaniel Jeremiah, has been arrested by personnel of the 7 Division at the Borno Express Terminal Park in Maiduguri for illegal possession of ammunition.

Intelligence sources told security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama that Jeremiah, who was on welfare pass and en route to Adamawa State, was apprehended while attempting to board a vehicle at the terminal.

During the routine search, security operatives discovered 89 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition concealed in his personal bag.

The soldier was immediately taken into custody for interrogation, and the recovered ammunition was handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.