By Suleiman Yakubu

Efforts by the Niger State Government to empower over 75,000 women across the state have received a boost, with N1 billion in counterpart funds approved by the governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as a matching grant under the Nigeria For Women Project.
The Nigeria For Women Project (NFWP) is a World Bank initiative introduced to enhance the livelihood of women in the state.
The approved sum by the governor was in fulfilment of his pledge to empower more women to ensure grassroots development during his visit to the Hazaka Women Affinity Group in Tufa Community in Gurara Local Government Area earlier this year.
Construction of 41 collective centres to serve as processing mills for the over 75,000 women registered under various Affinity Groups across Gurara, Agaie, and Wushishi Local Government Areas was at various levels.
Out of the 41 processing mills, 32 will be for rice, 8 for groundnut, and one for shea butter.
The Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Bago, Sadiq Yusuf, and the State Project Coordinator, Nigeria for Women Project, Bello Sarki, inspected the ongoing construction in the benefiting local government areas to ensure their completion for the launch expected to be held soon.
The centres, when completed, are expected to make many women independent and improve their economic status while contributing to food security.
A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mal. Bologi Ibrahim, said the governor had mandated the ministries of Education and Humanitarian Affairs to purchase the products processed by the women for the school feeding programme and other humanitarian services.
"The move by the government in conjunction with the World Bank will bring about unity of purpose among the women, make them socially and economically viable and independent, support their various households, bring about food security, as well as encourage the formation of cooperatives and thrift among them,"  the statement reads.  

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Commander of the Niger State Vigilante Corps, Nasiru Mohammed Manta, recently presided over a commendation ceremony to recognise the outstanding achievement of Alhaji Sule Butu, who was promoted to the esteemed position of Assistant State Operations Officer within the Vigilante Corps.
During the ceremony, Commander Manta expressed profound admiration for Butu's unwavering dedication, citing his exemplary commitment to the Corps' mission and values.
Additionally, Commander Manta emphasised the pivotal role of the newly promoted officer in advancing the objectives of the Vigilante Corps, urging Butu to continue his exemplary service and spearhead efforts to enhance the state's security landscape.
Commander Manta's address underscored the collective responsibility of all officers and personnel to provide steadfast support and cooperation to Butu in his elevated role.
Notably, he emphasised the imperative of employing a unified approach to combating criminal elements and bolstering the security fabric of the state.
Commander Manta's unwavering confidence in Butu's capabilities to effectively discharge his duties was evident as he called upon the entire team to rally behind Butu and facilitate his seamless transition into his new responsibilities.
In his response, Butu conveyed heartfelt gratitude to Commander Manta for the esteemed promotion and expressed his profound commitment to upholding the principles and integrity of the Vigilante Corps.
Moreover, he imparted valuable advice to his colleagues, urging them to refrain from engaging in divisive behaviours and to align their efforts with the overarching mission of the Corps.
Butu's impassioned address further echoed the sentiments of collaboration and solidarity, underscoring the importance of a unified front in combating criminal activities.
Furthermore, the state government and other crucial security agencies received resounding commendations for their unwavering support and collaborative efforts in addressing the prevalent challenges posed by criminal activities.
The resolute focus on eradicating banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling from the state was echoed throughout the proceedings, highlighting the collective commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the state's inhabitants.
Meanwhile. the Corps has appointed Abdullahi Alhaji Iliyasu, a judicial and crime correspondent for Radio Niger, as its media officer.
He said that his appointment was based on merit and his track record, urging him to carry out his assignment with a high sense of professionalism.