By Our Correspondent

In a strategic move aimed at transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as Special Adviser and Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform.

The announcement was made on Friday, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to modernizing livestock production and addressing long-standing challenges in the sector.

Jega’s Role in Livestock Reform

Professor Jega, who co-chaired the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee alongside President Tinubu, played a key role in crafting comprehensive recommendations to overhaul the sector. Among the major proposals was the establishment of a dedicated Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, which has since been created and assigned a minister.

With his appointment as Special Adviser, Jega is expected to ensure the full implementation of these recommendations, reinforcing the gains already made and driving policies that promote sustainable livestock farming.

Why Jega?

A highly respected academic and administrator, Jega, 68, is known for his integrity and leadership in public service. Before this appointment, he served as Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, and currently holds positions as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education in Kano State. He is also a member of the International Elections Advisory Council, underscoring his global recognition.

Jega’s tenure as INEC chairman from 2010 to 2015 remains one of the most remarkable in Nigeria’s democratic history, as he introduced electoral reforms that significantly improved the credibility of elections. His new role in livestock reform is expected to benefit from his reputation for fairness, strategic thinking, and policy-driven leadership.

Transforming Nigeria’s Livestock Sector

The Nigerian livestock industry has long faced challenges such as poor infrastructure, outdated grazing methods, and conflicts between farmers and herders. The Tinubu administration aims to introduce modern ranching systems, improved breeding programs, and better access to markets and veterinary care to boost productivity and economic growth.

Jega’s expertise in governance and policy implementation is expected to bring new energy to these efforts. His appointment signals a strong political will to resolve lingering issues in the sector and promote sustainable development.

A Commitment to Progress

The Presidential Livestock Reform initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s broader economic agenda, which includes food security, rural development, and job creation. With Jega at the helm, stakeholders anticipate bold policy shifts that will enhance the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians dependent on livestock farming.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized that Jega’s appointment is aimed at sustaining the momentum of reforms already in motion and ensuring their successful execution.

As the administration pushes forward with its ambitious livestock agenda, all eyes will be on Professor Jega’s leadership and the impact of his policies in reshaping Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

By Our Correspondent

Some of the Beneficiaries displaying their appointment letters in a photograph
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Interior, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, has secured permanent and pensionable federal employment for 175 constituents into various public and civil service.

This was contained in a statement by Sardauna Francis, Special Assistant on Media to the House of Representatives member and Chairman House Committee on Interior.

The statement said the beneficiaries who cut across the Musawa/Matazu Federal Constituency of Katsina State, have been absorbed into the Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Army, Federal Medical Centres and Federal Teaching Hospitals in the country.

42 of the constituents have been recruited into the Federal Fire Service, 18 into the Nigeria Immigration Service, over 100 for the Nigeria Police Force and Army and 15 for the Federal Teaching Hospitals and Medical Centres across the country.

This life-changing initiative underscores the first Dujiman Katsina’s unwavering commitment and determination to ameliorate the economic crunch and enhance self-sufficiency in his constituency through jobs scheme and empowerment grants.

Presenting letters of appointment to some of the appointees, Ahmed promised to continue to do everything humanly possible to eradicate unemployment and poverty in the constituency.

He said the humanitarian gesture is devoid of political undertone, but aimed at improving the personal and general socio-economic situation of the people of Musawa/Matazu federal constituency.

The lawmaker noted that his major focus was to ensure that all graduates from his constituency were meaningfully employed with permanent and pensionable appointments or empowered with skills acquisition and training.

Ahmed reiterated that the employment of the youths and his revolving skills acquisition programmes will also provide meaningful opportunities for young people to enter the workforce and contribute to the nation’s economy.

He congratulated the 175 beneficiaries on their new roles and encouraged them to approach their work with dedication and professionalism for effective and efficient service delivery.

By Our Correspondent

The Federal University of Kashere (FUK) has appointed Alhaji Nasir Lawan Abdullahi as the new Registrar and Mr. Isa Adamu Amaza as the new Bursar, following the approval of the university’s Governing Council during its 25th Regular Meeting. Their appointments take effect from February 11, 2025.

The Vice-Chancellor of FUK, Prof. Umaru A. Pate, announced the appointments in a statement, emphasizing that both officials were selected based on merit, experience, and outstanding performance in the selection process. The Chairman of the Council, Prof. Williams Olushola Aderounmu, joined the Vice-Chancellor in congratulating the appointees and urged them to uphold ethical standards and professionalism in their new roles.

About the New Registrar

Alhaji Nasir Lawan Abdullahi brings extensive experience in university administration to his new role. Before his appointment as Registrar at FUK, he served as the Registrar of the Federal College of Education, Jama’are, Bauchi State. His career began at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, where he started as an Administrative Officer and progressively rose through the ranks to become Senior Deputy Registrar in 2018. His expertise in academic administration and institutional management is expected to enhance efficiency in the university’s administrative operations.

About the New Bursar

Mr. Isa Adamu Amaza also has an impressive track record in financial management and university accounting. Before joining FUK, he was the Acting Director of Colleges, Faculties, and Postgraduate Accounts at the University of Maiduguri’s Bursary Department. His career began as an Accountant at the same university, where he rose to the position of Deputy Bursar in 2019. His financial acumen and leadership skills are anticipated to contribute significantly to the university’s fiscal discipline and accountability.

Expectations and Responsibilities

Both appointees are expected to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their respective offices, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and the smooth administration of the university. Their appointments come at a time when FUK is expanding its academic and administrative structures to meet the increasing demand for quality higher education in Nigeria.

The Federal University of Kashere, one of the rapidly growing institutions in Nigeria, continues to strengthen its administrative and financial management by appointing seasoned professionals. The university community looks forward to their contributions in driving institutional excellence.

For more information, visit www.fukashere.edu.ng.