Ambassador Zubairu Dada

AMBASSADOR ZUBAIRU DADA INAUGURATES NEW OFFICE COMPLEX FOR THE D-8 HEALTH AND SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAM IN NIGERIA :

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada has today inaugurated the D-8 Health and Social Protection Program's Office in Nigeria.

Ambassador Dada was assisted during the Official Opening of the Office Complex by the Ambassadors of Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, Iran, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Turkey to Nigeria.

Speaking after the inauguration, the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada commended the D-8 for the initiative.

He said the inauguration of the new Office Complex would go a long way in providing a conducive environment for the organization to promote sustainable health care delivery in Nigeria.

Ambassador Dada therefore solicited the Political will of every member nation especially in the area of funding to sustain the program.

He said the Federal Government is totally committed to the success of the initiative.

Speaking on behalf of other members of the D-8 the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria Ambassador Shameem Ahsan said the donation of the Office Complex by the Federal Government is highly appreciated.

He said Health and Social issues must be given priority always for any country to achieve success.

The D-8 Health and Social Protection Program Director in Nigeria, Dr Ado Muhammad said the program was aimed at achieving the SDG 1, 2 and 3 goals.

He said government alone cannot fund the health sector, therefore the need to mobilize support from other sources.

Today, the Honourable Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada has participated virtually in the African Union 13th and 14th Executive Council meeting.

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada has participated in the Sixteenth Virtual Federal Executive Council (vFEC) meeting presided over by H.E. President .

Council has given approval for the design, manufacture, supply, testing and commissioning of one railway crane of one hundred and fifty ton (150) capacity for emergency and recovery of rolling stocks, among other decisions taken during the meeting.

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada was today at the Commission with H.E. Addo Dankwa Akufu-Addo President of the and Chairperson ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government who was on a working visit to the Commission.

NIDCOM: MINISTER OF STATE FOREIGN AFFAIRS INAUGURATES COMMITTEE ON
DIASPORA INVESTMENT TRUST FUND:

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada has today inaugurated an adhoc Committee on the establishment of the Diaspora Investment Trust Fund.

The inauguration which took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters, Abuja was attended by the Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada, Chairman Nigeria in Diaspora Commission NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and some members of the adhoc Committee.

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada while inaugurating the adhoc Committee said the work of the committe was to give advice on the Vision and Mission of the Trust Fund.

He said the Nigeria in Diaspora Investment Trust Fund when finally established would harness the resources, skills and talent of over seventeen million Nigerians in Diaspora to the advantage of the country.

Ambassador Dada explained that the adhoc Committee has one month to submit its report.

Earlier, the Chairman Nigeria in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa expressed optimism that the Committee would deliver on its assignment.

She commended the Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada who is the supervising the agency for his support and understanding.

The Chairman of the adhoc Committee, Dr Ali Garba who spoke from Winconsin,USA said their job in the committee was to provide a roadmap for the establishment of private sector led investment Trust Fund.

He said Nigeria as the sixth largest remittance country in the world there was the need for proper coordination of these diaspora remittances for the benefit of all.

Dr Ali commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NIDCOM for finding them worthy of this assignment.

MINISTER OF STATE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMISERATES WITH KONTAGORA EMIRATE OVER THE DEMISE OF ITS NOBLE SON :

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada has commiserated with the entire people of Kontagora Emirate Council, Niger State and Nigeria over the death of the Former Director General Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry Alhaji Abdullahi Ma'aji.

Late Alhaji Abdullahi Ma'aji who also couple as the Mutawalle of Kontagora, one of the highest traditional title in Kontagora Emirate died in the early hours of today in Abuja after a brief illness.

The Minister described late Alhaji Abdullahi Ma'aji as an illustrious son of Niger State and Nigeria, a great achiever and a highly principled personality whose death creaated a great vaccum in the State and Nigeria in general.

He recalled late Abdullahi Ma'aji's contribution to the Federal Civil Service in the nineties as the then Director General equelvalent to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry as well as his contribution to the development of Niger State through his wise counsel.

The Minister prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

MINISTER OF STATE FOREIGN AFFAIRS PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO NIGER STATE APC LEADER SHIP OVER THE DEMISE OF ITS ZONAL CHAIRMAN :

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada has expressed shock over the sudden demised of the Niger State Zone C zonal Chairman of the All Progressive Congress,APC, Alhaji Sharrif Ibn Othman Adam.

The Minister made his feeling known when he visited the All Progressive Congress APC Niger State Secretariat to commiserate with the leadership of the Party over the great loss.

Ambassador Dada who described the late Party stalwart as hardworking and dedicated party man who worked tirelessly for the successes of the party at all levels in the state said his demised was an irrepressible loss not only to his family, APC, Niger State but Nigeria and humanity at large.

He prayed to Allah to grant the soul of the late Politician eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Niger State All Progressive Congress, APC Chairman, Engineer Mahmoud Jibril Imam who received the Minister during the condolence visit thanked him for his concern and timely visit to condole the APC family.

He described Ambassador Zubairu Dada as a loyal party man whose commitment to the ideals of party was seen as a moral booster to all Nigerlites.

The Minister of State Foreign Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada has tested negative following a test conducted on him by the National Center For Disease Control NCDC for 19.

FG TO STRENGTHEN ACTIVITIES OF THE NIGERIA DIASPORA COMMISSION:

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work with relavant government institutions to ensure that the newly established Nigeria Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM achieve its objectives in accordance with the agency Policy Document.

He stated this when he received the Management of NIDCOM who were in his office to brief him about the Policy Document of the agency.

Ambassador Dada who said the document had captured all the needs of Nigerians in Diaspora assured the Commission that he will spearhead its presentation to the Federal Executive Council for approval.

He said Nigerians in Diaspora have contributed and will continue to contribute more to the development and growth of the country.

Earlier, presenting the NIDCOM Policy Document, the Secretary of the Commission Dr Sule Yakubu Bassi said it was estimated that over seventeen million Nigerians are living in Diaspora.

He said the Policy Document was therefore designed to capture the actual number of Nigerians abroad, their contribution to the nation's Economy as well as their remittances back home.

According to Dr Bassi Nigerians in Diaspora home remittances going by the Central Bank of Nigeria report has reached over twenty seven billion dollars.

Dr Bassi further explained that the document has also provides a strategy to utilize and tap from the talent of these hard working Nigerians in Diaspora in such a way the country will benefit immensely in all sectors such as Health, Education, Agriculture and so on.

Also speaking, the NIDCOM Chairman, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the strategic action plan for the implementation of the Policy Document is five years.

She commended the Minister of State Foreign Affairs for his support and cooperation.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO GIVE DIASPORA COMMISSION ALL NECESSARY SUPPORT :

The Minister of State of State Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada has pledged to give all necessary support and cooperation to the Nigeria Diaspora Commission to enable it operate efficiently.

The Minister stated this in his office when he received the Chairman Nigeria Diaspora Commission NIDCOM Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa who visited him to brief him on the running of the Commission.

Ambassador Dada who commended the NIDCOM Chairman for a good work in the Commission stressed the need to encourage her.

On the Office accommodation challenges bedeviling the new agency, the Minister promised to do more to ensure the Commission secure a befitting office accommodation for smooth running of its Affairs.

Earlier, the Chairman Nigeria Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa said she was in the Ministry to brief the Minister on some successes and challenges of the Commission.

According to Mrs Dabiri-Erewa lack of a conducive office accommodation has hindered the Commission activities.

She however explained that the Commission had been able to established twenty four states focal offices.

Mrs Dabiri-Erewa appealed to the Minister to intervene and assist in seeing to an end some of the Commission challenges.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PROMISES ROBUST COLLABORATION WITH NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE TO DRIVE THE NATION'S NEW VISA POLICY:

It will be recall that the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari has in 2017 introduced the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan to minimize bottlenecks which impede innovation and market based solutions towards building a knowledge based economy.

One of the means to achieve the above is through a review of the Nigeria visa policy. It is intended to attract innovation, specialized skills and knowledge from abroad to compliment locally available ones.

This was what prompted the Federal Government through the Nigeria Immigration Service to develop a new visa on arrival policy for African countries.

To this end the Controller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service Alhaji Muhammad Babandede and his team were at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make a Technical Presentation on the 2020 Nigeria Visa Policy.

Receiving the team in the Ministry, the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada called on the Nigeria Immigration Service to sensitize the public on the benefits of the new visa on arrival policy to the Nigerian economy.

He said as the first contact to citizens of any country coming into Nigeria, the Service owed it a duty to promote the image of the country through its activities.

The Minister Expressed optimism that the new visa policy will bring positive changes to the ways and manners the process was handled before.

He pledged to give the agency all necessary support and collaboration to enable it drive the policy to success.

The Controller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Alhaji Muhammad Babandede in his presentation said the new visa on arrival policy for African countries was a decision taken by government after careful deliberations by experts.

He said the policy which allows issuance of visa on arrival to Africans, caters only for those seeking visas for short stay in the country as it does not take care of temporary and permanent visas applications.

On the outcry by some Nigerians in social media that the policy will attract criminals into the country, the Controller General explained that with the measures so far introduced by the agency the new policy would even make it more difficult for bad eggs to impiltrate the country.

Alhaji Babandede further explained that the visa on arrival policy is only available for those entering the nation through the Airports.

While assuring Nigerians that he will not allow the policy to be abused, the Controller General maintained that various sectors of the nation's economy stand to benefit immensely from the policy.

AMBASSADOR DADA ADVOCATES
RESUSCITATION OF READING CULTURE :

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada has called for the resuscitation of reading culture among Nigerians.

He made the call at this year's Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu School Festival, HIASFEST in Minna Niger State.

The Minister who expressed concern over the poor reading culture among Nigerians due to the emergence of mobile phones said people no longer appreciate the contribution of books.

He however maintained that phones could not in anyway replace books in terms of improving and broadening the scope of ones creativity and thinking.

He commended the initiators of the Festival for their foresight, doggedness, creativity and resilience.

On late Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu in whose name the Festival was organized, the Minister described her as a very virtues woman who dedicated her life to the service of her family, the nation and humanity.

He said late Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu lived a very dutiful life worthy of emulation by all and sundry.

In his remark, the organiser of the Festival Alhaji Abdullahi Bala Kwatu said the Festival was aimed at encouraging reading and writing culture among the youth.

He said the Festival will help keep people abreast of the giants contribution the late Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu made to the entire human race.

The husband of the late Hadiza Ibrahim Aliyu, Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu described his late wife as a great and courageous woman who will always remain dear to his heart due to her kindness.

He said through out their over thirty five years marriage life there were no dull moments.

Other speakers at the occasion includes, writers, artists, government officials and members of the academic communities who unanimously commended the initiative and stressed the need for it sustainability.

The week long HIASFEST Festival featured competition in the following areas such as "Spoken Word", Craft, Short Story, Poetry, Painting and Cultural dance.

Prizes were at the end given to winners in all categories of the competition.

NIGERIA EXPRESSES READINESS TO THE PEACEFUL USAGE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY:

Nigeria has expressed its commitment towards the peaceful usage of nuclear energy to promote growth and national development.

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubaru Dada made this known at the ongoing International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA 2020 conference in Vienna Austria.

Making Nigeria's position known to the World during the conference Ambassador Dada said the Federal Government will continue to give relevant agencies in charge of nuclear regulations in the country maximum support and that it will also not hesitate to put in place more mechanism for the promotion of energy mix through the utilisation of radioactive materials.

Ambassador Dada assured the World that Nigeria will continue to promote and adhere to the universalization of the IAEA amended convention as requires by the IAEA articles.

The Minister had also met with the Director General of the IAEA Dr Rafeal Mariano Grossi on the sideline of the conference where he congratulated him on his appointment and assured him of Nigeria support and cooperation.

Ambassador Dada expressed optimism that his appointment will strengthen the agency to deliver more especially in the priority areas.

The minister also participated in a penal of four countries including, Brazil, Malaysia, Bosnia and Nigeria where he shed more light on Nigeria's policies and programs aimed at enhancing nuclear energy.

Earlier, the Director General of the IAEA Dr Rafeal Mariano Grossi in his welcome remark, said the agency is a focal point for international cooperation in nuclear security.

He said the conference was an important opportunity for policy makers and experts to discuss current approaches to nuclear security.

Dr Grossi however said the primary responsibility of nuclear security lies with each individual country but that it threat o the globe peace requires global response.

The 2020 International Atomic Energy Agency Conference in Vienna Austria with the theme "Sustaining and Strengthening Nuclear Energy" had participants from eighty five countries including USA, UK, Japan and Iran among others as well as ten international organizations.

More than six hundreds and forty papers will be presented during the four day conference.

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS BIDS FAREWELL TO THE BODY OF LATE SAUDI ARABIAN AMBASSADOR TO NIGERIA :

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada has led other dignitaries including the immediate past Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON Alhaji Abdullahi Muktar, Saudi Arabian Embassy Officials as well other sympathizers to bid a farewell to the body of the late Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria Mr Mahmoud Adnan Bostaji who died yesterday in Abuja after a brief illness.

The Minister who arrived the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja around 7:30 in the evening was joined by other dignitaries to await the arrival of the special aeroplane sent by the Saudi Authorities to convey the body of the late Diplomat.

Soon after the arrival of the plane Ambassador Dada assisted by the Saudi Embassy Officials and other dignitaries carried the body of the late Ambassador onboard the special plane.

After the take off of the plane at about 9:15 in the evening Ambassador Dada also used the opportunity to further condole the People and Government of Saudi Arabia for the great loss.

It will recalled that late Ambassador Mahmoud Adnan Bostaji died yesterday in Abuja just a day after his returned to the country from a Foreign trip.

AMBASSADOR DADA CHAIRES BOOK PRESENTATION WRITTEN BY THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIR'S DIRECTOR OF FINANCE:

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada was one of the hundred of dignitaries that attended the public presentation of a book written by the Ministry's Director of Finance and Accounts Mr Salawu Zubairu in Abuja.

The one hundred and forty six page book, entitled "Treasury Single Account Policy in Nigeria" was today presented to the public amidst the gathering of Top Government Functionaries, serving and retired Financial Experts, Technocrats and Politicians.

In a remark, the Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada congratulated the author and pledged the Ministry of Foreign Affair's commitment to encouraging such giant strides.

Ambassador Dada commended the author for a good work and said the book will go a long way in helping Nigerians to understand how Single Treasury Account TSA works.

Earlier, the Account General of the Federation AGF Alhaji Ahmad Idris described the book as a valuable piece of a scholarly work.

He said the author Mr. Salawu Zubairu is a renewed expert who had garnered a lot of experiences in the financial sector.

Alhaji Idris said more knowledge on how Treasury Single Account works is vital in ensuring prudent management of resources in the country.

The Book Reviewer Professor Kabir Isah Dandago of the Department of Accounting, Bayero University Kano, said the book is a very important contribution to the fight against corruption.

He explained that the six chapter book was well written except few places that needed to be improved in the next edition of the book.

Professor Dandago said students of Accounting and other Professionals will find the book very useful.

Highpoint of the book presentation was its unveiling by the immediate past Governor of Gombe State Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo who is also a former Accountant General of the Federation.

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ATTENDS GARBA SHEHU'S SON WEDDING:

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada was one of the hundreds of dignitaries that attended the weeding Nikkah of Muhammad Garba Shehu, son of the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu and Juwairia Usman Farouk.

The weeding fatihah which commenced immediately after the Juma'at Prayer at the An Nur Mosque Wuse Abuja was also attended by other members of the Federal Executive Council including the Minister of Defense General Bashir Magashi retired, FCT Minister Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr Isah Ali Pantami among others.

The Governor of Kano State Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who represented the Groom's family said one hundred thousand naira was paid as bride price or dowry for the marriage.

Prayers were offered during the weeding for the couples, their parents and the Nation in general.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the solemnization of the marriage the Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada advised the couples to always be patient with each other and prayed for God's guidance and direction.

FG INAUGURATES BIDA GULLY EROSION CONTROL WORKS :

The Federal Government has inaugurated and handed over the Bida Gully Erosion Control Works today in Bida Town.

At the occasion the Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada who represented President Muhammadu Buhari said the project was one of the seventeen ecological intervention projects approved by the President for the second quarter of 2018.

He said the completion and hand over of the project underscored the Federal Government efforts and sincerity in tackling challenges face by the citizens.

Ambassador Dada expressed optimism that the project will go a long way to improve the health and general status of the people of the community.

He urged the community to take ownership of the project by ensuring its security, maintenance and sustainability.

The Permanent Secretary Ecological Fund Office Dr Habiba Lawal represented by Mr. Isaac Nwachukwu said the project was initiated through a request by the Etsu Nupe on the need for urgent intervention to arrest the continues erosion and flood menace in Bida town.

The Governor of Niger State Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello represented by the Permanent Secretary Niger State Ministry for Environment Mr Lucky Barau said the state has about sixty four erosion sites out of which four requires emergency intervention.

He however commended the Federal Government intervention in Bida and said it will reduce the problems of flooding in the area.

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar while commending the Federal Government for the successful completion of the project gave assurance that the community will totally owned it and jealously guard it.

He warned the people living close to the projects sites to desist from any attempt to turn them into refuse dumping sites.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/fg-inaugurates-bida-gully-erosion-control-works.html

FG inaugurates Bida gully erosion control works – Daily Trust The Federal Government has inaugurated and handed over the Bida Gully Erosion Control Works in Niger State. The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada who represented President Muhammadu Buhari said the project was one of the 17 ecological intervention projects approved by the Pre...

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS FELICITATES WITH NIGERIANS ON THE NEW YEAR:

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada has congratulated Nigerians on the new year celebrations.

The Minister who described last year (2019) as challenging but very fulfilling year urged Nigerians to work hard towards realisation of their dreams and aspirations for good governance this new year.

He used the opportunity to called on all Nigerians to support the present administration's efforts to institutionalise good governance at all levels.

Ambassador Dada also thanked Nigerians for their support and encouragement to all levels of governance and asked them to do more this year.

The Minister reiterated his commitment and that of his counterpart Geoffrey Onyeama to always protect the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians both within and outside the country in the new year and always.

MINISTER OF STATE FOREIGN AFFAIRS CONGRATULATES GOVERNOR SANI BELLO AHEAD OF HIS 52nd BIRTHDAY :

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada has congratulated the Governor of Niger State Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello on his 52nd birthday coming up on Tuesday 17-12-20.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Foreign Affairs Minister Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu, says the Minister described Governor Abubakar Sani Bello as a great achiever who within his fifty two years on the earth has so many achievements in his name both locally and internationally.

According to the statement, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello's successes in the private and public sectors both as a businessman and a commissioner for Commerce were glaring and have contributed immensely in his success as the Governor of Niger State.

While wishing the Governor more fruitful years ahead the Minister in the statement also prays for his good health.

The statement adds that people should also use the occasion to support and pray for the Governor to enable him succeed in his second and final tenure as the Governor of Niger state.

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS CONDOLES NIGERLITES OVER THE DEMISE OF HON AUNA :

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada has commiserated with the family of the House of Representatives member representing Rijau/Magama Federal Constituency Hon Ja'afaru Illiyasu Auna, his constituents, National Assembly and the entire people of Niger State over his sudden death.

The Minister who described the loss as shocking and painful said late Ja'afaru Illiyasu Auna was a true representative of the people who always want the best for them.

He prayed to God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Ambassador Dada while acknowledging the achievements of the late member within his short stayed in the Harlow Chamber called on the political leaders to emulate his humility and dedication.

It will be recalled that the member representing Rijau/Magma Federal constituency in the Federal House of Representatives Hon Ja'afaru Illiyasu Auna's death was announced yesterday by his family in Abuja.

NIGERIA AND BANGLADESH EXPRESS READINESS TO TAP FROM EACH OTHER EXPERIENCES:

The Federal Government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Bangladesh in the areas the two countries have comparative advantages.

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada stated this when he received the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria Mr Shameen Ahsan in his office in Abuja.

Ambassador Dada who acknowledged the achievements of Bangladesh in the area of agriculture maintained that Nigeria's fertile land if properly managed could produced what will not only feed the nation but the entire African continent.

He therefore stressed the need for both countries to learn from each other.

In the area of manufacturing, the Minister expressed optimism that the vast experience Bangladesh garnered over the years should be brought to bear in the revival of Nigeria's textile industry.

On the request of the Bangladesh High Commissioner for Nigeria to establish it's embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Ambassador Dada said efforts were being made at the highest level of governance to actualise that request.

The Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Shameen Ahsan earlier in his remark described Nigeria as a very important nation in Africa and the World.

He said Nigeria and Bangladesh being two developing countries have many things in common.

Mr Ahsan explained that the two countries are major contributors to peace keeping missions across the globe.

He said the two countries also belongs to the D8 group, Organization of Islamic Countries, OIC and many more.

The High Commissioner said Bangladesh is self sufficient in food production and generate over twenty two thousands mega watts of power, two areas he said Nigeria could explore.

He stated that Bangladesh is a football loving nation and Nigerian Footballers are among the most popular players in the country.

AMBASSADOR DADA ATTENDS NIGER STATE QUR'ANIC RECITATION COMPETITION IN MINNA:

The Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada was one of the dignitaries that attended the opening ceremony of the annual Niger State Qur'anic recitation competition in Minna Niger State.

The event which commenced at about eleven O'clock in the morning at the Emir Palace Minna was declared opened by the Governor of Niger State Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane.

In an interactive with newsmen shortly after the event, the Minister of State Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada said the competition will help encourage the study of the holy Qur'an especially by the younger ones.

He commended the organisers for a job well done and asked God to reward them accordingly.

Ambassador Dada who is the Publicity Sub Committee Chairman of the Recitation Competition also wish the participants a successful outing.

Earlier, the Chief Host of the event and Emir of Minna Dr Umar Farouk Bahago promised to continue to give maximum support to the organisers of the competition and urged them to be fair and just to all.

Others speakers including the Organising Committee Chairman and Sardauna of Minna, Mallam Ibrahim Aliyu, the Chiroma of Minna Alhaji Usman Nagogo and other scholars unanimously extolled the benefits associated with the studying and recitations of the holy Qur'an in their submissions.