The Katsina State Government has officially launched the Rumbun Sauki programme, a N4 billion initiative aimed at easing economic hardship by providing essential food items at subsidised rates.

Engr. Yakubu Danja, the special adviser on Rural Economy to Governor Dikko Radda, announced the initiative at a press conference, emphasising the government’s commitment to addressing food affordability challenges faced by residents.

He explained that under the programme, subsidised shops will be established across the state to offer essential food items such as rice, flour, maize flour, and spaghetti at a 10 per cent discount.

Danja added that the initiative will initially commence with seven centres located in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua senatorial zones.

In order to ensure accessibility for all, he added that these commodities will be available in different packaging sizes, ranging from 1kg to 50kg, catering to varying household needs and income levels.

The Rumbun Sauki programme is specifically designed for state and local government employees, local education authority staff, and senior citizens aged 60 and above.

Beneficiaries of the initiative are required to register online or physically through designated service providers to ensure transparency and accountability.

As part of the to further ease the financial burden, the government has introduced a flexible payment system where purchases can be made on credit, with repayments deducted directly from salaries or pensions.

Every transaction will be processed using a customized ATM card issued to beneficiaries upon registration.

Initially, beneficiaries will be allowed to make purchases once a month, but the government plans to expand this to four times per month as the programme progresses.

The ultimate goal is to extend Rumbun Sauki to all 34 local government areas and, eventually, every political ward in the state.

This phased approach is aimed at ensuring equitable distribution and effective implementation.

He stressed that to maintain the integrity of the initiative, strict oversight mechanisms have been put in place, and any fraudulent activities will be met with legal consequences.

Danja reaffirmed the Katsina State government’s dedication to sustain the initiative to provide solution to the economic challenges faced by residents.

He described it as more than just a policy, but a vital intervention for improving welfare and ensuring food security in Katsina State.

The Director General of the National Productivity Centre (NPC), Dr Baffa Babba Dan-agundi, has lauded the effort of the governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi, in giving free education to the people of the state.

Dan-Agundi, in a statement he personally signed, described Namadi as the best governor in productivity, making huge investments in the education and agricultural sectors and making the citizens of the state more productive.

“His policies are testimonial in boosting productivity among the citizens of Jigawa State.

“The recent is giving free education to the people especially the girl-child and the sponsorship of thousands of students of the state to study medical and other related courses abroad all in effort to boost productivity in Jigawa State.

“On Agriculture, he highlighted the state’s significant investments in agriculture aimed at ensuring food security, fostering economic growth, and driving rural development.

“Governor Namadi revitalized agriculture in Jigawa State and Nigeria at large, which resulted in increased access to inputs, thus provided farmers with 240,000 bags (12,000 metric tons) of fertilizer at a 40 per cent subsidy, that made critical inputs more affordable.

“This is not only commendable but worthy of emulation for other governors in the country,” the NPC boss stated.

Governor Hyacinth Alia has disclosed that over 6,273 most vulnerable persons from 15 Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps (IDP) across the state had been enrolled into the Benue State Health Insurance Scheme to enable them receive essential healthcare services.

Governor Alia who stated this when he received the UN delegation led by IOM Chief of Mission, Paola Pace and the Head of Office of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, (ECHO) Alexandre Castellano in Makurdi, lamented a situation where the renowned Food Basket of the Nation has been  under sustained attacks and displacement crises in Nigeria’s North-Central region.

He said, “The displaced  population of 1.5 million persons staying in 26 camps across the state are grappling with inadequate shelter, limited access to clean water and sanitation, insufficient healthcare services, and a lack of robust protection mechanisms.

“Such hardships experienced by the IDPs have precipitated detrimental coping strategies, including early marriages, transactional activities, and reduced food intake, disproportionately affecting women, children, and persons with disabilities.

“We have empowered host communities with resources and social services to alleviate any strains arising from the influx of displaced populations, and we have also deployed over 5,000 Civil Protection Guards working with security agencies to provide a critical layer of security against potential threats.

“As we embark on this mission, we are confident that our deliberations will yield actionable strategies to uplift both the displaced and their host communities and my administration remains unwavering in its dedication to addressing the root causes of attacks, and displacement to foster sustainable solutions for our citizens.”

The governor announced that in collaboration with partners, they were providing displaced persons and the host communities’ agricultural inputs, training and resources to resume farming activities, saying this approach would not only ensure food security but also foster economic independence and stability.

The United Kingdom has extended its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to include citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia, in a move aimed at tightening border security.

The system, which took effect on Wednesday, also covers travelers from around 50 other countries and territories, such as Argentina, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, and Caribbean nations.

The ETA, similar to the United States’ ESTA system, requires travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain pre-travel authorisation.

Costing £10 ($12.50), the digital permit allow stays of up to six months over a two-year period.

Visitors can apply for the ETA via an app, with the authorisation linked electronically to their passports.

First launched in 2023 with Qatar, the system was later expanded to include five Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The latest extension, which has been in effect since November for applicants, is expected to impact millions of annual visitors, including approximately six million from the US, Canada, and Australia, according to UK government estimates.

From April 2, the scheme will be further expanded to include dozens of European Union and other European countries. Travelers from these regions can begin applying from March 5.

Under the new rules, eligible travelers will need an ETA, even if they are only transiting through the UK. The requirement applies to all travelers, including children and infants.

However, British and Irish citizens, passport holders from British overseas territories, and legal UK residents are exempt from the scheme. It also does not alter the visa requirements for travelers from countries that already require a visa to enter the UK, such as China, Ecuador, and South Africa.

The rollout has however drawn criticism from London’s Heathrow Airport, which argued that the system was harming the UK’s competitiveness.

“The new requirement has reduced the number of passengers transiting through the UK and makes the country less competitive, ultimately impacting economic growth,” the airport said.

Previously, travelers from visa-exempt countries could enter the UK with just their passports, passing through immigration without additional authorisation.

The ETA mirrors the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is set to launch mid-year. ETIAS will apply to travelers from visa-exempt countries visiting 30 European nations, including France and Germany.

Costing €7 ($7.40), this will also allow visits of up to three years.