… Prays for Nigeria’s peace, unity, security, prosperity
… Holds farewell meeting with Makkah Deputy Governor
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Saudi Arabia for Abuja on Wednesday after completing his Umrah pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, where he offered special prayers for Nigeria’s peace, security, unity and prosperity.

The President’s aircraft took off from the Royal Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, at exactly 5:13 p.m. Saudi time, bringing his spiritual visit to the Kingdom to an end.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu was seen off at the airport by the Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yakubu Gambo; and the Consul-General, Ambassador Muazam Ibrahim Nayaya.

Before his departure, the President held a brief farewell meeting with the Deputy Governor of Makkah at the Royal Guest Palace within the airport.

Tinubu, who arrived in Saudi Arabia last Thursday, led members of the Nigerian delegation in performing the Umrah rites, including circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.

A major highlight of the pilgrimage was Sunday’s rare opportunity granted to the President and members of his delegation to enter the sacred Ka’abah, where they performed two raka’at prayers.

During the spiritual exercise, Tinubu offered supplications to Almighty Allah for enduring peace, improved security, national unity and economic prosperity, while seeking divine wisdom, guidance and strength to discharge his responsibilities to Nigerians. Nigerianews subscription

He also prayed for divine blessings upon the country, its leaders and citizens, expressing hope that Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity would become a source of national strength, cohesion and shared prosperity.

The President described the pilgrimage as an opportunity for spiritual reflection, thanksgiving and renewed dedication to the task of building a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria. Nigerianews subscription

He expressed appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the hospitality and special courtesies extended to him and his delegation.

Tinubu particularly acknowledged the rare privilege of accessing the Holy Ka’abah, describing the opportunity to pray within the sacred structure as spiritually significant. FollowPolitics

According to the statement, the President concluded the pilgrimage with renewed faith, gratitude to Almighty Allah and a strengthened resolve to pursue his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Onanuga said Tinubu remained committed to translating Nigerians’ aspirations into tangible improvements in living conditions and building a better country for all. Nigerianews subscription

The presidential delegation included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the governors of Sokoto, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno and Yobe states, among other senior government officials.

The President’s return concludes a visit that combined religious observances with prayers for national stability, improved security and the success of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria for sustainable growth and development.

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has called on the Federal Government to urgently restore the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) programme to improve farmers’ access to affordable agricultural inputs and strengthen food production across the country.

The association said the revival of the programme would provide farmers with better access to essential agricultural inputs, including fertilisers, improved seeds and other farm support services required to boost productivity and ensure food security.

AFAN noted that the rising cost of agricultural inputs has continued to place enormous pressure on farmers, particularly smallholder farmers, who play a critical role in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

According to the association, restoring the programme would help reduce the financial burden on farmers, encourage increased participation in agricultural production and support the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve food security under its agricultural transformation agenda.

The association further stressed that affordable and timely access to farm inputs remains essential to improving crop yields, expanding agricultural activities and making farming more attractive to young Nigerians.

AFAN also urged the Federal Government to strengthen collaboration with relevant agricultural institutions, state governments, financial institutions and private-sector stakeholders to ensure that farmers benefit directly from government intervention programmes.

It maintained that a sustainable agricultural sector requires consistent policies, adequate funding and effective implementation of programmes designed to support farmers at every stage of production.

The association expressed optimism that restoring NAGS-AP would contribute significantly to increased food production, job creation, rural economic development and the stabilisation of food prices across the country.

AFAN therefore appealed to the Federal Government to give the programme urgent attention as part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector and achieve sustainable food security.

…….Tegbe, REA MD Commend Lawal as Zamfara Unveils Electricity Policy today

The Minister of Power, Chief Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu, have joined the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, to launch the state’s Electricity Policy and inaugurate renewable energy projects aimed at enhancing electricity supply across the state.

The event, held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in Zamfara State, was themed “Enhancing Power Supply” and attracted key stakeholders in the electricity and renewable energy sectors.

A major highlight of the occasion was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Zamfara State Government, the Rural Electrification Agency and other stakeholders, in the presence of the Minister of Power, to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the development of renewable energy infrastructure in the state.

Speaking at the event, Tegbe and the REA Managing Director emphasised the importance of renewable energy, particularly solar power generation, as a sustainable solution to the country’s electricity challenges.

They highlighted the need to harness Zamfara State’s abundant solar energy potential to expand electricity access, strengthen power generation capacity and provide reliable and affordable electricity to residents, businesses and industries.

The officials also commended Governor Dauda Lawal for his commitment and initiative towards developing solar-powered electricity infrastructure, describing the state’s efforts as a significant step towards achieving sustainable energy development and improving the living conditions of the people.

They further highlighted the ambition to upgrade solar power generation capacity to 200 megawatts (MW), noting that increased investment in renewable energy would contribute significantly to the state’s economic growth and development.

The Minister and the REA Managing Director also stressed the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments, development partners and private-sector investors in achieving sustainable electricity supply.

The launch of the Zamfara State Electricity Policy, alongside the inauguration of renewable energy projects and the signing of the MoU, represents a significant step in the state’s efforts to strengthen its electricity sector and embrace cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

The initiative is expected to improve electricity access, stimulate commercial and industrial activities, attract investment, create employment opportunities and support socio-economic development across Zamfara State.

The development also aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding electricity access and accelerating Nigeria’s transition towards sustainable and renewable energy.