Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has restated his commitment and determination to making Nigeria self-sufficient in food production before leaving office.

Tinubu who gave the assurance on Thursday during the commissioning of the groundbreaking ceremony for the N169.7bn 84km Bida-Minna Road construction in the Niger State, promised that the Federal Government under his watch, would continue to partner with states that bring development to their people.

The president who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said with his policies, food production has been given top priority.

“For governments at all levels to grow, there must be cordial relationships. The Federal Government will support Niger to ensure that the desired prosperity is derived. Nigeria will be self-sufficient in food production during my administration,” he said.

“Road construction will save lives and create avenues for greater economic development.

“As a traditional title holder of Jagaba Borgu since about 20 years ago, I am also a son of Niger and I will be part of anything that will bring development to the people of the state,” Tinubu added.

The State governor, Umaru Bago who also extolled the President, said the construction of the Bida-Minna Road was a promise fulfilled.

“As encapsulated in our pact with Nigerlites under the New Niger Agenda, this groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of the construction of the 84km standard dual-carriageway with streetlights, interchange, and underpass at both ends of the road, a promise fulfilled.

“This project is of paramount economic importance to us as a state. Therefore, the groundbreaking ceremony we are witnessing today is a paradigm shift from the usual lip services of the past.

“This demonstrates our commitment towards building world-class road infrastructure that will endure over time to make Niger a reference point in terms of infrastructure and socio-economic development in Nigeria.

“We are poised to change the negative narratives in line with our ambitious New Niger Agenda,” he said.

In Kasama, the Disability Inclusion-Friendly Barn Development Foundation, dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, says the Cyber Security Act primarily benefits politicians rather than ordinary citizens, particularly those with disabilities.

Amos Chileshe, the Chief Executive Director of the organisation, conveyed these concerns in an interview with Zambia Monitor.

Chileshe emphasized the Foundation’s focus on child welfare, including screening and assessment programmes tailored to children with disabilities.

He highlighted the alarming prevalence of cyberbullying targeting this vulnerable demographic, often overlooked by mainstream media.

“Despite our efforts to provide counseling and support services,” Chileshe lamented, “many instances of cyberbullying against individuals with disabilities remain unaddressed, unlike cases involving public figures.”

He underscored the disparity in media coverage, noting the tendency to portray persons with disabilities negatively, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, perpetuating stigma and shame, particularly in rural areas.

Calling for the safeguarding of individuals with disabilities online, Chileshe urged authorities to take decisive action against cyberbullying, stating its detrimental impact on their well-being.

Regarding media freedoms, Chileshe advocated for unrestricted licensing of media outlets to ensure comprehensive nationwide coverage.

“Media freedom is essential for democracy, development, and human rights.

“When people are denied the freedom to express themselves, constructive criticism becomes impossible, hindering progress and accountability,” he said.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.