News

Governor Mutfwang Launches World Bank Agro-Climatic Resilience Project in Plateau, Promises Optimal Utilization of Resources

Published

3 years ago

July 27, 2023

vicky

Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, officially launched the Agro-Climatic Resilience Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project in Plateau State, a World Bank initiative aimed at bolstering the state’s agricultural and environmental resilience. The event took place on Thursday at Crispan Hotel, Jos, where the Governor emphasized his commitment to delivering tangible benefits from all projects and programs undertaken in the state.

Governor Mutfwang’s unwavering determination to complete all World Bank projects, regardless of their locations, highlights his administration’s dedication to improving the living conditions of the people. Addressing the project coordinators, he urged them to ensure value for money in every endeavor and stressed the importance of the ACReSAL project in replenishing the land for agricultural purposes.

“Water is a lifeline for survival, and we will ensure its proper distribution, especially in areas facing water scarcity, to meet both drinking and irrigation needs. Government ministries will collaborate seamlessly to ensure the successful implementation of these projects,” Governor Mutfwang remarked.

The Governor expressed confidence that the successful completion of the projects would yield additional employment opportunities for the youth in the state, furthering economic growth and prosperity.

He conveyed his appreciation to the World Bank for providing financing, even though the funds are in the form of a loan that will be repaid. Governor Mutfwang encouraged project coordinators to utilize the available resources wisely, ensuring the projects’ sustainability in the long run.

Moreover, the Governor lauded the World Bank’s support for various projects that have positively impacted child nutrition and empowered young girls in Plateau State to pursue their dreams.

Governor Mutfwang also revealed plans to revisit the social register of the most vulnerable citizens in rural communities to ensure that deserving individuals receive the government’s assistance.

In response, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chadhuri, pledged the Bank’s commitment to support the Plateau State Government in financing projects that will make a significant difference in the lives of the people. He reaffirmed the World Bank’s dedication to promoting climate resilience, tackling issues such as insecurity, land degradation, and water scarcity, with the ultimate aim of improving the quality of life for Nigerian citizens.

The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da. Jacob Gyang Buba, also called for enhanced collaboration between the government, traditional rulers, and citizens in addressing environmental challenges facing the state. He stressed the need for synergy among the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Land and Survey, and the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) to combat environmental degradation effectively.

As the ACReSAL project sets in motion, Plateau State looks forward to harnessing its agricultural potential, enhancing environmental sustainability, and uplifting the lives of its people through the World Bank’s support and the Governor’s visionary leadership.

By Gyang Bere

Director of Press and Public Affairs to Executive Governor of Plateau State

27th July 2023.

News

CAF Champions League: Rivers United Hold San Pedro, Set Up Crucial Home Decider

Published

6 hours ago

September 5, 2026

Preport

Rivers United have returned from Côte d’Ivoire with a valuable 1–1 draw against FC San Pedro in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary-round tie.

The result gives the Pride of Rivers a strong platform ahead of the return fixture, with the Nigerian side now needing a victory at home to secure their place in the next qualifying round.

The draw is particularly encouraging for Rivers United after head coach Finidi George had stressed before the game that avoiding defeat in Abidjan would represent a positive outcome. He specifically identified a 1–1 draw as an acceptable result that would leave his side in a good position for the return leg.

Rivers United went into the continental assignment with confidence after opening their 2026/27 NPFL campaign with a 2–0 victory over Plateau United, while Finidi also highlighted the physical qualities of San Pedro and the youthful character of his own revamped squad.

Now, the equation is straightforward.

The two sides are level on aggregate, and Rivers United will have the advantage of playing the decisive second leg on Nigerian soil. The return fixture is currently listed for September 13, giving the Port Harcourt club the opportunity to complete the job in front of their supporters.

For a Rivers United side that reached the CAF Champions League group stage last season, the objective is clear: turn the away draw into qualification and keep Nigeria’s flag flying in Africa’s premier club competition.

A goal in Abidjan. A valuable draw secured.
Now, the Pride of Rivers must finish the job at home.

News

Seattle Times and Newsday are the latest publications to sue OpenAI and Microsoft

Published

7 hours ago

September 5, 2026

Preport

Two more news organizations are suing OpenAI and Microsoft over the supposed use of their journalism to train AI.

A lawsuit filed by The Seattle Times and Newsday argued that with the advent of AI, the journalism industry could become “broken beyond repair.” The lawsuit described generative AI as “a snake eating its own tail” that could “destroy the very organizations” that produce the content it’s trained on.

“AI products like ChatGPT and CoPilot are touted as producers of content, but in fact they are rapacious consumers, devouring human-authored content and delivering back to the world copies and derivative imitations of that same original content they consumed to achieve their commercial objectives,” the lawsuit said.

Back in 2023, The New York Times sued OpenAI and its partner/investor Microsoft over alleged copyright infringement; other publications have followed suit as the case continued. The Seattle Times’ lawsuit is particularly notable because Microsoft and OpenAI have funded some of the organization’s journalism projects and fellowships.

A Microsoft spokesperson told GeekWire that the company is “surprised by the lawsuit” but is “always happy to sit down and explore solutions to this type of dispute.”