FEB. 21, 2005 -- A youth Wing of the NPP, Popular Nationalist Movement, has appealed to the Northern regional Minister, Alhaji Boniface Abubakar Sadiqque to suggest to President John Agyekum Kufuor to include rice farming in the President Special Initiative.

According to the youth, the revival of the rice industry in the region will create more job opportunities for the people, thus reduce the poverty level in the area. A statement jointly signed by the movement's Chairman, Mohammed Iddrisu and Secretary, Abdulai Sumaila commended the president for appointing Alhaji Sadiqque to run the affairs of the region, saying this shows the respect government has for the youth.

In another development the Tamale Polytechnic branch of TESCON has congratulated Alhaji Boniface Abubakar Sadiqque for his new appointment as the Northern regional Minister. It pledged its unflinching support to the regional Minister in carrying out his duties for the total development and upliftment of the region. The tamale Polytechnic branch TESCON impressed upon Alhaji Sadiqque to adopt pragmatic and lasting solution to the Dagbon crisis and poverty situation in the area. It further congratulated the outgoing regional Minister, Ernest Debrah for his immense wisdom in handling the region and wished him a success in his new appointment as the Agriculture Minister and urged him to open his doors for the new Minister to tap his knowledge when the need arises.