Lydia Beshel - News Agency Of Nigeria

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Fri, 2025

Terrorism: Nigerian military ready to work with Sahelian states – CDS

Sahel

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the Armed Forces of Nigeria is committed to working with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger in spite of their withdrawal from ECOWAS.

Musa gave the assurance in Abuja, when he received a delegation of the Sahelian Think Tank from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger known as ‘Alliance De Sahel’.

The delegation led by the Coordinator, Fusion Center for Dialogue and Peace Processes, Aliyu Gebi, is in the country to under study Nigeria on its non-kinetic approach to tackling the menace of terrorism and the success of operation Safe Corridor.

The defence chief stressed the need for Nigeria and the Sahelian countries to work together to address terrorism, adding that whatever happens in the Sahel resonates with the country and vice versa.

He said that the militaries of the region were working together to achieve peace, and revealed his intention to visit Mali and Burkina Faso.

“This meeting came at a very good time, especially now that so many things are happening in Africa. It shows the unity of purpose.

“Your presence here from the Sahelian countries shows that we are still united, in spite the challenges.

“And for all Africans, we must unite. The enemies we are dealing with are enemies that don’t mean well for us, especially in the Sahelian region.

“They have no respect for life, no respect for humanity, no respect for boundaries.

“It is critical that we must work together to fight and defeat them, and I am happy that we have our brothers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other countries here to come and see what we are doing with our disarmament programme with Operation Safe Corridor,” he said.

Musa emphasised that the kinetic and the non-kinetic operations must go hand in hand, adding that the kinetic accounts for only 30 per cent of the solution.

He said that the non-kinetic was basic, adding that there must be good governance within the countries, fairness, justice, and equity to be able to overcome the challenges.

The CDS advised the Sahelian countries to block terrorists access to mining sites and trace their foreign sponsors to block their sources of funding.

Responding, the leader of the delegation, reiterated that the region would be safer and stronger working together .

Gebi said that whatever happened in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso would resonate in Nigeria.

He commended the Nigerian military for winning the war against insurgents but stressed the need to harmonise strategies towards winning peace.

He said the team was in Nigeria to study how to connect kinetic and non-kinetic operations to win peace.

The Head of delegation of the Alliance of Sahel States, Gen. Aime Sampore, said that, there was the recognition that a serene and stable Sahel would transmit directly to a serene, stable and prosperous Nigeria.

Sampore said that a serene, stable and prosperous Nigeria would also directly transmits, not only to a serene, stable and prosperous Sahel, but to the whole of Africa.

This, according to him, is the purpose of the visit. (NAN)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Nigeria close to achieving food security – Minister

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Fri, 2025

Agriculture

Nigeria close to achieving food security – Minister

Food

By Ibrahim Bello

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu to ensuring that every Nigerian citizen has unfettered access to abundant and nutritious food.

Kyari made this known at the launch of 2025 dry season farming and distribution of Ramadan Palliatives to people of Kebbi by Gov. Nasir Idris in Birnin Kebbi.

“President Tinubu has consistently provided conducive environment and empowerment to farmers to increase yields towards the attainment of food security which is already on the horizon.

“The Federal Government will continue to work together with states and local government councils to bring prosperity through agricultural production.

“I commend the initiative of our amiable and esteemed Kebbi Governor, Nasir Idris, for placing premium on developing the agricultural sector which witnessed bumper harvests and reduction of food prices.

“The emphasis attached to dry season farming is a portent vehicle for food security,” the minister said.

Kyari expressed delight over the distribution of thousands of water pumping machines, sprayers and power tillers as well as thousands of litres of herbicides, pesticides and organic fertilisers by the present administration.

Launching the distribution exercise, Gov. Idris, said the government was aware of the challenges of dry season farming by farmers that necessitated his administration to provide them with the required agricultural inputs to reduce hardship in cultivation.

“Last year, I launched the KADAGE programme in tandem with the policy of Tinubu administration to revolutionise the agricultural sector towards food sufficiency and improve the wellbeing of farmers and youths.

“The agricultural landscape has witnessed positive changes in Kebbi with the distribution of free fertilisers to farmers, provision of inputs including improved rice seeds as well as pests control that destroy crops, especially millet and rice.

“My administration is fully aware that agriculture is the major platform for economic development of our nation.

“I am thankful to President Tinubu, the Minister of Agriculture and the National Council on Agriculture, for approving the use of residual moisture for Agricultural production in Kebbi for 15,000 farmers affected by flooding last year to mitigate losses incurred,” he said.

On Ramadan Palliatives, Idris, announced that all segments of the society had been considered for allocation.

“Civil Servants, teachers, local government staff, House of Assembly, NLC/TUC, members of the executive council, security services, traditional institutions, army widows, police widows, boards and agencies as well as residents of all the polling units in the state are beneficiaries.

“Commissioners and other top government officials involved in the distribution have been taken care of.

“No commissioner, Adviser or any political appointee should touch anything out of these palliative items.

“Some commissioners or otherwise are reported to be saying that, they are not benefitting from office, but that’s untrue; all rights and privileges of government functionaries are well protected by my administration.

“Whoever feels that he’s not getting enough, should resign from his/her position and vacate the office,” the governor said.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, warned that security agencies had been empowered to arrest any person selling off the agricultural items provided to them.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Shehu Ma’azu, recalled that the state started its dry season farming’s drive, sustained and intensified during the tenure of former Governors Adamu Aleiro, Sa’idu Dakingari, Sen. Atiku Bagudu respectively.

“Kebbi is indeed a hub for agriculture, and agricultural bright landscape of the country by sustaining and intensifying the initiative by Gov. Idris-led administration,” he said.

Muazu urged the beneficiaries to utilise the gesture to cushion the effects of challenges faced during Ramadan as well as dry season farming in the state. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Oil production: Rivers Govt. donates helicopter to Air Force

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Thu, 2025

Defence/Security

Oil production: Rivers Govt. donates helicopter to Air Force

Donation

By Desmond Ejibas

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has announced the donation of a helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of the ongoing efforts to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production.

Fubara handed over the refurbished Agusta AW139 helicopter to NAF at its 115 Special Operations Group base in Port Harcourt.

He stated that his administration had fully supported President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to boost crude oil production beyond two million barrels per day before December.

According to him, the state government has also provided significant logistics to security agencies to safeguard lives, property, and critical oil assets in Rivers.

“This Agusta AW139 helicopter, which has been out of use for years, is part of my administration’s commitment to supporting NAF’s operations in Rivers and the Niger Delta region.

“Furthermore, backing President Tinubu’s efforts to increase crude oil production is beneficial to us; if oil production rises, it will generate more revenue for Rivers State,” he said.

Fubara added that, in addition to the helicopter, the state government was currently resurfacing the Air Force base runway to facilitate seamless flight operations.

“We want to be remembered as an administration that paid serious attention to the security of lives and property of our people.

“The support we have provided to our security agencies is a demonstration of our commitment to ensuring a secure Rivers State and Nigeria,” Fubara added.

The governor appealed to the Air Force leadership to deploy the aircraft for surveillance operations, particularly within the state and the wider the Niger Delta region.

Receiving the helicopter, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, expressed gratitude to Fubara for collaborating with NAF to enhance security in the state and across the country.

He noted that the Air Force had over the years, consistently received logistics support from successive administrations in the state.

“This is evident in the construction of essential infrastructure, including perimeter fencing, residential blocks, and a VIP lounge.

“More recently, Gov. Fubara approved the rehabilitation of the runway and aprons here at the 115 Special Operations Group base,” he stated.

Abubakar emphasised that the helicopter would be deployed for tactical airlift operations, search and rescue missions, and disaster relief efforts.

“With its advanced avionics, high-speed capability, and versatility, the helicopter will enhance our ability to conduct rapid response missions and humanitarian operations.

“The addition of this aircraft to our fleet further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians,” he added.

Abubakar further disclosed that NAF had initiated comprehensive training programmes for Air Force pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure the optimal utilisation of its fleet.

He also stated that the Air Force had begun strengthening its maintenance infrastructure to ensure the sustainability and serviceability of its aircrafts.

He reaffirmed that NAF remained committed to collaborating with other security agencies to combat illegal bunkering and all forms of criminal activity.

According to him, through enhanced surveillance, precision air strikes, and joint task force engagements, NAF will continue to protect the nation’s vital resources and maritime domain. (NAN)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka

Etsu Kwali commends FCT minister for efforts in improving security

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Thu, 2025

Community

Etsu Kwali commends FCT minister for efforts in improving security

Security

By Veronica Dariya

The Etsu of Kwali, Mr Luka Nizassan III, has commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his efforts in stabilising security within the FCT and its surrounding areas.

Nizassan made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said the improvement in security, especially in his community, was due to the collaborative efforts between the FCT administration and local community vigilance.

Nizassan said that this partnership had been instrumental in addressing issues like kidnapping and other security threats in the area.

“Before his assumption as Minister of the FCT, some of the communities here were major flashpoints for kidnapping and other crimes.

“The FCT Minister’s collaboration with the community has helped us address these challenges effectively,” Nizassan said.

He also acknowledged the minister’s support, noting that resources, including operational vehicles, had been deployed to aid local vigilantes.

Since his enthronement in May 2024, Nizassan emphasised that he had taken steps to maintain security and tackle theft and burglary in the area.

He explained that one such measure include discussions with scavengers about their role in criminal activities, such as purchasing stolen goods or participating in theft.

In addition, Nizassan said that intelligence officers had been integrated into known criminal hideouts, providing crucial information to security agencies.

“If there is actionable intelligence, it will definitely help address the issue of crime prevention and response,” he said.

He also mentioned that criminal hotspots such as Pai-junction, Mamu, Yangoji, Gada-biyu, and Kwaita were identified as areas frequented by kidnappers’ informants, who often disguise themselves as petty traders.

Nizassan affirmed that his ongoing collaboration with security agencies had significantly reduced kidnapping activities in the region.

He stressed on the importance of continued efforts to ensure the security of life and property in the community.(NAN)

Edited Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

Abuja Indigenes propose Kwali as capital of FCT state

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Wed, 2025

Community

Abuja Indigenes propose Kwali as capital of FCT state

Kwali

By Uche Bibilari
Indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have advocated for the creation of Abuja State with Kwali as capital.

The Etsu of Kwali, Mr Luka Nizassan III, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Kwali, the headquarter of Kwali Area Council.

The Etsu said that a document had been submitted for the review of the 1999 constitution to give FCT a state status.

He said in the proposal, submitted by the original inhabitants of FCT and other stakeholders, Kwali should be made the headquarters of the state.

The traditional ruler also appealed to the Federal Government to establish a tertiary institution in Kwali, to fast track development in the area council.

According to him, by FCT the master plan, Kwali is the educational hub for the territory, hence the siting of National Educational Research and Development Council, an institution responsible for developing educational curriculums, in the area.

He added that the National Mathematical Centre, Sheda Science and Technology and National Seed Council are all located in Kwali as the original educational zone for the FCT.

“This institutions are set up to support tertiary institutions, to support research because they have facilities that are supposed to aid and also provide tertiary non-degree programmes.

“The University of Abuja was located in Gwagwalada because Kwali was formally the headquarters of Gwagwalada Area Council.

“This is why I am appealing for the establishment of a tertiary institution in Kwali to support already established institutions in the council, ’he pleaded.

Nizassan specifically appealed to the Federal Government to consider siting the recently approved FCT Federal Polytechnic in Kwali.

According to him, Kwali has what it takes in terms of structures and land for a polytechnic to be located in the council.

The Etsu said the people of Kwali were willing to donate the Federal Technical College, Kwali as take off infrastructure for the Polytechnic. (NAN)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rotimi Ijikanmi

FG restates commitment to delivering stable, reliable electricity supply

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Wed, 2025

Economy/Business

FG restates commitment to delivering stable, reliable electricity supply

Electricity

By Constance Athekame

The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering stable and reliable electricity to Nigerians.

Mr Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser on Strategic Communication to the minister of power, said this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to him, the commitment of the Federal Government is evident in the recent achievements recorded in the sector.

He said that the sector had recorded unprecedented milestones in power generation, evacuation, and daily energy output, signaling a new era of progress and development.

According to him, Nigeria achieved a record available power generation of 6,003 megawatts (MW), the highest in the nation’s history.

“This is followed by another landmark within the period when the country recorded a peak generation evacuation of 5,801.84 MW and a daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 Megawatt-hours (MWh).

”These achievements represent a significant leap forward in the sector’s capacity to meet the growing energy demands in the country, and on-going reforms in the power sector.

“The achievements demonstrates the avowed commitment of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to ensure regular electricity supply in order to galvanise the nation’s economy, ‘’ he said.

“The record available generation of 6,003 MW, the peak evacuation of 5,801.84 MW, and the daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 MWh are testaments to the hard work, dedication, and strategic reforms being implemented by minister of power.’’

He said: “the achievements are not just numbers; they represent a brighter future for Nigeria, where businesses can thrive, households can enjoy uninterrupted power supply, and the economy can grow sustainably.

”We pray for the sustainability of these landmark records and look forward to further improvements on all parameters in the coming days, ‘’he said.

Tunji said that the recent milestones were the result of concerted efforts by the ministry of power, in collaboration with key stakeholders in the sector to address longstanding challenges and optimise the nation’s power infrastructure.

He listed the efforts to include rehabilitation and upgrading of transmission and distribution networks, the implementation of innovative technologies, and the introduction of policy reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and accountability.

According to him, the minister has been at the forefront of these initiatives, driving a comprehensive agenda to transform the sector and ensure that Nigeria achieves its full potential in power generation and distribution.

Tunji said that his leadership had been instrumental in fostering collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, and international partners, creating an enabling environment for growth and innovation.

`One of the key factors contributing to the recent achievements is the electricity tariff review which has ensured liquidity in the sector and created a more sustainable and investment-friendly environment for the power sector,’’ he said.

“By ensuring that tariff reflect the true cost of power generation and distribution, the government is paving the way for increased private sector participation and the mobilisation of much-needed capital for infrastructure development..

Tunji quoted the minister as saying: “the regularisation of tariff will play a critical role in unlocking the sector’s full potential and driving further improvements in power generation and distribution’’.

“By the time the tariffs are fully regularised, we will be moving closer to 7,000 MW of available generation capacity.

“This will mark another significant milestone in our journey towards a stable, reliable, and efficient power sector that meets the needs of all Nigerians.” (NAN)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Tue, 2025

Economy/Business

FG restates commitment to reform NIS

Reforms

By Abiodun Azi

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the Federal Government is committed to implementing various reforms in the ministry and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

Tunji-Ojo spoke to newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday after a meeting with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

The minister described the gathering as a “family meeting,” emphasising NECA’s role as a strategic partner.

He acknowledged the critical contributions of the private sector to socio-economic development.

He said the meeting focused on reviewing strategies, enhancing government performance, promoting private sector growth, and making decisions that aligned with the interests of Nigerians and the economy.

“It is not just about CERPAC reforms alone, there were a lot of reforms because it is our responsibility to make life easier for Nigerians and expatriates.

“We need strategic partnership with NECA, affiliate organisations and other agencies; we need to cooperate to take decisions as a team.

” What’s important to us is what is important to them and what’s that? Interest of Nigerians, ” he said.

According to the minister, this is our country and we can actually do the unimaginable.

“We can achieve the seemingly unachievable when we are united in our approach and understanding,” saying, ” we have shared values.”

He reassured Nigerians that the ministry of interior in line with its citizenship business responsibilities was actively collaborating to realise its set objectives.

He hinted that there was an agreement for these meetings to occur at least twice a year, rather than being a one-off event, particularly to address their concerns, especially those affecting their businesses.

Tunji-Ojo said that reforms had to continue, noting that it was a work in progress.

According to him, a lot has been done with regard to CERPAC, expatriate quota, business permit and a lot of things, even work flow in terms of border control and how it affects NIS.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, stated that while governance was often seen as complex and challenging, “when you have visionaries running the system, you realise it is one of the simplest things to do.”

Oyerinde noted that a key aspect of the discussions was the need for stakeholders to engage constructively.

He added that all stakeholders in the Nigerian project commended the government for opening channels of engagement.

He highlighted that the most significant outcome was the consensus to establish a committee that would collaborate to review several key issues.

He said that work on all the identified areas would commence within the next week.(NAN)

Editing by Kevin Okunzuwa

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Tue, 2025

Economy/Business

FG moves to cut trade, transport costs

Costs

By Vivian Emoni

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the cost of transporting goods and services by air, land, and sea to boost production across the country.

Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, made this known during a ministerial briefing organised by the Ministry of Information and Cultural Orientation on Tuesday in Abuja.

She stated that these efforts would ensure faster delivery of goods and services, reduce costs, and expand the country’s global trade reach.

“We are exploring direct cargo freight across Africa for our traders because Nigerians engage in significant trade. This will help bring them together.

“We aim to lower cargo freight costs. That is one of the key initiatives the ministry is undertaking to fulfil our mandate,” Oduwole said.

She added, “As we can see, the cost of production is gradually decreasing, and we will continue working to strengthen our economy.”

The minister noted that the ministry was collaborating with Independent Power Producers (IPP) nationwide.

“This partnership with the private sector aims to enhance power supply, which will significantly boost the country’s economic growth,” she said.

Oduwole also confirmed ongoing efforts to improve tariff schedules, ensuring that products can move freely across different payment systems.

She said the ministry was working with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Immigration Service to streamline procedures, rules, and value chains for trade facilitation.

According to her, the ministry is also focused on making Nigeria an attractive investment destination, which requires a conducive environment and favourable tariffs.

“That is why we continue to engage with the fiscal and monetary arms of government.

“Our goal is to champion trade and industry, ensuring policies support business growth and economic expansion,” she stated.

She highlighted collaborations with more than 50 federal agencies to improve business processes and transparency.

“My team and I are dedicated to simplifying processes and enhancing transparency, which is a priority for me.

“We continuously seek new pathways to prevent unintended consequences in our policies and ensure they support businesses and traders,” Oduwole said.

She emphasised that Nigerian businesses were already expanding across Africa, moving ahead of government-led initiatives.

To achieve its objectives, the ministry has partnered with key ministries, strengthening collaboration to drive investment, trade, and industry.

“We are working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, and the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy.

“Through these partnerships, we aim to create an environment where investment, industry, and trade can thrive within Nigeria’s economy,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki / Kamal Tayo Oropo

Interior Ministry targets holistic reform of correctional service

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Tue, 2025

Defence/Security

Interior Ministry targets holistic reform of correctional service

Reform

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani, has reiterated the commitment of the ministry to achieving a holistic reform of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Ajani stated this during the second public hearing of the independent Investigative panel to address the alleged corruption, abuse of power, torture, cruel, inhumane, degrading treatment against NCoS on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Interior, Dr.Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had in Sept. 2024 inaugurated the panel to probe allegations of corruption and gross abuse of office levelled against some personnel of the NCoS.

NAN reports that Tunji-Ojo who is also the Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), suspended several officers overseeing the Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State.

This followed allegations of misconduct involving the handling of cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

Ajani, who doubled as the Chairman of the investigative panel said that one of the ultimate goals of the committee was to ensure that the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 was fully implemented.

She added that both custodial and non-custodial measures should be clearly implemented across the country.

“This is an investigative committee that has to deal with torture and what is going on in our correctional service.

“The committee’s objective is to identify the challenges facing the correctional service and to proffer solutions that will lead to a holistic reform of the service.

“We want to ensure that the correctional service is transformed into a modern, efficient, and humane institution that meets international standards.

“The committee has been listening to contributions from stakeholders, including the correctional service, and has identified challenges in implementing the act.

“This is particularly with regards to magistrates and judges who claim that some sections of the act are unknown to them,” she said.

Ajani expressed hope that by the end of the public hearing, the committee would have been able to discuss the observations and challenges raised by the correctional service and identify ways to address them.

In his presentation, the NCoS Controller General, Sylvester Nwakuche appealed to the judiciary to better understand the provisions of the NCoS Act 2019, which had been a challenge for the service in implementing correctional decisions.

Nwakuche, who was represented by Ibrahim Idris, an Assistant Controller General (ACG), said that the NCoS had been facing difficulties in implementing the Act due to a lack of understanding from the judiciary.

According to him, the NCoS had been working diligently to implement the provisions of the Act, but the lack of understanding from the judiciary has been a major challenge.

“We are appealing to the judiciary to help us understand the spirit of the law.

“It is extremely difficult for correctional officers to disobey court orders, but sometimes the courts don’t understand the provisions of the Act,”he said.

“We are not asking for too much. We just want the judiciary to understand the provisions of the Act and work with us to implement correctional decisions,” he said.(NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba

Lydia Beshel
Mar, Tue, 2025

Agriculture

Food insecurity: IITA set to transform Sierra Leone, Africa’s agriculture

Transformation

By Suleiman Shehu

Dr Simeon Ehui, Director-General (DG), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has reiterated the institute’s readiness to transform agriculture and address food insecurity in Sierra Leone and other African countries.

Ehui stated this during the official visit of the President of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Bio, to the institute in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports the theme of the presidential visit is “The Power of Improved Technologies and Public-Private Partnerships to Accelerate the Feed Salone Strategy”.

The DG noted that the institution’s existing technology and innovation in cassava, maize, soybeans, and other crops had improved productivity, increased income, and strengthened security for millions of Africans.

“Sierra Leone stands a chance of agricultural revolution through collaboration with IITA.

“We can accelerate the deployment of high-yielding pest resistance and climate-resilient crops tailored to the country’s agricultural condition,” Ehui said.

According to him, science alone will not transform agriculture, but with partnerships, research and investment, farmers empowered with tools and finance needed to thrive will drive Africa’s required agricultural transformation.

He said that Sierra Leone had an opportunity to harness Public-Private Partnership to drive large-scale agricultural transformation.

“With the right partnership, we can turn ambition into action and action into impact in IITA.

“The future of Sierra Leone food security is not a distant goal; it begins here, and the conversation here must transfer into commitment,” he said.

Ehui said IITA was ready to work with the government of Sierra Leone to scale up technology, build human capital, support agribusiness and transform the country’s agriculture.

The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Bio, commended IITA for consistently driving agricultural transformation in Africa and being a dependable partner.

Bio said food insecurity challenges in Africa required coordinated efforts across multiple sectors and strong political will at the highest level.

“I am here because I think the political will exist in Sierra Leone to support the country’s food system transformation.

“I firmly believe that research, innovation, and technology are the forces we must harness in order to drive Africa forward, transform the future of agriculture in Africa, and create opportunities for African farmers,” he said.

He said his trip to Nigeria was part of his dedication to innovative ideas to create a world-class food system in Sierra Leone and foster progress for farmers and agribusiness.

Earlier, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, said Nigeria’s agricultural transformation efforts had provided a strong foundation for collaboration with Sierra Leone.

Ogunbiyi said both countries could accelerate agricultural development, enhance food security and promote regional growth through partnership, shared experience and innovation. (NAN)

Edited by Moses Solanke