News Agency of Nigeria
Group urges political parties to increase women’s participation
Gender

Group urges political parties to increase women’s participation

By Justina Auta

The Gender and Election Watch Room (GEW) of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) has called on political parties to prioritise and enhance women’s involvement in politics.

Ms. Brenda Anugwom, the CEO of GEW at NWTF, conveyed this message in a post-election statement and aftermath of the off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi in Abuja.

The organisation, with 50 accredited observers deployed across the eight Local Government Areas of Bayelsa, closely examined the elections from a gender perspective.

Despite the peaceful and timely conduct of the polls, Anugwom highlighted a noticeable low turnout among both male and female voters.

She expressed concern over voters’ reluctance to participate, citing a lack of trust in the system and fears for their safety as contributing factors.

Anugwom emphasised the need for stakeholders to educate the public on the importance of increased female participation in the electoral process.

The CEO strongly condemned any intimidation of election observers, stressing that such actions contradict democratic principles and should cease immediately.

“Political Parties should create an enabling environment for increased female participation,  and women should build capacity and aspire to participate in politics.

“Nigeria cannot achieve inclusive democracy without female participation.

“The intimidation of any observer in an election is not consistent with democratic values and should henceforth stop,” she said.

In addition, she recommended that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) invoke the new electoral law to address issues related to vote buying and selling.

Anugwom called for the apprehension and prosecution of offenders to strengthen the electoral system.

Furthermore, Anugwom called on security agencies to play a crucial role in maintaining peace, remaining neutral, and safeguarding the lives of Nigerians during any election process.

The NWTF’s Gender and Election Watch Room continues to advocate for a more inclusive and equitable political landscape in Nigeria. (NAN)

www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman/Ali Baba-Inuwa

National Commission unveils Blueprint for local technical Institutes
Education

National Commission unveils Blueprint for local technical Institutes

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) has revealed its strategic initiative to construct local technical institutes throughout the nation.

The primary objective is to empower the youth with essential skills crucial for the advancement of the country.

During the commission’s inaugural news conference on repositioning senior secondary education held in Abuja, Dr Iyela Ajayi, the Executive Secretary, emphasised the necessity of these institutes.

He underscored the urgent need for improved workshops in technical schools nationwide.

“The state of workshops in our technical schools is an area we are going to address next year. Senior secondary school is pivotal for skills acquisition, with our curriculum offering around 34 trades.

“However, many schools lack equipped workshops and adequately trained staff.”

Speaking on funding, Ajayi explained that the primary financial support for senior secondary education comes from two percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

He said in spite of not receiving funding in its two years of existence, the commission appealed to the Federal Government for the timely release of funds in 2024.

Acknowledging the challenges, he stated, “Over 80 percent of the 5.2 million senior secondary schools in the country are not under the control of the commission. Hence, collaboration with state governors is crucial to rejuvenate these schools.”

Ajayi emphasised the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability, citing a prepared document outlining guidelines for accessing, disbursing, and utilizing the FGN/NSSEC intervention fund.

He urged the government to release the allocated two percent of the CRF to initiate vital improvements.

Responding to concerns about the adequacy of the two percent given the economic challenges, Ajayi said the commission would start from somewhere.

“Government has competing demands, we cannot ask the government to give us all the money.

”If government is giving us 10 per cent for example, what will happen to health, road, and other areas crying for government interventions.

”What we want government to do is to give us this two per cent and may be later on when the economy is good we can now demand for more,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Pass Food Safety Bill into law, Stakeholders urge NASS
Health

Pass Food Safety Bill into law, Stakeholders urge NASS

By Folasade Akpan

Stakeholders on Wednesday appealed to the National Assembly to pass the National Food Safety and Quality Bill 2019 into law.

They made the appeal in Abuja at the validation workshop on the Draft National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan 2023.

The Director and National Coordinator, Food and Safety Programme, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mr John Atanda, said that the policy being validated needed the necessary legislation to help its implementation.

According to him, the bill will take care of the existing gaps in food safety quality and also gave responsibility to all tiers of government.

“This bill is supposed to complement the policy to give it more strength and a powerful transformation to food safety in Nigeria.

“Based on the provision of this policy when it was first developed in 2015, it was set to modernise Nigeria food safety structure.

“So there was a need to have a legislation to back it up and the National Food Safety and Health Committee that was established by the provision of this policy developed the National Food Safety and Quality Bill.

“It went to Federal Executive Council and was approved and then transmitted to the National Assembly.

“It passed through all the legislative process and was sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent but was not assented to before the expiration of his administration.”

Speaking on the essence of the policy being validated, he said that it was to provide an overarching framework for food safety and security in the country.

Atanda said that it would address the issue of regulation for those that it is intended for.

The Director, Food and Drug Services, Mrs Olubunmi Aribeana, in an address, said that in Nigeria, research had shown that over 200,000 people reportedly died from food poisoning and contamination annually.

Represented by Mrs Adeola Olufowobi-Yusuf, Head, Food, Chemical Cosmetics and Water Safety Division, she added that Nigeria needed a more robust and comprehensive policy to strengthen the food safety and quality sector of the country, hence the need for the validation.

“The Federal Government in January 2015 in partnership with the critical stakeholders in the food sector, inaugurated the National Policy on Food Safety and its Implementation Strategy (NPFSIS).

“This was to provide the government with the needed framework and to modernise the national food safety control system in line with international standards.

“Based on government determination to modernise and strengthen its National Food Safety Control and Management System in line with global best practices and standards, the ministry and its partners have reviewed the existing National Food Safety Policy document, to address the identified inherent gaps.

“This version will provide the framework for upgrading national capacity to develop and operate an integrated food safety control system to achieve more effective collaboration and coordination between agencies responsible for food quality control system in Nigeria.”

The Executive Director,  Nigeria,  Resolve to Save Lives, a NGO, Mrs Nanlop Ogbureke, hoped that the document would provide an opportunity and the potential to work on the health outcomes of our country.

“The collaborative and the multisector angle to pushing forward this policy is very critical, so we hope that with validating this policy, we will be able to push together to ensure that the bill gets signed.”

For the Assistant Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate, NAFDAC, Mrs Felicitas Anyanwu, implementation of the policy is key to achieving the set targets.

“There are so many policies but implementation is very important so at NAFDAC we are always ready to collaborate towards the implementation of any policy that is within our mandate.

“Also, we promise to do all to ensure that food safety is taken very seriously in Nigeria.

“Safeguarding the public health is important and food safety is key to achieving that”, she added.

The USAID, Advancing Nutrition Project, Technical Advisor, Mr Micheal Eveshoyan, said that the project works to ensure food safety and nutritious foods are available for all Nigerians for productivity and resilience.

“We say that no food is nutritious if the food is not safe therefore we say that food safety is also a paramount in advancing nutrition.”

According to him, it is hoped that once the policy is validated, the action plan would be followed to ensure that Nigerians have a document to protect what they eat. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Nigeria’s inflation rate hits 27.33% in October– NBS
Economy/Business

Nigeria’s inflation rate hits 27.33% in October– NBS

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said Nigeria’s headline inflation rate increased to 27.33 per cent in October 2023. 

The NBS disclosed this in its Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation Report for October, which was released in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the report, the figure, which is 0.61 per cent points higher compared to 26.72 per cent recorded in September 2023.

It said on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate in October was 6.24 per cent higher than the rate recorded in October 2022 at 21.09 per cent.

The report said the increase in the headline index for October 2023 on a year on year basis was attributed to the increase in some items in the basket of goods and services at the divisional level.

It said these increases were observed in food and non-alcoholic beverages at 14.16 per cent and housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuel at 4.57 per cent.

Others were clothing and footwear at 2.09 per cent; transport at 1.78 per cent; furnishings, household equipment and maintenance at 1.37 per cent, education at 1.08 per cent, and health at 0.82 per cent.

It added, “Miscellaneous goods and services at 0.45 per cent; restaurant and hotels at 0.33 per cent; alcoholic beverage, tobacco and kola at 0.30 per cent; recreation and culture at 0.19 per cent, and communication at 0.19 per cent.”

In addition, the report said, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in October 2023 was 1.73 per cent, which was 0.37 per cent lower than the rate recorded in September 2023 at 2.10 per cent.

It said, ”This means that in October 2023, the rate of increase in the average price level is less than the rate of increase in the average price level in September 2023.

It said the percentage change in the average CPI for the 12 months ending October 2023 over the average of the CPI for the previous corresponding 12-month period was 23.44 per cent.

“This indicates a 5.57 per cent increase compared to 17.86 per cent recorded in October 2022.”

The report said the food inflation rate in October increased to 31.52 per cent on a year-on-year basis, which was 7.80 per cent higher compared to the rate recorded in October 2022 at 23.72 per cent.

It added, “The rise in food inflation on a year on year basis is caused by increases in prices of oil and fats, bread and cereals, fish, potatoes, yams and other tubers, fruits, meat, vegetable, milk, cheese and eggs. ”

It said on a month-on-month basis, the food inflation rate in October was 1.91per cent, which was a 0.54 per cent drop compared to the rate recorded in September 2023 at 2.45 per cent.

The report added, “The decline in food inflation on a month-on-month basis was caused by a decrease in the average prices of fruits, oil and fats, coffee, tea and cocoa, bread and cereals. ”

It said the “All items less farm produce and energy’’ or core inflation, which excluded the prices of volatile agricultural produce and energy, stood at 22.58 per cent in October on a year-on-year basis.

“This increased by 5.12 per cent compared to 17.46 per cent recorded in October 2022.

“The exclusion of the PMS is due to the deregulation of the commodity by removal of subsidy,” the report continued.

It said the highest increases were recorded in prices of passenger transport by road, medical services, passenger transport by air, actual and imputed rentals for housing, pharmaceutical products etc.

The NBS said on a month-on-month basis, the core inflation rate was 1.39 per cent in October 2023.

The report added, “This indicates a 0.83 per cent drop compared to what was recorded in September 2023 at 2.22 per cent.

“The average 12-month annual inflation rate was 19.98 per cent for the 12 months ending October 2023, this was 4.60 per cent points higher than the 15.38 per cent recorded in October 2022.”

The report said on a year-on-year basis in October, the urban inflation rate was 29.29 per cent, which was 7.66 per cent higher compared to the 21.63 per cent recorded in October 2022.

It said, “On a month-on-month basis, the urban inflation rate was 1.81 per cent in October representing a 0.43 per cent decline compared to September 2023 at 2.24 per cent.

The report said on a year-on-year basis in October, the rural inflation rate was 25.58 per cent, which was 5.01 per cent higher compared to the 20.57 per cent recorded in October 2022.

“On a month-on-month basis, the rural inflation rate was 1.67 per cent, which decreased by 0.29 per cent compared to September 2023 at 1.96 per cent.’’

On states’ profile analysis, the report showed in October, all items inflation rate on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi at 34.20 per cent, followed by Rivers at 31.44 per cent, and Lagos at 31.33 per cent.

It, however, said the slowest rise in headline inflation on a year-on-year basis was recorded in Borno at 20.06 per cent, followed by Jigawa at 23.52 per cent, and Sokoto at 24.47 per cent.

The report, however, said in October 2023, all items inflation rate on a month-on-month basis was highest in Yobe at 3.72 per cent, Jigawa at 2.85 per cent, and Sokoto at 2.84 per cent.

“Kogi at 1.01 per cent, followed by Edo at 1.05 per cent and Kwara at 1.18 per cent recorded the slowest rise in month-on-month inflation.”

The report said on a year-on-year basis, food inflation was highest in Kogi at 41.74 per cent, followed by Kwara at 38.48 per cent, and Lagos at 37.37 per cent.

“Borno at 24.41 per cent, followed by Kebbi at 24.90 per cent and Jigawa at 25.10 per cent recorded the slowest rise in food inflation on a year-on-year basis,”it added.

The report, however, said on a month-on-month basis, food inflation was highest in Yobe at 5.35 per cent, followed by Sokoto at 3.68 per cent and Jigawa at 3.45 per cent.

It said, “With Edo at 0.95 per cent, followed by Katsina at 1.03 per cent and Rivers at 1.10 per cent recorded the slowest rise on month-on-month food inflation.’’ (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Bashir Rabe Mani

Group congratulates Uzodinma, commends Imo electorates on peaceful conduct
Politics

Group congratulates Uzodinma, commends Imo electorates on peaceful conduct

By Ibironke Ariyo

A group, Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), on Tuesday congratulated Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo on his re-election for a second term in office.

Uzodinma won the off-cycle governorship poll in the state, which held on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.

CYMS Director General, Chief Obinna Nwaka, in a statement in Abuja, also commended the electorates for conducting themselves properly during the election.

He said that a CYMS team of observers participated in pre-election assessment, to enable the organisation give an overall independent report as an INEC accredited observer.

According to him, CYMS was also accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to observe the governorship election in Kogi and Bayelsa.

He said that the observer team covered some parts of Nwangele, Isiala Mbano and Okigwe Local Government Areas.

“Our findings show that the election in Imo was free fair and conclusive,” the CYMS director general said.

He commended INEC and security agencies for their preparedness, civil conduct and timely deployment of sensitive election materials across the state.

Nwaka urged political parties and other contestants in the just concluded election to join Uzodinma in building the state, attributing his victory to his commitment to the serve his people.

Nwaka noted that in Okigwe zone where Uzodinma secured the highest number of votes, he had started and completed the construction of the Owerr-Okigwe road and other projects.

“It is a mark of appreciation to Uzodinma for what he has done in the area, ” the DG added.

According to him, Sen. Patrick Ndubueze, the Senate Committee Chairman on Works and Housing, also helped to garner votes for the governor and in getting some of the projects in Okigwe zone completed.

“Okigwe people giving the highest vote is a sign of appreciation for the road construction and also having a Senator in person of Patrick Ndubueze who is a key stakeholder both in the state and at the national level,” he said.

NAN reports that INEC declared Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the governorship election with 540,308 votes to beat his closet rival, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu of  the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 71,503 votes.

The Labour Party candidate, Sen. Athan Achonu, polled 64,081 votes to come third in the election.  (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Germany pledges 20m euros for transboundary water projects in Niger Basin
Environment

Germany pledges 20m euros for transboundary water projects in Niger Basin

By Tosin Kolade

The German Government has pledged 20 million euros for the management of transboundary water resources and adaptation to climate change in the Niger Basin member countries for 2024.

The nine Niger Basin Authority (NBA) countries are: Niger, Benin, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Cameroon, Cote D’ivoire, Burkina Faso and Nigeria.

The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Guenther, communicated this at the opening of the NBA Regional Steering Committee of Projects and Programmes on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to her, Germany has been supporting NBA member countries since 2017 through its German Development Cooperation and agencies such as GIZ, committed to regional and international cooperation.

Guenther, represented by Matthias Dold, said managing the basins’ shared resources was not an easy task, saying it required good organisation and monitoring.

She said regional cooperation was needed for adaptation mechanisms to climate change, especially in Water-Energy-Food Security nexus in the region, saying financial interventions was over 4 million euros.

“Since 2017, the German government has supported the NBA with 4 million euros and on top of that, a new project is about to start, beginning in 2024; and this project will be funded with 20 million euros for better coordination within member countries.

“This is to make sure that the water is used properly and adaptation to climate change is done in a good way so that people can make best use of the water,’’ she said.


On his part, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said achievements of projects and programmes in the Niger Basin were in line with the strategy to combat poverty and food insecurity.

According to him, the countries sharing the Niger Basin, make enormous investment efforts to preserve natural resources and promote economic and social development.

Utsev noted that NBA’s experience was the perfect example of the transition from national visions towards a transboundary vision, focused on a more rational management of resources.

“As a matter-of-fact, the Member Countries of the Niger Basin Authority took a decisive step, by showing their genuine political will to further form cooperation around the Niger River.

“I will like to urge you to propose relevant outcomes to facilitate the implementation of the various projects and programmes for the benefit of our people in view of the changing environment in our basin,’’ he said.

The minister thanked all NBA Technical and Financial Partners for their support, urging them to continue to work for the well-being of the people of the Niger Basin.

In his remarks, Mr Abderahim Hamid, NBA Executive Secretary, appreciated Nigerian Government for its commitment and financial assistance to the regional body.

He said issues relating to the management and preservation of natural resources, and particularly water resources, were the core concern of the basin’s authorities.

This, he noted was evident in various strategies and tools for implementing the Integrated Water Resources Management, developed in recent years by the NBA and its partners.

He said the project implementation had trained 470 technical experts from NBA member countries on techniques for interpreting and using climate data and information based on satellite imagery for decision-making purposes.

Hamid said the NBA had raised awareness of 700 water stakeholders at the national level on reducing risks and disasters linked to floods and droughts among others.

He, however, said the challenge of political unrest in Niger republic and NBA’s sanction was worrisome, calling on political actors to understand the vision of the authority as it was apolitical.

“There is the need for some countries to stop sanctioning the NBA; we are simply working for the population’s benefit,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NBA was established in 1964 by nine nations to basically promote cooperation among member countries and ensure integrated development of the Niger Basin and protect the ecosystem.

NAN recalls that continued dwindling of water flows observed over several decades is said to have contributed to widespread degradation of natural resources and worsening of water and wind erosion and river silting. (NAN) www.nannews.ng 

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Include mental health care into health insurance- Group
Health

Include mental health care into health insurance- Group

By Abujah Racheal

The Citizens Advocacy Group on Mental Health Nigeria, on Tuesday called for the inclusion of mental health care into services covered by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

Mr Ameh Zion, who spoke on behalf of the group, told newsmen in Abuja that the inclusion would ensure affordable care.

Zion, who expressed concern about the number of Nigerians struggling with mental health issues, said “mental healthcare is in a sorry state, given that we have more than 60 million Nigerians suffering from various mental illnesses.

“Also worrisome is the fact that only about 10 per cent of such people are able to access appropriate care.’’

The inclusion of mental health in NHIA guidelines, according to him, will positively impact individuals, families, communities and the nation as a whole.

Zion, who is the Founder of the Mandate Health Empowerment Initiative (MHEI), said many Nigerians were silently battling mental health issues, often without proper support or treatment options.

“The consequences of untreated mental health conditions are far-reaching, impacting not only individuals but also their families, communities and the nation as a whole.

“The NHIA has the power to change this narrative by including mental health into the NHIA guidelines to ensure that Nigerians have access to the necessary mental health services without facing financial barriers.

“Imagine a Nigeria where mental health is given the same importance as physical health.”

He emphasised the interconnection of mental and physical health, stressing that neglecting mental health could adversely affect overall well-being.

“But by including mental health in the NHIA guidelines, it will encourage the integration of services with primary healthcare, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare delivery,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NHIA guidelines encompass various aspects, from enrollment and benefit packages to accreditation of healthcare providers.

It aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and efficiency in implementing health insurance scheme. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

No ongoing recruitment for Direct Short Service course – Army
Defence/Security

No ongoing recruitment for Direct Short Service course – Army

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army has alerted the public that it has not commenced recruitment for Direct Short Service course.

It said the online `Nigerian Army Direct Short Service (DSS) Recruitment Portal for 2023′ is fake, and warned the public not to fall victims of fraudsters.

This is contained in a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the fake online was created by unscrupulous persons to defraud and mislead the public, as such Nigerians especially applicants should avoid it.

According to him, the Nigerian army has already set measures in motion to apprehend those behind the fraudulent portal.

“Accordingly, members of the public are enjoined to report any suspicious recruitment portal or activities to the NA.

“The army will continue to remain committed to ensuring a transparent and credible recruitment process through its established official channels of communication.

“These channels include, the official Nigerian Army website and social media platforms https://army.mil.ng  twitter @HQNigerianArmyFacebook, Headquarters Nigerian Army and other reputable media outlets.

“It is important to rely on these official sources for accurate and up-to-date information, rather than fall victim of fake recruitment online advertisements.

”Fake recruitment advertisements will inevitably mislead potential candidates and expose them to the vagaries of fraudulent activities of scammers.

“Potential Candidates are particularly urged to take this rebuttal cum advisory seriously,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

179 Nigerians receive Russian government scholarships
General News

179 Nigerians receive Russian government scholarships

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

179 Nigerians have been awarded scholarship to study different programmes in Russia, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman has said.

Mamman, who said this at the 2023/2024 Pre-departure briefing of Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars to Russia in Abuja on Tuesday, noted that the first batch of students were already on their way to the airport for departure.

According to him, the second and third batches will depart on Nov.15 and Nov. 17 respectively.

Represented by the Director of Universities Education in the ministry, Mrs Rakiya Ilyasu, Mamman advised the scholars not to see the opportunity as uncontrolled freedom to do things that would be to their disgrace.

He explained that the country had invested a lot in them and as such required the returns of investment on their return to the country.

“Note that you are few out of thousands who secured this opportunity which you must not take for granted. Your parents and teachers would also be happy with your succor.

“Your selection is part of a broader plan which ensures that brilliant Nigerians, especially those that cannot afford to study programmes that are not readily available in Nigeria, are supported to get necessary knowledge, skills and competence that would be useful in Nigeria’s development agenda.

“I am happy to inform you that in spite of the global economic meltdown, the number of our development partners have increased and many of them now offer scholarship to Nigeria.

“As you prepare to travel out, ensure to uphold and eschew good values, focus on your studies and be a good ambassador of your country,” he said.

The Minister also charged the scholars to always strive to abide by the laws of their host country and as well remember to be their brother’s keeper in their new environment.

“Most importantly, you need to make your presence known to the Nigerian Embassy in Moscow. This is very necessary based on our experiences from Ukraine.

“Your parents are also spending a lot of resources on you. Note that we all expert you return to our dear country at the end of your studies to assist Nigeria to become a better place by contributing your quota to its development, using your new knowledge and skills,” he added.

Also speaking, the Director, Federal Scholarship Board, Asta Ndajiwo said the journey began in November 2022 with applications from thousands of Nigerians which later translated to the nomination of the candidates.

Ndajiwo commended the Federal Government efforts especially in the payment of the scholars allowances from September to December.

She also advised the scholars to do away with any extracurricular activities that could take their lives, recalling an incident where two scholars lost their lives while swimming in a pool.

“We regret loosing two Nigerian scholars in Russia in the past that went to swim and in the process got drowned. We don’t want to loose anyone again and so we advise you stay away from water if you cannot swim.

“We want you to be your brother’s keeper, work hard and face your studies as you also be a good ambassador of the country. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Insecurity preventing Benue from leading in rice production–IFAD Coordinator
Agriculture

Insecurity preventing Benue from leading in rice production–IFAD Coordinator

By Nicholas Dechi

Mr Emmanuel Igbaukum, the State Programme Coordinator (SPC) of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) in Benue, says insecurity is hampering rice production in the state.

Igbaukum spoke at an advocacy visit to the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Michael Oglegba, on Tuesday in Makurdi.

He lamented that insecurity had prevented Benue from taking its pride of place as the number one producer of rice in the country.

The coordinator reiterated that Benue would have been the number one producer of rice in the country if not for insecurity.

“If insecurity the state is tackled, Benue will take the lead in the production of rice in the country.

“Most rice farmers in the state are living in crisis prone areas.

“Persistent insecurity is hampering good farming practices thereby affecting food security,” Igbaukum said.

He pointed out that through IFAD-VCDP, farmers in the state were experiencing high yield, adding that the organisation adequately trained farmers on Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) which translated into high yield.

Igbaukum said that knowledge on GAP helped in proper application of fertiliser to their crops.

He also stated that the organisation had created several opportunities to encourage the youth to accept and embrace agriculture for the overall good of the society.

Responding, Oglegba assured IFAD-VCDP of a sustained and robust partnership.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

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