NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FEPSAN pledges affordable fertiliser supply for 2025
Agriculture

FEPSAN pledges affordable fertiliser supply for 2025

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) has assured Nigerians that sufficient quantities of high-quality and affordable fertilisers will be available nationwide to boost food production and strengthen food security.

Mr Abubakar Kassim, President of FEPSAN, gave this assurance at a press conference held on Thursday in Abuja, themed “Value Proposition for the 2025 Fertiliser Season”.

He stated that the industry, in collaboration with key government partners, is putting measures in place to ensure a smooth and successful 2025 farming season.

Kassim commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its continued support in promoting investment in the sector.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring that farmers have timely access to affordable and quality fertilisers to boost productivity and food security.

Kassim stressed that it provides essential nutrients required by the soil to produce sufficient food for the nation, calling it ‘a critical component of agriculture’.

He noted the need for enhanced support to sustain the industry.

“The Presidential Fertiliser Initiative (PFI) has been the main support system for the industry, helping to catalyse local capacity by supplying production plants with critical raw materials.

“Our stock position for the commencement of the farming season is about 400,000 tonnes of NPK, while available raw materials at various plants across the country currently stand at about 80,000 tonnes.

“We assure Nigerian farmers, all tiers of government, regulators, financial institutions, and stakeholders across the distribution value chain that there will be adequate, high-quality, and cost-effective fertilisers available in the country,” he said.

Kassim noted that Nigeria has greatly expanded its fertiliser production capacity, growing from just seven blending plants about eight years ago to around 92 today.

“Nigeria has moved from having two urea manufacturers to three, increased its capacity to deliver over six million metric tonnes of finished urea fertilisers, and has become a net exporter of urea.

“In terms of other fertiliser blends, we’ve increased production from just one million tonnes to over 12 million tonnes annually.

“This is sufficient to meet the soil nutrition needs of farmers not only in sub-Saharan Africa but also in other parts of the world that import fertiliser, especially urea from Nigeria”.

Kassim noted that three years ago, fertiliser consumption in Nigeria, especially for NPK, ranged between 650,000 and 750,000 tonnes.

“For 2025, the organisation is targeting one million tonnes in production.

“We currently have the necessary raw materials in-country, in the hands of fertiliser blenders, so we will be able to meet all the demands.

“The initial demand for fertiliser this month stands at around 600,000 metric tonnes, and we are confident in our ability to meet that,” he stated.

The FEPSAN president added that the industry, in partnership with research institutions, has made progress in developing special fertiliser blends that are crop-specific, soil-specific, and cost-effective.

“This is to ensure that farmers receive value for their money,” he said.

Kassim explained that the objective of the conference was to inform the public about the current status of the fertiliser industry and to brief the media on FEPSAN’s plans for the 2025 farming season, in support of government initiatives on food security.

“The fundamental issue is to make the public aware that fertiliser will be available in Nigeria and will be delivered in a timely manner, as and when needed by the farming community”.

He described the media as the custodian of information on policies and programmes that can positively impact citizens’ lives.

“It is crucial for the media to have accurate information in order to properly inform and educate the public,” he said.

Mr Kabir Ibrahim, National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), commended FEPSAN for its efforts to ensure the availability of high-quality, affordable fertilisers across the country.

He, however, urged the organisation to work towards eliminating substandard fertilisers from the market to ensure that agricultural produce remains nutritious and safe for consumption. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

ECOWAS solicits support for standby force following Bénin terrorist attack
Foreign

ECOWAS solicits support for standby force following Bénin terrorist attack

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By Mark Longyen

ECOWAS has solicited the full support of member states for the operation of its regional counter-terrorism initiative, the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF), following the recent terrorist attack on Bénin Republic.

ECOWAS President, Dr Omar Touray, made this known in a statement issued by the commission’s spokesman, Joel Ahofodji, on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that about 54 soldiers were killed in the terrorist attack in northern Benin on April 17, according to Beninese government spokesman, Wilfried Houngbedji.

Touray, who condemned the attack, described the incident as a “barbaric, cowardly and heinous act”, which aimed at sowing the seed of terror and destabilising the subregion.

According to him, the attack underscores the urgent need to enhance the collaboration and support of member states, by pooling security resources together to effectively tackle the menace.

“It is with profound dismay and shock that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has learnt of the heinous terrorist attack perpetrated on 17 April 2025 in the Republic of Benin, which resulted in the loss of human lives and several injuries.

“ECOWAS condemns in the strongest terms this barbaric and cowardly act, which once again seeks to sow terror and destabilise our Member States.

“The President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, on behalf of all the institutions of the Community and all West African citizens, extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

“He also extends condolences to the Government and people of Benin, and wishes a full and speedy recovery to the injured,” he said.

Touray emphasised ECOWAS’ unwavering support and full solidarity with the President of Bénin Republic, the Government, and the people of the country amid the ordeal.

The commission’s president said that ECOWAS stood firmly by the Beninese authorities in their determination to combat the scourge of terrorism and ensure the security of their citizens and territory.

“In view of the persistence and complexity of the terrorist threat in our region, this tragic incident highlights the urgent need for essential and enhanced cooperation among all Member States, particularly those that share common borders and are directly confronted with this scourge.

“Pooling efforts in the area of security is more essential than ever, if we are to mount a collective and effective response to the terrorist groups that threaten the peace, stability, security and development of our region.

“ECOWAS remains resolutely committed to working alongside the states of the region in implementing its regional counter-terrorism strategy, including the operationalisation of its Standby Force, and calls on all partners to support regional and national efforts to eradicate this scourge,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

NILDS D-G, SANs canvass electoral reforms to protect Nigeria’s democracy
Politics

NILDS D-G, SANs canvass electoral reforms to protect Nigeria’s democracy

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By EricJames Ochigbo

Director-General of National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has advocated for strengthening of democratic institutions to withstand pressure and ensure credible elections in Nigeria.

Sulaiman stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the opening of a national dialogue on electoral reforms in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the national dialogue had, as its theme: ‘Strengthening Electoral Integrity in Nigeria: Legislative and Institutional Reforms’.

Sulaiman said that as Nigeria continued to navigate the complex terrain of democratic consolidation, electoral reform remained one of the most pressing issues confronting its democracy.

He noted that since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria had undertaken multiple legal and institutional reforms to improve its electoral system.

The director-general, however, said that each electoral cycle revealed recurring challenges, such as logistical failures, voter suppression, electoral violence, voter apathy, misinformation as well as allegations of manipulations and fraud.

All these, he said, called for bolder, smarter and more comprehensive reforms.

According to him, the credibility of the country’s elections, the transparency of its electoral processes and the inclusivity of its political system are at the core of democratic legitimacy and citizens’ trust.

“Strengthening electoral integrity is not merely a legal or technical exercise, It is a political and moral imperative.

“We must ensure that our laws and institutions do not just exist on paper, but are able to withstand the pressures of electoral competitions and the manipulations of bad actors.

“Furthermore, we must pay closer attention to local government elections which continue to be marred by lack of independence and credibility.

“Any conversation on electoral reform that excludes this tier of government is incomplete.

“NILDS firmly believes that empowering State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and reviewing state-level electoral laws are fundamental steps toward ensuring that democracy is meaningful and effective at the grassroots,” he said.

Sulaiman said that NILDS, as an institution mandated to provide strategic support to the National Assembly, was deeply invested in contributing to the development and reform of Nigeria’s electoral framework.

He described the policy dialogue as part of a broader commitment to supporting evidence-informed legislation and institutional strengthening.

The director-general said at a time when the National Assembly was considering amendment to the Electoral Act, the dialogue offered a unique opportunity for all stakeholders to actively engage in shaping electoral laws that aligned with Nigeria’s evolving democratic needs.

He pledged that the  insights and recommendations generated from the dialogue would be compiled into a report and submitted to relevant committees as contributions to the ongoing electoral reform process.

In his remarks, the Director of Legal Services, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mohammed Tenimu, stressed the need for reforms that would address pre and post-election disputes.

Tenimu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (NAN), said that the Electoral Act should be amended to give ample time to aggrieved parties to file their petitions and extend the window to amend the petitions, stressing that the current 21 days is grossly inadequate.

He said that petitioners should be allowed to withdraw their cases at any time, especially after an out-of-court settlement without necessarily filing an affidavit.

Tenimu said that political parties should train their agents to keep all copies of forms given to them during the electoral process so as not to waste time mounting pressure on INEC to obtain copies.

Also speaking, Mr Johnson Usman, SAN, said that the current electoral act should be amended to allow any citizen or interested party, except the contestant, to approach the court in a case where a candidate submitted forged documents to INEC.

He said that the practice was allowed under section 29 of the electoral act, 2010 but which had been scrapped in the recent amendments.

Usman said that documents from authorised sources like INEC should be admissible in court without oral evidence, as the documents would speak for themselves.

He said that the current practice where oral presentation was required to prove cases of over-voting across polling units within the short period of time before justice is served was not feasible.

The legal expert recommended proper amendment of the law so as to prevent the courts from “blowing hot and cold” with conflicting judicial pronouncements at the same time. (NAN)

Edited by Wale Sadeeq

Katsina Govt. pledges 30% budget to climate resilience
Environment

Katsina Govt. pledges 30% budget to climate resilience

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By Abigael Joshua

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda on Wednesday pledged to allocate 30 per cent of the state’s annual budget to climate resilience, as part of efforts to establish a Green Investment Fund.

Radda made the pledge at the Katsina State Climate Action and Green Investment Summit in Abuja with the theme, ‘Turning Climate Challenges into Development Opportunities in Katsina State’.

“We will allocate 30 per cent of our annual budget to climate-resilient infrastructure and establish a Green Investment Fund to de-risk projects”.

He added that the state government would also accelerate implementation, with an initial capitalisation of five billion naira and mechanisms to leverage additional private capital.

“Today marks another milestone in the history of the state’s future. I am proud to unveil our blueprint for a sustainable future, which is tagged ‘Katsina State Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA)’.

“KAGGA is a roadmap to harmonise economic progress with ecological preservation. It commits to scaling up drip irrigation, drought-resistant crop varieties, and agroforestry to protect our farmers from climate shocks.

“My administration will enact the Katsina Climate-Related Laws within 12 months to institutionalise accountability and create a stable policy environment for green investments, ” Radda said.

The governor stated that, to combat water scarcity and promote irrigation, the state had constructed 120 solar-powered boreholes across the state, worth N2.4 billion, with an additional 60 currently under construction.

“This means more water for farmers, more food on our tables, and more income for families.

‘We’ve already planted over 100,000 economic trees and are nurturing three million more, spread across schools, institutions, and shelterbelts.

‘We also invested N5.9 billion in rainwater harvesting structures, turning seasonal floods into a year-round blessing for irrigation,” he said.

Radda noted that the state is setting the pace in climate action, not just in Nigeria, but across the global dryland ecosystems.

“We plan to electrify 500 rural communities with solar mini-grids by 2030, bridging the energy access gap that currently affects 60 per cent of our rural population.

‘KAGGA expands our participation in the Great Green Wall Initiative with an ambitious target of 10 million trees planted by 2030. These trees will focus on indigenous species that thrive in our conditions.

“Additionally, we are launching a ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ programme to turn the 500 tons of plastic waste generated daily in our state into eco-friendly products, driven by youth entrepreneurs,’” he explained.

Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, noted that the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat.

“We are witnessing the consequences of climate change today in the form of desert encroachment, extreme heat, flooding, droughts, dwindling agricultural productivity and resultant insecurity in our nation.

‘The Sahel region where Katsina state is located is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

“However, this region is also rich with opportunities that can turn adversity into advantage through strategic climate action and green investments”.

The minister said that the summit signalled Katsina’s readiness not just to adapt to climate change, but to lead with innovation.

“It also presents a unique platform to attract responsible private sector investment that aligns with both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity.

“Our generation has a singular responsibility which is building a greener, more equitable, and climate-resilient Nigeria.

“This cannot be achieved by the Federal Government alone. We need strong, visionary states like Katsina to rise as champions of climate justice and green growth,’” Lawal noted.

Ms Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, in her keynote address, pledged to support the state in its green economy initiatives.

Mohammed, who was represented by Mohamed Fall, UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, said that climate action is a ticket to a cleaner, safer, and better future for all.

“For all of us, not just Katsina state, it is time to shift from climate reliability to climate leadership. From energy scarcity to growing prosperity. A green economy means clean, affordable energy for homes, schools, hospitals, and for all basic services,” she said.

Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended the governor for aligning climate action with gender equality to empower women as key agents of change in the green economy.

Eyong, who was represented by Mr Desmond Osemhenjie, Programme Specialist at the agency said that climate mitigation and women’s empowerment are closely linked through initiatives like biogas technology.

“In Katsina state, where over 70 per cent of household energy depends on firewood, this transition can bring significant environmental and health benefits, especially for women and children,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Pope Francis: Exit of humble, reformist pontiff
Religious

Pope Francis: Exit of humble, reformist pontiff

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By Chijioke Okoronkwo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

On April 21, the Holy See, the central governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City State, announced the death of Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff.

The demise of the pontiff followed bouts of respiratory illnesses–pneumonia in both lungs—among other complications; he has been hospitalised intermittently in the past four years.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

“At 7.35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was devoted to service to the Lord and His Church.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.

“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love the One and Triune God,’’ Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced.

Pope Francis, aged 88, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Dec. 17, 1936; a son of Italian immigrants.

Originally known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was the first Pope of the Americas and also the first Jesuit Pope.

Pope Francis was ordained a Catholic priest on Dec. 13, 1969 by Archbishop Ramón José Castellano of Córdoba.

On May 20, 1992 Pope John Paul II appointed him titular Bishop of Auca and Auxiliary of Buenos Aires; on May 27, he received episcopal ordination from the Cardinal in the cathedral.

He was elected Supreme Pontiff on March 13, 2013, replacing the retiring Pope Benedict XVI.

The news of the exit of the Catholic pontiff threw Catholics and non-Catholics into mourning as tributes and griefs poured in torrents from around world.

For the benefit of hindsight, Pope Francis wanted a deviation from the traditional papacy and sought to introduce radical reforms in deeply conservative Catholic Church; he had, however, always met a brick wall in Vatican’s bureaucracy, the Roman Curia.

He was a social justice and climate change advocate and promoted interfaith dialogue in his desire to open up the Catholic Church and embrace modernism.

In his 12-year papacy, Francis, against all odds, implemented significant reforms, including overhauling Vatican finances, updating liturgical books, and simplifying papal funeral rites.

The deceased pontiff had a more accommodating tone towards the LGBTQ+ community and upbraided laws that criminilaised homosexuality; he was also an advocate for migrants and refugees.

Francis had been participating in public events from a wheelchair due to a severe knee condition and had to cancel many regular prayers, audiences and services in recent months.

In his last public appearance, Francis appeared briefly on the balcony in front of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday to deliver an Easter blessing.

In spite of his ill health, the pope completed a 12-day trip to Asia and the Pacific in the first half of September and a visit to Luxembourg and Belgium later the same month.

In Nigeria, President Bola joined world leaders in pouring in encomiums for the late pontiff.

Tinubu personally penned a passionate tribute.

The president described Francis as a humble servant of God, tireless champion of the poor and guiding light for millions.

The president said the passing of the pontiff, coming just after the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection, was a sacred return to his Maker at a time of renewed hope for Christians.

“His Holiness served the Church and the Master of the Church until the end; in 2013, he stepped onto the global stage with a message of mercy, urging us to see the face of Christ in the marginalised, the refugees, the migrants, and the forgotten.

“He challenged the powerful to act with justice, called nations to welcome the stranger, and reminded us that our common home – this Earth – is a gift we must protect for future generations.

“He was an instrument of peace who deeply embodied the message of Christ: love for God and love for humanity. In a time of division, he built bridges between faiths and the rich and the poor.”

He said the late Pope was a steadfast advocate for the developing world, where he consistently spoke against economic injustice and ceaselessly prayed for peace and stability in troubled regions.

“His encyclicals were not only doctrinal and seminal but also timely and relevant; through his pastoral letters, the Pope offered spiritual clarity and hope in an increasingly complex world.

“He charted a path of renewal for all humanity through his words and deeds,” Tinubu said.

U.S President, Donald Trump in his message wrote, “Rest in Peace Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him! “

UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said that Pope’ leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.

He said Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten.

“He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty; yet he never lost hope of a better world.

“That hope was as the heart of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church’s teachings of mercy and charity.

“With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.

“My thoughts are with Catholics across the world, and the Roman Catholic Church,’’ he said.

On his part, French President, Emmanuel Macron, paid an avid tribute for Francis.

“From Buenos Aires to Rome, Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest; to unite people with one another and with nature; may this hope be reborn endlessly beyond him.

“To all Catholics, to a grieving world, my wife and I send our thoughts,’’ he said.

Sharing an episcopal sentiment, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, described the passing of Francis on Easter Monday as the fall of “a mighty Iroko”.

He said it was a loss that resonated across the world.

Kaigama reflected on the Pope’s profound spiritual and pastoral legacy.

“He showed us the face of Jesus Christ, the face of mercy, the face of love.

“A great man, very great, in our local parlance, I will say a mighty Iroko has fallen; it shakes the whole world; the whole world is mourning,

“Christians and non-Christians and for all of us, it is a passing away of a great one; his legacies are many, uncountable.

“He traveled through the whole world, pronouncing and showing love and mercy; he was a very humane Pope and very attentive to the needs of the ordinary person.

“And so, he will be remembered for this; like Jesus Christ, he touched those who are sick; he identified with the prisoners, those who are dismissed by the society.

“So, he was a very humane Pope and very attentive to the needs of the ordinary person.’’

Kaigama urged Catholic faithful in Abuja and Nigeria to pray for the eternal repose of Pope Francis, emphasising the need for unity and hope as the Church entered a period of transition.

He also spoke on his expectations for a new Pope.

We want a good pope, a holy pope, a pope that is there for the people; wherever he comes from and whoever he is does not matter.

“We just pray that God will give us a good pope, a holy pope, a pope that will lead the flock unto salvation.”

According to him, during this interregnum, the Vatican’s Camerlengo oversees daily affairs, but no major decisions are made until a new pope is elected.

“A carmelengo, a chamberlain, oversees the activities of Catholic Church for now; his task is to oversee the practical running of the Vatican for now.

“But as for the church, no major decisions are taken; we just wait; when the cardinals assemble and a new pope is elected, then the life continues.

“So, we can say we are on hold for now; but the church still keeps moving,’’ he said.

Kaigama called on the faithful to intensify their prayers, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide the Church through the challenging moment.

The pontiff, had in 2015,  declared his desire to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a fifth-century church in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

As the Conclave (the assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope) convenes within 15 to 20 days after the death of Francis, the world waits and watches in awe for the emergence of a new Pope.(NANFeatures)

Self Help Africa, partners advocate market-based sanitation solutions
Environment

Self Help Africa, partners advocate market-based sanitation solutions

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By Tosin Kolade

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s sanitation sector have called for a shift towards Market-Based Sanitation (MBS) as a more effective means of improving access to safe and dignified toilets across the country.

With Nigeria struggling to meet its Open Defecation-Free (ODF) targets, experts say MBS could be instrumental in accelerating progress towards healthier and cleaner environments for millions of citizens.

At a high-level seminar held in Abuja on Wednesday, officials from tiers of government, development partners and civil society organisations gathered to assess the country’s sanitation efforts and explore private sector-led solutions.

Mr Shadrach Guusu, Head of Programmes at Self Help Africa, described the seminar as a timely and strategic engagement for the sector.

“This seminar provides a valuable platform to reflect on current MBS efforts, evaluate existing approaches, and introduce new insights from global experts such as PSI.

“It also enables us to strengthen collaboration and capacity development among government bodies, civil society, private actors, and development partners laying a stronger foundation for scaling MBS in Nigeria”.

Guusu underscored the need to confront tough questions: “How far have we come with market-based sanitation, and what must we do differently to achieve the 2030 target?”

He noted that MBS aims to provide households and communities, especially those underserved with access to improved toilet facilities through affordable and sustainable private sector-driven models.

He added that in spite ongoing initiatives, inadequate sanitation remains widespread in homes, markets, schools, and public spaces across the country.

According to him, the seminar formed part of the WASH Systems for Health Project, currently being implemented in Cross River and Kano states in partnership with other stakeholders.

Mr Chukwuma Nnanna, Team Lead at Toilet Pride Initiative, explained that their work focuses on addressing the root causes of poor sanitation and the lack of accessible and affordable toilet options.

“Open defecation is not always due to poverty, many families simply don’t know where to get a toilet or that low-cost options exist.

“Toilet Pride is helping bridge that gap by connecting households to suitable products and reliable installers”:

He added that MBS represents a shift from traditional approaches, which often encouraged toilet construction without addressing availability, affordability, or consumer support.

“Now, we offer families a range of products such as those from manufacturers like Lixil, and guide them from product awareness to installation.

”This model, we believe, will help move millions of Nigerians up the sanitation ladder”.

The seminar also featured global experts from Population Services International (PSI), who shared lessons from more than a decade of experience in strengthening sanitation markets.

Mr John Sauer, Deputy Director of PSI’s WASH Programmes and Lead Facilitator at the event, noted the importance of knowledge exchange and market development.

“PSI is pleased to share over 12 years of experience in market-based sanitation with Nigeria’s WASH sector.

“We believe that by applying systems thinking and market-driven approaches, Nigeria is well-positioned to fast-track universal access to safe, sustainable sanitation,” Sauer said

Earlier, Mrs Iquo Bassey, a representative from the Cross River Rural Water and Sanitation Agency, noted that while six local government areas have been declared ODF, sustaining these gains has been challenging.

She described the meeting as timely, expressing hope that it would help address poor sanitation outcomes and promote long-term sustainability through shared learning.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that albeit the federal government’s Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet campaign, launched in 2019, the country remains off track to meet its 2025 goal of eliminating open defecation.

With over 48 million Nigerians practising open defecation, experts warn the country may miss its 2030 SDG 6 deadline without a major strategy shift. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NADF, Katsina govt partner on food system transformation, job creation
Agriculture , Food Security

NADF, Katsina govt partner on food system transformation, job creation

247 total views today

By Felicia Imohimi

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and Katsina State Government have pledged to transform the country’s food system and create jobs for the populace.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Gov. Dikko Radda, to the Executive Secretary, NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, in Abuja.

Radda identified agriculture as the mainstay of the nation’s economy, which provides over 60 per cent of employment for the country’s populace.

He said that the country has no option but to invest in agriculture to position it better to be an export-dependent country, and not import-dependent, as well as be self-sufficient in food production.

“We have no reason to be hungry; we have no reason to be poor. If we can harvest all the potential we have, we will have a great nation, with great people, who will be able to move the nation forward,” he said.


The governor said his visit was to formally congratulate the NADF Executive Secretary on the appointment, as well as see how the state could leverage the fund to transform the food system for the benefit of its populace.

“I pray for this agency to be one of the leading agencies in the country, and also to seek partnership and collaboration with the sub-nationals, especially Katsina State, in transforming agriculture,” he said.

The governor said about 90 per cent of the state population was into agriculture and agricultural value chains, small and medium-scale enterprises from production to processing.

He, however, said that the best investment for any state, especially those in the northern part of the country, was investment in agriculture.

According to him, when one invests in agriculture, the person has invested in the vast majority of the people.

“When you construct a road, it will help in the transportation of agricultural produce, too.

“So, there is nothing we will do to support our people other than to support them in agricultural enterprises.

“But when you invest in agriculture, you are investing in about 90 per cent of your people who are living in abject poverty in the rural areas with no means of livelihood,” he said.

Radda said his administration in 2024 bought over 400,000 bags of fertiliser, which were distributed to every polling unit in the state, considering the impact of agriculture on the livelihood of the large population of the state.

He further said the state distributed solar-powered pumps to rural farmers to reduce the cost of production.

In his remarks, Ibrahim said part of the agency’s mandate was to work with sub-national governments in promoting agricultural development and food security.

According to him, the visit enabled the governor to essentially discuss what the state government was doing and to see how they could leverage its resources.

NADF has a mandate to promote sustainable development and food security by bridging the funding gap, facilitating farmers’ access to finance, and strengthening the agricultural ecosystem.

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Yakubu Uba

Tallen urges political parties to give women 50% positions
General News

Tallen urges political parties to give women 50% positions

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By Tosin Kolade

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, has called on Nigeria’s political parties to amend their constitutions and mandatorily allocate 50 per cent of appointments and elective positions to women.

Tallen made the appeal while delivering a keynote address at a two-day capacity-building conference organised by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Speaking on the conference theme: “Breaking the Barriers and Shaping Positive Attitudes Towards Inclusive Politics in Nigeria,” she suggested the adoption of “Zebra Policy or 50-50” pairing of male and females.

Tallen also suggested that President Bola Tinubu, as a former governor, senator and pro-democracy activist, should lead the charge for gender inclusion, stressing that his leadership can make a defining difference.

She also urged the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, to leverage her position, influence and experience as a four-time former senator to champion the cause of women mainstreaming in Nigerian politics.

Tallen, a former Deputy Governor of Plateau and one-time Minister of State, Science and Technology, described women as the bedrock and the spice of every successful electioneering campaigns or political movement.

According to her, women demonstrate unmatched dedication, organisational capacity, and persuasive skill, and their involvement is crucial in mobilising communities and building personal connections with voters.

She, however, said women’s participation in politics was often inhibited by some deeply rooted gender biases and barriers in Nigeria’s societal norms, cultural beliefs, and institutional structures.

Tallen defined gender barriers in politics as the obstacles that disproportionately hinder women from equal participation and representation in politics.

According to her, such challenges are rooted in socio-cultural norms and institutional structures, adding that overcoming them requires comprehensive, strategic, and multi-dimensional approaches.

She, therefore, urged all political parties to strategically integrate women into them because they often bring a unique and essential energy to campaigns, and make the difference between success and failure.

“One solution I recommend is for all political parties to immediately amend their constitutions to create special seats for women.

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, parties should mandate the allocation of at least 50 per cent of appointments and elective positions to women, what is popularly known as the Zebra Policy or 50/50 pairing of male and female candidates.

“Since political parties are foundational to governance and policy direction, it is they who must address religious and cultural norms that inhibit women’s involvement. Party constitutions must be deliberately reformed to drive gender equality and inclusive participation,” she said.

Participants at the event

She said such reforms require commitment from all genders across political divides, including lawmakers, civil society, and the electorate, stressing that such collaboration would trigger unprecedented levels of female participation.

“Politics is, ultimately, a game of numbers. With a population of over 200 million people, about half of whom are women, it is strategically essential to fully integrate women into our political system.

“Neglecting them amounts to sidelining a substantial portion of our national potential, with dire consequences. Gender biases are the barriers inhibiting the advancement of women in politics.

“As the Giant of Africa, Nigeria must lead the way in gender mainstreaming and dismantling gender bias in politics. We must urgently remove the formidable barriers to women’s political participation,” she said.

She decried the fact that Nigeria was faring far worse globally, with only 4.2 per cent of its National Assembly members being women, placing her among the bottom five countries in the world.

The former minister noted that, while Rwanda was leading globally, with women occupying 64 per cent of parliamentary seats, Nigeria has just 17 women out of 360 House of Reps, and 4 out of 109 senators.

Tallen, therefore, called for immediate action, stressing that government must enforce existing gender policies, and consider the 35 per affirmative action for an upward review to 50 per cent.

“To overcome this, we must disabuse the electorate’s minds of such biases and promote women’s inclusion through persistent advocacy, especially in party leadership, elections, and appointments.

“We must also promote the UN’s Gender Equality’s Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which envisions a world free from discrimination and supports women’s full participation in all areas of leadership.

“Nigeria should learn from countries that have achieved 50 per cent female representation and foster international partnerships that promote peace, security, and gender inclusion,” she said.

Earlier, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, reaffirmed the Institute’s role as a neutral platform for vital national dialogue.

He noted that women’s political participation were central to Nigeria’s democratic progress, yet female representation in leadership remained low, undermining both equity and effective governance.

Also speaking, IPAC National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, acknowledged women’s vital contributions and their efforts in addressing digital challenges.

He said that while issues like discrimination and under-representation persisted, they were not insurmountable. (NAN)


Edited by Mark Longyen 

Stakeholders urge joint investment in Nigeria’s energy transition
Environment

Stakeholders urge joint investment in Nigeria’s energy transition

246 total views today

By Akpan Glory

Stakeholders in the environmental sector have called on governments at all levels, civil society groups, and individuals to collaborate and invest in Nigeria’s renewable energy transition process.

Speaking at a conference held in Abuja on Tuesday to commemorate the 2025 World Earth Day, they emphasised the need for substantial financial and technical investments from government and the public.

The event was themed “Our Power, Our Planet: From Policy to Action” and was organised by Young Professionals in Policy and Development (YouPaD) in partnership with Climate Justice, Creative Culture and Communities for Peace (CCC for Peace).

It was also in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, TrashMongers, Ecocykle, Basic Rights Watch, the Initiative for Human Rights and Gender Awareness, the Coalition for Socioecological Transformation (CoSET), and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Mohammed Abdullahi, former Minister of Environment stated that many Nigerians are more concerned with daily survival than with reducing their carbon footprint.

He asserted that to achieve Nigeria’s ambitious climate goals, the government must prioritise breaking the cycle of poverty through targeted programmes.

This, he said would empower citizens to afford climate-friendly solutions such as fuel-efficient cookstoves, LPG and biogas systems, solar home installations, and electric or compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.

“The government should place greater emphasis on innovation in energy infrastructure, optimal utilisation of domestic financing, and harmonisation of existing energy policy frameworks.

“In industrialised countries, energy systems have powered decades of development but also caused environmental damage, warming oceans, melting glaciers, and extreme climate events that disproportionately affect poorer nations.

“To truly transition, we must move from a mindset of short-term consumption to long-term restoration. The shift to renewable and sustainable energy is not a luxury, it is a necessity.

“And within that necessity lies an extraordinary opportunity to lead the way toward a better future”.

Abdullahi stressed that a just energy transition must ensure inclusivity, particularly for vulnerable communities, indigenous populations, and marginalised groups.

“This includes creating new opportunities for workers displaced by the fossil fuel phase-out and ensuring their access to retraining and dignified work within the emerging green economy.

“The world today faces an existential crisis driven by unsustainable energy practices, climate change, and environmental degradation. Yet, this is also a moment of unprecedented opportunity,” he added.

Peniel Ibe, Coordinator of CCC for Peace, explained that the initiative seeks to empower Nigerian youth to participate meaningfully in both local and global climate discourse and advocacy.

She noted that the initiative aimed to introduce young people to justice-centred climate solutions and to demonstrate how such solutions could be applied within their local contexts.

“YouPaD serves as a platform for youth engagement in policy, climate change, security, governance, and development”.

Ibe expressed appreciation to the participants, noting that their presence demonstrated a collective commitment to securing not only the future of the planet and Nigeria, but also a future grounded in justice, inclusion, and action.

“As we mark World Earth Day, we are reminded of both the planet’s fragility and the power of our collective resolve as Nigerians.

“The climate crisis challenges us to rethink our approach. We cannot afford to serve both the fossil fuel industry and the renewable energy cause.

“We cannot promote justice and injustice simultaneously, as the consequences, especially for Nigeria would be dire”.

She observed that although momentum is growing across Nigeria and Africa for renewable energy adoption, the transition risks replicating existing inequalities in the fossil fuel extractive industry, if not deliberately planned and inclusive.

She explained that the conference was part of an ongoing initiative by CCC for Peace and YouPaD to bridge the gap between policy dialogue and the lived experiences of communities most affected by climate change, with a focus on youth engagement.

“Policies are often crafted without input from the very communities they affect most. We felt the need to create a space for diverse voices to reflect and respond to a critical question: how do we move beyond policy to meaningful, inclusive action rooted in community realities?

“The fight for a liveable planet, one in which Nigerians are safe, is not only scientific and technical, it is also profoundly social, political, and moral,” she added.

Ibe expressed hope that the outcomes of the conference would translate into tangible actions within tools, strategic frameworks, and collaborative networks.

Other speakers, including David Arinze (Off-Grid Energy), Tengi Ikoli (Natural Resources Governance), and Salaudeen Hashim, of the CLEEN Foundation shared the views of both Abdullahi and Ibe.

They highlighted the importance of policy in promoting renewable energy use in Nigeria.

The conference also featured a panel discussion and fireside chat focused on how young professionals can contribute to Nigeria’s renewable energy transition.

Additional sessions explored strategies for ensuring the transition is rooted in environmental justice.

The event concluded with a screening of Drifting Away, a documentary series by Simpa Sampson, followed by an open discussion session.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, as a fossil fuel-dependent nation, Nigeria is undertaking a transition aimed at diversifying its energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.

This aligns with the country’s commitment to achieving Net-Zero Emissions by 2060, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term Low Emissions Development Strategies (LT-LEDS).

The Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP) is a locally developed, data-driven, multi-faceted strategy designed to guide the nation towards net-zero emissions through reforms in energy consumption.

It outlines a roadmap for reducing emissions across five key sectors: Power, Cooking, Oil and Gas, Transport, and Industry sectors responsible for approximately 65 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Key targets under the ETP include achieving an installed electricity generation capacity of 250GW by 2050, with 90 per cent of this derived from renewable sources.

By the same year, 80 per cent of vehicles are expected to run on electricity, and clean cooking technologies should be adopted by 80 per cent of the population. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

First Lady urges youth to embrace love, unity for national devt.
General News

First Lady urges youth to embrace love, unity for national devt.

152 total views today

By Celine-Damilola Oyewole

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has urged Christians youth to show love to their neighbours always in order to promote national development.

Tinubu also advised the youth to avoid judging others on the basis of religious beliefs.

The first lady gave the advice on Monday when she received in audience the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) and hosted it to an Easter Brunch at the State House, Abuja.

Tinubu said she was encouraged by the group’s visit and show of love, adding that it takes sacrificial love and compassion to change the world.

She called on young people to be at the forefront of promoting gender equity, pointing out that there is room for women who are willing, to thrive in the country.

The National Chairman of YOWICAN, Mr Belusochukwu Enwerem, on behalf of the group,  expressed appreciation to the first lady for her interventions.

He said the association was prepared to run with the vision of President Bola Tinubu and the first lady of promoting peace and development by sustaining engagement with Muslims to foster religious harmony in the country.

To further demonstrate the support of the association to her Renewed Hope Initiative, the YOWICAN National Chairman announced the launch of the ‘Renewed Hope Neighbour2Neighbour Movement’ and decorated the First Lady as the Grand Patron of the group.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was the second Easter homage by the YOWICAN to the first lady.

The visit afforded members of the group the opportunity to share Easter felicitations with their patron and dine with her.

Mrs Tinubu announced the donation of seven 14-seater CNG-powered buses to support the evangelical work of YOWICAN across the country. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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