NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security
Agriculture , Food Security

River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security

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By Akpan Glory

The River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have pledged to boost the Federal Government’s food security efforts by forming stronger partnerships and adopting modern agricultural technologies.

Alhaji Abubakar Malam, who spoke on behalf of the RBDA Boards and Management teams at the close of a two-day retreat in Abuja on Saturday, acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the authorities.

He noted the persistent issues of ageing infrastructure, extreme weather conditions, and insecurity that continue to hinder optimal productivity across their zones.

Malam, who is also the Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, noted the dilapidated state of facilities and outdated equipment that limit the full potential of the river basin authorities.

“Our facilities are obsolete, and climate change is exacerbating the situation with flooding, erosion, and erratic weather patterns.

“Yet, we remain undeterred. We are committed to innovating, adopting modern irrigation technologies, and shifting the narrative of the River Basins to a more sustainable and productive future”.

Malam emphasised that these objectives cannot be achieved in isolation and stressed the importance of collaboration.

He stated, “We are committed to building strong partnerships, particularly with state governments, to ensure that local actions are aligned with national priorities.

“Collaboration is key to enhancing extension services, addressing community needs, and improving project outcomes”.

The Managing Directors also assured stakeholders that the river basin authorities will continue to maintain open-door policies under the federal government’s partial commercialisation framework, which aims to encourage private sector investment.

This framework is seen as an essential step in reviving Nigeria’s agricultural sector by providing opportunities for agribusiness development, rural economy revitalisation, and sustainable irrigation practices.

“In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 13 (Climate Action), the RBDAs are focusing on expanding irrigated farmlands, equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques.

“Others are enhancing value chains to reduce food waste, boost production, and improve market access.

“These efforts are designed to increase food availability and contribute to the goal of achieving food security for the nation by 2027,” he added.

The Joint Appointees Forum further called on development partners, private sector players, and other stakeholders to seize the emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

The forum highlighted the potential for collaboration in revitalising rural economies through sustainable irrigation and agribusiness development, which will ultimately support the government’s food security agenda.

The retreat, which brought together the leadership of all twelve RBDAs, concluded with a renewed commitment to achieving tangible, measurable results. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG trains 120 youths on poultry farming in Plateau
Agriculture

FG trains 120 youths on poultry farming in Plateau

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By Blessing Odega

The Federal Government has commenced free six months training for 120 Plateau youths on poultry farming.

The training is through the National Youth Skills Acquisition Fund (NYESAF), under the Innovation, Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project.

Dr Daniel Jarafu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) VetVille Nigeria Limited, one of Federal Government’s training service providers in charge of the training, said this on Saturday in Jos, at the inauguration of the programme.

Jarafu said the project was a deliberate effort by the Federal Government to empower youths with skills that would make them skillful, self-sufficient, employers of labour and in turn, boost economic growth of the nation.

According to him, the six months training is segmented into three months theoretical and three months practical aspects.

He further explained that at the end of the programme the trainees would sit for the National Skills Qualifications (NSQs) Examination to earn a national certification which would be equivalent to certification earned in the formal education system.

Earlier, Prof. Arhyel Balami, the Guest of Honour, said the initiative by the Federal Government was highly laudable as it would lead to the empowerment of youths with hands on agricultural skills that would make them productive with sustainable livelihoods.

Balami urged the trainees to make the best use of the training by being diligent, showing up and paying rapt attention during the course of the training.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NYESAF is to train 75,000 youths nationwide, with the aim of enhancing job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic independence among young Nigerians.

The initiative underscores government’s commitment to equipping youths with essential skills to drive economic growth and self-sufficiency. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Gabriel Yough

Katsina farmers laud Radda’s agricultural development efforts
Agriculture

Katsina farmers laud Radda’s agricultural development efforts

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By Abbas Bamalli

The Katsina State Chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has praised Gov. Dikko Radda for his commitment to enhancing agriculture in the state.

AFAN Chairman in Katsina, Alhaji Ya’u Gwajo-Gwajo, gave the commendation during a media chat on the launch of a major agricultural mechanisation centre.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the centre, built by the governor, was inaugurated alongside other projects by President Bola Tinubu.

Gwajo-Gwajo said the governor made farmers proud through significant agricultural investments which drew the President’s attention to the project.

He said, “Indeed, the governor has made us proud. AFAN is very proud of him on behalf of all farmers in the state.

“Radda has set up a large agricultural mechanisation centre which will assemble tractors, planters, harvesters, harrows and other farming tools for farmers statewide.

“The centre will also train students and youths in technical agricultural areas, including modern equipment operation and agricultural extension services.”

He commended Radda’s dedication to food security by supporting farmers with fertilisers and vital farming inputs.

“In the 2024 wet season, the governor distributed 448,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser, boosting food output, trade and rural economies across the state.

“For the 2025 wet season, he plans to distribute another 400,000 metric tonnes to farmers in all 34 local government areas.

“On behalf of our members, we deeply appreciate initiatives like forming cooperatives to assist smallholder farmers,” Gwajo-Gwajo said.

He thanked President Tinubu and the Minister of Agriculture for providing 4,000 pumping machines, sprayers, harvesters and other mechanised inputs.

He called on farmers to keep supporting both state and federal efforts to transform agriculture in Katsina. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Record-breaking African Spinach found in Ekiti
Agriculture , Culture & Tourism

Record-breaking African Spinach found in Ekiti

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By Joan Odafe

A towering 9.5-foot tall African Spinach has been discovered in Ikoro-Ekiti, a town in Ekiti.

The plant, locally known as ‘Efo Tete,’ which is possibly the tallest ever recorded in Africa, has sparked scientific curiosity and tourism interest.

The Director-General of Ekiti State Tourism Development Bureau, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, said the spinach, which is still growing and yet to produce seeds, was discovered in the backyard of Mr Lawrence Ajolokan, a farmer in Eso-Obe Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the state.

“This isn’t just a plant. It’s a potential world record holder, a scientific curiosity, and a tourism gem all wrapped in one,” Ojo-Lanre said.

According to Ajolokan, he planted the seed in June 2024 and had harvested parts of the plant previously.

The farmer, however, said he had consistently avoided harvesting one particular stalk due to a strange instinct that “something” told him not to weed or harvest it.

While left untouched, the spinach kept growing to its current height of 9.5 feet, still growing with no visible fruiting yet.

Ajolokan said he hadn’t realised the plant’s uniqueness until Mr Lester Olaifa, a journalist and community leader at Ikoro, drew his attention to its unique height and thickness, while visiting his farm.

The Chairman of Eso-Obe LCDA, Mr Bankole Ayeni, said that protective measures were put in place to preserve the plant.

This is as interest from both the tourism and agricultural sectors increase, as the spinach has surpassed the tallest known African Spinach recorded at 8.3 feet in Benue in 2018.

The traditional ruler of the community, Olukoro of Ikoro-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Adeleye, praised the state government for its swift response upon discovery of the unique plant.

“Ikoro is not just an ancient town but a custodian of living heritage,” he said.

NAN reports that the bureau has commenced documentation and is consulting agricultural experts to investigate the factors behind the plant’s unusual growth, as well as to discuss plans for its preservation and future exhibition. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

FG promises to upgrade facilities at NVRI Vom
Agriculture

FG promises to upgrade facilities at NVRI Vom

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By Polycarp Auta
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has promised to upgrade facilities at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, near Jos.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Mr Idi Maiha, made the promise when he visited the institute on Friday.
Maiha said the move was part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, aimed at equipping the institute for optimal performance.
He particularly said that facilities such as laboratories and workshops, among others, would be upgraded.
The minister said that the need to upgrade NVRI facilities became necessary with the commencement of the National Livestock Transformation Programme at the Grazing Reserve in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau.
He added that “NVIR is more than 100 years old and the equipment are outdated. I must confess, some of them are probably older than me.
“But due to the resilience and ingenuity of the staff, they are still managing the facilities effectively.
“We have seen everything here and there is no need to create another NVRI, but this one must be renewed and rejuvenated.
“It is playing a pivotal role in the animal disease control, vaccine production, surveillance, and research. We need this institute more than ever before.”
Maiha, who also decried the institute’s state of funding, said “at the moment, it is grossly underfunded; it is receiving only 50 per cent of its financial requirements.

“We will leave no gaps in our national disease surveillance and control system; where gaps exist, we will address them, but we must empower NVRI to meet all our vaccine needs.“Given the mandate of the new Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, NVRI is poised to play a central role in disease surveillance, research, and vaccine production.

“Structurally, it has passed integrity test, but it still needs funding to become operational.” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
Food Security: Agriculture, backbone of Nigeria’s economy – SGF
Agriculture

Food Security: Agriculture, backbone of Nigeria’s economy – SGF

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By Doris Esa
The Federal Government says agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), stated this at the inauguration of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and members of the Agricultural Farmers and Traders Development Association of Nigeria (AFTDAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Akume, represented by Alhaji Wada Nas, said that the role of farmers and traders in ensuring food security, economic stability and job creation could not be overemphasised.
He said that the establishment of the association was a step forward in the right direction.
“It marks the beginning of a strong partnership that will help strengthen the agricultural value chain, improve market access and foster sustainable practices that benefits all stakeholders.
“This association will no doubt play a key role ensuring the attainment of food security as one of the eight priority areas of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“As the government continues to prioritise agriculture as a critical sector for development, the efforts of AFTDAN will align seamlessly with national policies aimed at boosting agricultural production,” he said.
He said it will encourage investment in rural areas and improve the overall socio- economic conditions of farmers and traders.
Akume encouraged all members of AFTDAN to work together with a spirit of unity, professionalism and purpose.
“Your success will contribute directly to the growth and transformation of our agricultural sector.
“The government, through the SGF’s office, is committed to supporting initiatives like AFTDAN and will continue to work in partnership with organisations dedicated to improving the lives of hardworking farmers and traders,” he said.
In a goodwill message, Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara and Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), said the event marked a new chapter in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Abdulrazaq, who was represented by Dr Akanbi Olubunmi, Principal Agriculture Economist, NGFG, congratulated the association saying that AFTDAN must be a beacon of hope.
“Nigeria’s agricultural sector is a sector that feeds our nation, sustains our economy, and holds the key to our future prosperity.
“Your unity and vision in forming this association show your commitment to empowering farmers and traders across the country.
“AFTDAN must be a beacon of hope, showing that with strong leadership and collaboration, agriculture in Nigeria can thrive and compete on the world stage,” he said.
He urged the newly inaugurated leaders to serve with integrity, passion, and focus.
Earlier, Mr Elijah Nze, the National President of AFTDAN, said that the association was geared towards agricultural development and improvement of the living standard of farmers in Nigeria.
“The association, in its research into meaningful ways of improving agriculture and farmers in the country, discovered some challenges,” he said.
Nze said these included seasonal farming, land degradation, low level of irrigation farming, non-mechanised farming, limited access to markets, lack of agricultural education and extension services, effects of pests and diseases on crops, among others.
He, however, identified two core challenges such as insecurity in the country, and the effective utilisation of budget allocations to the agricultural sector.
Nze said that the insecurity in the country could not be overemphasised, saying that farmers could only do their best and could not fight insecurity without the intervention of the government.
He said that there was need to ensure that the huge amount of money budgeted into agriculture in 2025 budget by the Federal Government, should be efficiently and effectively utilised by relevant agencies and sectors.
“It is critical to note that challenges can transform to strengthening factors in the society when they are correctly analysed and addressed.
“Since agriculture is one of the key growths of the nation’s economy, we should all key in with the policies of this present government to restore the pride of our nation.
“AFTDAN is willing to put in their human resources and make use of any assistance given to them to ensure that the nation rises to a great height in food security,” he said.
Also speaking, His Royal Majesty, the Ona of Abaji, Dr Adamu Yunusa, underscored the importance of agriculture saying there was a need to embrace rural agriculture to achieve sustainable agriculture.
Yunusa, who is also the Chairman, Council of Chiefs in Abuja, said that agriculture is the most useful and helpful form of employment in the society.
Yunusa was represented by Alhaji Umar Faruk, Magayaki of Abaji. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
Adopt organic farming to produce healthy food – FG tells farmers
Agriculture

Adopt organic farming to produce healthy food – FG tells farmers

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By Patricia Amogu

The Federal Government has urged small and large scale farmers to adopt organic farming to produce healthy food.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, made the call in Abuja, during the election of executive members of Organic Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (OFPSAN).

Ogunbiyi, who was represented by Director, Farm Inputs Support Services Department, Mr Abana Abba, said food security and quality would only be achieved through healthy farming systems.

He stressed the need for cooperation among members of the association and urged them to support the government’s initiatives aimed at ensuring food security in the country.

“The food security aspect of the nation is paramount, and this administration always emphasises that.

“Being the regulator of the fertiliser sector we always try to ensure that quality is not compromised,’’ he said.

Alhaji Adams Musa, the incoming president of the association said the new leadership was committed to ensuring stronger structural and organisational reforms.

This, he said, would ensure professionalism, transparency and sustainable growth of the group.

“We will focus on deepening our engagement with the government and international partners to elevate organic agriculture as a key driver of food security in Nigeria.

“This is not a one-man journey. I invite every one of you, stakeholders, producers, suppliers and partners to come on board with renewed passion.

“Let us challenge the status quo, let us innovate, and let us grow. Together we can; and will make organic farming practices not just a dream but a national standard,” he said

Mr Isiaku Buba, National Project Coordinator, National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-pocket (NAGs-AP) tasked the association to help in finding solutions to challenges facing organic farming in the country.

He said one of such challenges was limited access to quality organic fertiliser.

“The quality of the product is very important because farmers ask a lot of questions and are always not sure of the quality of the fertilisers,

“There must be quality control mechanisms that will give them confidence and enhance their harvest.

“Worldwide people are clamouring for organically produced food, especially vegetables; all eyes are on the organic food systems to meet required standards both in quality and quantity,’’ he said.

Chief Okabirihedike Martin-Ihesie, Chairman Board of Trustees, OFPSAN, pledged the support of the board to the new executive.

“Let us unite for a stronger and firmer body that will ensure that Nigeria is placed on the map as one of the countries with the healthiest population,’’ he added. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Jigawa Govt approves N615m for youths in date palm production
Agriculture

Jigawa Govt approves N615m for youths in date palm production

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The Jigawa Government has approved N615million to empower youths in date palm production.
The state Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports, Mr Sagir Musa, made this known on Wednesday while briefing newsmen after the weekly executive council meeting.
The initiative, he said, aims to boost the state’s agricultural sector, particularly date palm cultivation, and create employment opportunities for the youth.
“The project is expected to engage youth for an intensive training on date palm cultivation, aimed at providing direct and indirect employment to 5,000 youths.
“This is part of Gov. Umar Namadi’s administration’s commitment, to reposition Jigawa as a key player in agriculture, especially in date production and to enhance its contribution to Nigeria’s economy,” the commissioner said.
Musa said that a Date Palm Plantation Committee set up by the state government, identified six sites based on the availability and suitability for the propagation of the date plantation across the state.
The project according to him, will also serve as an economically driven strategy for climate change mitigation, preventing of desert encroachment and poverty alleviation in the state.
Meanwhile, the commissioner said that the state executive council received a progress report from a committee on the Retrieval of Farmland Allocations led by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim.
The report, he said, has details of the committee’s ongoing efforts to recover unauthorised occupation of government owned lands and encroachment of reserves across the state in line with the state’s development agenda.
“It has outlined significant strides made in identifying and reclaiming farmlands that were previously illegally allocated but left undeveloped or misused.
“This initiative is part of the administration’s broader strategy, to ensure that all available agricultural resources are fully utilised to support food security, create employment and promote sustainable economic growth across the state.
“It will also safeguard the integrity of all grazing reserves and protect the gazette forest reserves across the state and beyond,” Musa said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Abia Govt. intensifies farmers verification to curb diversion of agriculture produce
Agriculture

Abia Govt. intensifies farmers verification to curb diversion of agriculture produce

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By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
The Abia Government has embarked on a comprehensive statewide enumeration and verification to identify genuine farmers in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, made this known at a media briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council Meeting, in Umuahia.
Agbaeze said that the initiative evolved to eliminate the diversion of agricultural interventions.
He said that the state would leverage technology to ensure that only real farmers benefited from any government support.
According to him, data collected from the enumeration process would be uploaded to a cloud-based system, enabling real-time access to farmer information.
“With one touch of a button on my phone, I will be able to know the location of specific farmers.
“In this administration, you are not recognised as a farmer until you have an actual farm.
“We are geo mapping every farm by capturing coordinates and tagging them to individual farmers before any form of intervention is given.”
Agbaeze described the exercise as part of the government’s commitment to ending politically motivated interventions, ensuring that support reached only those actively engaged in farming activities.
He also noted that all participants of the agricultural empowerment programme, facilitated by the government and CSS Farms, were selected from all local government areas.
Agbaeze said that the government had provided direct funding to the beneficiaries.
“We continue to monitor their progress closely, and feedback shows that about 90 per cent or even more of the trained farmers are doing very well,” he added.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s resolve to sustain the monitoring and verification process as part of efforts to drive agricultural growth and food security across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
Enhancing exports: NEPC distributes 4,633 hybrid seedlings to farmers
Agriculture

Enhancing exports: NEPC distributes 4,633 hybrid seedlings to farmers

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By Vivian Emoni

The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) says the council distributed 4,633 hybrid seedlings to farmers across the country.

Dr Nonye Ayeni, Director-General of the NEPC disclosed this while presenting the First Quarter Progress Report on the Non-oil export performance for 2025.

Ayeni said that in Kogi State, farmers benefited from oil palm seedlings as a start-up seed intervention to boost exports.

“In Akure, over 2,000 cocoa seedlings were distributed to farmers for the planting season.

“In Gusau, Zamfara State, groundnut seedlings were distributed to eight communities for cluster farming in the state.

“Also, in Bayelsa State, the council distributed 1,500 hybrid cocoa seedlings,’’ she said.

Ayeni further said that 1,100 coffee seedlings and 100 bags of organic fertiliser were distributed to 148 coffee farmers from Chaha and Vom Communities in Plateau State.

The director-general said that NEPC was committed to ensuring conformity to quality and standards to curb rejects and reduce contract cancellation.

According to her, on this note, the council, working with International Trade Center (ITC) Geneva, has validated the baseline study for sesame and cowpea value chains.

Ayeni said the council was selected as one of four Business Support Organisations in the world and only one in Africa, to implement phase one of the Women Exporters in Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund.

“This 50-million dollars fund, launched in February 2024 by Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will support Women-led Businesses to participate actively in global digital trade.

“Applications have begun in earnest and we encourage every women-led business to apply,” she said.

The D-G said that to facilitate the ease of doing business and seamless documentation processes, the council registered a total of 1,129 new exporters.

She also noted that 16 exit points were used in the period under review to export non-oil products from Nigeria.

She added that approximately 95 per cent of the total non-oil exports were routed through seaports.

According to her, in total, six seaports, three international airports and seven land borders served as exit points for Nigeria’s non-oil exports.

Ayeni said that the council would continue to strengthen its relationship with developmental partners and trade organisations.

 “The council will continue its existing projects as well as new initiatives, all geared toward increasing the volume and value of non-oil export.

“The NEPC will remain to be committed in curbing rejects, promoting value addition, enhancing market access and strengthening partnerships.

“At NEPC, we remain resolute and committed to driving up the volume and value of non-oil exports for sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Jane-Frances Oraka
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