News Agency of Nigeria
EU-funded URBANE Project distributes more synbiotic-treated tomato seedlings
Agriculture , Education

EU-funded URBANE Project distributes more synbiotic-treated tomato seedlings

By Ibukun Emiola

The EU-funded URBANE Project on Monday distributed more synbiotic-treated ready-to-transplant tomato seedlings to members of staff of two tertiary institutions in Ibadan.

The tertiary institutions are The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that 533 UI members of staff, had on Tuesday, received 10 seedlings each.

The project’s Principal Investigator, Prof. Victor Adetimirin, said that the distribution, as a community outreach effort, aimed at sensitising Nigerians on the benefits of agroecology farm products.

Adetimirin, a Professor of Plant Breeding and Crop Production, Department of Crop and Horticultural Sciences, UI, said the research project was geared towards making peri-urban agriculture safe.

“Given the increasing rural-urban migration in Nigeria and other countries, and the commensurate increase in peri-urban farming, conventional agriculture comes with its challenges.

“These challenges are in terms of certain practices that degrade the environment, contaminate agricultural produce and expose farm workers to hazards.

“The practice of conventional agriculture in peri-urban areas may also expose high population urban areas to risks resulting from the outbreak of zoonotic diseases and contamination of underground water.

“It is, therefore, imperative that we make the practice of agriculture in peri-urban areas safe, to protect the people in urban areas,” he said.

He remarked that over 20 organisations worked together on the project, with many partners in Europe.

According to him, the project is being implemented in Nigeria and five other African countries.

“We have obtained remarkable results on the use of synbiotics to increase the productivity of vegetable crops, broiler chicken and pigs.

“Synbiotics are combinations of Probiotics and Prebiotics.

“Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms; similar beneficial microorganisms are present in our gut, and they help to improve gut health,” he said.

The don stated that the research found probiotics that promote the growth of tomato, cucumber, okra, broiler chicken, and pigs,” he said.

According to Adetimirin, harvesting the fruits from the tomato seedlings will help families, especially now that tomatoes and other food items are very expensive.

“At present, we are also demonstrating the remarkable results of our research in On-Farm Demonstration Trials at Ajeja and Lalupon,” Adetimirin said.

The Rector, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Dr Taiwo Lasisi, appreciated the team for extending the benefits of the research results to the Polytechnic community.

Lasisi, represented by the Deputy Rector, Mrs Olaide Salawu, said the seedlings would be of immense assistance to the institution’s members of staff.

“We were told that within 3 to 4 months, we’ll be harvesting our tomatoes.

“You know, the money you will spend to buy tomatoes for your soup or your stew will be removed and at the end of the day, you will have that money to cater to other areas of your life and needs,” he said.

NAN reports that 10 seedlings were each given to 250 members of staff of The Polytechnic, Ibadan and another 250 members of staff of the College of Medicine, UI.

Also, the heads and management staff of the two institutions each received a bowl of 180 seedlings. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso and Moses Solanke

Ogun: Tinubu’s wife empowers 300 under RHI Agricultural Support Programme
Agriculture

Ogun: Tinubu’s wife empowers 300 under RHI Agricultural Support Programme

By Abiodun Lawal
The Wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered over 300 individuals under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Agricultural Support Programme in Ogun.
The Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, presented the empowerment items on behalf of the President’s Wife in Abeokuta on Monday.
Abiodun explained that the programme was not just agricultural interventions, but also strategic investments in the future of the people of the state.
She stated that it was designed to enhance food security, create employment opportunities and reduce poverty.
Abiodun added that the gesture was key to the Sustainable Development Goals.
“SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality),” she said.
The wife of the governor said that agriculture remained one of the most effective tools for sustainable development.
“Here in Ogun State, under the leadership of my husband, Prince Dapo Abiodun, agriculture remains a top priority.
“With our proximity to major markets like Lagos and our expanding agro-processing capacity, we are well positioned to become a model for integrated agricultural growth.
“The Young Farmers Initiative will build the capacity of our youth to drive innovation in agriculture and agribusiness.
“The Women in Agriculture programme will support our women, who constitute over 60 per cent of the rural agricultural workforce.
“We will do this with financing, training, and access to markets,” she said.
Mrs Abiodun explained that the selection process was an equal representation of the women, men, youths and school children in agriculture.
Earlier, Ogun Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Bolu Owotomo, said the initiative was designed as a comprehensive social welfare programme to empower women, promote food security and enhance environmental resilience.
Owotomo noted that women were significant players in the agricultural value chain and that their contributions to the growth of the agricultural sector was crucial.
In his submission, representative of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Sina Oyeniyi said the initiative was in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda towards making lives more bearable for the citizens.
Also, Mrs Ibilola Kusimo, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun Chapter, urged beneficiaries of the programme to utilise farming equipment effectively.
She commended the president’s wife for the kind gesture and for supporting women and youths in agriculture.
The governor’s wife later handed over agricultural inputs and tools such as sprayers, herbicides, seedlings, chicks, wheelbarrow, watering cans among others to the women and the youths at the event.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke appreciated the President’s wife and the wife of the state governor for the empowerment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Bayo Sekoni
River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security
Agriculture , Food Security

River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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