News Agency of Nigeria
NGO to host national dialogue on food security
Agriculture , Food Security

NGO to host national dialogue on food security

By Felicia Imohimi

One Acre Fund, an NGO, has announced that it will host a national dialogue on food security to address critical challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Adetola Adegbite, the Country Director of the organisation, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja ahead of the programme, scheduled for March 20.

Adegbite stated that the dialogue aims to drive collaborative solutions towards a more food-secure future for the population.

He explained that the event, themed “Achieving Food Security in Nigeria: Bridging the Gap”, will bring together key actors across the agricultural value chain, including government agencies, private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society organisations.

The country director, who identified smallholder farmers as the backbone of the nation’s food system, however, stressed that systemic challenges continue to limit their productivity and resilience.

“The National Stakeholders Dialogue presents an opportunity to bring all stakeholders to the table to drive real change through innovative policies, strategic investments, and knowledge-sharing.

“Together, we can bridge the gaps and work towards a more food-secure Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s food security landscape faces pressing challenges, including climate change, limited access to quality inputs, weak extension services, market barriers, and financial constraints for smallholder farmers.

“The dialogue will serve as a platform for in-depth discussions on these issues, with the goal of fostering strategic partnerships and policy recommendations to enhance agricultural resilience and productivity,” he said.

Adegbite added that the dialogue will feature two high-impact panel discussions, including “State of the Nation – Challenges of Food Security and Climate Change in Nigeria”.

According to him, experts will assess the current food security situation, climate adaptation strategies, and the key policy and investment gaps that require urgent attention.

“One Acre Fund is an NGO supporting smallholder farmers in rural sub-Saharan Africa to build resilient communities by providing them with agricultural resources, financing, and training, enabling them to grow more food and achieve prosperity”. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

 

Nigeria close to achieving food security – Minister
Agriculture

Nigeria close to achieving food security – Minister

 Food

By Ibrahim Bello

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

FCT farmers upbeat on GM crops, seek FG’s support
Agriculture , Science & Tech

FCT farmers upbeat on GM crops, seek FG’s support

By Sylvester Thompson

Farmers in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory say they are confident that Genetically Modified (GM) crops can boost their farm yields.

The farmers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the Farmers Field Day on Wednesday in Kuje, Abuja, called for government’s support in the provision of farm inputs.

The event was organised by National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).

Mr Cyprian Ede, who owns three hectares of Tela maize farm, rejected claims that no other crop could be planted or grown where a GM crop was planted.

NAN reports that Tela maize(GM maize) are hybrids genetically engineered to contain Bt genes that protects the maize against insects like stem borer and the fall armyworm and helps the crop tolerate moderate drought.

“At least, I did post emergency weed management which means grass can grow, as you can see.

“I will not waste my money trying to manage grass inside this maize farm; these were grasses on the farm which were cleared.

“As the effect of the post emergency herbicide subsided, grasses started growing on my farm again.’’

Ede, who said he turned to farming due to economic downturn, said he had been in farming since 2017.

He also spoke on the yield of the Tela maize.

“In 10 plots which is a hectare of land, if I should factor in the theft, I think it is about 42 bags,’’ Ede said.

Ede said in comparison with other varieties that yielded relatively good after treating fall armyworm, there was no insect threat in the Tela variety which was also drought tolerant.

He called on the Federal Government to support farmers with farm inputs by subsidising the seeds to enable them to get better yields to bolster the economy.

Mrs Judith Okpanachi, a beans farmer, told NAN that in her three years of planting Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea, there was no case of other crops unable to grow on the same soil.

Mr Ndaman Dantani from Chibiri Community, said that before he started his two hectares PBR cowpea farm four years ago, he was afraid as a result of the negative claims.

“But when we began using the variety for some years, we realised that there were great advantages over the other ones.

Dantani said one of the advantages was that he was not spending much money on chemicals, unlike conventional bean seeds he sprayed seven to eight times.

“With the PBR variety, you spray less, like two or three times which is more economical.

“Also, during harvest, if you do not harvest on time, it will be falling down and you will lose your farm; but this one, it will wrap and still stand erect.

“And again, the most advantageous part of it is that if you harvest, the leaves will still remain green,’’ Dantani said.

Dantani said PBR farming provided the resources to take care of his family responsibilities such as payment of school fees, feeding, among others.

He urged government to expand the initiative of GM crops to other communities.

“Government should also send more extension agents with this type of seed variety and they should make the seeds available for the reach of the common man.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Farmer/herder clashes: Lawmaker seeks implementation of extant laws on ranching
Agriculture

Farmer/herder clashes: Lawmaker seeks implementation of extant laws on ranching

By Ikenna Osuoha

A member of House of Representatives, Nnamdi Ezechi, has advocated for strict implementation of extant laws prohibiting open grazing in the states.

Ezechi stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja while reacting to the recent killing of a member of a vigilance group in his constituency, Mr Ogonegbu Chukwunomnazu.

The lawmaker, representing Ndokwa East/Ndokwa West and Ukwuani in the lower legislative chamber, while condemning the killing, reiterated the imperatives of implementing extant laws on open grazing by states.

He urged the Inspector-General of Police to help fish out the killers of his constituents and bring them to justice.

“I call on the I-GP to rise up to the occasion by apprehending those behind the killing of the vigilante member.

“I also expect the police and other security agencies to help implement laws by various states, including Delta, that prohibit open grazing and provide for cattle ranching,” he said.

According to him, it is wrong for people to cause disadvantage to others with their own businesses.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lawmaker had earlier raised the matter through a motion of urgent national importance on the floor of the house.

NAN also reports that the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, had also called on the inspector-general of police and other security agencies to swing into action on the matter. (NAN) 

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

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

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

Transformation

By Suleiman Shehu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edited by Moses Solanke

Plateau begins `elephant’ grass cultivation to boost livestock farming
Agriculture

Plateau begins `elephant’ grass cultivation to boost livestock farming

By Polycarp Auta

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau says he has allocated 30 hectares of land in Wase Local Government Area (LGA) for the cultivation of Napier Grass.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that napier grass, also known as Elephant Grass, is a key fodder crop primarily used to feed livestock in a cut-and-carry feeding system.

The governor, who announced this during his visit to the Wase Game Reserve on Tuesday, said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing livestock development across the country.

Mutfwang added that the project would not only boost livestock farming but also reposition Plateau as a major player in the sector.

He further emphasised that the initiative would support local animal husbandry and enhance internal revenue generation through exports.

“With the vast expanse of land covering countless kilometres within the game reserve, Plateau has the potential to lead Nigeria in strengthening livestock development for both local consumption and international markets.

“I have come to inspect this vast grazing reserve in order to activate Mr President’s vision of developing Nigeria’s livestock economy.

“Here on the Plateau, we have a unique opportunity to take the lead in this sector; as part of the plan, 30 hectares of land have been earmarked for the cultivation of napier grass here in Wase,” he said.

The governor urged residents to align with the government’s vision, noting that boreholes and other essential facilities were being constructed to support large-scale cultivation of napier grass.

As part of his visit, he also inaugurated several key projects completed by the local administration in Wase.

These projects include an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre, accommodation for corps members, and a TV/radio station.

Additionally, the governor laid the foundation for the construction of a legislative quarters for the LGA. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Editing by Kevin Okunzuwa

IFAD-SAPZ empowers 1,009 farmers in Kano
Agriculture , Food Security

IFAD-SAPZ empowers 1,009 farmers in Kano

By Felicia Imohimi

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme has empowered no fewer than 505 rice farmers and 504 tomato farmers in Kano.

Dr Kabir Yusuf, National Programme Coordinator of SAPZ, said this in a statement on Monday following the ongoing Field Day activity in Kano.

He stated that the activity aimed to connect smallholder farmers to viable markets and was a crucial step towards reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ incomes.

He noted that the lack of reliable buyers has long caused losses for tomato farmers, stressing that SAPZ’s core goal is to ensure market access.

“However, through a series of training sessions on Good Agronomic Practices (GAP) and the provision of a full package of inputs, SAPZ is equipping farmers with the necessary tools to improve productivity and profitability.

“As part of our commitment to agricultural development, this partnership will ensure that farmers not only produce but also have access to guaranteed markets for their produce.

“Transformative impact on farmers under the IFAD-SAPZ pilot scheme is 1,009 farmers, specifically 505 rice farmers and 504 tomato farmers, have benefited from the programme”.

Yusuf said the initiative is being piloted in Kura and Bagwai LGAs, aiming to reach 14,000 farmers across 16 LGAs in Kano.

He said the first phase of SAPZ is underway in eight states, including Kano and FCT, with more to be added in the second phase.

Mr Isah Ibrahim, a tomato farmer from Watari Cluster in Bagwai LGA and one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the programme, calling it a “turning point” for tomato farmers.

“Before now, we never fully understood that farming is a business. But with the training and support from SAPZ, we now approach farming differently.

“In the past, I harvested between six and seven times per hectare, but with the improved practices introduced by SAPZ, I am now on my second harvest and anticipate up to ten additional harvests.

“Efficient use of agricultural inputs has significantly boosted my yields,” he said.

Ibrahim said SAPZ has tackled market access issues by linking tomato farmers with off-takers who buy at favourable prices.

He appreciated the programme, adding that buyers now come directly to their farms to purchase tomatoes at considerable prices.

Rice farmer Mallama Hafsat thanked SAPZ, IFAD, and the Kano government for support that led to a bumper harvest.

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Hafsat acknowledged that, prior to SAPZ’s intervention, traditional farming methods yielded poor results.

She stated that with training on good agronomic practices and access to critical farm inputs, her farming experience had been significantly transformed.

“Before SAPZ came in, our old ways of farming did not favour us, but now, we have been trained in modern techniques, such as nursery preparation before transplanting and proper spacing of rice plants. These have greatly improved our yield.

“My personal achievement through the improved harvest is that I was able to finance my daughter’s wedding, even after the death of my husband”. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Katsina procures N36bn fertiliser for farmers
Agriculture

Katsina procures N36bn fertiliser for farmers

By Abbas Bamalli

The Katsina State Government says it has spent over N36 billion to procure 20,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser during the 2024 farming season, among other farming activities.

It added that it had also provided 722 motorcycles and knapsack sprayers for use of 722 extension workers, deployed to serve in 361 wards across the state, to ensure effective monitoring.

The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Faruq Lawal-Jobe, disclosed this during the state’s monthly news conference on Sunday in Katsina.

According to him, more than N21.7 billion was also expended for the procurement of 400 tractors with full accessories, 2,000 hand planters and 10 combine harvesters.

“This is with a view to providing our farmers with required agricultural implements to boost food production in the state.

“In addition, more than N790.5 million has been expended for the upgrade of seven zonal produce stores in Funtua, Daura, Katsina, Mani, Kankia, Kafinsoli and Malumfashi.

“We will also resuscitate the Songhai Farm Centre at Makera in Dutsin-Ma Local Government, as well as the Cotton Value Chain, for an all-year-round farming, to provide employment and economic viability of our people,” he said.

Lawal-Jobe further explained that the ministry had also distributed newly introduced liquid fertiliser to enhance better yields.

He added that the government had also ensured the completion of the state’s Sustainable Platform for Agriculture (KASPA) project at the headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture.

“The State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA) has also conducted numerous activities for improvement of agriculture in the state.

“Government has spent the sum of N273.6 million to carry out numerous activities for the development of agriculture.

“These include the purchase and distribution of 40 motorcycles for monitoring activities. Additionally, agro chemicals for pest control were distributed to farmers,” he said.

In order to utilise the services of the earlier mentioned 722 extension workers, Lawal-Jobe said 54,150 moringa seedlings were distributed to farmers across the state.

According to him, a total of 150 women were trained and empowered on backyard gardening and formulation of nutritive food supplement.

“Furthermore, KTARDA had conducted farmer data exercise across the state to ascertain the number of farming populace and related data, the crop value chain, farm size and location.

“This activity serves as a guide to determine accuracy in data management and facilitate easy access to farming population for appropriate assistance.

“The agency has also participated in National and State Agriculture Shows, to showcase the massive agricultural potentials of the state,” the deputy governor stated.

According to him, in a bid to ensure sufficient supply of agricultural inputs and implements to enhance agricultural yield by farmers across the state, a total of N386.1 million was expended under the Farmers Supply Company Ltd (FASCOKT).

Lawal-Jobe said that the agency had undertaken the repairs of warehouses for storage of seeds, chemicals and agricultural implements in Funtua and Daura, in addition to repairs of one service centre.

He added that assorted agrochemicals and improved seeds were also purchased and distributed to farmers, adding that their administration had also injected adequate resources, aimed at improving livestock and grazing reserve activities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani/Chinyere Nwachukwu

FG inaugurates N80bn Alau Dam reconstruction, upgrade
Agriculture , Environment

FG inaugurates N80bn Alau Dam reconstruction, upgrade

By Hamza Suleiman

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, has officially commenced the reconstruction and upgrade of the ₦80 billion Alau Dam in Borno State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alau Dam is a critical infrastructure serving as a water source, irrigation system, and flood control facility for the region.

Originally built between 1984 and 1986, the dam collapsed on September 10, 2024 due to severe flooding, displacing thousands and disrupting agriculture and water supply.

Following the disaster, President Bola Tinubu approved an ₦80 billion intervention fund.

This decision was based on recommendations from a high-powered technical committee, led by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, which was tasked with assessing dam infrastructure nationwide.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday at Alau, Utsev emphasised that the reconstruction and upgrade of the dam would directly enhance water supply, flood control, and agricultural productivity in Borno state.

“This is not just another infrastructure project. This is a direct response to the devastating floods of 2024 and a demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the well-being and prosperity of Nigerians, particularly the people of Borno state”.

The minister explained that before its collapse, the Alau Dam played a pivotal role in providing irrigation for thousands of hectares of farmland and supplying potable water to Maiduguri and its environs.

He noted that decades of neglect, climate change impacts, and increased demand had weakened its capacity.


The minister further disclosed that the reconstruction would be executed in two phases over 24 months, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term resilience.

“Phase one, which will begin between March and Sept. 2025, will focus on urgent interventions to mitigate flood risks and restore the dam’s basic infrastructure.

“Phase two, which will commence in Oct. 2025 and run until 2027, will focus on comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade, including desilting, structural reinforcements, and expansion of irrigation channels to support sustainable agriculture and water supply”.

Utsev assured that the project would be executed transparently, with strict adherence to quality and safety standards.

In his remarks, Gov. Babagana Zulum lauded the Federal Government’s swift intervention, describing the reconstruction as a major step towards rebuilding lives, boosting the local economy, and ensuring long-term food security.

“This groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to not just rebuilding physical infrastructure, but restoring the livelihoods and dignity of our people,” Zulum said.

The governor noted that the dam’s collapse had dealt a significant blow to farmers, herders, and households in the state, making its reconstruction critical to food security, economic stability, and water availability.

While acknowledging that the project was divided into two phases, he appealed for both phases to be executed concurrently, particularly emphasising the need to urgently address the issue of silting in the water basin.

“I want to appeal to the honourable minister to consider executing both phases concurrently, especially to clear the silting and restore the full functionality of the dam,” Zulum stated.

He further commended President Tinubu’s administration for its post-flood relief interventions, including the deployment of 200 trucks of food grains, which he said helped to stabilise affected communities.

Zulum announced the approval for the construction of a primary school and hospital in Alau community.

“I have approved the construction of a primary school and hospital for Alau community to ensure the holistic development of the area,” Zulum stated.

The governor urged residents of Alau and neighbouring communities to cooperate with contractors and provide support for the smooth execution of the project.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, emphasised the importance of expanding irrigation facilities alongside the dam reconstruction to enhance dry-season farming and boost food production.

He called on the Ministry of Water Resources to incorporate irrigation infrastructure into the project, adding that his ministry was ready to partner with the Borno government to support farmers in utilising the fertile land surrounding Alau Dam.

“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is prepared to collaborate in maximising the agricultural potential of this project,” Kyari said.

The groundbreaking ceremony drew top dignitaries, including Senator Abdulaziz Yari, represented by Sen. Ken Emeka and Sen. Sada Soli, Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Water and Sanitation.

Others in attendance included Sen. Kaka Shehu, representing Borno Central; the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn El-Kanemi; and other top government officials. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG urges youths to embrace agricultural opportunities
Agriculture

FG urges youths to embrace agricultural opportunities

By Justina Auta

The Ministry of Youth Development and Heifer International, an NGO, has urged youths to leverage innovative agricultural technology to drive sustainable transformation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

They made the call at the inauguration of the 2025 AYuTE Africa Challenge Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme, now in its fourth season, is an initiative of Heifer International.

NAN reports that the initiative aims to empower agri-tech innovators to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Mr Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, noted that the initiative would empower youths to drive sustainable development, particularly within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Olawande, represented by Ms Kehinde Awujoola, Special Assistant on Gender Affairs, said the initiative was a project aimed at unlocking the potential of Nigerian youths in agriculture.

“It is also fostering innovation and addressing the critical challenges facing our agricultural landscape in Nigeria, where agriculture plays a vital role in the economy and livelihoods.

“Initiatives like these are crucial, and the focus on agri-tech solutions is particularly timely.

“We need to leverage technology to enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and create a more resilient, sustainable agricultural sector.

“This challenge provides a platform for our young entrepreneurs to showcase their ingenuity and contribute to the transformation of our dear country,” he said.

Olawande therefore reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s youths and tech innovators to achieve sustainable growth and development.

Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer International, said a $40,000 grant would be awarded to the top three finalists of the challenge to provide them with the necessary support to scale their agri-tech innovations.

He said this would help transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Describing the challenge as an enterprise development programme, he stated that it aims to identify, nurture, and support innovative, technology-driven agri-centric enterprises to grow, scale, and thrive.

“It is to ensure that the youth of today take hold of the agriculture they want tomorrow, and it also provides them with the opportunity to become entrepreneurs and generate employment for others,” he said.

He added that the organisation also provides participants with technical assistance, business development support, and introductions to potential investors.

He said this support would continue until participants successfully commercialise their technologies.

“Some of them become our programme partners and implement initiatives that offer solutions to farmers’ challenges.

“By virtue of their participation, others have found them interesting and invested in them, enabling them to continue growing,” he said.

According to him, the organisation has impacted over 46 million smallholder farmers across America, Asia, and Africa since its inception 80 years ago.

Also, Abdulmutalib Mohammed, representing the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU), said: “Technology is a very important catalyst in achieving food security.

“If it’s not anchored by the youth and tech-savvy individuals, we don’t see how we can catch up”.

Some past beneficiaries of the grant testified to its impact in equipping them with technology-driven solutions to address challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

They said it has contributed to food security, economic growth, and youth empowerment. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Tosin Kolade

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email