By Olayinka Olawale/Florence Onuegbu
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Sunday inaugurated a newly constructed middle-level Fresh Food Agro-Hub, at Idi-Oro in Mushin area of the state.

Speaking during the inauguration, Sanwo-Olu said that the facility would help to mitigate the 50 per cent post-harvest losses, and reduce carbon emissions in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fresh food agro-hub is one of the eight middle-level markets constructed by the state government, with the modern facility sitting on 6,400 square metres of land.

He said that the facility heralded a turning point in the state’s food distribution system, in line with the Food Systems Transformation Agenda, which was strategic in the actualisation of the THEMES Plus Agenda of the government.

According to him, the Food System Transformation Agenda was adopted as a measure to improve the current system which is inundated by wastage, post-harvest losses, traffic congestion, and other inefficiencies that result in the loss of over 50 per cent of agricultural produce, especially in perishables.

“This transformation journey is hinged on our 5-year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap (2021-2026), which reflects our passionate commitment to boosting food production, processing and marketing,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said that the roadmap sets the stage for direct interventions, strategic collaborations, and the establishment of linkages with the private sector, financial institutions, foreign governments and multilateral agencies

He said that the Mid-level agro produce hub would pave the way for the modernisation, re-organisation and presentation of state-of-the-art data-driven food and agriculture systems, where players and actors in the marketing chain interact freely.

The governor said that the food hub also addressed prevailing market challenges of inadequate infrastructure; food shortage; high degree of fragmentation and standardisation.

He said that the government, through efficiency-driven strategies such as this and other initiatives, was on the right path to enhancing food production, which would lead to attaining the goal of meeting 40 per cent of Lagos State’s food requirements by 2025.

He listed the other initiatives to include the ground breaking Eko Agro Mechanisation Programme, the innovative tractor-hailing application and the establishment of a 32 tons/hour Lagos Rice Mill at Imota.

The governor also cited the enterprise development for women and youth in poultry production, piggery, aquaculture, apiculture (beekeeping), horticulture, and artisanal fishing.

“As these efforts continue to yield the desired result in increased food production, it becomes imperative that all the inefficiencies that can erode the impact on the populace are addressed, which is the central goal of the Food Systems Transformation Agenda.

“This agenda categorises our Food System into the Central Logistics Hub, Mid-level Agro-produce Hub, and the Last Mile Food Distribution outlets.

“To demonstrate our resolve to follow through with the agenda, the construction of the Central Logistics Hub at Ketu-Ereyun, Epe is ongoing, while the smallest of the pilot, the mid-level Agro-produce Hub is being commissioned today.

“This will be followed with the construction of additional three (3) Hubs at Agege, Ajah, and Abule-Ado axis of the state.

“In all, the plan is to construct fifty (50) mid-level agro produce Hubs across the state,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, said that the middle-level food Agro-hub was Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s food transformation agenda, purposely built to serve the people at the grassroots.

Olusanya said that the initiative was to ensure that farmers maximised their profit and allow market women to sell at the right price, since it already eliminated wastage.

She noted that the Fresh Food Agro Hub would further boost a healthy environment processed with fresh foods.

A member representing Mushin Federal Constituency, Mr Toyin Fayinka, appreciated the fact that the pilot project was constructed in Mushin.

Fayinka assured of full protection of the edifice, while challenging other members of the Executive to facilitate similar construction in their areas for the good of the people.

The Iyaloja of Mushin, Alhaja Toyibat Borokini, thanked the governor for setting Mushin as a good example to others, and promised to maximise the use of the Agro Hub

Borokini reminded Gov. Sanwo-Olu about other necessary support for market women and men in the area.

Prince Joseph Samuel, a representative of Origin Group, the Development Partner for the project, said that the idea started in 2019 and received the blessings of the governor and his deputy.

Samuel said that Lagos consumed N6 trillion worth of food annually, while the nation at large consumed N73 trillion.

He assured that the project would make food cheaper in the state.

Mr Emmanuel Bamigboye, Chairman, Mushin Local Government, said that the food hub was aimed at reducing vulnerability to food shortage and guaranteeing uninterrupted food supply at cheaper prices, to residents of the state.

Bamigboye thanked the governor for constructing the facility in the local government, adding that it would have direct impact on the lives of the market men and women.

“I am a bit overwhelmed with joy in celebrating the inauguration of this facility by Mr Governor, which is the first agricultural hub to be constructed in Mushin by the state government.

“Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has made a giant stride in the area of agriculture, with the inauguration of this agro-hub today, there will be a great encouragement in global food processing business, enhancements of employment opportunity for youths in agricultural sector.

“It will also attract many to agro-business and processing, due to high demand for consumer food products, and also bring economic development to Mushin and its environs,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

By Mercy Omoike

The PUTTRU Technologies Ltd. has restated its commitment to increased climate finance for Nigeria to support sustainable actions.

The group disclosed this in a webinar on Wednesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PUTTRU is an investment platform that connects energy and power sector businesses in Africa to funds.

Its core mandate is to remove bottlenecks in private-sector investment and mobilise finance for energy sector development in Africa.

Climate finance refers to local, national or transnational financing—drawn from public, private and alternative sources of financing—that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change.

The Founder, Mrs Monica Madueke, at the webinar reiterated the need for enhanced climate finance investment to remain relevant in the global climate change conversations.

“So, there is a lot to discuss about climate finance and climate change, and how Nigeria can really start benefiting from the whole global discussions on climate finance.

“We promoted climate change topics during the COP conference last year and had the launch of the White Paper, which was done with three ministries in Nigeria, i.e. the Ministry of Power, Ministry of the Environment, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

“There is the whole conversation that well developed countries can provide some funding to support developing countries in climate change transition, and this is where PUTTRU comes in.

“Our concern is facilitating funds for Africa, and Nigeria, specifically. We need funds in the climate change conversation, the government owned fund is not enough to do everything,” the PUTTRU boss said.

Madueke also restated the need for Nigeria to position itself as a beneficiary of climate finance alongside other African countries.

She noted that Nigeria must put in more efforts to garner pledges for climate finance.

“In a study we did last year on the White Paper, we saw that government fund is growing very minimal compared to the population growth.

“So, the question now is, how can Nigeria position herself to receive the most of climate finance that is available?

“We have a number of countries such as Kenya, South Africa and Egypt competing for the same funds.

“Not many is going to our own region in Africa, talk more of Nigeria. So, the question is, what can we do for Nigeria and that is why we are having this conversation.

“Africa and Nigeria specifically needs huge amounts of investment in climate finance.

“Hence, there’s the need to really step up the conversation and see that the funds are unlocked,” Madueke said.

She added that Nigeria under the dynamics of climate finance must sought after increased private sector equity capital.

“There are always new pledges, new support of climate finance for developing countries but these does not translate into real transformational projects.

“The new quantitative collective goal for climate finance is $100 billion per annum, this is climate finance target that was made at the Paris Agreement.

“We need to understand that kind of dynamics playing for climate finance for Nigeria.

“We want Nigeria and other developing countries to meet the climate goal in a sustainable way, in a way that is also just, in terms of the climate conversations.

“And we are putting forward that Nigeria and developing countries need to pursue equity capital.

So, Nigeria needs to attract the private sector investment in climate finance.

“Nigeria needs to be at the forefront of those that are getting this new climate finance framework, and new support from the framework,” she added. (NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Abigael Joshua.

Dr Rufus Ebegba the former Director-General  of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has called on politicians to serve the country responsibly with fear of God in mind.

Ebegba spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) during a thanksgiving programme of meritorious service to the country and the celebration of his wife’s elevation to the position of Director in the Federal Civil Service.

“We must wake up to our responsibilities, the politicians will understand that Nigerians put them in the office and they are dispensing responsibilities on behalf of God and God will ask them if Nigerians are suffering,” he said.

Ebegba urged all Nigerians to always put in their best wherever they were called to serve so that the country could move to greater heights of pride.

He said that he served in NBMA for eight years in a political appointment and assured that he is ready to offer further services for the development of the country.

“Today I am highly excited and happy that I am able to contribute my quota to the development of our country even as a civil servant transcending to a political appointee at NBMA as a DG.

“NBMA is a pride to Africa not only to Nigeria as a whole and I’m proud to have offered my best as the DG within the eight years in office.

“It is a special privilege to have served in that capacity so I thank Nigeria for the opportunity given to me to serve at that level,” Ebegba said.

He expressed joy over the wife’s promotion to the level of a director after three attempts.

Ebegba expressed optimism that Mrs Ebegba would bring great reform to the federal civil service and thanked God for the opportunity given to both of them to serve Nigeria with their wealth of experience and knowledge. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Razak Owolabi

The British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation has distributed 6,000 Noiler birds to 300 women farmers to enhance livelihood and encourage poultry production in Bauchi State.

Oludare Odusanya, the General Manager of the foundation, said this at the inauguration of the distribution exercise on Tuesday in Bauchi.

Represented by Mr Sadiq Maina-Waziri, the manager said that each of the beneficiaries would receive 20 birds, a 25 kilogramme bag of feed and 100 gramme of multivitamins to enable them to engage in poultry production.

The gesture, he said, would foster independence, resilience and economic empowerment in the society.

“Poultry farming has proven to be a transformative venture, offering not only a sustainable source of income but also promoting food security and fostering a sense of social cohesion.

“By providing these resources, we aim to uplift the women of Bauchi State, providing them with tools and knowledge to build thriving businesses that will contribute to the overall prosperity of our community,” he said.

Odusanya  said the foundation had expended over N1.2 billion in agricultural interventions and supported 1.3 million beneficiaries since inception in 2002 across the 36 states and the FCT Abuja.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Simon Yalams, commended the gesture, adding it was in line with the state government’s agriculture revitalisation programme.

Yalams assured continued government support to the Foundation, saying that the state would work with partners to transform agriculture, enhance wealth creation as well as youth and women empowerment.

He said the state government in collaboration with development partners had trained 1,000 youths on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and distributed fertilisers, seeds and inputs to 3,000 farmers for rain fed and dry season activities.

The commissioner urged the beneficiaries to ensure effective utilisation of the birds and engage in productive activities.

Earlier, Dr Umar Maina, ECO-lead Imperial Engineering & Global Resource Limited, the project implementing partners, sensitised the beneficiaries on poultry best practices.

Maina enjoined the beneficiaries to ensure good hygiene, sanitation and proper feeding of the birds to enable it to grow to maturity.

One of the beneficiaries,  Rufkatu Musa, commended the gesture, adding that it would go a long way to improve their social and economic wellbeing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabe Bashir Mani

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President Kashim Shettima has identified agricultural revolution as a panacea to insecurity and poverty in the country.

Shettima stated this while delivering the 13th convocation lecture of the Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Kwara.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the title of the lecture was: “Addressing Nigeria’s Food Security Challenge Through Hi-Tech Approach: The Role of Nigerian Universities”.

He said that a revolution could be achieved through the deployment of technology to actualise food security for the country’s growing population.

Shettima underscored the role of education and training of the country’s population to take full advantage of the growing influence of technology in all aspects of human existence.

“It is only when Nigeria begins to think boldly about revolutionising production, processing and guaranteeing sustained food security, that it can identify sectors of the nation’s agricultural assets that are most likely to benefit from the application of technology.

“Nigeria’s future can be secured by agricultural revolution through imaginative and bold leadership, a secure and peaceful environment, and a sound education system that does not reduce the limit of the citizens to only the sky.

“The final issue involves the choices Nigerians have to make regarding our future. We can overcome insecurity if we can grow our economy to radically reduce our poverty levels. Only an agricultural revolution can guarantee this.”

He said Nigeria could reduce its dependence on the rest of the world when the country can employ all who seek employment.

“We can improve our levels of political cohesion when we reduce stresses around diminishing resources and rely more on what we all have in abundance.

“I have a very healthy vision of our future as a nation, even when I am advised that we have huge challenges.

“I see a country that can survive its current limitations. History is replete with countries that almost gave up, but are among the strongest today.

“I believe our future lies in an imaginative and bold leadership, a secure and peaceful environment, and an education system that teaches us that only the sky is not our limit.”

The vice president noted that Nigeria has no justification not to be among the 10 richest countries in the world.

Shettima emphasised the value of realistic stocktaking of the nation’s assets and liabilities.

“Going by the amount of arable land, water resources and size of our humanity, Nigeria has no reason not to be among the 10 richest countries today.

“That we are near the bottom is precisely why we sought to offer our services to do justice to all that God has bestowed us with.

“Nigeria today reminds us that it is not enough to have potential. Indeed, the potential to grow and the failure to utilize that potential is a virtual death sentence for any living thing.

“For nations, it breeds frustration and decay. For countries such as ours, it breeds unacceptable levels of poverty and avoidable conflicts as we see today.”

“The call to transform potential into assets is the motivation for President Bola Tinubu. That is what he wants to offer to the nation in this most trying moment.

“And, I can testify to his faith, that this is a task that can be accomplished.”

He maintained that Nigeria had enough of everything needed to feed its huge population, grow a vibrant agricultural industry and supply huge markets with agricultural produce from which technology would have extracted the greatest value.

“In 25 years, we will have a population of about 450 million people. Only about 100 million of that population will be actively involved in economic activities because the rest are either too old or too young.

“This 100 million will have to be prepared to be optimally productive, and only a visionary and sustained marriage between technology and raw assets can ensure that. We believe this can and must be done.”

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Noah Yusuf, noted that food insecurity had become a big problem in Nigeria.

According to him, most citizens are struggling with how to find food for their daily living.

He thanked the Kwara State Government for constructing the road leading to the university and granting the permission to name the road after the university.

In attendance were Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, his deputy, Kayode Alabi, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters (Office of the Vice President), Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.

Others are the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Al-Hikmah University, Sekinat Yusuf, the Founder of the University, AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, Senators representing Kwara at the National Assembly, among others. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

By Felicia Imohimi

In commemoration of World Soil Day on December 5, the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS) has called on both federal and state governments to prioritise soil and water preservation in their developmental policies.

Professor Victor Chude, the Registrar of NISS, emphasised the profound relationship between soil and water, highlighting them as the foundation of agrifood systems and essential for our environment and existence.

Chude expressed concern over soil degradation, attributing it to human activities and climate change, putting pressure on water resources.

He stressed the significance of sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, and cover cropping, as effective measures to improve soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance water infiltration and storage.

He quoted QU Dongyu, Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), stating that soils are a virtual Sustainable Development Goal.

While acknowledging the discussions within the academia about the interconnectedness of soil and water management globally, Chude highlighted existing knowledge gaps.

He urged intensified public awareness to address challenges posed by daily activities detrimental to healthy soil and water resources.

In celebration of World Soil Day, NISS plans a series of events, including a talk show on mass media, school projects, road walks, and guest lectures, aiming to engage citizens in improving soil health and advocating for sustainable soil management. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo