By Angela Atabo

The Centre for Gender Economics in Africa (CGE Africa) has strengthened the academic research and publication skills of female postgraduate students in fisheries and aquaculture.

Regina Solomon, Programme Manager of CGE Africa, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday after a two-day training in Ibadan.

Solomon said the training was conducted under CGE Africa’s Future Women Leaders in Fisheries Fellowship (FUWOLIFF) initiative, aimed at promoting gender-responsive research in Nigeria’s blue economy.

She explained that FUWOLIFF is a flagship programme of CGE Africa, funded by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP).

It is designed to mentor and equip female students in fisheries and aquaculture with leadership, innovation, and advocacy skills.

“The two-day training in Ibadan brought together fellows from partner universities across Southwest Nigeria.

“It focused on building their capacity to design impactful research, write for academic publications, and contribute to knowledge generation in the fisheries sector,” she said.

According to Solomon, the training aligns with CGE Africa’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of female leaders in research and policy.

“We want our fellows not only to master academic writing but also to produce research that informs inclusive and sustainable policies in the fisheries sector,” she said.

She added that the workshop featured hands-on sessions, including developing research abstracts and titles, managing references using Zotero and Mendeley, and responding to reviewer comments in peer-reviewed journals.

Participants were also taught ethical research practices, data visualisation, and publication strategies for early-career researchers.

Other areas covered during the training included research design, literature review, citation tools, methodology writing, data presentation, and navigating the peer-review process. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

By Felicia Imohimi

Coalition of Farmers Network (COFAN) has tasked Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman, All Progressives Party (APC), to champion farmer-friendly policies that would improve productivity of women and youth in agriculture.

The organisation also charged Yilwatda to put in place mechanisms that would bring about improvement, adding that this would ensure value addition and access to markets.

The National President of COFAN, Dr Abubakar Musa, said that the agricultural sector remained the backbone of the Nigerian economy.

He added that COFAN was optimistic that policies and programmes that directly impact rural communities, smallholder farmers and agribusinesses would be prioritised under the visionary leadership of the new APC chairman.

He applauded the ruling party for making a bold and strategic choice in Yilwatda.

“We issue a strong vote of confidence in the newly appointed national chairman of the APC Yilwatda.

“At this critical time when Nigeria is consolidating efforts to diversify the economy and ensure food security, the emergence of a leader with proven competence, grassroots connection, and deep national insight is timely and commendable.

“We believe he will bring not only stability to the party but also renewed hope to critical sectors like agriculture.

“COFAN reiterates its support to APC under the leadership of Yilwatda, and we stand ready to partner with the party in advancing the cause of sustainable agricultural development across the country,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that COFAN is a foremost umbrella body representing millions of smallholder farmers, agripreneurs, cooperative groups, and commodity associations across Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Deborah Coker

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government says it is building a solid base for a tech-enabled, youth-led agribusiness transformation to modernise agriculture and enhance Nigeria’s food security.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said this at a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Youth and Women in Agribusiness on Monday in Abuja.

Kyari said that the government was not only prioritising innovation in the agricultural sector but also ensuring that young people and women were at the centre of that transformation.

“To further institutionalise this shift, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is presenting the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy.

“It provides a strategic policy backbone for transforming agriculture into a tech-enabled, youth-driven sector.

“It promotes mechanisation, digital agriculture, research commercialisation, linkages and improved access to modern imports.

“All aims at making agriculture more attractive, rewarding, competitive and some say savvy, especially for young Nigerians,” he said.

Kyari said the vision of the administration was to ensure smarter, younger and more inclusive agriculture in the nation.

According to him, the future of agriculture lies in precision technologies, climate-resilient farming systems, and inclusive financing models.

“We are deliberately opening up the agricultural space for new voices, young people who code, design apps, deploy drones, and run climate-smart farms,” he said.

He said that the government had inaugurated the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) to serve as a framework for a new wave of mechanisation, value chain development, and digital access.

The minister also announced the activation of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), aimed at attracting long-term financing into the sector.

“Additionally, President Bola Tinubu has approved the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to the tune of N1.5 trillion, with special consideration for youth and women-led enterprises.”

Kyari said the government would soon roll out five core policy interventions under the National Agribusiness Policy Mechanism (NAPM), including access to affordable credit, business incubation, digital platforms, shared infrastructure, and data tracking systems.

He described the move as a shift from rhetoric to delivery, urging banks, investors, and development partners to align with the government’s vision.

Quoting Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Kyari said, “Africa’s next generation of millionaires will emerge from agriculture not oil or minerals, but from agribusiness powered by technology.”

Kyari assured stakeholders that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration would not leave smallholders farmers behind, adding that a thriving agribusiness ecosystem must reflect the aspirations of women and youth.

“The era of hoe and cutlass is giving way to smart tractors, mobile apps, and digital marketplaces and it is Nigeria’s young people who are leading the charge,” he said.

Mr Abdul Kamara, the Director-General, Nigeria Country Department of AfDB, reiterated the bank’s commitment to empower Nigeria’s youth and women through targeted investments in innovation, digital technology, entrepreneurship, and access to finance.

“Nigeria’s youth and women are among the most enterprising on the continent. However, access to finance remains the most critical constraint for the development of youth and women owned enterprises in Nigeria.

“Multiple conditions for access to credit can hardly be met, or almost impossible to meet, by youth and women.

“This is clearly shown by the evidence that only about 11.4 per cent of enterprises have bank loans or lines of credit, and 88.8per cent of loans required collateral which they cannot provide,” he said.

According to him, a major skills gap also persists in the labour market, with many job seekers lacking the competencies required by employers.

To address these challenges, Kamara outlined several flagship initiatives the bank was implementing in collaboration with the Federal Government to stimulate youth-led innovation and enterprise development.

He reiterated the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme (iDICE), a 618-million-dollar initiative supported by AfDB, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Agence Française de Développement (AfD).

“This 618-million-dollar programme seeks to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in digital technology and creative industries.

“It will create innovation centres in over 50 universities and polytechnics, focusing on technologies and innovation, notably those of the creative industry, entertainment industry and other productive sectors.

“More than 175,000 youths will be equipped with skills in digital technology and creative industries to foster innovation and support the emergence of more entrepreneurs.

“Also, the iDICE Programme will establish three types of Funds: that is Innovation Funds to support innovation and creative enterprises; Technology Fund to support enterprises in the digital technology sector, and a Fund of Funds to finance the first two funds,” he said.

Kamara also spoke on the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank Fund (YEIB-Fund), a 100-million-dollar initiative aimed at providing financial and non-financial support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) owned by youth and women.

“The YEIB initiative will foster a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem by supporting youth and women-led MSMEs as job creators, while promoting their economic empowerment,” he said.

Kamara mentioned the Ekiti Knowledge Zone Project, a 94.8-million-dollar programme designed to position Nigeria as a knowledge economy hub through tech innovation and entrepreneurship.

He further referenced the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme, a 618-million-dollars intervention to develop agro-industrial value chains and create jobs, especially in rural communities.

“These investments will drastically change Nigeria’s agro-industrial landscape and unlock thousands of opportunities for youth and women,” Kamara said.

He called for coordinated efforts to integrate young people and women into agribusiness, especially through reforms in fiscal and monetary frameworks to improve financing.

He emphasised the need for Africa to transform into a hub of productivity powered by a skilled and empowered youth population.

“The future of Africa’s youth must lie in a prosperous Africa, not in risking their lives crossing the Mediterranean,” he said.

Kamara said the Bank’s Jobs for Youth in Africa initiative aimed at creating 25 million jobs across the continent and deepen youth access to finance through innovative financing models such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event’s theme is “Bridging the Gap – Access to Finance & Empowering Youth and Women for Agribusiness Success”.

The event was attended by government officials, stakeholders, youth and women in business and partners, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Ekama-Williams

By Felicia Imohimi

The Leonard and Nkiruka Okonkwo Foundation (LANOF), in collaboration with the Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF), has validated the revised National Youth Manifesto in Agriculture for the period 2025–2030.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security also partnered in developing the manifesto, which serves as both an advocacy tool and an investment roadmap.

It aims to strengthen institutional collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector, and youth networks across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Speaking at the consultative forum on agroecological practices and the validation of the manifesto, Mrs Nkiruka Okonkwo, Co-Founder of LANOF, stated that the document reflects the real experiences, priorities, and aspirations of young people engaged in agriculture.

She explained that the manifesto seeks to influence national policy by advocating improved access to land, finance, knowledge, markets, and climate-resilient technologies, while also amplifying youth leadership in transforming Nigeria’s food systems.

According to her, reviewing the 2017 version of the manifesto was necessary to align it with current realities and the evolving needs of young people in the agricultural sector.

“The validation is intended to incentivise the sector and enhance youth participation.

“The revised manifesto was reviewed by LANOF, with support from HBF and endorsement from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

“We are here to validate the National Youth Manifesto in Agriculture and the Nigerian Youth in Agribusiness Call to Action, which is modelled after the African Union Youth Agribusiness Call to Action,” she added.

Okonkwo outlined the manifesto’s objectives as providing a practical and comprehensive framework to guide youth participation across agricultural value chains.

She further noted that it advocates the integration of youth priorities into agricultural policies, and aims to expand access to youth-responsive financing mechanisms, including grants, loans, and impact investments.

Dr Saudatu Zahradeen, Gender, Youth and Nutrition Adviser with the Country Programme Advisory Team (CPAT) of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), said the forum was a step towards empowering youth as transformative agents in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

She commended the commitment of young agripreneurs, practitioners, policymakers, and development partners to co-create a future grounded in sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.

“The Nigerian Youth in Agribusiness Call to Action and the revised manifesto are timely and visionary instruments that provide a roadmap for influencing policy, reforming institutions, and guiding programme implementation,” she said.

“Through IFAD’s country programmes such as the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), we remain committed to creating enabling environments where young people can thrive as entrepreneurs, leaders, and stewards of Nigeria’s agricultural future”.

Mr Donald Ofoegbu, Programme Manager at HBF, said the next phase would involve finalising the document and presenting it to the Ministers of Agriculture, Youth and Sports, and Women Affairs.

He added that it would also be submitted to relevant National Assembly Committees, including those on Agricultural Production and Services.

“We want young people to take ownership of this advocacy and use it to engage with their state and local governments.

“Beyond validation, we will be training young farmers in organic agriculture and agroecology, and enhancing agribusiness value chains to drive job creation.

“Partnership is essential to scaling youth participation in agribusiness, which in turn can significantly reduce unemployment and crime,” Ofoegbu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

By Hamza Suleiman

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has launched the sale of fertiliser and free distribution of farm inputs to vulnerable farmers across the state.

The exercise took place on Saturday at the Fertiliser Blending Company, Farm Centre, Maiduguri.

Zulum said 75 trucks of fertiliser would be sold at a 50 per cent subsidy for the 2025 wet farming season and Firgi cultivation.

He stated that the subsidised fertilisers would benefit smallholder farmers, returnees, youths, women, and vulnerable groups in the state’s 27 local government areas.

“I have approved the sale of fertilisers at half the price to ensure they are affordable, accessible and have meaningful impact,” Zulum said.

He said the initiative supports Pillar Two of Borno’s 25-Year Development Plan and 10-Year Strategic Transformation Framework.

Zulum said the fertiliser distribution has two types – Wet Blend and Dry Blend.

“The Wet Blend, being liquid-based, will go to areas with high security risks to prevent misuse,” he explained.

He added that “Dry Blend”, a granular type, would be supplied to areas considered more secure and stable.

Zulum said the distribution strategy also serves as a security measure against diversion for unauthorised purposes.

He stressed that agriculture is vital to livelihoods, food production, and reducing the state’s reliance on food imports.

“Agriculture is key to peace and progress. Food security is national security,” he added.

He restated the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and rebuilding the economy through agriculture.

Zulum warned strongly against the diversion or illegal sale of subsidised fertilisers.

He said, “Some fertiliser elements can be misused for criminal purposes. Hence, all supplies will be tracked by batch, source and destination.

“Proxy purchases are banned. Every recipient must be verified. Local leaders must ensure transparency in their communities.

“Only Wet Blend will go to sensitive areas. Fertiliser movement must be cleared officially. Agro-dealers must be registered and monitored,” he said.

He said those caught diverting, hoarding, or reselling fertiliser illegally would face strict legal consequences.

Zulum thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Agriculture Ministry and development partners for supporting agricultural recovery in Borno.

Earlier, Agriculture Commissioner, Mr Bawu Musami, reaffirmed the state’s resolve to grow its own food and empower citizens through agriculture.

Musami said over 12,000 farmers in Baga and Monguno, supported with cowpea seeds and inputs, produced crops worth over ₦3.1 billion.

He called for reactivation of the Fertiliser Plant and creation of an Agricultural Development Trust Fund to sustain sectoral progress. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

By Christian Njoku

The Cross River State Government has commenced the distribution of subsidised Arabica and Robusta coffee seedlings to farmers across the state.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Johnson Ebokpo, said the initiative aimed to boost coffee production and improve livelihoods in rural communities.

Ebokpo directed farmers who had been profiled and made payments to visit their respective local government council offices with proof of payment to collect their seedlings.

According to him, Arabica seedlings for farmers in Eastern Boki are available at Okwabang Village through designated agricultural officers, while those in Obudu should collect theirs at the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) office.

“To ensure proper planting and increased productivity, trained extension officers at local government agriculture departments and ADP offices are available to guide farmers on planting and maintenance,” he stated.

Ebokpo advised farmers to transplant the seedlings immediately after collection for best results.

He also urged interested farmers who had not yet been profiled to visit the ministry’s headquarters in Calabar or their local agric offices for documentation and inclusion in the programme. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ehigimetor Igbaugba/Abiemwense Moru