News Agency of Nigeria
SDG 2: Revisit economic reforms, Pharmacist urges FG
Food Security , Health

SDG 2: Revisit economic reforms, Pharmacist urges FG

 

By Adeyemi Adeleye

Mr  Akinjide Adeosun, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ST.RACHEAL’S™ Pharmaceutical Nigeria Ltd., has urged the Federal Government to review reforms to tackle hunger, high transport fares and rents.

Adeosun, a licensed Pharmacist and Founder of the Akinjide Adeosun Foundation (AAF), made the appeal on Sunday at the grand finale of events earmarked to celebrate his 57th birthday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the birthday, celebrated on Aug. 4, witnessed a Thanksgiving Service at the All Souls’ Church, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, with philanthropic gestures including the unveiling of food bank among others.

Adeosun, who tagged the celebration as “Thanksgiving in Freedom” said that true leadership must focus on providing freedom for people in terms of ending hardship, hunger and insecurity.

According to him, the 57 birthday is the most fulfilling because of the privilege to distribute food to some vulnerable people in the society including cleaners, security personnel earning peanuts among others.

The pharmacist, who provided detailed insight into the link between food and health of the people, said every society must prioritise feeding, transport and rents (shelter).

Adeosun said: “Let us look at our reforms again and review where necessary. There is no where in the world where there is no subsidy one way or the other.

“There is a huge link between food and the health condition of the people. We just need to do something about food, transport and rents.

“These are the three anguish facing the people that I found out after special interviews with cleaners, security men and other vulnerable people in Lekki Phase I, Ikoyi and Victoria Island.”

He said that government needs to partner with well-meaning individual and corporate organisations to achieve the SDG’s Goal 2 “Zero Hunger” to improve life expectancy in the country.

Commending President Bola Tinubu’s removal of subsidy on fuel, the medical expert said that the government should have planned well to tackle the expected consequences including hunger, poverty and anger.

According to him, the government must increase capacity of manufacturing companies including indigenous pharmaceutical films to crash the inflation of products.

“We cannot use palliatives to solve this. They can only be solved through macroeconomics. Our reforms cannot be cast on stone, we have to review them.

“There is an urgent need for investment in manufacturing and production industry.

“We must move Nigeria from consumption to production nation such that we produce even more than what we need as a people.

“Prices will come down automatically and thirst for foreign products will no longer be there,” he said.

The philanthropist said: “We must ban importation of petrol. We must ensure crude oil naira discount for local refining firms like Dangote. We must ensure exchange rate rebasing also.

“The President has to do something about petrol price because it is what is driving inflation.

“We must tinker with the crude oil price to Dangote and price will come down,” he said.

He advocated 20 per cent crude oil discount to Dangote Refinery and other local refinery or buying of five barrel and getting one free or even 20 per cent naira price discount.

According to him, the same can be extended to local flour, cement and basic commodity producers including farmers to bring down prices and rents.

On saboteurs, the philanthropist advocated death penalties for all economic saboteurs just like the situation in Singapore and China.

He urged the government to make life easy for people at the grassroots by building infrastructure like schools, hospitals and equipping them. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

AU, Nigeria partner to revitalise agriculture, boost food production
Agriculture

AU, Nigeria partner to revitalise agriculture, boost food production

Partnership

By Doris Esa

The African Union (AU) and Nigeria are collaborating to transform, revitalise agriculture and boost food production across the continent through the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) initiative.

CAADP,  a road-map for the continent’s agricultural sector, was adopted by the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government in 2003 as a continental framework to stimulate accelerated growth and transformation in Africa’s agricultural sector.

Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, stated this on Monday at the validation workshop of the 2022 – 2024 Agricultural Joint Sector Review Report and the 3rd National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan 2025 – 2027 in Abuja.

He said that the major focus of the validation was to evaluate the performance of Nigeria in achieving the parameters of the African Union.

Ogunbiyi said that CAADP is a transformative initiative aimed at revitalising agriculture across the African continent.

He said that the African Union Commission (AUC) had established a standard process to periodically review CAADP.

” The primary focus of the CAADP is to transform African agriculture to achieve food security, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth with a commitment of six per cent growth rate and 10 per cent budget allocation to agriculture from the national budget.

“The essence is to boost agricultural productivity, increase public investment in agriculture, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the sector,” he said.

Ogunbiyi urged stakeholders to embrace CAADP as a blueprint for action and one that empowers farmers, enhances food security, and drives economic growth.

” Together, we can transform agriculture in Africa, making it a pillar of resilience and prosperity,” he said.

Ogunbiyi said that Nigeria had committed substantial investments in the agricultural sector through various initiatives.

”  This is ranging from the launch of the Special Agro-Processing Zones in some states of the federation, namely Kaduna, Cross Rivers and Oyo State.

” These initiatives were designed to increase production and productivity, enhance the commodity value chain,  create jobs, improve livelihood, and reduce post-harvest losses.

” The initiatives also aimed to promote inclusivity and resilient agriculture to foster economic growth and food security in the country,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Ibrahim Tanimu, Director, Planning and Policy Coordination, said the workshop aimed to chart a path forward for Nigeria’s Agri-Food System

” As you are aware, agriculture is the backbone of our economy and a critical element in achieving food security, enhancing livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development.

 ”Together, we can identify actionable solutions that will strengthen our agricultural frameworks and improve the livelihood of farmers and communities across the African continent,” Tanimu said.

In a Goodwill message, Blessing Akhile, Food and Agriculture Programme Advisor, ActionAid Nigeria, states that the validation workshop is a critical step in strengthening ownership, accountability, and joint action.

She reaffirms ActionAid’s commitment to supporting inclusive agricultural development and ensuring that policies and investment frameworks truly respond to the needs of smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth.

Akhile said the National Agrifood Systems Investment Plan is a tool for transforming Nigeria’s agrifood system, in line with the AU Malabo commitments ending in 2025 and the Kampala declaration that would commence in 2026.

“The joint sector review report is key in assessing our progress and to inform future interventions in achieving inclusive food systems transformation in Nigeria.

“We commend the Ministry and partners for driving this process and assure you of our continued collaboration towards building a resilient and sustainable food system for Nigeria,” she said. (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Nwoko seeks ranching law to boost food security
Agriculture

Nwoko seeks ranching law to boost food security

By Deborah Coker

Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) has called for the establishment, development, and management of ranches across the 774 local government areas and the FCT to enhance food security.

Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday that his proposal is contained in a bill currently before the Senate.

The bill is titled: “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment, Development, and Management of Ranches in the 774 Local Government Areas and the Federal Capital Territory, to Promote Modern Livestock Farming, Curb Open Grazing, Enhance Food Security, and for Related Matters”.

He explained that the legislation seeks to establish a robust legal framework for ranch development and management nationwide.

The lawmaker, who is Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, said the bill also aims to promote modern livestock farming, curb open grazing, and strengthen food security.

According to him, it makes provisions for state-level approvals for land allocation, environmental sustainability in ranch projects, and transparent funding through public-private partnerships.

“It also outlines the establishment of a Ranch Management and Development Agency to provide regulatory oversight, enforce compliance, and implement sustainable ranching practices.

“It will address conflict resolution mechanisms to mediate disputes among stakeholders while ensuring compliance with strict environmental and socio-economic guidelines,” he said.

Nwoko, who is also Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, said the bill would regulate ranching operations and related activities to prevent and resolve conflicts, especially between farmers and herders.

He added that it would promote the modernisation of livestock farming practices, ensure federal, state, and local government collaboration, and uphold constitutional provisions and land tenure laws.

“It will protect the rights of individuals, communities, and other stakeholders in the allocation and use of land for ranching, in line with the Land Use Act and other legislation.

“It will also advance environmental sustainability by ensuring compliance with prescribed standards for establishing and operating ranches,” he said.

Nwoko said the legislation further provides for the welfare, health, and disease control of livestock, the resolution of disputes through statutory mechanisms, and recognition of ranching standards under the law.

He noted that the bill would also create an enabling environment for private sector participation in ranch development, including incentives and partnerships, while enhancing national food security through sustainable livestock production.

According to him, it will ensure fair compensation and resettlement of individuals and communities whose lands are acquired for ranching projects.

It will also promote economic development and job creation by integrating ranching into local economies.

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

 

Agric: Nwifuru tasks FG on youth engagement
Agriculture

Agric: Nwifuru tasks FG on youth engagement

By Douglas Okoro

Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to engage youths in practical agriculture, noting that hunger and idleness fuel online anger and misinformation.

 

Nwifuru made the call on Friday in Abakaliki when the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, paid him a courtesy visit during the minister’s tour of federal projects in the state.

 

He said that engagement of youths in practical agriculture would properly channel their energy and potential in meaningful ventures and deter them from engaging in destructive social media activities.

 

He called for the imposition of restrictions on social media usage to curb the spread of unfounded information about national development.

 

The governor said that while government was not out to control the youths, it had a responsibility to protect them from misinformation and the negative impact of false social media reports.

 

“While growing up as a young man, it was always a thing of joy to own a farm but these days, youths hardly engage in agricultural activities.

 

“It is high time we put serious restrictions especially on unfounded stories.

 

“You go to social media and see posts declaring someone dead while the person is hale and hearty, yet the writer faces no sanction. This is not how a country should operate,” Nwifuru said.

 

On the performance of the President Bola Tinubu administration, Nwifuru said activities of several ministries were under-reported, giving the impression that only the Ministries of Works and the Federal Capital Territory were active.

 

According to him, this is the first time since Nigeria’s independence in 1960 that an Igbo man has been appointed Minister of Works, describing the current minister, Chief David Umahi as vibrant and committed.

 

“He left his signature in Ebonyi which will be very hard for anybody to erase and we are proud and confident that he will leave same signature in the Federal Ministry of Works,” the governor said.

 

He expressed confidence that with Tinubu’s achievements in physical infrastructure and human capital development cutting across the length and breadth of the country, his re-election in 2027 was guaranteed.

 

The governor pledged the full support of Ebonyi people in achieving the goal.

 

He lauded the president for establishing the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said, had attracted over 400,000 student beneficiaries.

 

The governor also commended the Ebonyi postgraduate scholarship scheme aimed at training indigenes at Masters and Doctorate levels in local and foreign universities.

 

Nwifuru added that the state had improved infrastructure and staffing in secondary schools to raise the quality of education.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Empowerment: Yobe Government gifts AFAN, others 40 tractors
Agriculture

Empowerment: Yobe Government gifts AFAN, others 40 tractors

By Nabilu Balarabe

Yobe Government has distributed tractors for free to some farmers and farmers associations under its Agriculture Empowerment Programme.

Hajiya Aishatu Tijjani, Spokesperson, Yobe State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, made this known in Damaturu.

According to her, the beneficiaries of the Massey Ferguson 375 tractors include the state’s chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), AMFAZAT Farms, FA’IZA Farms and RAISA Farms.

She said the ministry would also distribute bags of NPK fertiliser to farmers at 50 per cent discount as approved by Gov. Mai Mala Buni of the state.

Tijjani said allocation letters for the fertiliser were handed over to the beneficiaries, including some farmers under the aegis of Retired Permanent Secretaries Forum, which would receive 600 bags.

The spokesperson urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the farm inputs to increase their yields and earn a living.

In reaction, Alhaji Usman Ngari, Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Yobe Chapter, confirmed receipt of one tractor by the association from the ministry.

He said that deliberations on how best to put the tractor to use by the association would be concluded before the next cropping season.

Ngari also confirmed that many farmers across the state received free hand machinery including ploughs, tillers, threshers, sprayers, planters and irrigation pumps under the programme.

“I can confirm to you that the beneficiaries are known farmers in Yobe, who were selected by a committee earlier constituted across 17 local government areas.

“Each committee had an AFAN representative in the selection process. So non-farmers couldn’t have been selected,” the chairman said.

Ngari also said the ministry had sold NPK fertiliser to the farmers at a discounted rate of N25,000 per bag.

On drop in prices of grains in the state, he described the situation as a welcome development.

“By this time last year, a bag of sorghum was sold at N100,000. It is now going for about N26,000 in the market.

“However, there is a need for government at all levels to ensure that prices of other food items also drop otherwise the prices of grains may soar again,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

A’Ibom: NEPC partners lawmaker, empowers 50 farmers in Etinan
Agriculture

A’Ibom: NEPC partners lawmaker, empowers 50 farmers in Etinan

By Isaiah Eka
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in collaboration with Mr Paul Ekpo, the member representing Etinan Federal Constituency, has distributed oil palm seedlings and money to 50 farmers in the area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Etinan Federal Constituency is made of Etinan, Nsit Ibom and Nsit Ubium Local Government Areas.
NAN further reports that each of the 50 farmers received 100 stands of oil palm seedlings and N100,000 to enhance palm oil production.
In her address, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, NEPC’s Executive Director, said that the Federal Government was committed to empowering citizens in oil palm production business.
Represented by Mr Ben Etegbe, the South-South Regional Coordinator, Ayeni said that the empowerment was a deliberate move to position the country as a leading producer of palm oil.
She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of emerging opportunities in oil palm production and described it as a lifetime investment.
The executive director further said that palm oil and its derivatives remained a huge investment opportunity, especially when processed for export.
“It is estimated that as the population of people and industries that use palm oil and its derivatives increase, the demand for palm oil will also increase.
“In Nigeria, palm oil production is an age-long occupation, particularly for the people of South-South and South-East regions. The business is sometimes passed on from one generation to another,” he said.
Ayeni said that Nigeria currently produced about 1.2 metric tons, which he said was grossly inadequate to satisfy the domestic annual consumption of over 2.5 metric tons.
“Although Nigeria has huge potentials in palm oil to reclaim the leading position in terms of production and export, the potentials are not being harnessed effectively,” she said.
She said that the council would continue to work with critical stakeholders to reposition the industry, and to return Nigeria to being a net exporter of palm oil.
In his remarks, Ekpo thanked NEPC for its commitment to ensuring the success of the empowerment programme for members of his constituency.
Ekpo said that the empowerment programme aimed to step up the palm oil business from local to international market.
“Palm oil production is the mainstay in agriculture, and you have a choice whether to produce and earn in naira or in foreign currency.
“There is something in oil palm that most people do not realise, no part of oil palm is a waste. The oil palm you are seeing today will bring millionaires from among you tomorrow,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries not to sell the oil palm seedlings, but to plant them and believe strongly that they would multiply in several folds.
Earlier, Mr Toju Mac-Jaja, the Principal Trade Promotion Officer, took the beneficiaries through different species of oil palm, its derivatives, planting methods, and business management techniques.
Speaking with NAN, one of the beneficiaries, Mr Emem Jimmy, thanked NEPC and the lawmaker for the empowerment programme.
He said that the move would make many to become self-reliant and urged the state government and well-meaning indigenes to establish a standard oil processing mill in the area. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Azubuike Okeh
Why We Involve EFCC, Others in Recovering Anchor Borrowers Loans – MAAN
Agriculture

Why We Involve EFCC, Others in Recovering Anchor Borrowers Loans – MAAN

Loans
By Priscilla Osaje

The Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN) says it is working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police to recover Anchor Borrowers Programme loans from its members.

Its National President, Mr Bello Abubakar, said this at a news conference after a three-day meeting organised by the association in Abuja on Thursday.

The meeting included the association’s state chairmen, zonal coordinators, national officers, and other stakeholders in the maize value chain, such as researchers, input suppliers, farmers, and end users.

The MAAN boss said the purpose of the press briefing was to inform the general public about the efforts being made to recover the Anchor Borrowers Programme loans given to the association from 2018 to 2021 for maize production.

“MAAN understands that the ABP/CBN programme is a revolving loan due for full recovery, depending on the participants (farmers) for compliance.

“Unfortunately, there was a monumental disappointment, as most of the participants/farmers thought that the loan was a national cake,” Abubakar said.

He added that due to the recalcitrant attitude of the participants/farmers towards repayment of the loan, MAAN was constrained to write several demand letters to the defaulters, as well as to seek synergy with law enforcement and anti-graft agencies like the EFCC, DSS, and the Nigeria Police for assistance, in line with Federal Government policies on loan recovery.

“It is most unfortunate that some of the participants/defaulters, who tried to evade responsibility to both MAAN and the agencies supporting our loan recovery, took us to various courts for enforcement of their purported human rights, which they claimed were violated.”

The MAAN president said the association took some of the defaulters to court for loan recovery, and most of those cases are still pending in the courts.

He noted that insecurity is grossly affecting association members, saying, “Some of our farms and farmers were burnt, kidnapped, and killed by bandits on farms in Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Ondo, and Ekiti states.”

According to him, flooding has also affected farmers in Kogi, Benue, Cross River, Jigawa, Katsina, Taraba, Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states, with drought threatening members in Oyo, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Ekiti, and Benue states.

Abubakar urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment that would give smallholder farmers the opportunity to settle their outstanding loans and produce for domestic needs and exports.

He said the government should show compassion to farmers in consideration of the unmitigated and debilitating factors making productive farming and harvesting impossible.

The MAAN boss appealed to the government to either waive or significantly reduce the outstanding financial obligations of the association in the CBN/ABP programme.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its efforts in ensuring food security in the country.
(NAN)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Food Security: FG partners NWAPDI on digital trade initiative for women farmers
Agriculture

Food Security: FG partners NWAPDI on digital trade initiative for women farmers

By Doris Esa
The Federal Government is collaborating with the Nigeria Women in Agriculture Progressive Development Initiative (NWAPDI) to equip small holder farmers with the tools to thrive in technology-driven marketplace.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, stated this at the NWAPDI’s Sovereign AgroTrade System (SAS) official unveiling and  summit on Thursday in Abuja.
The Sovereign AgroTrade System is a groundbreaking digital and physical trade infrastructure designed to connect Nigerian farmers, especially women and youth directly to national and international markets.
The theme of the summit is “Building Wealth from the Soil-Digitally and Inclusively.”
The minister, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy, Mr Mohammed Jobdi, said the initiative is a landmark contribution to the national agricultural transformation journey.
“I am proud to stand here as we witness the official birth of the Sovereign AgroTrade System (SAS), a digital ecosystem created by NWAPDI to transform agriculture from subsistence to significance.
“The SAS system including tools like AgriXchange Marketplace, NWAPDI Grow, AgriCert, and FarmAssure is an embodiment of what agricultural innovation should look like in the 21st century.
“Through this ecosystem, we are equipping smallholder farmers with the tools to thrive not just to survive in a modern, technology-driven marketplace.
“Today, we are not just unveiling a platform. We are launching a movement. A movement designed by Nigerians, for Nigerians particularly our women and youth,” he said.
He said that for too long, Nigerian rural farmers, especially women and youth have remained at the mercy of middlemen.
According to him, they are disconnected from global markets and deprived of the financial systems that could help scale-up their productivity adding that SAS changed that narrative.
“Through NWAPDI Grow, farmers can now access microloans, cooperative financing, savings platforms, and mobile payments directly from their phones. This is financial inclusion redefined, bringing banking to the bush, and banking on our people’s success,” he said.
The minister commended NWAPDI and its leadership and team for the initiative, bold vision and tenacity.
“You are not only solving problems, but you are also setting a new national standards essence of the Renewed Hope Agenda of empowering people, building inclusive prosperity, and restoring dignity through hard work, innovation, and purpose.
“The Federal Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for this system to thrive, scaling its impact, and integrating its data and insights into our broader national agricultural strategy,” he said.
Earlier, NWAPDI’s National Coordinator, Omolara Svensson, said the initiative aimed to move farmers from subsistence to prosperity.
SAS is not just technology but a promise that our farmers will no longer be at the mercy of middlemen and volatile markets.
“This is how we keep our youth on the land, not because they have no other option, but because agriculture now offers dignity, opportunity, and a future worth staying for.
“SAS is a bridge, linking farms to markets, farmers to finance, and communities to global opportunities. It is a tool for wealth creation, food security, and national pride,” she said.
She urged all women farmers every young agrientrepreneur and every community leader to own the initiative.
“Use it, let it lift you from where you are to where you dream to be because when women farmers rise, nations are fed, economies are strengthened, and communities are transformed,” she said.
Mr Dion Croom, President, Norcom, LLC, and Lead Consortium Partner,  said the AgroTrade System was developed to empower women and youth in agriculture.
Croom said that the system also aimed to promote food security and sustainable farming practices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
Agribusiness: FG, Group to empower women, youth in agriculture
Agriculture

Agribusiness: FG, Group to empower women, youth in agriculture

By Doris Esa
The Nigerian Women for Agricultural Progressive and Development Initiative (NWAPDI) says it has taken steps to empower women farmers and youth in agriculture in the country.
NWAPDI’s National Coordinator, Omolara Svensson, stated this at the official unveiling of group’s Sovereign Agrotrade System (SAS) and summit on Thursday in Abuja.
The SAS is a groundbreaking digital and physical trade infrastructure designed to connect Nigerian farmers, especially women and youth directly to national and international markets.
The theme of the summit is “Building Wealth from the Soil-Digitally and Inclusively.”
Svensson said that the SAS integrated four major innovations namely, AgriXchange Marketplace, NWAPDI Grow, AgriCert, and FarmAssure.

She explained that through AgriXchange Marketplace, NWAPDI’s members could connect directly with buyers, input suppliers, and service providers, irrespective of location.

“Their products will be visible, valued, and purchased across Nigeria and beyond.
“Through NWAPDI Grow, farmers can save securely, receive direct payments, and access microloans to turn a good harvest into a thriving agribusiness.
“No more endless queues at the bank or waiting for promises that never come,” she said.
Svensson said that through AgriCert, every harvest would carry a stamp of quality, traceability, and trust, opening doors to premium markets and guaranteeing fair, prompt, and secure payment.
“Through FarmAssure, members can plan, track, and manage their farms like businesses, with digital records that attract investors, secure insurance, and enable smarter decisions,” she said.
In his address, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, said the SAS platform aligned with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA).
Abdullahi said the RHA placed agriculture, digital innovation, inclusivity, and grassroots empowerment at the very heart of Nigeria’s economic revival.
The minister was represented by Mr  Mohammed Jobdi, his Special Adviser on Strategy.
He said that the digital ecosystem created by NWAPDI would transform agriculture from subsistence to significance.
“This initiative is a landmark contribution to the national agricultural transformation journey.
“To our farmers here today, especially our hardworking women and energetic and committed youth, this is your time.
“This is your platform. This is your power. You are no longer left behind.
“You are now at the centre of a new Nigeria, one where the farmer becomes a respected entrepreneur.
“The youth becomes a digital agripreneur, and the woman becomes a bankable investor in her community’s food system,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Dion Croom, President, Norcom, LLC, and Lead Consortium Partner,  said the AgroTrade System was developed to empower women and youth in agriculture.
Croom said that the system also aimed to promote food security and sustainable farming practices.
“AgroTrade System is a bridge connecting rural farmers with international markets,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
FULafia partners sugarcane technologists to boost production
Agriculture

FULafia partners sugarcane technologists to boost production

By Sunday John

The Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) says it will partner the Sugarcane Technologists Society of Nigeria (STSN) to promote research and boost production in the country.

Prof. Shehu Abdul-Rahman, Vice Chancellor of the university, stated this at the commencement of STSN’s second International Conference held at the institution on Wednesday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The VC was represented by Prof. Aleruchi Chuku, Provost, College of Health and Sciences.

“The institution is committed to enhancing research in the agricultural sector, particularly sugarcane farming, to boost its production.

“The research outcome will first be implemented at the Dangote Sugar Refinery in Tunga, Awe Local Government Area, Nasarawa State to prove its significance to ensuring better yield,” he said.

Abdul-Rahman commended the association for bringing the conference to the university, saying “it is a platform to share ideas on boosting the value chain in sugarcane farming.”

He, therefore, assured that the institution was ready to strengthen synergy with all stakeholders to succeed in the sustainability of sugar production in the country.

In his remarks, Prof. Gbadebo Olaoye, the National President, STSN, noted that the conference aims to enhance collaboration for improved sugarcane production toward achieving self-sufficiency for domestic use and export.

“The conference is a call to action for us to collectively design a future where Nigeria’s sugarcane industry is not just surviving, but thriving.

“The society also wants to strengthen international ties toward ensuring adherence to global best practices in the subsector, “ Olaoye said.

He pointed out that the society would invest in research and ensure that the outcome was used to boost production and improve the income of sugarcane farmers in the country.

“We must embrace modern agricultural techniques to ensure precision in farming, improved irrigation systems, and the use of appropriate fertilisers to minimise waste and maximise profit,” he said.

Earlier, Dr Muhammad Indagi-Ishaq, the keynote speaker, encouraged key stakeholders in the subsector to rise to the challenges and work to boost sugar production.

Indagi-Ishaq spoke on the theme, “Renewed Hope of Boosting Sugarcane Value Chain from Farm to Factory for Sustainable Industrial Development”.

He highlighted the factors affecting sugarcane farming and sugar production among industries in Nigeria and urged all stakeholders to put their hands on deck to tackle the challenges.

Also speaking, Prof. Usman Dakwes, Director, Dangote Sugarcane Research Centre at the institution, said the conference was apt.

“The outcome will boost sugarcane and sugar production in the country,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah / Isaac Ukpoju

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