News Agency of Nigeria
FG empowers women, special needs farmers to boost food security
Agriculture

FG empowers women, special needs farmers to boost food security

237 total views today

By Olatunde Ajayi

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) on Friday empowered 60 small scale women farmers and people with special needs on sack farming and home gardening with farm tools and seedlings.

The Permanent Secretary, FMAFS, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, stated this during a one-day workshop and sensitisation programme for selected women across the South-West Zone in Ibadan.

Represented by the FMAFS South-West Zonal Coordinator, Mrs Temitayo Alao, Ogunbiyi said that sack farming and home gardening innovative approaches could revolutionise food production level in Nigeria.

He noted that the method required minimal space, making it ideal for urban and rural dwellers alike.

“By adopting this practice, people will not only improve household food security but also contribute to the nation’s food sufficiency.

“Women are the backbone of our agricultural sector and their participation is essential to our success. Similarly, we recognise the importance of inclusivity of people with special needs.

“With passion and dedication toward sack farming and home gardening, we can build a sovereign agricultural nation, where we plant what we eat and eat what we plant,” he said.

Also, the Director of Special Duties, FMAFS, Mrs Zara Kachallah, said the initiative aligned with the ministry’s commitment to promoting inclusive agricultural development.

Kachallah added that the training was in line with the Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s pet project: “Every Home a Garden” and Renewed Hope Initiative for Women Agricultural Support Programme aimed at empowering rural women and people with special needs with essential skills.

The workshop facilitator, Dr Perpetual Iyere-Usiahon, described sustainable home gardening as an eco-friendly farming approach that promotes food security and biodiversity while preserving the environment and natural resources.

“The approach benefits both the environment and the individuals involved by providing fresh produce, fostering a connection with nature, and reducing reliance on external resources,” she said.

Similarly, the State Director, FMAFS, Mr Oluwatoyin Adefesobi, said the workshop was another means deployed by the ministry to empower rural women across various communities.

Adefesobi emphasised the potential of home gardening and sack farming to improve food security, empower marginalised groups and transform the nation’s agricultural landscape.

A participant, Mrs Kehinde Babalola from Ogun State, said the workshop had exposed her to improved and innovative ways of getting bumper harvest from home gardening and sack farming.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the participants drawn from each six states in the South-West Zone also received a starter pack which contained hand shovel, seedlings and other farm tools. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Association, GEF-SGP to support 470 MSMEs in nature-positive growth
Agriculture

Association, GEF-SGP to support 470 MSMEs in nature-positive growth

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Empowerment

By Felicia Imohimi

The International Trade Facilitators Association (ITFA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating under the Global Environment Facility-Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP).

They have committed to empowering 470 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

This initiative was announced during the inauguration of the “Support to Potential and Established Nature-Positive MSMEs in Nigeria (SPEMN) Sustainability Coaching Programme” in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is funded by GEF-SGP with additional co-financing from cash and in-kind contributions from other sources and implemented by ITFA.

Mr Collins Ezeiruaku, Trade Ambassador at ITFA, explained that the programme aimed to enhance MSMEs’ business skills, market access, and readiness for global certification.

He noted that the project’s primary objective was to enable nature-positive MSMEs to become successful, self-sustaining businesses through capacity building, improved market access, and training on international certification standards.

Ezeiruaku said the selected beneficiaries were drawn from Lagos (South West), Nasarawa (North Central), Cross River (South South), Kano (North West), Abia (South East), Bauchi (North East), and the Federal Capital Territory.

He added that 30 per cent of the programme’s beneficiaries would be women, youth, indigenous people, and persons with disabilities.

He said that the expected outcomes included improved business sustainability, increased profitability, and enhanced market presence for participating MSMEs.

Also speaking, Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator of GEF-SGP, reiterated the programme’s commitment to supporting environmental and livelihood initiatives.

Represented by Rose Agbo, Programme Assistant, she emphasised the need for stakeholders to back strategic projects that supported sustainable development at local, regional, and global levels.

Agbo noted that the initiative encouraged MSMEs to adopt nature-positive approaches to business, balancing environmental stewardship with commercial success.(NAN)(www.nannews.ngr

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

TSF commends FG’s N60bn livestock investment in Gombe
Agriculture

TSF commends FG’s N60bn livestock investment in Gombe

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‎By Muhyideen Jimoh
‎
The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has commended the Federal Government for its strategic intervention in the livestock sector, particularly through the release of N60 billion to support the development of an Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone in Gombe State.
The fund is earmarked for the establishment of a 184-hectare agro-livestock facility, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, rural industrialisation, and economic diversification.
Speaking during the project’s groundbreaking, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State said that the Federal Government had committed a total of N120 billion to the initiative, with N60 billion already disbursed for the first phase.
In a joint statement signed by TSF Chairman Ahmad Sajoh and Secretary Danjuma Sada, the forum lauded the intervention as a bold demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
They noted that the initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at driving rural industrialisation, boosting food security, and enhancing economic diversification through targeted investments in key sectors.
“The N60 billion released for this transformative project is not just a financial commitment, it is a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s agro-livestock economy,” Sajoh said.
The group highlighted the potential of the Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone, which would include an ultramodern abattoir, an international livestock market, fattening hubs, a tannery, and a leather processing factory.
TSF expressed optimism that the facility would address long-standing farmer-herder conflicts, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance meat processing and animal transportation standards.
“It is also expected to create thousands of jobs and expand Nigeria’s non-oil revenue base.
“The forum also lauded the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a strategic and visionary move.
“The creation of this ministry is not just symbolic but reflects strong political will to transform a traditionally overlooked sector into a key economic driver,” the group noted.
They credited Minister Idi Muktar Maiha for developing targeted livestock development programmes aimed at maximising the benefits of the government’s renewed focus on the sector.
TSF further applauded the partnership between the Federal Government and Gombe State, calling it a model for cooperative governance with sustainable impact.
“It urged other state governments, private investors, and entrepreneurs to seize opportunities in the livestock value chain.
“The livestock sector is full of untapped possibilities. With the right investment, Nigeria can become a continental hub for meat processing, dairy production, leather manufacturing, and feed milling.
“President Tinubu is laying the groundwork, it’s now up to stakeholders to key into this national vision,” the forum said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
Group targets ₦4bn livestock export value
Agriculture

Group targets ₦4bn livestock export value

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Sarafina Christopher

Mrs Khuraira Musa, the President, Livestock Value Chain for Youth and Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, has pledged that the group would be a model for participatory rural development and wealth creation.

She said to achieve this, the society aimed to record over ₦4 billion in livestock export within the next 36 months.

Musa said this on Friday during the virtual inauguration of the cooperative society.

“This cooperative was born out of necessity. Our communities and rural farmers are struggling in silence.

“Youths eager to farm but they are not being supported; women are holding families together with limited tools and recognition.

“This is a platform for economic empowerment, food security, and dignified livelihoods,” she said.

Musa also pledged commitment to uphold transparency, accountability and community ownership.

Mr Mohammed Sodangi, Director of Membership & Community Mobilisation, explained that membership of the society would be strictly by referral by an existing member.

He said such referral would also be vetted by its Membership Committee before approval by the General Assembly.

“We are not just running a cooperative we are rewriting the future of rural Nigeria where livestock becomes a ladder to peace, prosperity, and progress.

“We believe that with a visionary leadership and a strong commitment to sustainable development, the society is set to serve as a blueprint for inclusive national growth,” he said.

The Head, Directorate of Marketing & Export, Dr Dasuki Kabir, said the group had produced a 12-month roadmap designed to enhance the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s livestock products.

The strategy, according to him, targets several key markets, including Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Egypt.

He said in carrying out its activities, the society would pay close attention to ethics and corporate social responsibilities market research, product certification, cold-chain logistics infrastructure and branding and packaging.

“Social responsibility remains a central aspect of the cooperative’s mission.

“It encompasses initiatives such as interest-free loans, guaranteed off-take agreements and revolving funds aimed at supporting smallholder livestock producers,” Kabir said.

He said that the group would also focus on capacity building and ethical governance.

To achieve that, he said, it would provide training in livestock handling, animal welfare, feed formulation, sustainable practices, bookkeeping, cooperative governance, and agri-tech and digital literacy.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

FG urges women farmers to embrace sack farming for food security
Agriculture

FG urges women farmers to embrace sack farming for food security

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By Benson Ezugwu
The Federal Government has urged women farmers in the South-East geo-political zone to embrace sack farming and home garden to enhance agriculture and food security in the country.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, gave the advice on Wednesday in Enugu.
Ogunbiyi spoke in a keynote address at a workshop to sensitise small scale women farmers and people with special needs in the zone.
He said that the workshop aimed to empower small holder women farmers and people with special needs with the knowledge and skills to cultivate their foods in their backyards.
According to him, sack farming and home gardening innovative approaches could revolutionalise the way foods are produced in Nigeria.
“This method requires minimal space making it ideal for urban and rural dwellers alike.
“By adopting these practices, you will not only improve your household food security, but also contribute to Nigeria’s food sufficiency,” he said.
Ogunbiyi, whose address was read by Chief Nkannebe Ugochukwu, the Enugu Zonal Director, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, acknowledged the critical role women play in agriculture.
He said: “Women are the backbone of agricultural sector, and their participation are essential to our success.
“We recognise the importance of inclusivity of people with special needs and we are committed to ensuring that our programmes are accessible and beneficial to all.”
The permanent secretary said that the programme was part of the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), for Women Support Programmes (WASP) and her pet project: “Every Woman a Garden.”
In his goodwill message, Mr Victor Ngwu, Permanent Secretary, Enugu State Ministry of Agriculture, commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for holding the programme in the state.
He said that agriculture was one of the priority programmes of the state government and urged participants to take the programme serious.
“I really want to appreciate the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for this programme; all of us have to be serious with agriculture,” he said.
In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), some of the participants, expressed appreciation to the organisers for the training, describing it as eye opener.
Mrs Ifeyinwa Ogbuonya from Imo said she was happy about the programme, saying that the knowledge gained would be well utilised.
“I like the programme because when I go back to my station, I will plant at my backyard, “she said.
Another woman farmer, Mrs Nwanoma Nnenna from Abia, said with the training she would be able to improve her farming.
“Sure, this will improve my farming techniques and enhance my productivity,” she said.
The one-day workshop drew participants from the five South-East states of Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia and Ebonyi.
Highlight of the programme was the distribution of starter packs to the women farmers and the people with special needs. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Francis Onyeukwu
FG unveils national strategy on animal genetic resources
Agriculture

FG unveils national strategy on animal genetic resources

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Federal Government has unveiled the National Strategy and Action Plan (NSAP) on Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) management for the effective conservation, utilisation, and development of the nation’s livestock sector.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, said the NSAP represented a major milestone in the country’s history.

He said the strategy was developed under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) and aligned with international directives.

Maiha noted that the document reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Interlaken Declaration of 2007, adopted by 106 countries including Nigeria, and developed at the first International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture held in Switzerland.

“The declaration recognises the role of animal genetic diversity in ensuring food security, improving human nutrition and supporting rural development.

“It affirms the shared and individual responsibilities of governments to conserve, sustainably utilise and further develop AnGR.

“It also calls attention to significant capacity gaps at national and international levels and urges coordinated action, including increased funding and institutional support”.

Maiha noted the significance of the Global Plan of Action (GPA) for AnGR.

“The GPA outlines 23 strategic priorities for action grouped into characterisation, inventory and monitoring of trends and associated risks, sustainable use and development, conservation, policies, institutions, and capacity building.

“These priority areas provide the framework for effective development, utilisation and both in-vivo or live population and in-vitro or gene banks conservation of animal genetic resources”.

He added that implementing the strategy would contribute to reversing the ongoing loss of livestock biodiversity and conserving at-risk breeds vital to Nigeria’s food systems.

Also speaking, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, stressed the need for effective management of Nigeria’s animal genetic resources to enhance productivity and resilience in the livestock industry.

“The plan was to promote wise management of animal genetic resources and serve as a framework for international cooperation on AnGR.

“It is a critical strategy in the domestication of the Global Plan of Action for animal genetic resources management”.

Abubakar explained that the drive to develop the strategy followed Nigeria’s participation at the Global National Coordinators’ workshop and the 13th regular session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on AnGR at the FAO Headquarters in Rome in November 2024.

“On November 18 to 22, 2024, a delegation drawn from the defunct Department of Animal Husbandry Services, and L-PRES were at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy to participate in the Global National Coordinators’ workshop.

“Also was the 13th regular session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on AnGR. One shocking observation in this session was that Nigeria was seated as an observer, while other African countries were delegates.

“This was because of not living up to obligations of the Interlaken Declaration and Global Plan of Action on AnGR which we signed and adopted.

“This became a burden for us which led to the development of the National Strategy and Action Plan on AnGR, and today we are here to launch the NSAP and to inaugurate the National Advisory Committee”.

He expressed hope that the new plan would restore Nigeria’s standing and guide national efforts towards sustainable livestock development. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

FG, Jigawa partner to boost sugar production
Agriculture

FG, Jigawa partner to boost sugar production

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By Tosin Kolade

The Federal Government has announced plans to collaborate with the Jigawa Government to boost sugar production and enhance self-sufficiency in the sector.

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa on a courtesy visit.

Utsev said the move aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aimed at accelerating food production, job creation, and youth empowerment to drive economic growth.

He outlined the proposed partnership as strategic in making life more meaningful for citizens and pledged to undertake a working visit to the sugar factory in Jigawa to assess its water supply situation.

The visit, he noted, would enable the ministry to determine possible areas of intervention to enhance the factory’s viability and ensure optimal benefit for the people.

Earlier, the governor said the purpose of the visit was to seek collaboration with the ministry to ensure consistent water supply to the sugar factory.

Namadi noted that steady production at the facility would add value to the state’s economy and contribute to national development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria produces only a small portion of the sugar it consumes, relying heavily on imports in spite having large refining capacities.

This dependence makes the sector vulnerable to global price changes.

States like Nasarawa, Jigawa, Kwara, and Adamawa have been identified for sugar production, with major investments underway, especially in Nasarawa.

These efforts aim to boost local production and reduce import reliance.

Improving sugar output requires stronger government support in irrigation, land access, and policy implementation.

With coordinated efforts, states like Jigawa can play a vital role in achieving national sugar self-sufficiency. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Agricultural Mechanisation: Tinubu inaugurates 2,000 tractors, agricultural implements
Agriculture

Agricultural Mechanisation: Tinubu inaugurates 2,000 tractors, agricultural implements

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By Doris Esa

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated 2,000 advanced tractors and other agricultural equipment under the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme of the Federal Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises agricultural mechanisation as a key driver of food security and rural economic growth.

Speaking at the inauguration on Monday in Abuja, Tinubu said that the equipment when deployed, would empower mechanisation, create job opportunities and make farming easier.

Tinubu said that the tractors and agricultural implements unveiled was in fulfilment of the promise he made two years ago to transform the nation’s agricultural sector, increase productivity, and ensure food security for all Nigerians.

“We made a promise when we came in. We are fulfilling that promise. Two years ago, I signed the alarm on our nation’s food security,” he said.

Tinubu said that government had recognised that agricultural productivity was synonymous with national stability and food sovereignty.

“The ability to nourish our population from the bedrock of a prosperous nation and our ambition extends beyond mere self-sufficiency. We envision Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse.

“Supplying quality produce to international markets while ensuring every citizen has access to affordable nutrition.

“That’s why we took a bold decision to establish this renewed hope agricultural mechanisation programme. We are just beginning.

“You don’t have to use 18th century method for a 21st century agricultural farming. Our strategy encompasses year-round cultivation.

“We must seize the opportunity to achieve complete agricultural independence and food sovereignty.

“To stakeholders receiving this equipment, deploy them with maximum efficiency, we will work with you, we will supervise you at various locations, and we will hold you accountable.

“Let history recall this day as the beginning of a Nigeria’s agricultural renewal, where modern technology made our farmers’ legendary resilience to great unprecedented prosperity,” he said.

He commended the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for their productive effort in addressing the food crisis and maintaining stability with the country’s food system.

“Together, we shall cultivate a future where Nigeria is not only sustaining itself, but nourishes the world over,” he said.

In a remark, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said that the unveiling of the tractors and equipment was a landmark milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation journey.

“It is a bold affirmation that under the leadership of President Tinubu, agriculture is once again at the heart of our national development strategy.

“Never in Nigeria’s history have we witnessed an agricultural mechanisation initiative of this scale, ambition and national focus.

“Guided by the President’s directive, we are today unveiling the single largest mechanisation ever undertaken in Nigeria.

“We have here before us 2,000 high-quality tractors with trailers, plows, harrows, sprayers, and planters.

“We also have 10 state-of-the-art 330-horsepower combined harvesters, 12 fully equipped mobile workshops, and over 9,000 complimentary implements and 9,000 sets of spare parts,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

Wike pledges land for farming to tackle food insecurity in FCT
Agriculture

Wike pledges land for farming to tackle food insecurity in FCT

266 total views today

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Monday, promised to allocate lands in satellite towns to farmers for agricultural production to combat food insecurity.

Wike made the promise in Abuja on Monday, during the inauguration of the newly constructed rural road from A2 Junction (Abuja-Lokoja Expressway) to Pai community in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.

The road was among the 17 projects executed by the FCT Administration and being inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu to celebrate his second year in office.

The minister, who said that the road network had opened up the hitherto locked rural areas to economic activities, particularly agriculture, reaffirmed FCT Administration’s support to farmers.

“Look at the vast area of land and we are talking about food insecurity.

“With these vast lands, those of you who want to be farmers, real farmers, we are willing to pay compensation to communities and give you farmlands to cultivate.

“This will help us to come out of the food insecurity which the Federal Government is trying to solve,” he said.

Wike, however, said that only real farmers would be considered and not political farmers.

According to him, political farmers will keep the land as speculators and when development comes to the area, they will find ways to sell the lands.

Similarly, Tinubu noted the untap potential of the vast arable land in satellite towns and pledged his administration support to boost agricultural productivity.

“On our way here, we saw opportunities, prosperity, and the need for the establishment of ranches and rural development to uplift the lives of our rural people.

“I observed the need for our great farmers and livestock owners to establish opportunities for grazing and do what is necessary.

“We will help you. We will work with you.

“We will combat what used to be a liability and a source of conflict and turn it into a means of prosperity,” Tinubu said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Scarcity: Perishable good dealers advise customers to embrace dry substitutes
Agriculture

Scarcity: Perishable good dealers advise customers to embrace dry substitutes

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By Ahmed Kaigama

Dealers in perishable goods in Bauchi have appealed to customers to switch to dry substitutes since fresh items have become increasingly scarce and costly with the rainy season.

The Chairman of the Perishable Dealers Association at the Muda Lawal Market, Bauchi, Malam Abdullahi Maigambaye, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Bauchi.

He urged residents to exercise patience and adapt, while assuring them that the situation would normalise in the next two months.

He said that the scarcity and price hikes were primarily due to the high cost of transportation and short shelf-life of fresh perishables, which rot quickly, resulting in losses for dealers.

“The price of tomato, pepper, and onions has gone up.

“A bag of pepper or tomato, which sold for N70,000 two months ago now goes for as high as N150,000,” Maigambaye said.

He said that dealers were drying perishable goods to preserve them and make them more affordable to customers.

“Dry perishables are cheaper than fresh ones, so we advise people to buy them until the fresh supply stabilises,” he said.

Maigambaye also appealed to the Bauchi State Government to support both dealers and farmers to help tackle the challenges contributing to scarcity and boost the perishable goods market in the state.

He lauded the government for providing an enabling environment for dealers to operate.

A visit to the market by a NAN correspondent revealed the extent of frustration buyers face.

A customer, Mrs Jummai Mubarak, lamented that fresh tomato and pepper had become luxury and unaffordable to the ordinary families.

“Things are tough. Sometimes, I just manage with whatever alternative I can afford to cook my soup,” she said.

Another customer, Audu Maishaje, expressed similar concern, saying that many households now prefer dry or canned options because they seemed more accessible and budget-friendly. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Esenvosa Izah

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