News Agency of Nigeria
Food for Lagos project ‘ll make Kogi farmers richer – Commissioner
Agriculture

Food for Lagos project ‘ll make Kogi farmers richer – Commissioner

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By Thompson Yamput

The Kogi  Government says the Food for Lagos partnership  between it  and Lagos state would further enrich its farmers.

The state also reiterated  commitment to transforming its agricultural sector and improving livelihood of farmers through the partnership,  aimed at creating a robust food supply chain between Kogi and Lagos state.

This is contained  in a statement on  Thursday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr  Kingsley Fanwo, who highlighted the strategic steps already taken to actualise the economic potential of the initiative.

Fanwo said that Gov.  Ahmed Ododo has begun implementing concrete measures to boost food production, improve infrastructure, and attract high-value investments into the state’s agricultural sector, less than two weeks after signing the agreement.

“The governor didn’t just go there to sign papers. He had since returned home to roll up his sleeves and make the partnership a huge success.

“With the governor’s efforts, Kogi farmers will earn more from their agricultural produce,” he said.

He revealed that the state Ministry of Agriculture had already mapped out key areas with comparative advantages for specific crops, ensuring that each region contributed meaningfully to the value chain.

Kogi, he said, is already a leading producer of cassava in Nigeria and West Africa, and the administration is working hard to dominate other areas of food production.

“We are not just talking about being the food basket of the nation, we are taking real steps to become one,” he said.

He lauded Ododo as a visionary leader, who  from the outset of his administration, placed agriculture at the center of his development agenda.

“During his campaigns and in his inaugural speech, Ododo  emphasised the need for Kogi to be self-sufficient in food production. Today, he is fulfilling that promise.”

Fanwo also highlighted major government-backed programmes such as RAAMP (Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project), which is facilitating the rehabilitation of rural roads to improve access to markets.

He said that ACReSAL (Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes), also supported by the state government, is channeling investments into rural farming communities.

“Agriculture in Kogi is receiving the biggest attention it has ever received.

“Our youth and women from Ibaji to Gegu and Egbe are now fully involved in the agricultural revival sweeping across the state.”

He noted that the state’s growing success in combating rural insecurity has contributed to increased farming activity and boosted confidence among local farmers.

The information commissioner said that the Food for Lagos Project is a game-changer, not only for food supply in Nigeria’s largest city but also for wealth creation and economic empowerment in Kogi.

“With sustained implementation, this partnership will make Kogi farmers richer and the state stronger economically,”  Fanwo added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Lagos state government on July 23, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the governors of Niger, Taraba, Kogi, and Ogun.

The MOU was signed during the launch of the N500 billion ‘Produce for Lagos’ initiative of the state.

The food for Lagos initiative was aimed at  strengthening food supply chains and tackling rising food costs.

The agreement formalised  an  inter-state collaboration on agricultural production, logistics, and market access to ensure consistent food availability in Lagos state. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

First Lady’s home garden project a huge success in FCT – Coordinator 
Agriculture

First Lady’s home garden project a huge success in FCT – Coordinator 

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By Philip Yatai

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s “Every Home a Garden” project is recording a huge success in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says the FCT Coordinator, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi.

Benjamins-Laniyi, who is also the Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, stated this at the close-out of the 2024 cohort of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Every Home a Garden competition, in Abuja.

She said that the event was also organised to celebrate FCT women for queuing into the competition, initiated by the First Lady, which she described as a “huge success.”

She said that the project, under the RHI Agricultural Support Programme has continued to impact the lives of rural women across the FCT.

According to her, the project is not only promoting self-reliance but improving nutrition and economic empowerment through backyard gardens.

She explained that the competition began in July 2023 to encourage women in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT to practice home gardening.

She said that the women were encouraged to use traditional and modern gardening methods to create gardens at home.

“This lofty initiative was conceived to enhance immediate and sustainable food supply in the home and the country at large.

“The home garden idea is further aimed at promoting self-sufficiency, improving well-being, ensuring food security, reducing high cost of living and encouraging culture of sharing and communal living.

“On a broader scale, the initiative is targeting at redirecting the consciousness of Nigerians towards developing interest in farming, using any available space within the premises of every home.

“It is a bold attempt to reset Nigeria on the path to revitalising her vast agricultural endowments across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, with women leading the way,” she said.

Benjamins-Laniyi added that to participate in the competition, the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat inaugurated a committee, who reached out to women in the territory and guided them through the processes.

She said a total of 416 video entries were received and their gardens were also physically inspected by the committee and members of the panel of jurists.

She said that the panel assessed all the entries based on location of garden, variety of vegetables, use of available space, and alternative gardening methods.

Other criteria, she said, included the garden capacity to add value to domestic needs of the family and decency in the garden among others.

The coordinator said that at the end of assessment, Hajiya Hauwa Aminu emerged the winner in FCT, and also emerged among the top three at the national level.

She also said that Mrs Victoria Obiolor and Mrs Pamela Ashiedu came second and third place respectively.

“Today, we are gathered to commend the efforts of these women for participating in the competition. You all gave your best.

“You now belong to the women agro network in FCT, which shall stand as reference for further actions in terms of empowerment and capacity building in farming.

“You would not be abandoned,” she assured the women.

For continuity, the coordinator said that the close of the 2024 competition equally marks the commencement of the 2025 edition of the competition.

“I strongly believe that our gathering here today is a pathway for a better tomorrow for these women seated before us.

“You should, therefore, be ready for further engagements that would put smiles on your faces,” she said.

Also speaking, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to grassroots agricultural empowerment.

Abdullahi commended the first lady for the initiative saying, “it is completing the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in repositioning the agricultural sector”. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

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

Wike pledges land for farming to tackle food insecurity in FCT

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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

Group restates commitment to empowering youths through agric.
Agriculture

Group restates commitment to empowering youths through agric.

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By Ikenna Osuoha

An NGO, Uplifting Youths Through Agriculture (UYOTA), has restated its commitment towards empowering Nigerian youths through agriculture.

The Co-Founder of the group, Mr Nnamdi Adigwe made the commitment during a news conference in Abuja.

Adigwe, said that the group would hold a summit on agricultural revolution with the theme: Agriculture, the Key to Economic Empowerment, Sustainable Development and Food Security in Africa.

He explained that the aim was to raise awareness in achieving food sustainability through youths’ engagement in agriculture.

“The Africa youth agri-business summit 2025 seeks to ignite youths’ interest in the agricultural value chain.

“We hope to empower them with the knowledge, tools and opportunities to see agriculture as a viable, profitable and sustainable business venture,” he said.

Adigwe who affirmed the group’s commitment to promoting agro-economy in Africa, said that through building such bridges, agribusiness could stimulate growth in our economy.

He said that the summit would offer opportunities to expand access to finance and investment by creating platforms for meaningful dialogue.

According to him, the summit will also help in tackling climate challenges in agriculture.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator, Mr Bola Ojo, said that the group would key into President Bola Tinubu vision for agricultural revolution.

Ojo, who commended President Tinubu’s agricultural policies, said that they would collaborate with the government in the area of ensuring food security.

He lauded the Minister of Youth Development and the leadership of the National Assembly for driving innovations and development in the agricultural sector.

Ojo said that the group through synergy with the government had made impacts on the youths at the sub-national levels, especially in understanding the importance of agriculture. (NAN)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

FCT rural road interventions ‘ll boost food security – Wike
General News

FCT rural road interventions ‘ll boost food security – Wike

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By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, said the ongoing road construction in rural communities of the nation’s capital will boost food security.

Wike said this in Abuja on Saturday, after he inspected ongoing projects in the territory in preparation for inauguration to celebrate President Bola Tinubu second anniversary.

Some of the projects included the completed Market and Palace Road in Gwagwalada, completed 15-kilometre A2 to Pai and the ongoing 15.4-km Pai to Gumani in Kwali Area Council.

The minister also inspected the ongoing dualisation of Ushafa to Military Checkpoint and War College Roads in Bwari Area Council.

Wike, who marvelled at the vast arable land between Pai to Gumani, said that access roads in rural communities would significantly boost agricultural production and impact food security in the long run.

“When we inaugurated the road project, where we stopped was from A2 to Pai, which has been completed, and then Pai to Gumani which is ongoing.

“But we never saw the expanse of the road because there was no road to drive on. Thank God we were able to go there today, and you can see the vast land.

“We should not be talking about food insecurity in Nigeria – look at the land; look at the water that could be used for irrigation.

“It’s just leadership and I belief with the leadership we have today under Tinubu, you will see what is going to happen in those areas,” he said.

He added that not much was being done in rural areas in terms of agriculture because there was no access road and the lands were not being put to good agricultural use.

He expresses confidence that with the ongoing roads construction in rural communities, more lands would be utilised for mechanise agriculture.

“This will boost agricultural production and significantly impact food security.

“Without roads people that want to invest in mechanised agriculture will not be encouraged,” he said.

Describing roads as the “centrepiece and the cornerstone” of every development anywhere in the world, the minister pointed out that roads attract other development projects.

He said that with roads other things would follow, “you can go and build schools; you can go and build health facilities, but when roads are not there you can do little or nothing”.

To further improve road connectivity in rural areas, the minister revealed that he had directed the Director of Satellite Towns Development Department to extend the Pai to Gumani road project by another 13-killomtre.

He said that the road would be extended to connect Gumani and Yangoje, also in Kwali Area Council.

“The road when completed will be more than 43 kilometres from A2 (Abuja – Lokoja Expressway) to Yangoje.

“We are happy with what we have done and you can see the people are happy.

“This is what development is all about and this is what it means to provide dividends of democracy to the people,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

FG to explore biotech innovations to transform agric sector
Science & Tech

FG to explore biotech innovations to transform agric sector

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By Sylvester Thompson

The Federal Government said on Monday in Abuja that it would take steps to build public trust in biotech innovations to grow the nation’s agriculture sector.

 

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), said this at a public forum it hosted in collaboration with African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF).

 

The forum had as its theme: “Advancing Agricultural Biotechnology for Food Security and Economic Growth in Nigeria.’’

 

Mustapha was represented at the event by Dr Rose Gidado, Director, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, NBRDA.

 

He said the Federal Government was conscious of the transformative potential of agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria.

 

“Biotech innovations hold promise for tackling agricultural challenges such as pandemics, offering solutions, for a better future.

 

“Through the harnessing of science and technology, we can develop resilient crop varieties, improve pest and combat disease resistance in crops.

 

“We can also enhance nutritional content, while ensuring that our agricultural practices are sustainable and environmentally friendly,’’ he said.

 

Dr Emmanuel Okogbenin, Director, Product Development and Commercialisation, AATF, said agricultural biotechnology, when responsibly developed and effectively adopted, offered a powerful set of tools that could help to address food insecurity.

 

“Nigeria and Kenya, along with Ghana, stand out as leaders on the continent having made significant progress in commercialising biotech crops such as Bt Cotton, Bt Maize and PBR Cowpea.

 

“These innovations are not just scientific milestones, they represent real opportunities to transform lives, improve farmer livelihoods, and enhance national food systems,’’ Okogbenin said.

 

The AATF Director, who was represented by Yarama Ndirpaya, AATF Tela Programme Manager/Out-Grower Strategy Lead in Nigeria, said it was imperative to acknowledge food security hurdles on the continent.

 

According to him, they included regulatory uncertainties, persistent misinformation, and public scepticism which he said, had continued to slow adaptation of scientific innovations.

 

“That is why this forum is so important, it offers a platform for evidence-based dialogue where diverse voices can engage, ask questions, share insights, and build common understanding,’’ he said.

 

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Patricia Lar, said agriculture in Nigeria faced monumental challenges with potential for food insecurity.

 

According to her, some of the challenges are climate change, pest infestations and soil degradation, adding that these factors threaten the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.

 

She said that in spite of these challenges, opportunities still existed for innovation, collaboration and transformation.

 

Represented by Prof. Ahmed Dan-Kishiya, Dean, Faculty of Science, Lar expressed optimism that the power of agricultural biotechnology could be harnessed to save Nigeria from hunger.

 

“That is why this forum is so important, it offers a platform for evidence-based dialogue where diverse voices can engage, ask questions, share insights, and build common understanding,’’ she said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Halima Sheji/Uche Anunne

Dangote, Niger forge multi-billion Naira agric partnership
Agriculture

Dangote, Niger forge multi-billion Naira agric partnership

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In a major boost to commercial agriculture in Nigeria, the Dangote Group and the Niger State Government are fostering sectoral partnership worth billions of Naira.

The conglomerate said significant investment has been deployed into the company’s rice production infrastructure in the state, even as it is partnering the Government on the Niger Food initiative.

The Niger Food initiative is an agricultural development programme launched by the State Government in partnership with private sector players like the Dangote Group.

Senior Special Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Fatima Abdurrahman, said the company’s state-of-the-art rice mill in Wushishi is “progressing steadily and on track for completion.”

Speaking Thursday at the official opening of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair in Minna, she said: “As part of our commitment to advancing agriculture, we plan to establish one of the largest rice mills here in Niger State.”

Dangote Group is one of the sponsors of the 21st Trade Fair organized by the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA).

Speaking on the theme: Commercial Agriculture as the Major Contributor to Sub National Economic Growth and National GDP, she said: “This initiative is expected to enhance food security and generate significant employment opportunities for the state’s population.

“This landmark project represents a significant step forward in bolstering the food security initiatives of the State. Upon its delivery, the mill is expected to enhance local rice production, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the agricultural development of Nigeria.”

According to her, the 32 Metric Tonnes Per Hour Mill is a cutting-edge facility developed on a 30-hectare site, designed to enhance rice production and storage capacity in the State.

“This state-of-the-art facility incorporates the latest innovations in rice milling technology, ensuring high efficiency, minimal waste, and premium-quality output. Once operational, it will not only boost local rice production but also strengthen the entire agricultural value chain, from farm to market,” she added.

She said the project was expected to generate employment opportunities, support local farmers with necessary inputs like fertilizer and seedlings, and contribute to the State’s food security goals.

“We will source the rice from local out growers and act as 100% off takers of the production at competitive market prices. The Dangote Rice Mill will also feature an on-site captive power generation facility capable of producing 5.8 megawatts of electricity. The project aligns with broader efforts to reduce reliance on the national grid.”

She added that close to Wushishi, the company is constructing 32 silos, each with a storage capacity of 2,500 metric tons of paddy rice.

In his remark, Gov. Muhammed Bago, who was represented by the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Aminu Takuma, said the state government was opening up the state for investment in commercial agriculture.

He commended the Dangote Group, and urged it to take advantage of several investment opportunities and the conducive environment in the state.

He also announced that plans was afoot to make the Niger Trade Fair an international event.

Speaking earlier, President of the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA), Dr Bisi Adeniyi, called on the private sector to take advantage of the massive land in Niger State, and invest in agriculture.

In his remarks, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, who was represented by Dr Suleiman Ladan, said commercial agriculture is central to the President Bola Tinubu economic development agenda.

River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security
Agriculture , Food Security

River basin authorities pledge stronger partnerships for food security

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By Akpan Glory

The River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have pledged to boost the Federal Government’s food security efforts by forming stronger partnerships and adopting modern agricultural technologies.

Alhaji Abubakar Malam, who spoke on behalf of the RBDA Boards and Management teams at the close of a two-day retreat in Abuja on Saturday, acknowledged the numerous challenges facing the authorities.

He noted the persistent issues of ageing infrastructure, extreme weather conditions, and insecurity that continue to hinder optimal productivity across their zones.

Malam, who is also the Managing Director of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, noted the dilapidated state of facilities and outdated equipment that limit the full potential of the river basin authorities.

“Our facilities are obsolete, and climate change is exacerbating the situation with flooding, erosion, and erratic weather patterns.

“Yet, we remain undeterred. We are committed to innovating, adopting modern irrigation technologies, and shifting the narrative of the River Basins to a more sustainable and productive future”.

Malam emphasised that these objectives cannot be achieved in isolation and stressed the importance of collaboration.

He stated, “We are committed to building strong partnerships, particularly with state governments, to ensure that local actions are aligned with national priorities.

“Collaboration is key to enhancing extension services, addressing community needs, and improving project outcomes”.

The Managing Directors also assured stakeholders that the river basin authorities will continue to maintain open-door policies under the federal government’s partial commercialisation framework, which aims to encourage private sector investment.

This framework is seen as an essential step in reviving Nigeria’s agricultural sector by providing opportunities for agribusiness development, rural economy revitalisation, and sustainable irrigation practices.

“In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 13 (Climate Action), the RBDAs are focusing on expanding irrigated farmlands, equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques.

“Others are enhancing value chains to reduce food waste, boost production, and improve market access.

“These efforts are designed to increase food availability and contribute to the goal of achieving food security for the nation by 2027,” he added.

The Joint Appointees Forum further called on development partners, private sector players, and other stakeholders to seize the emerging opportunities in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

The forum highlighted the potential for collaboration in revitalising rural economies through sustainable irrigation and agribusiness development, which will ultimately support the government’s food security agenda.

The retreat, which brought together the leadership of all twelve RBDAs, concluded with a renewed commitment to achieving tangible, measurable results. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

NADF, Katsina govt partner on food system transformation, job creation
Agriculture , Food Security

NADF, Katsina govt partner on food system transformation, job creation

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By Felicia Imohimi

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and Katsina State Government have pledged to transform the country’s food system and create jobs for the populace.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Gov. Dikko Radda, to the Executive Secretary, NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, in Abuja.

Radda identified agriculture as the mainstay of the nation’s economy, which provides over 60 per cent of employment for the country’s populace.

He said that the country has no option but to invest in agriculture to position it better to be an export-dependent country, and not import-dependent, as well as be self-sufficient in food production.

“We have no reason to be hungry; we have no reason to be poor. If we can harvest all the potential we have, we will have a great nation, with great people, who will be able to move the nation forward,” he said.


The governor said his visit was to formally congratulate the NADF Executive Secretary on the appointment, as well as see how the state could leverage the fund to transform the food system for the benefit of its populace.

“I pray for this agency to be one of the leading agencies in the country, and also to seek partnership and collaboration with the sub-nationals, especially Katsina State, in transforming agriculture,” he said.

The governor said about 90 per cent of the state population was into agriculture and agricultural value chains, small and medium-scale enterprises from production to processing.

He, however, said that the best investment for any state, especially those in the northern part of the country, was investment in agriculture.

According to him, when one invests in agriculture, the person has invested in the vast majority of the people.

“When you construct a road, it will help in the transportation of agricultural produce, too.

“So, there is nothing we will do to support our people other than to support them in agricultural enterprises.

“But when you invest in agriculture, you are investing in about 90 per cent of your people who are living in abject poverty in the rural areas with no means of livelihood,” he said.

Radda said his administration in 2024 bought over 400,000 bags of fertiliser, which were distributed to every polling unit in the state, considering the impact of agriculture on the livelihood of the large population of the state.

He further said the state distributed solar-powered pumps to rural farmers to reduce the cost of production.

In his remarks, Ibrahim said part of the agency’s mandate was to work with sub-national governments in promoting agricultural development and food security.

According to him, the visit enabled the governor to essentially discuss what the state government was doing and to see how they could leverage its resources.

NADF has a mandate to promote sustainable development and food security by bridging the funding gap, facilitating farmers’ access to finance, and strengthening the agricultural ecosystem.

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Yakubu Uba

Youth, women vital to advancing irrigated agriculture in Africa – Experts
Agriculture , Food Security

Youth, women vital to advancing irrigated agriculture in Africa – Experts

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By Tosin Kolade

Irrigation and water management experts have called for the inclusion of women and young professionals in advancing irrigated agriculture across Africa.

This call was a central theme at the 6th African Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID) Conference, which concluded with an award ceremony on Wednesday night in Abuja.

Mrs Oyeronke Oluniyi, Chairperson of the Nigerian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (NINCID), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the conference stood out for its strong engagement with young professionals from six African countries.

“The level of participation, knowledge-sharing, and innovation brought by these young professionals was impressive.

“They are no longer just learners; they are ready to lead and drive meaningful change in irrigation development across the continent”.

According to Oluniyi, who is also the Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, a key highlight of the conference was a field visit to an irrigation site near Keffi, Nasarawa.

She described the visit as “a practical eye-opener” that provided real-world insight into the challenges and opportunities within irrigation practice.

She emphasised the importance of harnessing the creativity and energy of young people to promote sustainable agriculture in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“These young minds are well-positioned to contribute to food security, effective water resource management, and increased agricultural productivity,” she said.

Oluniyi also pointed to a pre-conference youth forum, which provided a platform for delegates from various countries to collaborate, network, and exchange ideas.

Their engagement in the main sessions, she said, brought fresh perspectives to the discussions.

She added that it was inspiring to witness Nigerian youth engaging and forming connections with their peers from across the continent.

“The conference also featured a dedicated session on women’s participation in irrigated agriculture, aimed at empowering women and addressing barriers such as limited access to land and other essential resources.

“During the session, two female farmers; one from the Hadejia Valley Irrigation Project in Jigawa and another from the Kano River Irrigation Scheme in Zamfara, shared their personal stories of transformation and empowerment.

“Their journeys demonstrate that when women are supported, they not only thrive but also uplift others in their communities.

“In essence, our youth and women are not merely participants, but are agents of transformation. With the right support, they can help lead Nigeria and Africa towards a more food-secure and climate-resilient future, “Oluniyi said.

Also speaking at the event, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Dr Marco Arcieri, described the conference as a significant milestone for Africa.

He called for greater collaboration and networking to address shared challenges, including water scarcity and food insecurity.

“There are important lessons to take forward. From now on, we must strengthen cooperation and improve coordination to meet our development goals”.

Arcieri also commended the Nigerian National Committee for hosting the event with the backing of the Federal Government, including support from the Ministries of Water Resources, Agriculture, and the Presidency.

“This conference will leave a lasting impact, and ICID remains committed to supporting future progress,” he added.

Mr Inuwa Musa, Co-chair of the 6th ARCID Task Team noted that while advancements are being made, they must be accelerated to meet the demands of a growing population and the increasing impacts of climate change.

“To ensure food security, irrigation must be prioritised, we cannot break the cycle of poverty by farming for just four months a year. Sustainable, year-round food production depends on effective irrigation systems”.

Kuta, representing the Chairman of the African Regional Working Group, also stressed the importance of regional collaboration, particularly when it comes to managing shared water resources.

“Development does not happen in isolation. We must resolve conflicts over transboundary resources like the Niger Basin. There is enough water to meet our needs, though perhaps not our greed. We must learn to share wisely”.

Similarly, an Irrigation and Drainage Expert Mr Razaq Jimoh noted the urgency of scaling up action.

While acknowledging that Africa is on the right path, he warned that progress remains slow, especially given shifting rainfall patterns and other climate-related challenges.

Jimoh, a former Managing Director/CEO of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, reiterated the need for year-round food production.

“You cannot end poverty by farming for only a few months and surviving on that harvest for the rest of the year.

“The only viable solution is to produce food throughout the year, and that requires functional irrigation systems”.

He also called for an end to disputes over shared water resources, emphasising the need for equitable access and cooperation.

“Most conflicts in inter-basin and transboundary areas stem from unequal access, but there’s enough to meet our collective needs if we prioritise and collaborate”.

In his speech, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, emphasised the need for partnerships and greater investment in irrigation to tackle climate change, population growth, and food insecurity.

Utsev commended the efforts of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), the African Regional Working Group, and all participating countries for their dedication to the conference’s goals.

He noted that their collaborative work would pave the way for developing actionable strategies in the irrigation and drainage sector for both Nigeria and the African continent.

Utsev was represented by Mr Moses Jo-Madugu, Director Reforms Coordination with the ministry.

He stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and ensuring accessible water resources for farmers to foster prosperity across Africa.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders across the continent to promote inclusive participation, enhance irrigation infrastructure, and foster regional cooperation to strengthen Africa’s agricultural resilience.

NAN reports that several distinguished individuals were recognised at the award ceremony for their contributions to leadership and governance in the water and agriculture sectors. (NAN)

Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh

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