NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Minister wants tractors to replace armoured tanks to boost food security  
Defence/Security

Minister wants tractors to replace armoured tanks to boost food security  

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Federal Government aims to shift from military equipment to agricultural tools, specifically replacing armoured tanks with tractors and machine guns with milking machines, to bolster food security.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Abubakar Maiha, this known during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre – Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Friday in Abuja.

This initiative, he said, focuses on modernising the livestock sector and increasing food production through technology and precision farming. 

He said the collaboration between NCTC and IITA was a noble framework for integrating ex-combatants into the normal society to support President Bola Tinubu’s agenda on food security.

According to him, once people are productively engaged, they will not be available for recruitment into violent crimes no matter the enticement.

“This is what we are looking at and our vision today in the country we want Nigeria’s countryside to be the symbol of what we want.

“We use tractors to replace armoured tanks, and we want milking machines to replace machine guns because they have no place in our countryside.

“This is what the ministry is driving, and we are going to work with NCTC-ONSA and other MDAs in terms of empowerment of women and youths,” he said.

In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Iman Suleiman -Ibrahim, commended NCTC and IITA for the innovative partnership in advancing Nigeria’s peace and security through inclusive and sustainable approaches.

Suleiman-Ibrahim said that agro-business, allied with the empowerment project, was a vital step in addressing the root causes of violent extremism, particularly amongst vulnerable populations, which includes women, youths, and families at risk.

She emphasised that empowering women and marginalised groups was essential for sustainable peace and development in the country.

According to her, family units, particularly women, are central to community resilience and affirmed commitment to ensuring women’s active participation in livelihood programs through integration and community development initiatives.

Also, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, said it was incumbent on levels of government to support the initiative for collective good.

Sule said the North Central region in particular was faced with associated security challenges with attendant consequences on its agriculture and other facets of human development.

He said that application of kinetic approach alone in the fight against insecurity was not sufficient in addressing the peculiar security challenges.

He said that the MOU which targets on enhancing food security and agricultural development would have a better and more sustainable synergy in addressing the nexus between food security, agriculture, and counterterrorism in the country.

On his part, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bukarti Tijani, said that Borno alone had over 200,000 repentant terrorist Combatants.

He said the situation had brought to fore the importance of the MoU while looking at non-kinetic approaches to bring more terrorists to voluntarily surrender.

This, according to him, is to ensure that after surrender, communities being resettled would have livelihoods in agriculture as relative peace has come to the region.

“So, the state governments in the Northeast region are battling with their finances to settle and also to find livelihoods,” he said. (NAN) 

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

House wife docked for allegedly stealing food stuff
General News

House wife docked for allegedly stealing food stuff

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Theft
By Bosede Olufunmi
A 20-year-old, housewife, Fatima Abdullahi, was on Monday docked in a Kano Sharia Court for allegedly stealing food stuff and N250,000 cash belonging to her employer.
The defendant, who lives in Unguwar Uku, Kano, is charged with theft.
The Prosecution Counsel, Zahradeen Abubakar, told the court that the case was reported on May 6 at Hotoro Police station by Yusuf Hassan, the complainant.
Abubakar said the defendant works at the complainant’s house as a helper.

The defendant however pleaded guilty to the charge.
The judge, Malam Umar Lawal admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N30,000 with one surety who must be a blood relation.
Lawal adjourned the matter until June 19 for summary trial.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

CEFSAR cautions Nigerians against consuming GMO food
Science & Tech

CEFSAR cautions Nigerians against consuming GMO food

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By Ikenna Osuoha

Prof. Qrisstuberg Amua, the Executive Director, Centre for Food Safety and Agricultural Research (CEFSAR), says that Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) induced foods or grains are harmful to health.

Amua said this during a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GMOs are plants, animals, or microbes that have had their DNA changed using genetic engineering techniques to achieve desired outcomes.

Such outcomes could be improved shelf life, increased yield or pest resistance.

Amua alleged that GMOs had the potential of causing colon cancers.

“Many of the GMO-induced foods don’t digest and as such can cause colon cancer,” he said.

The don, who called for outright rejection of GMOs, said it could alter human’s natural features.

“It can cause impotency, it can cause infertility for both men and women,’’ he said.

He advocated strong political will to resist the proliferation of GMOs in the country even as he commended some African countries for rejecting it.

Amua dismissed insinuations that GMOs could guarantee food security, saying that it was disastrous and genocidal.

Also Speaking, the Deputy Director, CEFSAR, Dr Segun Adebayo, urged the media to rise to the occasion in the fight against GMOs.

Adebayo said it was time to interrogate claims about GMOs which were presented as facts.

According to him, it is time for us to begin to do our own research and say no to some of the imported ideas that tend to enable our self-destruction.

He explained that GMOs were not regenerative and therefore antithetical to the natural law of regeneration.

Adebayo warned against the complicity of some government officials who promote GMOs for whatever reason. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Dangote’s N31bn Food Programme boosting FG’s food security efforts 
General News

Dangote’s N31bn Food Programme boosting FG’s food security efforts 

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For committing N31 billion to its food programme for the second year in a row, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe said that the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s (ADF) Annual Food Intervention Programme has bolstered Nigeria’s food security.

 

The Foundation had committed N15 billion and N16 billion to its Annual Food Intervention Programme in 2024 and 2025.

 

President Bola Tinubu declared an Emergency on Food Security, while calling on stakeholders to join the fight against hunger and deprivation in the country.

 

Speaking at the flag-off of the distribution of 30,000 bags of 10Kg rice to vulnerable persons in Yobe, Buni said the ADF’s food programme has played a significant role in alleviating hunger.

 

He said that it has also complemented government’s efforts toward achieving food security in the country.

 

Speaking at the event in Damaturu, the state capital, the Governor said the gesture would support government’s ongoing humanitarian efforts.

 

“It is with great pleasure that we are here today for yet another humanitarian assistance. This is the flag-off of the distribution of 30,000 bags of 10Kg parboiled rice to further support our people, specifically the less privileged and vulnerable persons,” he said.

 

The Governor expressed appreciation to the Foundation for its sustained support to the state, especially in the areas of humanitarian aid, primary healthcare and routine immunisation programmes.

 

“This donation is yet another show of solidarity and continuous support to our ongoing efforts to improve food security among vulnerable populations and ease the hardship experienced by displaced persons and victims of recent fire outbreaks in some communities,” he added.

 

He urged community and local government committees to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution process.

 

According to him, there is the need to give priority to deserving beneficiaries and warned that the government would carefully monitor the exercise.

 

Meanwhile, Dr Mohammed Goje, Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency(YOSEMA), said the agency would ensure accountability and transparency in the distribution exercise.

 

Speaking at the event, representative of the ADF, Abubakar Muhammed, said the donation was part of the Foundation’s nationwide initiative to ease the economic burden on vulnerable Nigerians.

 

“Alhaji Aliko Dangote, through his Foundation, decided to support the Yobe State government with 30,000 bags of rice to be distributed to vulnerable groups. This support also extends across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.

 

The Foundation had earmarked one million bags of 10kg rice to be distributed to all the 774 Local Governments Areas of the country.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Dangote foundation inaugurates N16bn national food intervention project
Agriculture , Food Security

Dangote foundation inaugurates N16bn national food intervention project

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By Ramatu Garba

The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has inaugurated the 2025 Annual National Food Intervention Project valued at N16 billion and to benefit one million Nigerians nationwide.

The Chairman of the foundation, Mr Aliko Dangote,  made the disclosure during the inaugural ceremony on Thursday in Kano.

Represented by his daughter, Marya, he said the annual initiative, which embodies compassion, solidarity, and shared responsibility, was part of the foundation’s response to the current economic challenges facing the nation.

“The distribution of one million bags of 10kg rice to the poor and most vulnerable Nigerians across the 774 Local Government Areas is in line with the core values of this foundation.

“We are collaborating with state governments to ensure that the food reaches the most vulnerable individuals in each state.

“Our foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of Nigerians through support projects, which tackle hunger and water supply problems.

“We are also strengthening the quality and scope of health and education, as well as promoting economic empowerment at the community level,” he said

Dangote urged other industrialists and firms to lend a helping hand in combating hunger through programmes and initiatives that would place food on the tables of vulnerable Nigerians.

According to him, there’s a need to complement government efforts in fighting hunger and poverty through a public private partnership.

“I commend the government at all levels for efforts in addressing the food crisis.

 I am certain that with time, we shall overcome these challenges. Therefore let us support the government to achieve its target of a better life for Nigerians,” he said.

On his part, Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State said the intervention reflected the unwavering commitment of Dangote in addressing poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam-Gwarzo,  he said the gesture would go a long way in alleviating hardship, particularly during the blessed month of Ramadan.

He said the state government had set up a committee made up of relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, to ensure transparency in the distribution process.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, reiterated the commitment of Dangote to continue giving back to the society in various ways, including supporting governments in fighting poverty and hunger.

Also speaking, the Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah Board in Kano, Dr Mujahid Aminudeen, commended the foundation for the initiative and urged others to emulate Dangote.

He said the board would be actively engaged to ensure that the products reach the targeted beneficiaries. (NAN)

Edited by Bukola Adetoye and Yakubu Uba

Niger govt commits to women empowerment in Agric, food production
General News

Niger govt commits to women empowerment in Agric, food production

291 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

The Niger Government has reaffirmed its commitment towards empowering women to play active roles in agriculture and food production.

 

Musa Bawa, the Commissioner for Agriculture, gave the commitment at a ceremony to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration in Minna on Wednesday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theme of the event is: “Empowering Women in Agriculture: Cultivating Resilience, Innovation and Leadership”

 

Represented by Dr Matthew Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary, Bawa said that women possessed great potential to change the narrative if given adequate support.

 

He said that women’s roles were critical to driving the needed growth in agriculture and development of the society at large.

 

“We are here to celebrate women and to inform the world that women are important. If you want the society to progress, you need women.

 

“We are here to promote women’s inclusive participation in agriculture, to practice agriculture on a large scale, and to engage in agro-business,” he said.

 

The commissioner listed access to land, finance and technology among others, as the major challenges faced by women in agriculture.

 

“We are here to discuss these challenges and proffer solutions. Women must know that they are key players in the agriculture sector” he added.

 

Bawa further said that the state government had implemented a variety of empowerment programmes for women in agriculture.

 

“We are providing small farm machineries that are women-friendly, this will enable women farmers to engage in crop production and animal husbandry.

 

“The ultimate goal of these empowerment programmes is to make women self-reliant and economically empowered,” he said.

 

Earlier, Malam Adamu Garba-Maikasuwa, the Director, Agric Services and Leakage, said that it was highly reasonable and productive to empower women to participate in agriculture.

 

“Women are the backbone of our food system, and it is essential to celebrate their power, resilience and contributions to the society,” he said.

 

Also speaking, Mrs Grace Disa, the State Coordinator, Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation in Nigeria, commended the ministry for acknowledging women’s efforts in agriculture.

 

Hajiya Hadiza Sheru, the Permanent Secretary, the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, described women’s roles in food production as ‘critical and important’

 

The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Abigael Jirgi, said that women accounted for between 70 and 80 per cent of Nigeria’s agriculture labour force.

 

Jirgi, a lecturer in the Federal University of Technology, Minna, said that women played significant roles in agriculture and food production globally.(NAN)(www.nannewa.ng)

Edited by Azubuike Okeh

Nigeria risks 0bn food import bill without digital agriculture- Group
Agriculture

Nigeria risks $110bn food import bill without digital agriculture- Group

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By Felicia Imohimi

The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has warned that Nigeria could spend 110 billion dollars on food imports in 2025, if it fails to adopt and strengthen digital agricultural extension services.

Dr Godwin Atser, SAA’s Country Director, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the Annual Stakeholder Workshop, themed “Transforming the Agricultural Landscape through Digital Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services”.

Atser identified extension and advisory services as key to agricultural transformation, stressing that continuous spending on food imports is unsustainable.

“If we continue to do that, it means we are exporting jobs, and that will further affect our economy.

“However, if we are importing food and our productivity continues to remain low, one of the things that is going to happen is that climate change, which is one of the controls, will further worsen the situation”.

Atser called for immediate stakeholder intervention to address the existing gaps in Nigeria’s agricultural extension services, urging a shift in approach.

He noted that while there are innovations capable of transforming agriculture, the country’s extension system remains weak.

“In some states at the moment, there is no extension service at all, We have seen consistently that economies that make progress in agricultural transformation are those that place strong emphasis on technology transfer”.

Speaking on the workshop theme, Atser noted that over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s population use mobile phones, with internet penetration growing rapidly across Africa.

He stressed the need to harness these opportunities to deliver timely and high-quality information to farmers, improving their livelihoods.

“Harnessing the power of digital solutions will be a very good instrument that will help us succeed in our agricultural transformation.

“In today’s fast-changing world, digital solutions are revolutionising how we deliver our extension and advisory services.

“It entails bridging gaps, empowering stakeholders, and ensuring that critical knowledge reaches those who need it most, be it in agriculture, health, education, or business.

“Digital tools enable us to provide real-time, accessible, and data-driven support, ultimately enhancing decision-making and productivity”.

Atser also noted the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in global agriculture, stating that AI-driven tools can predict various factors affecting the sector through computer-based analysis.

He emphasised that stakeholders must leverage digital tools to transform agriculture, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration in improving agricultural productivity.

“The key to addressing the productivity challenge in agriculture and making digital solutions effective is collaboration,” Atser added. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Niger govt deploys experts for food security
Agriculture

Niger govt deploys experts for food security

435 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

Niger Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has deployed its agric experts to promote best practices among farmers to improve crop yields.

 

Dr Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said this during a visit to Niger Foods Green House and Edozhigi Irrigation Scheme in Gbako Local Government of the state.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team also inspected the 57.3 hectares of land allocated to permanent secretaries for rice production in Kakankpagi as part of efforts to promote farming among civil servants.

 

The inspection was conducted in partnership with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Synergos Nigeria.

 

Ahmed said the exercise was to assess the current practices of farmers and provide guidance on adopting more impactful and innovative methods to improve crop yields.

 

“We want to ensure that our farmers are aware of the latest technologies and innovations in agriculture, and ensure they adopt best practices to improve their yields,” he said.

 

He said that the team would also monitor the African Development Bank-funded ATASP-1 intervention, which built irrigation canals to enable farmers to grow crops three times a year.

 

Ahmed emphasised that the overall goal of the visit was to improve the livelihoods of farmers, increase yield production and reduce food security challenges in the country.

 

He assured the farmers that the state government was tackling the challenges posed by herders, adding that the government would soon establish the Ministry of Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs and the Ministry of Homeland Security.

 

Malam Alhassan Umaru, Coordinating AGRA Intervention in the ministry, said the exercise was to improve policy implementation, stakeholders’ coordination, data monitoring and evaluation of all AGRA programmes.

 

He said the exercise was also to assess farmers’ application of technology, their challenges, to amend policies if need be and realign strategies to ensure smooth project implementation.

 

Mrs Caroline Aro, Farm Manager of Niger Foods Green House, said the house specialised in producing high-quality vegetables such as tomatoes, belle pepper, super abenero, and seedless baby cucumbers.

 

She said the house had recorded significant success in vegetable production, with over a tonne of cucumber harvested within a short period.

 

“We planted the cucumber on Nov. 16, 2024, and we have harvested over a tonne,” she said.

 

Also, Alhaji Yahaya Umaru, a rice farmer, said before the ATASP-1 intervention, farmers were unable to engage in irrigation farming, but with the construction of irrigation canals, they could farm three times a year.

 

Umaru added that with the support of ATASP-1, farmers in the area now harvest about 70 bags of 75kg rice per hectare.

 

He noted that farming, which was previously seen as a heritage, was now a profitable business with the state government intervention. (NAN)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Joe Idika

Gov’s wife calls for investment in agric to contain hunger
General News

Gov’s wife calls for investment in agric to contain hunger

377 total views today

 

By Rita Iliya

Hajiya Fatima Bago, wife of Niger governor, has called for massive investment in agriculture to contain the Cadre Harmonisé report, which warned that over 33 million Nigerians may face hunger in 2025.

 

She said this, shortly after being decorated as the, “Smart Mother” of the state, at the 10th Edition of the Nutritious Food Fair in Minna in Wednesday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fair was organised by Niger Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with HarvestPlus.

 

The theme of the fair is, “Sustainable Food Systems: Our Collective Responsibility.

 

She described the report as a call to action, adding that Niger, under the leadership of her husband, Gov. Umar Bago, had adopted a massive investment in agriculture to ensure food security.

 

She highlighted the state government’s efforts to promote food security, including empowering women farmers, promoting the integration of small livestock into household farming.

 

She said that the state government had also prioritised the training of female agricultural extension officers and community health workers.

 

She called on stakeholders to join forces in building a system where every family had access to nutritious food.

 

According to her, every woman has the opportunity to thrive, and every child has the chance to grow up healthy and strong.

 

She emphasised the importance of empowering women farmers, providing them with access to biofortified crops, and promoting the integration of small livestock into household farming.

 

Bago, who lauded the organisers of the fair, stressed the need to prioritise the training of female agricultural extension officers and community health workers.

 

In his remarks, Dr Yusuf Fu’ad, Country Manager of HarvestPlus Nigeria, explained that the “Smart Mother” initiative aimed to empower women to make informed decisions about nutritious meals for their families.

 

“The ‘Smart Mother’ initiative is designed to promote the ability of women to make the right decisions and choices when preparing meals for their families,” he said.

 

He commended the governor’s wife for her commitment to promoting nutrition education and healthy eating habits among women in the state.

 

He expressed optimism that the “Smart Mother” initiative would contribute significantly to improving nutrition outcomes in Niger State and beyond.(NAN)

Edited by Joe Idika

Niger to host end-of-year nutritious food fair
Agriculture

Niger to host end-of-year nutritious food fair

476 total views today

 

 

By Rita Iliya
The Niger state government says it will host the 10th edition of the Nutritious Food Fair to promote sustainable food systems and nutrition in the state.

Alhaji Musa Bawa-Bosso, state Commissioner for Agriculture, disclosed this during a press conference in Minna.

He said that the event would be in partnership with HarvestPlus and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

He said the two-day event would hold on Dec. 10 to Dec. 11, with the theme, “Sustainable Food Systems: Our Collective Responsibility”.

Bawa-Bosso noted that the fair was part of the state’s efforts to foster a vibrant agricultural sector, and provide supportive environment for investments in nutritious foods.

“This milestone edition will bring together policymakers, researchers, farmers, SME’s and food processors to showcase innovations.

“(They will also) exchange knowledge, and address the latest developments in nutritious foods,” he said.

He disclosed that over 100 exhibitors, government officials, private sector leaders, and over 5,000 attendees were expected.

The commissioner said the fair would serve as a platform for collective engagement, job creation, and business connections in the nutritious food sector.

Also, Dr Yusuf Fuad, Country Director of HarvestPlus, said the fair would address nutrition challenges by bringing together critical stakeholders within the food and agricultural value chains.

He said that the stakeholders would engage and advocate for improve nutrition sector investment across all levels.

He said that the event would add value to the state’s economy and support small businesses and strengthen the value chain.

“Women will receive special attention, with a focus on improving healthy diets.

“A job creation clinic will also be set up, targeting young unemployed individuals to take advantage of suitable job opportunities and become self-reliant,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Matthew Ahmed, Permanent Secretary, Niger Ministry of Agriculture, said the event would feature cooking competition across the three geopolitical zones.

He added that the event would have significant impact on the state’s economy and youth employment, with over 6,000 jobs expected to be created for young people.

Also, Mr Lachang Faden, Project Manager Biofortification, GAIN, said that the 2024 national demographic report said that 40 per cent of Nigerian children are stunted.

He added that the event would be used to create awareness on consumption of nutrient foods. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

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