The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Zamfara Zakkat board settles N67 million debts for 909 prisoners 

    Zamfara Zakkat board settles N67 million debts for 909 prisoners 

    The Zamfara State Zakkat and Endowment Board has facilitated the settlement of debts and subsequent release of 909 inmates over the last two years under the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal. 

    This was made known by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Habib Muhammad Balarabe, during the 2025 End-of-Year Activities held at the Board’s premises, Bypass, Gusau.

    According to him, the Board secured the freedom of 473 inmates last year and, this year, released N67,204,700 in settlement of debts owed by 436 inmates, bringing the total beneficiaries to 909 within two years.

    In addition, 200 women small-scale business owners received ₦50,000 each to strengthen their enterprises.

    Read Also: Zamfara gov’t begins massive rehabilitation of rural water facilities

    The board also presented starter packs to 100 women who completed a three-week poultry production training program to help them start their own businesses.

    Furthermore, mini-computers were donated to orphans who underwent computer literacy training as part of the event.

    Represented by the First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, Governor of Zamfara state, Dr Dauda Lawal, expressed great pleasure to witness the impactful work of the Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board.

  • Zamfara gov’t lauds partners, CSOs for promoting peace building 

    Zamfara gov’t lauds partners, CSOs for promoting peace building 

    The Zamfara Government has reiterated its commitment to promote peace building and conflict resolution and commended partners and Civil Society Organisations support towards achieving sustainable peace in the state.

    The state Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, gave the commitment in Gusau on Tuesday while declaring a one-day meeting on ‘Empowering Community Security (ECOS) Early Programme for Katsina and Zamfara’.

    The meeting was organised by the Civil Society Organisation, Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI), in partnership with NEEM Foundation.

    The meeting was organised under a project ‘Empowering Community Security (ECOS)’, on Regional Early Warning -Early Response (EWER).

    The meeting was attended by traditional and religious leaders, members of the Community Peace Committees, farmers, herders, CSOs, religious organisations, and other relevant stakeholders from Katsina State and Zamfara.

    Read Also: Zamfara residents sensitized on fire safety measures 

    The deputy governor described the meeting as one of the key achievements of the ECOS project in both Katsina and Zamfara.

    “This is timely, considering the needs and importance of peace and stability to society.

    “This aligns with the state government’s commitment under Gov. Dauda Lawal’s administration to promote peacebuilding, community dialogue, and conflict resolution and to ensure sustainable peace and stability among communities in the state.

    “As we all know, Gov. Lawal was fully prepared and committed to continue partnership with local, national, and international NGOs to promote peace, stability, and general development of Zamfara.

    “On behalf of the state government, I would like to commend VAI and NEEM Foundation for their contribution to peacebuilding in the state.

    “This initiative is not only timely but commendable considering the choice of the time and the target stakeholders from the two states currently affected by insecurity,” Mummuni said.

    In their separate remarks, the Emirs of Gusau, Abdulqadir Ibrahim-Bello and Kaura Namoda, Dr Sanusi Muhammad, assured the commitment of traditional institutions in the state to continue supporting projects for peace building.

  • Veterinary doctors commend Lawal over payment of clinical students’ allowances 

    Veterinary doctors commend Lawal over payment of clinical students’ allowances 

    The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Zamfara State Chapter, has commended Governor Dauda Lawal for the timely commencement of allowance payments to fresh Zamfara Clinical Veterinary Students.

    This was revealed by Dr Kaka’u Dalla Dalla, Publicity Secretary, NVMA Zamfara State Chapter, in a statement on Tuesday. 

    The statement said, “This thoughtful intervention demonstrates the Governor’s unwavering commitment to educational development, human capacity building, and the advancement of the veterinary profession in the state.”

    The doctors said by supporting our young clinical trainees, the administration has not only eased their academic journey but also reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening veterinary public health and animal welfare in Zamfara.

    Read Also: Group decries shortage of veterinary doctors in Oyo

    “The NVMA Zamfara State Chapter expresses profound appreciation for this gesture and assures the Government of its continued partnership in promoting quality animal health services, food safety, and improved livelihoods for the people of Zamfara State.

    “We encourage the beneficiaries to remain dedicated, disciplined, and focused as they prepare to serve the state and the nation.”

     Zamfara schools to remain open as gov’t adopts new security measures  

    The Zamfara State Government says it is not considering closing schools despite rising insecurity and a wave of student abductions across parts of the country.

    Instead, the state government has introduced new security measures to protect learning centres and ensure pupils continue classes without fear of attacks.

    The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, disclosed this while addressing journalists at an event organised by the Federated Association of Zamfara State Students in Gusau, the state capital.

    Madawaki’s assurance comes amid the recent abduction of 25 students of Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, and the attack on Saint Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State that saw about 315 students and staff abducted.

    These attacks have led some northern states to announce mass school closures, but Zamfara says it will not follow suit. Instead, authorities are strengthening security in and around schools to deter bandit attacks. 

    “We have already done what we are supposed to do, and when you talk about security, you do not disclose your actions to the media. But we have taken steps to safeguard the interests of our students. The security of the schools and children is well taken care of.

    “We are in contact with all the security agencies, and they are giving us the necessary support to ensure our schools operate without hindrance. We believe nothing will happen, and our education will continue to flourish until the end of the academic term,” Madawaki said.

    Madawaki explained that states embarking on mass closures largely operate boarding schools, whereas Zamfara currently runs mainly day schools due to insecurity.

    “As of now, most of the states that have closed their schools operate boarding systems where students stay in hostels. Bandits often strike at night when people are asleep. Here, we are yet to resume our boarding system. Our schools run during the day,” he said.

    He noted that schools in areas with persistent insecurity remain closed until conditions improve.

    “Where we feel there is insecurity, the schools have already been closed. Where there is relative peace, we have allowed students to continue since the term is almost ending. If there is a need to extend holidays, we shall do so,” he said.

    The commissioner added that some higher institutions, including the state university, polytechnic and college of education, are already on holiday.

    “They are due to resume in December, but because they keep boarding students, we will extend their holidays until January to assess the situation before they return.”

  • Lawal offers scholarships for health courses for Zamfara students at Igbinedion University

    Lawal offers scholarships for health courses for Zamfara students at Igbinedion University

    Governor Dauda Lawal has approved full scholarships for all qualified Zamfara indigenes who want to pursue health-related courses at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State. 

    This was revealed in a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of Zamfara State Scholarship Board, Professor Rasheedah Liman, on Tuesday.

    The statement said, “We are pleased to inform the general public that Zamfara State students interested in studying health-related courses have been given full scholarships at Igbinedion University, Benin City, Edo State. 

    “The students were interviewed and screened successfully and sent to the university to commence their studies.”

    She said the “students are fully sponsored by the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, His Excellency Dr Dauda Lawal.”

    Read Also: Nursing, expectant mums get supplement to boost wellness

    Professor Liman commended Governor Lawal for creating the educational opportunity for the deserving students.

    Earlier, Governor Lawal had offered full scholarships to all Zamfara State indigenes pursuing courses at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria. 

    He also paid for all the outstanding school fees and tuition for the state students studying various courses in Indian universities.

    Governor Lawal, upon assuming office in May 2023, declared an emergency rule in education. 

    He vowed to overhaul the decayed sector for the overall well-being of the state by rebuilding infrastructure, payment of WAEC/NECO filing debts, improving teachers’ welfare and training and creating an enabling environment for learning across the state.

  • Develop advocacy, analytical skills’, Fagbemi charges law students

    Develop advocacy, analytical skills’, Fagbemi charges law students

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prince Lukman Fagbemi, has advised law students to prioritise developing strong advocacy and critical analytical skills to excel as advocates in the legal profession.

    The legal practitioner noted that these skills could be developed through participation in mock trials, continuous practice, research, and mentorship, saying that this would enhance their confidence and prepare them for the complexities of the legal practice.

    Fagbemi gave the advice at the grand finale of the maiden Moot and Mock Competition organised in his honour by the Law Students’ Society (LSS), University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), in collaboration with Lukman O. Fagbemi & Co. (Rahmah Chambers).

    He described the competition as a valuable platform that provides students with practical exposure and strengthens their courtroom competence.

    No fewer than 20 universities across Nigeria, including the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Ibadan (UI), University of Benin (UNIBEN), and the host institution, UNILORIN, participated in the competition.

    The competition featured multiple stages, including a primary memorial-writing phase, a debate and quiz competition, and a mock trial that was presided over by Magistrate Gbenga Abdullah of the Magistrate Court, Ilorin, Kwara State.

    Following an anonymous review of memorials submitted by teams representing each of the participating universities by selected judges, UNIBEN, which emerged as the school with the best-written memorial, and three other institutions made it to the semifinals.

    Read Also: Fidson, pharmaceutical company to boost local drug production

    Speaking during the grand finale held last week, the president of UNILORIN LSS, Ibraheem Abdulrasheed, said the competition was conceived to help aspiring lawyers develop strong advocacy skills and to provide a practical platform where students can engage with real-life legal scenarios.

    According to him, the competition also reflects the commitment of the LSS and the honouree to raising a new generation of lawyers who are not only academically grounded but also courtroom-ready.

    At the end of the finals, UNILORIN emerged as champions, Crescent University came second, UNIBEN placed third, and Osun State University finished fourth. The winners received cash prizes of N700,000, N500,000, N400,000, and N300,000 respectively. Individual participants and teams were also presented with various awards.

    In his address, David Ogundipe, Lead Partner at Earnest Attorneys LP, emphasised the need for every aspiring lawyer to continuously hone their advocacy skills, remain prepared at all times, and uphold integrity in all their professional engagements.

    Ogundipe, who is also an alumnus of UNILORIN, noted that “the legal profession demands diligence, discipline, and a commitment to lifelong learning,” adding that young lawyers must cultivate these qualities early in their careers.

    The honoree, Prince Fagbemi appreciated the LSS for organising the moot and mock competition in his honour, noting that such initiatives help bridge the gap between theory and practice for aspiring lawyers.

    Fagbemi, who served as LSS President during the 2007/08 academic session, pledged continued support to ensure the competition holds annually, describing it as part of his efforts to give back to the Faculty of Law, which he said shaped his legal career.

    The event was attended by Prof. Muritala Sambo, a professor of constitutional law who represented the Dean of Faculty of Law, UNILORIN, Prof. Bashir Omipidan, as well as other lecturers, friends, and colleagues of the honouree.

  • DAME makes Babarinsa, Jimoh, Lakemfa honorary fellows

    DAME makes Babarinsa, Jimoh, Lakemfa honorary fellows

    • The Nation’s Okereocha wins Energy Reporting prize

    The Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) has conferred the Honorary Fellow on three veteran journalists – Dare Babarinsa, Nojeem Jimoh, and Owei Lakemfa.

    They were honoured at the 34th DAME presentation in Lagos on Tuesday night.

    DAME organisers said Babarinsa, co-founder of Tell Magazine, through his writings “continues to serve as a thought leader, guiding the public on issues of national importance”.

    Regarding Lakemfa, formerly of Vanguard, the organisers said his “voice shaped national conversation for over four decades”, adding that his legacy continues to inspire others.

    DAME Trustees said Jimoh’s legacy is mentorship and ethics. Jimoh was a former Editor of The Punch.

    An Assistant Editor at The Nation, Chikodi Okereocha, won the Energy Reporter of the Year on the night.

    His entry, “Electricity Act: Will states walk the implementation talk?” published on June 10, 2024, was adjudged the best in the category.

    The story examined the implementation challenges that faced the passing of the Electricity Act, raising questions about costs and balancing promises with risk.

    Other nominees in the category were Olawin Oladare of The Punch and Moyosore Salami of The Guardian.

    The Nation was a runner-up in many categories.

    This newspaper was the first runner-up in Editorial Writing, won by The Punch. Vanguard was the other nominee.

    The Nation was the first runner-up in the Newspaper of the Year category, which was won by The Punch.

    ThisDay, The Sun and Premium Times were joint second runners-up in the Newspaper of the Year category.

    The Nation Editor, Adeniyi Adesina, was the first runner-up in the Editor of the Year category, won by Tunji Abioye of The Punch.

    Shaka Momodu of ThisDay, Iheanacho Nwosu of Daily Sun and Idris Akinbajo of Premium Times were joint second runners-up in the Editor of the Year category.

    The Nation’s Taiwo Alimi was a runner-up in the Sport Reporting category, won by Peter Akinbo of The Punch.

    Read Also: DAME to hold 34th Awards November 25 in Lagos

    Serial winner and The Nation Assistant News Editor (Weekend), Innocent Duru, was a finalist in the Health Reporting category, won by Sodiq Ojuroungbe of The Punch.

    A former staff member of The Nation, Ibrahim Adam, was a runner-up in the Lagos Reporting category, won by Johnson Idowu of The Punch.

    Folashade Ogunrinde of Premium Times won the Solid Minerals Reporting category with a story on how illegal mining led to the Ibadan fatal explosion.

    Rakiya Muhammad of RM Times won the Child-Friendly Reporting. Sahara Reporters and ICIR journalists had the other nominations.

    Elliot Ovadje of The Punch won the News Photography category. He had two nominations. A Blueprint photojournalist had the other.

    Temitope Aina of The Sun won the Child-Friendly Photography category, beating Dayo Oyewo of The Punch.

    Godfrey George won the Judicial Reporting category, in which The Punch had the three nominations.

    ‎AbdulRasheed Hammad of Ripples won the Investigative Reporting category, ahead of The Punch and HumAngle reporters.

    ‎Omolabake Fasogbon of ThisDay won the Education Reporting category. Premium Times and Prime Progress reporters were runners-up.

    ‎Vanguard won Child-Friendly Medium. The Sun and Independent were the other nominees.

    ‎Daily Trust won Best Designed Newspaper ahead of ThisDay and Leadership.

    ‎The Guardian was named the Best Designed Media Website, beating BusinessDay and ThisDay.

    ‎Abimbola Adelakun of The Punch won the Informed Commentary category.

    Lasisi Olagunju of Nigerian Tribune and Azu Ishiekwene of Leadership were the other nominees.

    ‎Veronica Dan-Ikpoyi won the Television Reporter of the Year. Will Ibong of Channels was the runner-up.

    ‎‎DAME Trustee Lanre Idowu said 665 names have entered the DAME Hall of Fame since its inception.

    ‎He paid tribute to DAME Lifetime Achievement awardees who passed on recently, including Doyin Abiola, Christopher Kolade, Dan Agbese; as well as a DAME judge, Joseph Agboola and a DAME Ambassador, Evelyn Osagie (who was a journalist at The Nation).

    ‎Idowu urged the media to continue to hold those in authority accountable, adding that a change in national orientation was needed for national rebirth.

    ‎Regretting that many journalists unfortunately undermine the system, he stressed that good journalism plays a significant role in repositioning the country.

    ‎”Our media is trying, but there is a lot more for the media to do,” Idowu said.

  • Appearance of two SANs halts court proceedings in GHL suit against AMCON

    Appearance of two SANs halts court proceedings in GHL suit against AMCON

    The appearance of two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) each claiming to have the authority to represent General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) yesterday stalled proceedings in the suit filed by the company against the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and others.

    The matter is before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

    The confusion arose when the two lawyers — Dr. Abiodun Layonu (SAN) and Mr. Oluseye Opasanya (SAN) each announced appearance for the claimant.

    Layonu informed the court that he was representing GHL.

    Opasanya, who AMCON appointed as the Receiver/Manager over the company, also clamed to be the lawful legal representative of the claimant, given the company’s status in receivership prior to the commencement of the action which was not disclosed to the court.

    The dual appearances triggered a prolonged legal argument over who was the proper counsel authorised to speak for the company.

    Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa repeatedly sought clarification, asking both senior lawyers to identify the authentic representative of the claimant in view of the pending receivership.

    With no resolution in sight, the court directed both counsel to file formal written addresses on the issue of representation. The matter was adjourned till December 3.

    Read Also: AMCON’s stake sale shows investors’ confidence, says Unity Bank

    The disagreement over legal representation also frustrated the contempt proceedings initiated by GHL against AMCON.

    The contempt application was predicated on earlier interim orders in which Justice Lewis-Allagoa had restrained AMCON and its agents from taking any recovery steps against the company, interfering with its assets, or appointing a receiver pending the hearing of a motion.

    The underlying suit concerns Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 120 and 121, which were granted within a structured commercial and regulatory framework aimed at assisting First Bank of Nigeria to recover a substantial non-performing loan issued to Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited.

    To safeguard the repayment of the loan, described as Outstanding Exposure, the former Department of Petroleum Resources (now NUPRC) considered permitting a qualified operator to run the assets and apply production revenues towards the debt.

    It was in this context that GHL proposed to operate the two assets.

     The Tripartite Agreement signed by GHL, First Bank, and AMCON expressly stated that one of GHL’s key considerations was resolving the Outstanding Exposure, while advancing Nigeria’s economic interests. GHL undertook financial commitments and received support from First Bank and later AMCON.

    Under this framework, GHL became responsible for operating OMLs 120 and 121 and for applying production proceeds toward repayment of the exposure.

    But AMCON and First Bank later alleged serious operational and financial misconduct by GHL’s former management, including revenue diversion, chronic non-payment of contractors, operational breakdowns, and the imminent risk of demobilisation of the FPSO operator—conditions that threatened the assets with shutdown and possible licence revocation.

    Acting under sections 34 and 48 of its Act, AMCON appointed a Receiver over GHL on September 18. The appointment, by law, suspended the powers of GHL’s former directors from that date.

    Despite this, the former directors initiated the present suit in the name of the company, allegedly without lawful authority, in what AMCON describes as an attempt to obstruct the receivership.

    Since the Receiver assumed control, steps have been taken to stabilise operations and safeguard the assets. However, instead of recognising the receivership, the former directors have been accused of attempting to weaponise interim court orders obtained after the Receiver’s appointment, framing a restructuring measure as contempt aimed at undermining the Receiver and his counsel.

  • ‘We don’t have confidence in Justices Omotosho, Lifu, Abdulmalalik’

    ‘We don’t have confidence in Justices Omotosho, Lifu, Abdulmalalik’

    • Turaki-led PDP faction writes FHC Chief Judge

    The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC) on the party’s cases assigned to courts presided over by three judges of the court.

    The judges are: Justices James Omotosho, Peter Odo Lifu, and  Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik.

    The faction described the courts presided over by the judges as “Courts of Particular Concern”.

    It listed the courts and their judges in a letter, dated November 19 and signed by the National Secretary of the faction, Teofeek Arapaja, and addressed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

    While Justice Omotosho and Lifu issued judgments stopping the party from proceeding with its just-concluded national convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Justice Abdulmalalik is currently entertaining a suit against the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Arapaja wrote: “I have the instruction and authority of the National Chairman of our Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the entire members of the newly-elected National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our party to write this letter to Your Lordship concerning our fear and apprehension regarding all matters either filed by our party or against our party at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.

    Read Also: Nnamdi Kanu: Court faults reports of attempt on Justice Omotosho’s life

    “My lord, it is of great concern to our party that it would appear that all matters for the past few years filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, either for or against our party have always been assigned to the following three judges only, namely: Hon. Justice James Omotosho, Hon. Justice Peter Odo Lifu, and Hon. Justice Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik.

    “…There are other judges, numbering up to nine in the Abuja Judicial Division who could have taken up any of these matters, as the Abuja Division has 12 judges.

    “Several of our party members have recently complained bitterly to the newly elected members of the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of the above-mentioned scenario.

    “Indeed, all these three courts are viewed by party members and indeed the public as ‘courts of particular concern’ with regard to matters pertaining to or affecting the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party.

    “My lord, it is trite that justice must not only be done in all cases and circumstances with regard to matters pending and matters filed in the court of law, but justice must be seen to be done indeed by reasonable members of the society including the members of our party.

    “Given the current challenges facing the party, there is a high likelihood of cases being filed for or against the party.

    “It is in this respect that we humbly plead and beg that in no other matters or circumstances with regard to cases that may be filed by or against our party henceforth should be assigned to any of these three judges, since justice is rooted in trust and integrity.

    “Our party wishes to reiterate the fact that we have no iota of doubt with regard to the integrity of the Judiciary, particularly the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, headed by your lordship in dispensing justice in all cases, other than the above-highlighted fears and apprehension of our party.

    “Kindly accept the assurances and warm regards of the National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee of our great party.”

  • Tinubu okays establishment of N50b seed fund to boost agriculture

    Tinubu okays establishment of N50b seed fund to boost agriculture

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the green light for the establishment of a N50-billion Presidential Catalytic Seed Fund, an intervention aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s seed industry, improving food security, and driving private-sector-led growth across the seed value chain.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the approval yesterday in Abuja at the opening of the eighth SeedConnect Africa Conference and Exhibition, which also coincided with the 50th anniversary celebration of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC).

    The Vice President also unveiled the Seeds for Renewed Hope Programme (S-RHP), which will serve as the engine room for the country’s new seed transformation agenda.

    Shettima, who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Food Security, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, said the fund would deliver significant socio-economic and environmental benefits while addressing long-standing structural challenges within the seed subsector.

    The Vice President described seed as the first technology, the original data packet that determines the success or failure of the agricultural value chain.

    As part of the programme’s rollout, government and private sector partners distributed improved varieties of rice, maize, and vegetable seeds to farmers.

    The Nation learnt that the Federal Government aims to boost annual seed availability for key crops by 10 per cent from 2025 to 2027, in a bid to close the existing gap between seed demand and supply.

    The N50 billion fund, which activates Section 45 of the NASC Act 2019, will support private-sector-led seed production, expand farmers’ access to certified seeds, and remove barriers slowing down the development of the seed industry.

    Shettima also announced government’s plans to upgrade seed testing laboratories, intensify the crackdown on adulterated seeds, and increase youth and women participation in seed entrepreneurship.

    The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the seed sector’s 50-year history as a testament to Nigeria’s resilience and commitment to strengthening its agricultural foundation.

    Read Also: Agriculture as tool for economic recovery

    Reaffirming that quality seeds remain central to President Tinubu’s food security priorities, the minister said agriculture is the measure of Nigeria’s national resilience and a pillar of stability.

    Kyari highlighted key achievements in the sector, including the expansion of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme–Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), increased wheat production across several states, the successful introduction of rain-fed wheat in Plateau State, the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA) with N1.5 trillion, an additional N250 billion funding window, and the full activation of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

    The minister noted that food prices have begun to ease in several commodity markets.

    “While we are not yet where we want to be, this positive trend confirms that we are moving in the right direction,” he said

    NASC’s Director-General, Fatuhu Muhammed, highlighted the agency’s transformation into a regional leader in seed regulation and digital seed traceability.

    He cited major milestones, including the release of over 60 improved, climate-resilient seed varieties, the implementation of the Digital Seed Certification System, new guidelines on crop variety registration and third-party certification, and Nigeria’s expanding footprint in global seed bodies such as ISTA, UPOV, OECD schemes, and ECOWAS COASEM.

    Muhammed announced that Nigeria exported more than 4,000 MT of certified seeds in 2023, earning over $8 million.

    To celebrate NASC’s Golden Jubilee, the Council unveiled the Nigeria Seed Industry Book, the Seeds for Renewed Hope Programme, the Nigeria Seed System Strategy Document (supported by AGRA), and the official NASC 50th anniversary logo.

    He added that the newly approved N50 billion fund, housed in the Bank of Industry with a 6% concessional interest rate, would significantly enhance breeding, early-generation seed supply, quality assurance, and commercial seed production over the next four years.

  • New eye-health pact targets 23million Nigerians living with vision impaiments

    New eye-health pact targets 23million Nigerians living with vision impaiments

    The Federal Government has taken a major step towards ending preventable blindness across te country.

    It has signed a new national eye-care Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Peek Vision, a global eye-health technology organisation.

    The partnership is aimed at transforming how millions of Nigerians with vision impairment are identified, tracked, and connected to care.

    The agreement, signed in Abuja on Tuesday, is expected to address longstanding gaps in access to eye care, especially in rural and underserved communities, where many people live with avoidable blindness but are never screened or linked to treatment.

    The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, who endorsed it on behalf of the Federal Government, said the partnership would significantly expand Nigeria’s capacity to reach people at the last mile.

    The minister noted that the country has a history of innovative eye-care programmes, recalling the popular JigiBola initiative of the early 1990s in Lagos State, which provided glasses to thousands of residents.

    He said the new digital platform introduced through the MoU builds on that legacy by enabling health workers to identify people who need help and connect them directly to services.

    Emphasising that misinformation and fear prevent many patients from seeking care early, the Ministry expressed optimism that the partnership will help solve this challenge by improving communication, screening, and referral systems nationwide.

    Salako explained that the agreement aligns with the government’s Renewable Health Connect initiative, which focuses on school-based screening, cataract services, and the provision of corrective lenses.

    He said the ministry was committed to driving full implementation, adding that the programme would ensure that technology reaches communities that have historically been left behind.

    Speaking after the signing of the MoU, the Founder and CEO of Peek Vision, Prof. Andrew Bastawrous, said the initiative was driven by the urgent need to reach millions of Nigerians who live with avoidable vision loss but lack access to treatment.

    Most people with vision loss, particularly those in rural areas with low income, don’t know that they can be treated, don’t know where to go to get treatment, if they are aware, and can’t access those services, he said.

    The partnership, the CEO said, brings together the ministry and leading international NGOs, including Sightsavers, CBM, and Hands.

    Under the arrangement, trained personnel will use smartphones and tablets to deliver accurate vision screening directly in homes, workplaces, and schools.

    Read Also: Agriculture as tool for economic recovery

    Bastawrous said this eliminates reliance on health facilities, adding: “Because if you find them and they don’t receive treatment, you’ve solved nothing.”

    According to him, Peek Vision has developed a data platform that monitors every screened individual, tracks referrals, and identifies reasons why people fail to attend appointments

    Bastawrous explained how data-driven insights have solved similar challenges in Kenya, where fears, myths, and cost barriers were identified and addressed through targeted interventions.

    The power of data is to point to where the problem is. The power of compassion is to respond, the CEO said.

    He confirmed that the Nigerian rollout begins immediately and involves no direct financial commitment from the Federal Government.

    Peek Vision will be supported by its international partners, while the ministry retains full ownership of all data generated.

    Bastawrous said a new programme, supported by Sightsavers, has begun with the screening of 5,000 people and targeting 1.2 million schoolchildren over the next two years.

    The CEO added that the broader impact of improved vision goes beyond health.

    “Something as simple as a pair of magnifying glasses, which many people aren’t aware of, can increase learning potential by 20 to 50 percent. Yet remain inaccessible to people of all ages,” he said.

    Bastawrous noted that cataracts remain the most common cause of blindness but is fully treatable.

    The CEO warned that most Nigerians with cataracts today may die without ever receiving care unless the system changes.

    To date, he said, technology deployed through Peek Vision and its partners has screened 17 million people globally and connected more than 1.5 million to sight-restoring treatment.

    Today marks the beginning of that journey to change that story, Bastawrous added.