United States of America (USA) green energy initiative, the Sustainable Energy for Developing Nations Initiative (SEDNI), has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding for the Nigeria Police Green Initiative (NPGI).
It is aimed at engaging green innovative solution to boost the operational efficiency and capacity of the Nigeria Police to fight crime and maintain law and order in Nigeria.
SEDNI, based in Houston Texas, USA, in a statement by its President, Mr. Isaac ThankGod, an engineer; described the Nigeria Police initiative as commendable, saying it should be emulated by other African countries and all developing nations.
SEDNI said despite the challenging nature of providing security in a country like Nigeria, the initiative would open up the minds of the populace and highlight certain socio-economic factors for effective policing and crime reduction, environmental sustainability, climate change, as well as supporting the lives and livelihoods of the members of the police and their families.
The group pointed out that besides encouraging a more civil-police relationship, the ‘Nigeria Police Emission Reduction Programme’ policy would also alleviate the living standard of the men and personnel of the Nigeria Police.
SEDNI said the initiative would include becoming sources of solar lighting across the police stations, police colleges, police barracks, police outposts and communities in alignment with the transition to low-carbon climate-resilient development.
The group said: “The programme will encourage transitioning to energy efficient vehicles and gas conversion vehicles, thus reducing premium motor spirit (PMS) consumption and air pollution, while increasing efficiency and promoting a healthier lifestyle among police personnel and the community.
“The initiative will also leverage environmentally-sustainable waste and water management, including solar boreholes and waste-to-energy programmes, thereby reducing operational costs, creating jobs and a cleaner environment.
“The NPF is also going beyond our immediate environment by lighting up communities with solar power to reduce security vulnerability and herder-farmer crisis, conducting outreach programmes to educate citizens on the importance of preserving natural resources, reducing pollution and engaging in sustainable practices, thereby effectively managing scarce natural resource-induced conflicts such as the herder-farmer conflicts.”
SEDNI also agreed that the Nigeria Police is leading by example by recognising the need for government agencies and the private sector to take proactive measures in aligning climate action with law enforcement and security issues.
The organisation further said: “The SEDNI welcomes the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun’s commendation and assurance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and other COP-28 participants that Nigeria will rank among the nations where government institutions will lead by example on climate change initiatives.
“The Nigeria Police Green Initiative (NPGI) is a testament to the determination of the Nigeria Police Force to add tremendous value to the Federal Government, while performing its core law enforcement responsibilities.”
• Centre destroys over 3,000 weapons, 20,000 ammunition
Stakeholders across broad spectrum of the society in Cross River State have expressed concern about the proliferation of illicit arms and light weapons by wrong persons and subsequently adopted new approaches to check and control the situation.
The stakeholders, including market women, traditional and religious leaders, youths’ organisations, media practitioners, civil societies, trade unions as well as security operatives were assembled at a one-day workshop organised by the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, South-South zonal office in Calabar.
Speaking on the theme of the workshop: ‘Whole society approach in combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria’, the guest of honour and special adviser to Cross River State Governor on Security, Maj.- Gen. Okoi Obono (Rtd), said the small arms and light weapons in the hands of the wrong persons was one of the ills of the society that needed to be fought with others to free the society.
He said: “If there is a fight and you are without a weapon, when you are tired you will stop the fight, but if you have a weapon, you may be charged to fight on. So, we need to free our society of the situation.”
He said for the state government, a lot of initiatives had been put in place working with the ministries and MDAs by way of their policies in synergy with the Office of the Security Adviser to make sure crime was combated.
“Like it’s rightly said, the society also has a role to play in the whole exercise. We have carried out a lot of sensitisation and advocacies in the 18 local governments in the state.”
Obono said the security agencies relied much on information and tip off that helped to identify hideouts of such arms and weapons in the state, adding that a weapon factory that was unravelled in Akamkpa Local Government was based on a tip-off.
The Zonal Coordinator of the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, South-South office, Maj.-Gen. Martins Obot (Rtd.), said the office had retrieved and destroyed over 3,000 weapons of different sizes and shapes, including AK47 rifles, general purpose machine guns, propel granites, locally made single and double barrel guns, some cut to size.
“We have also retrieved large quantity of ammunition; more than 20,000 so far. We have carried out the destruction exercise and we are sure that other exercises for destruction will take place when due.”
Guest lecturer, Dr. Ndifon Neji Obi, a sub-dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Calabar, as well as the coordinator of Peace and Conflict Studies at the university, noted that an intervention as done by the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons was very appropriate, “especially now that the Federal Government is trying its best to ensure that conditions are created where negative energies can be redirected to peace resources.”
He said most conflicts in communities across Nigeria were facilitated by the availability of small arms and light weapons.
“Bringing stakeholders together to build consciousness is a critical point and an appropriate foundation for ensuring such weapons are laid off in communities, by the communities.”
As part of the current administration’s commitment to ensure there is an improved standard of living for public servants, especially retirees of Lagos State public service, the state government has organised one day training in bio-gas generation for retirees.
The programme, organised by Post Service department in the Office of the Head of Service, is part of the social and economic relief initiatives intended to equip retirees of the public service with the requisite competencies and entrepreneurial skills needed to run profitable business ventures in retirement.
The Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, urged the participants to maximise the benefits of the training in bio-gas generation, at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja.
Agoro, represented by the Secretary, Staff Housing and Loans Board, Mr. Abdulrafiu Fashola, said there was no doubt that technology advancement “has opened our eyes to benefits in the usage of gas and this serves as another opportunity for the participants to learn how to make use of wastes to generate gas for home usage.”
He added that the retired public servants, as senior citizens, had worked to sustain Lagos State as a Centre of Excellence and therefore deserved the best after retirement.
He said the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration placed importance on the continuous well-being/welfare of public servants even in retirement, hence the continuous training and retraining of retirees to ensure proper empowerment.
A beneficiary of the programme, Mr. Abiodun Akinbusuyi, said: “The training has exposed us to a new line of business they never thought of. I can tell you this is impactful, encouraging and rewarding. This is very good for all retirees.”
The Lagos State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has trained special need instructors and counsellors from 15 selected schools across the state. The training was to onboard the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) curriculum in special needs schools.
The three-day training, which held at the Ibis Hotel Ikeja Lagos is the first phase of the onboarding process in order to ensure that children in special need schools across Lagos State and those out of school are equipped with sex education.
The CSE which started in 2021 with five technical colleges and eight Women And Poverty Alleviation centres, acquisition centres with six modules has been broadened to nine modules to accommodate the special needs of marginalised children.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu explained that the teaching of sexuality and sexual health is an imperative as the country moves towards a more inclusive education system highlighting that the training is designed to empower instructors with necessary tools, knowledge and sensitivity required to effectively disseminate the CSE curriculum to their respective schools to meets the need of the children.
She added that with human sexuality occupying an integral part of overall wellbeing, the Lagos State government in collaboration with UNFPA considers as priority the sexual development of special needs children who are very often marginalised in society.
Oke-Osanyintolu, who was represented by Mr. Saka Abdulateef said: “The Comprehensive Sexuality Education is structured in such a way that it provides a framework for the acquisition of knowledge of self and family living across the individual’s life course spread around thematic areas of
“Therefore, the implementation of the curriculum will improve access to adequate and correct information for young people, improving their ability to make informed decisions about their own sexuality and reproductive lives and exercise their reproductive rights.”
Speaking on the sidelines at the event, a Director in the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Umar Rashida Omashola said that the onboarding of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education curriculum in special needs schools would help curb cases of sexual abuse among people living with disability, build their self esteem and promote a well informed community of young people.
Omoshola explained that the Lagos State and the UNFPA hopes to make the project a sustainable one by building a culture of continuous learning for participants to ensure that the skills acquired are updated from time to time.
“So our relationship with the UNFPA has been fruitful. it’s been seamless and it’s a mutually benefitting relationship. For the news set of instructors that being trained, we are going to take them through the curriculum, and how they are going to be teaching their students using the curriculum,” she said.
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) on Saturday in Abuja honoured Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum for his meaningful contributions to the health sector development.
National President of NMA, Dr Uche Ojinmah, at a dinner/award to mark the closing session of 2023 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, praised Zulum for developing the health sector in Borno State.
He said the governor had been able to uplift the health sector to a level where citizens would be encouraged to take the numerous advantages in the health sector to solve their health challenges.
Ojinmah encouraged the governor, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Bukar Tijani, to continue with his good work in the health sector in Borno.
He urged the governor not to be distracted by people he referred to as enemies of progress.
Responding, the governor appreciated NMA for finding him worthy to receive such award of excellence, adding that such award would encourage him more.
“The NMA has made several assessments according to what they have seen, it seems to them that the governor has passed the criteria by giving priority to the health sector, providing all the necessary tools, equipment to doctors across board in Borno.
“I think the NMA has seen that the governor deserved to take the merit award; the NMA has done this based on performance and support given to the health sector.
“The driving force is determination to see that citizens enjoy the best, both in the primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities; this award is a confirmation to continue with the good work in the health sector,” Zulum said.
The Member representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, Mr Ahmed Jaha, has called for deliberate efforts to return all Chibok people displaced by Boko Haram back home.
Jaha said though Chibok and most parts of Borno are now safe from the activities of insurgents, a lot of people who fled the state have not returned.
The lawmaker said this during the 2023 cultural festival organised by leaders of Chibok community in Abuja, under the aegis of Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA).
Jaha said after more than a decade of displacement, it was time for the people to return home.
He that the children born within the period and those that left their homes when they were so young, needed to internalise and diffuse the culture of their ancestral homes.
He said that thousands of Chibok people had been living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in different parts of the country including FCT.
According to him, Chibok people are still living in IDPs camps and taking refuge in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Nasarawa, among other cities.
The lawmaker commended the military, state and Federal governments for the restoration of peace in most parts of Borno, including Chibok.
“The efforts of the government is highly commendable but we are human beings and the journey of 100 miles begins with a step.
“Actually we have to commend the federal government for recovering some of the Chibok girls but we still have in captivity 87.
“We are equally quite happy with the way and manner peace has returned to some part of Chibok, but we are still working tirelessly, begging and soliciting for the federal government to provide security where security personnel are not present,” he added.
Jaha said the cultural event was an opportunity for the children born and brought up outside Chibok, to learn and embrace their culture.
Also, the Chairman, Chibok Local Government Area of Borno, Umar Ibrahim, commended the KADA leaders for their commitment to preserving their heritage.
Ibrahim said Chibok people usually hold such event every December 26, where those living outside who came home for holiday, witness the rich display of their culture.
“It is not only to celebrate their culture but also to strength the unity that has been the bedrock of their stability over the years.
“Today’s gathering will play a significant role in promoting and preserving our culture for generations to come.
“The Chibok people are known for their resilience, hard work, bright attributes that resonate strongly with them.
“Rest assured that at the local level, the interest of all sons and daughters of Chibok will remain our foremost priority,” the council chairman said.
The National President of KADA, Mr Dauda Iliya, said the cultural festival has been held since 2011 when terrorism took away the peace and tranquility in Chibok.
“We are holding this event as a stop gap so that those born outside Chibok could see the details of our artifacts, our dance, our food and our culture,” he said.
Iliya expressed the hope that the 2024 celebration would take place in Chibok, considering the relative peace that had returned to the community.
Nkeki Mutah, Chairman of KADA, Abuja branch, said the festival was organised to let their children know that they came from somewhere and as such should not forget their origin.
Niger State Government has revoked the Certificate of Occupancies (CofO) of 650 companies, residential houses, banks, schools, churches and commercial organizations for substantial non-compliance with the conditions of payment of ground rent and development.
The Coca-Cola Nigeria Bottling company Limited, Matrix energy oil and gas, Anglican Diocese of Minna, Sudan Institute for Islamic and General Studies, Peace Mass Transit and several banks were among those whose CofOs were revoked.
The revocation notice was stated in an advert placed by the Niger state Commissioner of Lands and Survey, Barrister Maurice Bello Magaji.
The advert stated, “Notice if revocation of Certificate of Occupancies for non payment of ground rent and/or development in Niger state.
“By the Power conferred on the Governor, by section 9(3) of the Land Use Act, and the substantial non-compliance with the conditions of payment of ground rent and /or development within the stipulated time, the Niger State Ministry of Lands and Survey, Minna, hereby conveys the approval of the Governor of the revocation of the underlisted Certificate of Occupancies.”
It would be recalled that a month ago, the Commissioner of Lands and Survey while speaking to newsmen had said that there are several organizations who have not paid ground rents for years and the government would take serious steps towards ensuring that the ground rents are collected.
The advertisement which was placed in The Nation Newspaper showed that PZ Nigeria Limited owed the highest amount of ground rent which stands at N3, 350,000, while others with high amount of ground rents include Alhaji Sani Karaye whose ground rent stands at N2,190,000, Al-imran Ind Ltd with ground rent at N1, 770,940, Union Bank, Niger state Housing Cooperation with ground rent of N1, 725,000.
Banks like Jaiz, GTB, UBA, FCMB, Zenith, First Bank, Union Bank were affected; the Federal Medical Center Bida, Teachers Social Security Scheme (Endwell), Abuja Steel Mills, some farmlands were also affected.
The billing period for some of the affected organizations or residential houses went as far back as 1992 in some of the major cities in Niger state which includes Minna, Suleja, Bida, Kontagora, New Bussa, Mokwa while some minor towns like Tafa, Dikko, Dachi, Lambata, Sabon Wuse and Lapai were also included.
The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has offered scholarship, through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), to the five rescued undergraduates of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katstina state, who were abductors on October 4.
The first lady, alongside the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, yesterday in Abuja, presented N1 million and a new lap top to each of the students who were kidnapped from their private lodge at Dutsin-Ma.
She said the scholarship would run for four years, being the period the girls, Safiya Mutu, Hasiya Abubakar, Ramat Adam, Fatima Abdullahi and Fatima Mohammed, would spend in school.
They are all currently in 100-level.
She said that the Federal Government valued their education and safety and promised to give each of their parents N2 million and the Vice Chancellor of FUDMA, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, N1 million.
“Since your dreadful abduction on October 4, it has been a period of pain for you, your parents, your teachers and indeed all Nigerians. Throughout this period, we have kept faith and trust in God and in our law enforcement agencies that you will return safely.
“Since the incident, law enforcement officers from various agencies worked tirelessly to ensure your return home. Today we thank Almighty God for protecting you and reuniting you with your loved ones.
“I, therefore, join your parents, teachers and all Nigerians to celebrate this day and assure you of our commitment to support you as you begin your recovery after more than 70 days in captivity.”
Mrs Tinubu also promised to go beyond their safe return, promising to do a follow up on their development both in school and concerning their mental health.
“We will do a follow up on your journey not only to recover from this sad episode in your lives, but to see that you accomplish your mission in your educational pursuit and career interests. You must continue to pursue your educational interests.
“Education is the greatest weapon in the fight against terrorism, by ensuring that you continue to learn, you can rewrite the story of your individual lives and your communities and join in the fight against terrorism and criminality.
“As we provide you with the necessary medical and psychological support, we at the RHI are also committed to providing you with guidance and support to reach your full potentials.”
She also commended all security and intelligence services for working tirelessly until the girls returned safely.
“I also commend the leadership role provided by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in effectively coordinating the measures that led to the release of our daughters.
“This is an exemplary show of team work and effective interagency coordination which is in line with the vision of President Tinubu, We are hopeful that the lessons learnt through this episode will strengthen ongoing processes in place to free all Nigerians held against their will.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to you, your parents and teachers for your understanding and patience during the challenging period of your captivity.”
The Head of the Network Operation Centre of the Office of the NSA, Brig.-Gen. Olutayo Adesuyi, said the first lady’s meeting with the rescued girls is significant as it shows the solidarity of the Federal Governments and support.
Responding, each of the girls thanked Mrs Tinubu for their king gestures.
This is not the first time Lucky Aiyedatiwa would be performing the function of a governor in acting capacity. Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has always transmitted power to him whenever he was going on annual vacation. It was a system that flowed with the ‘one administration’ mantra of Akeredolu.
However, the manner some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of Aiyedatiwa celebrated his new role as Acting Governor confirmed a crack in the ruling party.
The relationship between Aiyedatiwa and Akeredolu hit the rock when the governor travelled to Ibadan to take ‘some rest.’ Aiyedatiwa was accused of plotting to unseat Akeredolu after he failed to see him when he took some files to Ibadan. He was alleged to have shared positions to his allies for support. Akeredolu eventually began medical leave and handed power to Aiyedatiwa.
Reports in some national dailies and social media accused some cabal of frustrating Aiyedatiwa’s performance as Acting Governor although Aiyedatiwa was also accused of not issuing any directive that was not obeyed. During Akeredolu’s three months medical leave, the State Executive Council met only once.
The return of Akeredolu in September widened the gulf in the relationship as the Ondo Assembly made moves to impeach Aiyedatiwa. The frosty relationship collapsed governance in the state even as allegations of forgery of Akeredolu’s signature was raised. It was the intervention of President Bola Tinubu amidst public outcry that has doused tension in the state.
The question on the lips of many political observers is whether there is any new role for Aiyedatiwa now as Acting Governor other than what he has been doing in his previous outing whenever Akeredolu embarked on vacation.
To some, the belief that Akeredolu might not make it back alive would empower Aiyedatiwa to take drastic measures that would entrench him in power ahead of next year’s governorship primary. Some analysts are of the opinion that Aiyedatiwa can now curb the powers of the cabal and take far reaching decisions if he could not reach his boss for guidance.
Several social engagements of Aiyedatiwa’s supporters showed thet want him to assert his authority and shove Akeredolu’s men aside. Many non-political actors who supported him during his battles against impeachment, want him to not only assert himself but provide good governance.
According to human rights lawyer and activist, Tope Temokun, “If Ayedatiwa wants to please individuals and refuse to appreciate the enormous powers the constitution has donated to him and fail to exercise his full powers to set the state on the path of good governance and refuse to have a mind of his own, he will end up in disgrace because the people will rise up against him and no one will save him.”
Convener of the Ondo Liberation Initiative (OLI) Alabi Johnson, said Aiyedatiwa used to depend on his boss in his previous outing as Acting Governor but that he is now independent.
“Acting Governor is a Governor. He can hire and fire. He can do whatever a Governor does in other states. Our agitation was for things to be normal. We are watching him. We want him to do things that will touch the lives of the people.”
A university lecturer, Dr. Gbenga Abimbola, said there used to be mutual trust between Aiyedatiwa and his boss in previous times when the Governor embarked on vacation. He said incidents of the last three months has caused lots of distrust.
“They have no option than to work with Aiyedatiwa. Aiyedatiwa might have learnt a lot of lessons from his previous outing as Acting Governor. He is going to be a better Acting Governor. He can take decisions to the effect that it is to the interest of the state.
“He cannot work in isolation. He will consult his boss if he has access. The law allows him to take certain decisions. He is exercising the office of the governor on behalf of Akeredolu so he can take far reaching decisions.”
A chietain of the APC who pleaded anonymity said the actions of Aiyedatiwa was to enable him check the books to ensure the proper thing was done as regards local government fund.
“Many people are feeling that they froze the account for them to check all the papers to ensure the proper thing was done.
“People felt that that cabal was having a field day with the allocation of the local counils. At this time we need money to celebrate Christmas but it it good the proper thing is done.”
Fear gripped political appointees in the state over the next action of Aiyedatiwa when Caretaker Chairmen of the local councils received a message that purportedly emanated from Aiyedatiwa’s office asking them to stop further expenditure from the councils’ account.
The newly created LCDAs were reportedly asked not to open new accounts. A message to the local councils reads, “Distinguished HOLGAs, Your Excellency the Acting Governor of Ondo state had directed that all spending/ expenditure from local government account should be suspended, no signing of cheques, no change of signatories,no withdrawal of any sort until further directive.
“Please adhere strictly to instruction and be guided.”
A Caretaker Chairman who confirmed receiving the message said the development was worrisome and a ploy to go after those that managed affairs of the councils in the last three months.
The Caretaker Chairman who pleaded anonymity said Aiyedatiwa made the move to assert authority in line with his vision as well as cut a niche for himself.
“Yes, he has blocked account of the local government. He is doing it to make the Caretaker Chairmen fall in line ahead of the party primary next year. He believes the local government fund has been diverted.
“Tactically, he is trying to assert his own authority to make things work in his favour. He blocked accoount of local government which is the grassroot. He is doing to make the Caretaker Chairmen fall in line with him.
“He believes the local government funds have been diverted. I think it is a ploy to indict his contenders at the primary so that they would not contest against him.
“The first challenge is that Tinubu has told him not to witch hunt and do anything that will not go down well with party members. We know he has the reason to do what he is doing.
“What we are seeing is that he is working against what Akeredolu stood for. He cannot bring vengeance to governance.”
A letter addressed to members of the State Executive Council and top government functionaries further heightened tension. The official said cabinet members had worked together as a team whenever Akeredolu transmitted power to Aiyedatiwa
The letter signed by Omojuwa Olusegun reads, “The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed me to inform all Members of the State Executive Council and Top Government Functionaries that the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor would be responsible for the preparation and signing of his official engagements for the time being.
“The Chief of Protocol would take charge of this responsibility as soon as Mr. Governor resumes from his medical vacation.”
To many APC members, this directive by Aiyedatiwa was to enable him secure loyalty and consolidate himself in power. Another source said Aiyedatiwa was not happy that he was not consulted nor asked to nominate any of the Caretaker Committee including in his Ilaje local government area.
A close ally of Aiyedatiwa said the move was to consolidate his hold on power ahead of the governorship primary scheduled for April next year. A top government functionaries said the steps taken by Aiyedatiwa was being viewed as going after those that might contested the primary against him.
Ondo Commissioner in the Oil and Gas Producing Areas Commission (OSOPADEC) Kehinde Akinrotoye, said many supporters of Aiyedatiwa were already penciled to be sacked ahead of the governorship primary.
“He is fully in charge now and in control of this state. This issue of cabal is no more.”
Another APC chieftain, Kunle Segun Odidi, said Aiyedatiwa will not derail from the vision of Akeredolu but would add more value towards the goods of the state.
On the Caretaker Chairmen, he said, “The swearing in conducted for the Caretaker Committee was illegal. There is a court order that said the Committee should not be inaugurated. You cannot build something on nothing. If Aiyedatiwa is a product of the rule of law he should follow the law. I do not expect him to be doing something ultra vires.
“I know by the provision of the Constitution, once a power if transmitted, he posses all powers snd rights and privileges of the Governor. I did not see any challenge. It is expected to support the Acting Governor until the substantive Governor resume. He should be supported. It is for the system and not for Aiyedatiwa. Ondo State belongs to all of us. We must look beyond sentiments. He is expected to follow the mission and vision of the Governor. I do not see Aiyedatiwa derailing from Akeredolu but adding more value towards the goods of the state.”
More than 500 million Africans live in low-income urban and rural neighbourhoods facing the challenge of access to affordable, nutritious food. Lack of access is one reason residents are not eating recommended levels of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. There are moves to support production of local foods and encourage the establishment of farmers’ markets in key cities of the continent, DANIEL ESSIET writes.
In most cities across Africa, accessing healthy food has been a huge challenge. According to the United States’ Population Reference Bureau’s policy brief: ‘Population and Food Security: Africa’s Challenge’, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), one out of five people lacks adequate food for a healthy and active life, while 30 million children are underweight.
Also, SSA’s population is projected to be more than double from 856 million to about two billion in 2050, even if couples choose smaller families over the coming decades.
Nevertheless, several Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO’s) studies on the continent have indicated high consumption of food products lacking basic dietary needs thereby stunting growth.
Consequently, it has brought the issue of increasing access to healthy foods through improving the food environment to the front burner and renewed calls for the transformation of agrifood systems.
In October, FAO hosted an inception workshop for the project entitled: “Supporting Innovative Urban Agriculture for Enhanced Food Security and Nutrition in Rwanda”.
The event brought together prominent thought leaders within the space, including the Vice Mayor of the City of Kigali in charge of Socio-Economic Affairs, Martine Urujeni; FAO Representative in Rwanda, Coumba Sow, among others. The initiative was launched as part of the FAO Green Cities initiative, which aims to enhance urban environments, fortify urban-rural connections, and build resilience within urban food systems and communities to withstand external shocks.
The project is set to target 100 schools in Kigali City, offering an educational platform for teachers and students to learn about innovative and sustainable agriculture practices, gardening, and nutrition. The ultimate goal is to create a more resilient and food-secure urban environment while fostering community engagement and self-sufficiency.
During the workshop, FAO Representative in Rwanda, Coumba Sow, emphasised the significance of urban agriculture in addressing food insecurity. “Cultivating fresh produce within urban areas can provide access to affordable and nutritious food, particularly for communities and schools lacking such resources. Encouraging urban farming also contributes to healthier diets and active lifestyles, promoting physical activity and the consumption of fresh, locally grown produce.”
With rapid urbanisation and a growing population, access to fresh food has become a priority.
It was one of the highlights of the inaugural edition of the African Conference on Agricultural Technology (ACAT) which was held last month in Nairobi, Kenya.
The conference was organised by the non-profit Africa Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF). It aimed at reviewing the state of food security in the continent, deliberate on some key agrifood systems challenges, and identify solutions.
AATF has long been at the forefront of driving positive change in Africa’s agricultural sector. Through its innovative approach to bridge the gap between science, technology, and farmers, the foundation has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing food security, improving livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. With the growing advocacy for dietary habits to protect public health and the environment, experts have been calling for meals with fruit, vegetables, plant proteins, whole grains, and sustainable seafood.
One of the key topics discussed during the conference was the significant role of urban agriculture in this regard. An emeritus professor at the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom, Margaret Gill urged that urban agriculture be supported to help increase access to fresh, nutritious food for city residents.
As the effects of climate change become ever-more present ,she indicated that growing food in a way that connects with nature will promote a production system that improves access to healthy foods at a local level. She was not alone.
Founder and Chief Executive of advisory services and technology firm, Agritecture, Henry Gordon-Smith lends his voice. He said: “In the face of rapidly progressing climate change, urban agriculture would play a critical role in ensuring food security, dietary diversity, community cohesion and well-being and ecological benefits, such as hydrological functions, air quality and soil quality.”
Gordon-Smith also brought up hydroponics as a modern agricultural technology that boosts urban farming productivity as access to land plots is limited and climate conditions are not favourable for farming without the use of greenhouses. It also helps tackle the issue of soil scarcity.
With rapid urbanisation placing immense pressure on food supply chains, a Member of Board of Trustees of AATF and Chief Executive of agricultural company, Kamano Seed, Zambia, Sylvia Horemans, underscored the need for innovative solutions. She said: “According to the United Nations, by 2050, an estimated 68 per cent of the world’s population will live in urban areas, with the most significant growth expected in small cities and towns in Africa and Asia. The impact of global trends in population growth and urbanisation is compounded by other vulnerabilities, including climate change and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
These factors, she continued, would contribute to an increase in food insecurity, malnutrition, and the rise of diet-related non-communicable diseases.To combat this, she emphasised the importance of stable food production, shorter and simplified food supply chains, and distribution tools that can adapt to changing circumstances.
Lagos State with a population of over 25 million has a peculiar food security challenge. Therefore, having a great number of people living in the state engaging in urban agriculture will help address the over-reliance on food coming into the state, ensure food security, and help in reducing the cost of food items among others.
To ensure food security, Lagos Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya, said the state is boosting local food production through funding for technology adoption, and drumming up support for local farmers. She said the government was compelled to push the frontiers of innovation to grow food through various urban farming platforms to provide an important buffer in times of food supply crises.
According to her, there was an ongoing effort to keep the state’s diversified food supply lines intact by unlocking the blue economy to help boost local production of fish and enhance food security. She said the state was open to working with private organisations to establish hi-tech and productive farms and agri-food clusters that support circular economy principles.
In addition to this, she said the state is increasing efforts to prepare youths citizens for career opportunities in the growing agri-food sector, as it works with schools and educational institutions to develop and build curricula in relevant areas.
The Commissioner noted that urban farming will add to food production, increase access to fresh agricultural products, reduce pressure on food products within the State and stabilise the prices of produce in the markets, explaining that urban farming also has the potential to nourish farming households, communities and create economic opportunities among the residents.
She also said: “Urban farming helps stimulate the local economy through job creation, income generation and growth of small businesses. More importantly, urban farming makes fresh food more affordable. It is fast becoming an important component of a city’s food system.’’
Attempts to overcome a myriad of local obstacles that affect access to food, she explained, has driven the government to focus on the creation of local transportation and distribution corridors.
One of them is the multimillion logistics hub with the main objective to develop the rural food’s potential including productivity, food security and livelihoods.
Several components are going into raising agricultural productivity, including attracting investments in roads, transportation, electricity and policy reform to create an efficient and well-functioning agricultural chain.
Every year, the Lagos Food Festival attracts thousands of food-loving visitors across the city of Lagos. This yearly event, organised by the Lagos State Government, showcases the local food industry and provides a unique platform for small and medium enterprises in the sector to showcase their talent and products. This year, the biggest food festival returned welcoming thousands of foodies from across the state to enjoy different delicacies. It was an opportunity for members of all communities to come and experience the flavours of Nigeria all under one roof with family and friends. Visitors were able to enjoy numerous activities, including cooking competitions, musical performances, and dances and cooking demonstrations.
The event also provided an opportunity for farmers and small food businesses to network and promote their products. Many stalls offered a wide range of local dishes, from traditional fare to more modern culinary innovations. The theme of this edition of the festival was: “A Fusion of Flavors”, highlighting the richness and diversity of flavors present in Lagos.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said food security would continue to be a priority to cut the cost of food commodities in the state.
The governor was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.1
He stated that his administration would remain committed to developing the agricultural industry.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the sector has seen various efforts and is prominently featured in the state’s THEMES Agenda.
He was pleased with the large turnout at the event, saying it represented the true spirit of Lagos.
The Lagos Food Festival, according to the governor, showcases prosperity, resourcefulness, innovation, and the spirit of Lagos to young people.
According to him, the food festival provides a forum for Small and Medium Enterprises in agriculture and food to promote their products and network.
“The event is about young people mostly showing their talents and making money so we cannot be a society just sitting and complaining.
“We can see all these young people here today; they are doing various things, so they are looking inward to see how we can add value and be successful.
“That is what I see here, prosperity, ingenuity, innovation, and the spirit of Lagos,” he said.
Ms Olusanya, said the annual festival which evolves from “Sea Foods Festival,” is to showcase the huge potentials of the state to the outside world.
The commissioner stated that “the event has continued to transform the lives of people and over 1000 jobs are expected to be created since the event is free for all.”
Ms Olusanya described the event as a wonderful platform for the youth in the state since it is organised close to the end of the year and holiday period.
