The Nation Newspaper

Category: Agriculture

  • NES urges Nigeria, others to transform agriculture, trade, energy

    NES urges Nigeria, others to transform agriculture, trade, energy

    The Nigerian Economic Society (NES) on Tuesday urged Nigeria and other African countries to transform agriculture, trade, energy in other to attain sustainable economic growth.

    It, however, insisted that the countries are not in deficit of talent, ideas, or entrepreneurial grit but they are lacking in translating them to tangible improvements in the lives of their citizenry.

    NES President, Adeola Adenikinju, made this known in a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

    According to him, Africa’s external socio-economic environment remains uncertain amidst lingering global trade tensions and geopolitical shocks.

    He stressed that projections of various institutions, suggesting economic growth for Nigeria and the continent still falls short of what is needed to truly improve living standards of citizens, adding that one in every three persons continues to live below the poverty line.

    “Yet the data show that our region is positioned to witness significant economic growth in the coming years. The data also show that our economic and social prosperity requires more than macro stability. 

    “It requires sectoral transformation in our core growth sectors like agriculture, trade, and energy, and it requires social protection systems that are well designed. If we hold those two truths together, we can design pathways for social and economic prosperity that are both ambitious and realistic.

    “Nigeria and Africa are not short of talent, we are not short of ideas, we are not short of entrepreneurial grit. The real challenge is not the absence of good policy ideas, but the difficulty of translating them into tangible improvements in people’s daily lives,” he said. 

    Speaking further, Adenikinju said that the 66th annual conference of the Society, scheduled to hold from September 8 to 11 2025 will identify practical pathways to economic transformation and social inclusion, mindful of the shifting global landscape that shapes the economy.

    He explained that the theme of the conference, Rethinking Africa’s development’ means shifting from a paradigm predicated on volatile commodity cycles and aid dependence toward one anchored in investment, diversification, and institutions that deliver. 

    “It means embracing regional integration not simply as a diplomatic project but as a concrete way to reduce costs for businesses and expand consumer choice. It means, among others, the courage to reform when it is difficult, coupled with the humility to protect the most vulnerable while reforms take time to yield fruit.

    “We will offer clear insights and actionable recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners through the recommendations that will be adopted at the end of the conference. 

    “These recommendations will speak directly to the pressing questions of our time: how to secure macroeconomic stability, how to unlock diversification and competitiveness, how to build resilience in the face of shocks, and how to ensure that economic growth translates into shared, inclusive prosperity.”

  • Firm awards N2m to winner of cooking contest

    Firm awards N2m to winner of cooking contest

    Kiara Rice Mills Ltd has awarded Adefunke Wonder from Akure a cash prize of N2 million after she emerged the winner of the Kiara Rice World Jollof Fest 2025.

    The grand finale was held at the Ikeja City Mall weekend. It was a gathering of food lovers, influencers, and celebrities in a dazzling celebration of World Jollof Day. The event featured live cooking competitions, music, entertainment, and free tastings of Kiara Rice’s premium quality brands.

    Favourite food influencers Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Omoye Chukwuemeka joined the judging panel, alongside culinary experts.

    They watched as city champions from Onitsha, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Ughelli, Warri, Benin, and Akure went head-to-head.

    At the end of the contest, Adefunke Wonder secured the crown and the title of “Jollof Champion”.

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    The company’s Brand Manager, Chinaza Ahamefula, said, “The Kiara Rice World Jollof Fest was more than a competition; it was a celebration of Nigerian culture, creativity, and community. We are proud to have created a platform that not only showcased the versatility of Kiara Rice but also brought Nigerians together through food.”

    Speaking on the impact of the Jollof Fest, Director, Kiara Rice Mills, Kunal Varshneya, described the event as a milestone for the company.

    He noted that the turnout, excitement, and love for Jollof confirmed that Kiara Rice is indeed the rice of choice for both everyday meals and special occasions, stressing that credibility is what keeps pushing the firm forward, and its goal is to make Kiara Rice a true household name that every family chooses and trusts.

    Adding his voice, Enioluwa hailed Kiara Rice for organising a remarkable event that not only entertained but also preserved Nigerian culture through food.

    He praised the contestants, adding that the creativity and passion displayed in the competition were inspiring, highlighting the richness of Nigerian cuisine.

    Expressing her excitement, Adefunke Wonder, the 2025 Jollof Champion, said, “I am so grateful to Kiara Rice for organising this amazing event that allowed me to showcase my talent. It was a challenging but enjoyable competition, and I’m proud to have been part of it. Beyond winning, I experienced first-hand how good Kiara Rice is, and I will continue spreading the good news everywhere I go.”

  • Senator Buba recommends non-kinetic approach to tackle insecurity

    Senator Buba recommends non-kinetic approach to tackle insecurity

    Senator Shehu Umar Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, has called for a paradigm shift in how Nigeria tackles conflict, suggesting the adoption of a non-kinetic approach alongside military responses.

    The lawmaker, who made the recommendation in a media chat, emphasised that while government forces’ operations may silence conflict temporarily, only dialogue, reconciliation, and socio-economic renewal can build lasting peace.

    Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, is championing strategies rooted in dialogue and peacebuilding as more effective alternatives to force. His advocacy is not only political but also academic, drawing from years of research in conflict management and peace studies.

    “My main objective is to translate my academic research into tangible policy,” he said. “Insecurity cannot be defeated by force alone. Diplomacy, community engagement, and reintegration strategies are indispensable tools for stability. Sometimes, to achieve peace, you must engage directly or indirectly with the enemy. That’s not weakness—it’s wisdom.”

    Buba’s nuanced analysis links insecurity to multiple drivers: insurgency to mishandled grievances, banditry to unregulated mining and climate change, and ethno-religious conflicts to unchecked preaching and land disputes. This complexity, he argues, explains why a purely military response often escalates rather than resolves violence.

    Beyond national advocacy, the senator has initiated local interventions in Bauchi, including food distribution, fertilizer support, and the establishment of skill acquisition centres. He laments the collapse of once-thriving industries like the Galambi cattle ranch and Zaki Flour Company, noting that reviving them is critical to addressing hunger and unemployment—factors that fuel insecurity.

    Buba’s push for non-kinetic strategies has attracted criticism, with detractors accusing him of sympathizing with bandits. He said such claims are politically motivated, insisting his focus remains on evidence-based solutions. Despite mounting calls to contest the governorship election in 2027, Buba’s immediate priority is his senatorial mandate.

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    “We should set aside political differences and work together for a better Nigeria,” the legislator urged. “My mission is national development, and I believe we should all strive for the same goal—whether in government or in our private lives.”

    Buba has repeatedly pressed for complementing military action with dialogue. He points to global evidence showing that negotiations succeed in over 90 percent of cases, including in Nigeria—such as the release of some kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls in 2017, and freedom of thousands of abductees coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) led Nuhu Ribadu.

    Armed with a Master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Management, and currently pursuing a PhD, Senator Buba has consistently argued that reintegration and community-driven initiatives offer more durable solutions than the barrel of a gun.

    Buba’s master’s dissertation on the farmer-herder crisis in Plateau State was so practical that the state government adopted its recommendations. His ongoing doctoral research—supervised by Professors Elias N. Lamle and Sule Raphael—explores the “Drivers and Evolution of Banditry in Zamfara and Kaduna States,” employing an inclusive methodology that engages victims, communities, and even perpetrators.

  • Climate-smart agribusiness key to Jobs, Growth, says IFAD

    Climate-smart agribusiness key to Jobs, Growth, says IFAD

    The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has stressed that public-private partnerships (PPPs) in climate-smart agribusiness are vital for transforming climate challenges into opportunities for economic growth, youth employment, and sustainable development.

    IFAD Country Director, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, stated this in Abuja at the Federal Government/IFAD Best Practice Workshop on PPPs for Climate Information Services and consultations on the Climate Smart Agribusiness Partnership for Resilience Project (CSAPR).

    Speaking on the workshop’s theme, “Leveraging PPPs for Climate Information Services (CIS) and advancing consultations on the Climate Smart Agribusiness Partnership for Resilience Project,” Ekoue said the initiative was designed to build a roadmap that connects local realities to national priorities while aligning with continental and global commitments.

    She emphasised that climate information is “life-saving, productivity-enhancing, and resilience-building,” noting that farmers cannot adapt without timely and reliable data on planting, harvesting, and extreme weather. Similarly, agribusinesses, she said, need accurate data, early warning systems, and risk management tools to scale sustainably.

    Ekoue recalled that at the recent UN Food Systems Summit in Addis Ababa, leaders reinforced the need for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems, with Nigeria playing a leadership role in Africa’s transition toward climate-smart agriculture through digital solutions and partnerships.

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    “At the continental level, the Kampala Declaration underscored the importance of resilience, innovation, and placing women and youth at the centre of agricultural transformation,” she said. “Regionally, Nigeria’s role is pivotal. Globally, the stakes are high. Climate change is not a distant threat but a daily reality redefining risks while presenting opportunities for innovation and shared prosperity.”

    She also commended the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) for strengthening resilience and linking science to policy and practice, stressing that deeper collaboration with the private sector would ensure climate information becomes affordable, accessible, and actionable for smallholder farmers.

    On his part, Prof. Charles Onosike, Director-General of NiMet, described climate-smart PPPs as crucial for embedding climate risks, adaptation, and mitigation into infrastructure and agribusiness development.

    He highlighted NiMet’s recent launch of the Enhancing National Climate Services (ENACTS) Maproom, which provides real-time forecasts, historical climate data, and tailored advisories for farmers. The tool, he said, will revolutionise access to climate information, boost productivity, and enhance resilience.

    Onosike added that NiMet is engaging private sector actors across the Climate Information Service value chain to establish sustainable Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS) that will deliver accurate, timely information to smallholder farmers.

    He acknowledged IFAD’s long-standing support to Nigeria through projects such as the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises in Niger Delta (LIFE-ND), the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), and the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ).

  • Group urges FG to implement policies on foods to reduce deadly diseases

    Group urges FG to implement policies on foods to reduce deadly diseases

    A Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO) under the aegis of the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa has urged the Federal Government to implement policies aimed at reducing the rising cases of death from non-communicable diseases linked to unhealthy food and beverage consumption. 

    The group said the  government should  take regulatory actions, including increasing taxes on non-alcoholic and sweetened drinks, implementing clear front-of-pack warning labels, and enforcing national sodium reduction programs. 

    These measures, CAPPA said, would reshape Nigeria’s food  environment, reduce the burden of disease, and save lives.

    The CAPPA Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, spoke on Tuesday during the opening of the Youth Bootcamp for Food Justice 2025 at the Warm Springs Resort, Ikogosi-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

    The bootcamp, which had participants across the six geo-political zones in the country, was organised by CAPPA in partnership with the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) towards safeguarding public health for the nation’s growth and development.

    Oluwafemi noted that the drivers of the deadly diseases are the consumption of ultra-processed products and foods high in fat and sugar, warning that, “it now stands as one of the greatest threats to the health and future of our country.”

    He explained that the rising cases of deadly diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancers have been identified as manifestations of the epidemic of NCDs from the volume of unhealthy food and beverages.

    Reeling out troubling data on the impacts on the nation’s health as released by the World Health Organization, the executive director stated that NCDs contributed to 30 percent of all deaths recorded in Nigeria.

    He said: “Even more troubling is that 22 percent of these deaths occur prematurely, between the ages of 30 and 69—years that should be the most productive in family and national life.

    “Hypertension now affects about one in three adults in urban Nigeria. Obesity is climbing steadily, particularly among women and young people, with urban rates approaching one in five. Diabetes, once rare, is now estimated to affect between 4 and 7 percent of the population, translating into millions of Nigerians managing a lifelong and costly disease.

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    “The drivers of this crisis are evident. Nigeria’s food environment has greatly altered in the last two decades, with more people consuming ultra-processed products and foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, such as soft drinks, instant noodles, salty snacks, and fast foods. What makes this worse is the heavy advertising and marketing, often aimed at children and youth. They promote those unhealthy foods as modern, desirable, and convenient, while hiding their health risks and making healthier options harder to choose.

    “In some cases, unhealthy products are also cheaper and easier to find than nutritious alternatives, and their increasing consumption has fueled the rapid rise of non-communicable diseases across the country.”

    He appealed to the Federal Government to increase taxes on non-alcoholic and sweetened drinks, among other regulatory interventions, towards controlling consumption behavior in the country.

    In his keynote address, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Professor Adelaja Odukoya, said the institution would be ready to partner with the organization in the advocacy drive to achieve the expected transformation.

    “The community must take control of what they eat, but what we have now is not justice. As long as there are forces that profit from injustice, the struggle for food justice cannot be a tea party,” the professor of political science said. 

  • Nigeria’s Q1 cocoa exports soar to N1.23tr

    Nigeria’s Q1 cocoa exports soar to N1.23tr

    Nigeria’s economy is reaping major rewards from the global surge in cocoa prices, with the commodity delivering unprecedented export earnings in the first quarter of 2025.

    According to the H2 2025 Norrenberger Economic Outlook, Nigeria’s cocoa export receipts jumped by 220 percent year-on-year, rising to N1.23 trillion compared with N384.1 billion in the same period of 2024.

    The Norrenberger report said “this represents the highest quarterly cocoa export revenue ever recorded in the country, reflecting both elevated international prices and stronger export volumes.”

    The development the report said further cements cocoa’s position as a strategic contributor to Nigeria’s external sector at a time when the country is working to diversify away from its dependence on oil.

    The surge in Nigeria’s cocoa earnings is closely tied to market conditions that have shaken the global cocoa industry over the past 18 months.

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    Throughout late 2024, cocoa prices reached historic highs as supply shortages from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana—the two top-producing nations—disrupted global supply chains. “Futures prices soared, with contracts in New York exceeding $12,000 per tonne and those in London touching $11,675 per tonne by December” the report disclosed.

    The supply shortage stemmed from multiple factors, including adverse weather patterns, the spread of cocoa swollen shoot virus (CSSV), and a marked decline in global inventories. These challenges were compounded by speculative trading, which intensified price swings and contributed to extreme volatility.

    As a result, prices entered 2025 at higher levels. In January, increase in price momentum was sustained, but by March, markets corrected sharply, plunging by more than 30 percent to below $8,000 per tonne, as demand weakened in price-sensitive markets and expectations improved for the 2024/25 mid-crop harvest.

    Still, by mid-June, cocoa rebounded strongly, trading between $9,000 and $9,800 per ton, with some spot prices climbing as high as $11,000 per ton. Reports suggested that at certain points, spot quotes rose to over $12,000 per ton—an 80 per cent surge compared with early 2024 levels.

    By the end of June, prices had moderated to $8,101 per ton, down 26 per cent from the January peak of $10,888 per ton, yet still 20 per cent higher than the $6,776 per ton recorded during the same period of 2024.

    Norrenberger noted that the record cocoa earnings have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economy. “As one of the country’s most valuable non-oil exports, cocoa provides a vital stream of foreign exchange at a time when oil revenues remain vulnerable to global price fluctuations and domestic production constraints.”

    According to the analysts, “the revenue boost is helping Nigeria narrow its current account deficit and reduce reliance on oil-related inflows, providing a buffer against external shocks.”

    The additional FX inflows are also seen as supporting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s broader efforts to stabilize the naira, which has faced persistent pressure in recent years.

    Beyond the macroeconomic benefits, higher cocoa receipts are filtering into rural communities, where production is concentrated. According to the report, “increased earnings can stimulate rural economies, create jobs, and strengthen agricultural value chains, providing critical support for inclusive growth.

    Despite the windfall, concerns remain about the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s cocoa boom. Norrenberger has cautioned “that aging cocoa trees, limited financing options for farmers, and inadequate infrastructure continue to weigh on productivity.”

    Unless these bottlenecks are addressed, Nigeria risks losing momentum once the current favorable price cycle ends. The report has also called for greater investment in value addition, particularly through local processing, which could further expand earnings and create industrial jobs.

    Looking ahead, the global cocoa market is expected to remain volatile in the second half of 2025. The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) has projected a surplus of 142,000 metric tonnes for the 2024/25 season, ending four consecutive years of deficits.

    The surplus is tied to an anticipated 7.8 percent increase in global cocoa output to 4.84 million tonnes, while grindings—an indicator of demand—are expected to fall by 4.8 percent to 4.65 million tonnes, reflecting reduced consumption in key markets as high prices bite into demand.

  • 10 States in Nigeria with costliest food prices

    10 States in Nigeria with costliest food prices

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), prices of staple items like yam, pepper, cassava, and maize remain high, with varying pressures across regions. 

    Here are ten States in Nigeria with the highest inflation rate of food prices as of May 2025 ascending order as well as insights into their local food dynamics and historical inflation trends.

    1. EBONYI STATE

    Ebonyi State is known as “The Salt of the Nation” for its significant salt deposits in the Okposi and Uburu salt lakes, and it’s a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria, renowned for producing Abakaliki Rice, yam, cassava, and maize.

    The state is also recognized for its vibrant culture and heritage, particularly in the Afikpo region, which serves as a center for Igbo tradition.

    Furthermore, Ebonyi is noted for its focus on modern infrastructure and development, including state-of-the-art facilities and a growing economy centered around its capital, Abakaliki 

    This state has 25.9% in the increase in food prices a steep rise from 7.2% in April. Despite its agricultural strength, prices are still affected by transport and distribution inefficiencies.

    The state, known for rice, yam, beans, and cassava production, is among the top 20 with the highest all-items inflation for the month.

    2. KOGI STATE

    Kogi State is an important agricultural centre, producing crops such as yam, cassava, and maize, and home to major industries like the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

    Historically, the capital city of Lokija  served as the first administrative capital of Nigeria during the colonial era, and the state is recognized for its diverse cultures and traditional festivals. This state has 26.52% increase in price food price. Kogi has a 4.7% increase over the previous month.

    Even while producing yam, cassava, sorghum, and cowpea, food inflation remains elevated, possibly due to regional supply chain constraints or poor market access.

    The state ranks among the top 20 states for all-items inflation in May. More also, Kogi state is known as Nigeria’s “Confluence State” due to the meeting of the Niger and Benue Rivers, and for its rich mineral resources like iron ore and limestone.

    3. OGUN STATE

    Ogun State is known as Nigeria’s industrial and manufacturing hub, hosting a large concentration of factories due to its proximity to Lagos.

    It is also a significant agricultural producer, known for crops like cassava and cocoa, and possesses rich natural resources and a prominent cultural heritage, including the significant olumo rock and the vibrant ojude oba festival.

    Additionally, the state is a major educational center with a high number of universities and is nicknamed the “Gateway State” for its strategic position in West Africa. Ogun state increase in food price also hit 26.5%, up from 9.9% in April, marking a significant 16.6% surge.

     Although the state is close to major food routes and produces cassava, maize, and rice, food prices are still very high, placing it among the top 20 states with the highest inflation this month.

    4. ABUJA (FCT)

    Food inflation in Abuja (FCT) rose to 26.7% in May, up from 22.2% in April. Despite producing crops like cassava, yam, rice, and beans, the city depends heavily on supplies from other states and now ranks fifth highest in food inflation nationwide.

    Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, is known for being a purpose-built administrative and political center that hosts the country’s governmental bodies, including the Presidential Complex, National Assembly, and Supreme Court.

    It is recognized for its diverse modern architecture and landmarks like the National  Mosque and National Christian Center Beyond its political significance, Abuja offers natural attractions such as Gurara Falls and Jabi Lake and is a center for commerce, attracting various multinational corporations and international organizations. 

    5. CROSS RIVER STATE

    Cross River State is known as “The People’s Paradise” for its stunning natural beauty, including rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches, as well as its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions.

    It is home to the famous Calabar Carnival, Africas largest street party and significant landmarks like the Obudu Mountain Resort and the Tinapa Business Resort.

    The state is also recognized for its diverse ethnic groups, important conservation areas like the Cross River national park  and a strong agricultural sector.

    Food inflation in Cross River rose sharply from 14.5% in April to 27.3% in May.

    This big 12.8% increase may be linked to seasonal price pressures on crops like cassava, yam, plantain, maize, garden egg, pepper, banana, and cocoyam.

    These crops are heavily traded in regional markets

    6. SOKOTO STATE

    Sokoto is an important agricultural center, with crops like millet and maize, and is famous for its trade in sheepskins, cattle hides, and leather goods. Key landmarks include the Sultan’s Palace, the Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Museum, and the Goronyo Dam.

    The State is known as “Seat of the Caliphate” for its deep Islamic history and as the spiritual headquarters of Islam in Nigeria, housing the Sultan’s Palace. Sokoto experienced a relatively moderate change, with food inflation increasing from 25.3% in April to 27.6% in May.

    Though the increase is marginal, the state still ranks among the top 10. Sokoto produces cassava, plantain, yam, millet, cocoyam, rice, pumpkin, and banana, and has generally benefited from steady local production.

    7. NIGER STATE

    Niger State is known as “The Power State” of Nigeria due to its major hydroelectric dams, including Kainji and Shiroro, which generate significant power for the country.

    The Niger state has 30.3% food inflation rate of 30.3%, Niger State saw a modest rise of 6% from April.

    As a key producer of yam, cassava, sorghum, and rice, the increase may reflect seasonal variations in food availability or pressures from nearby markets.

    The state is the second-highest all-items inflation in May. 

    8. TARABA STATE

    It recorded a food inflation rate of 38.6% in May, a sharp rise from 20.3% in April, representing an 18.3% increase.

    Despite cultivating a variety of crops such as cassava, plantain, yam, millet, beans, rice, and Irish potatoes, the state continues to face rising consumer prices due to logistics bottlenecks and high transportation costs.

    Insecurity in neighboring areas and poor road conditions further disrupt trade routes. Consequently, Taraba ranked as the seventh highest in all-items inflation for the month.”

    9. BAYELSA STATE

    Bayelsa State is widely known for its rich crude oil and natural gas reserves, which play a big role in Nigeria’s economy.

    It is also the ancestral home of the Ijaw people, a place deeply rooted in their culture and traditions. Located in the Niger Delta, Bayelsa is blessed with a long coastline, rivers, and wetlands that add to its natural beauty.

    At the same time, the state faces serious challenges such as environmental damage, flooding, and poor infrastructure.”

    This state has 39.8% increase in food prices. Food inflation in Bayelsa jumped from 19.7% in April to 39.8% in May, marking a significant 20.1% surge.

    Despite being a producer of plantain, cassava, yam, rice, garden egg, pepper, banana, and cocoyam, the state’s supply chains and high dependency on food imports from other regions could be contributing to this steep rise. The state made it into the top 20 highest all-items inflation for the months.

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    10. BORNO STATE

    Borno State is known for its deep historical roots as the heartland of the Kanem-Bornu Empire, its rich cultural heritage including the Durbar Festival, and its strategic position as a border trading hub with neighboring countries.

    The state is also an important agricultural region, home to Lake Chad, and has a strong tradition of Islamic scholarship, though it has unfortunately gained notoriety as the origin point of the Boko Haram insurgency.

    Borno recorded the highest food inflation in May, soaring to 64.4%, a sharp rise of 42.9% from April’s 21.5%. The state, known for producing millet, sorghum, maize, rice, guinea corn, and sweet potatoes.

    Despite significant crop production, including millet, sorghum, and sweet potatoes, insecurity, limited market access, and disrupted trade flows have contributed to the sharp price increases. The state also ranks as the highest all-items inflation for the month.

  • Organisation kicks against antibiotic-driven industrial animal farming

    Organisation kicks against antibiotic-driven industrial animal farming

    The Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), in collaboration with other African organizations, has called on the Nigerian government to oppose industrial-scale animal farming that relies heavily on antibiotics, citing serious health and environmental risks.

    Speaking at a media engagement in Abuja on the implications of industrial animal farming, HOMEF Executive Director and Nigeria/Africa Food Sovereignty Coordinator, Mariann Bassey Olsson, warned that intensive livestock operations prioritise maximum output at minimal cost, often confining animals and using large quantities of antibiotics.

    She noted that these practices, along with high land and water demands, are contributing to land grabs and could threaten smallholder farmers.

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    Olsson highlighted a $2.6 billion Memorandum of Understanding signed between Nigeria and a major Brazilian meat processor, which plans to establish three poultry complexes, two beef facilities, and a pork facility across the country.

    “Nigeria is their entry point into Africa due to its large market,” Olsson said. “But this move risks displacing local farmers, increasing dependence on imported feeds, medicines, and inputs.”

    She emphasised that concentrated animal farming heightens the risk of antibiotic resistance, zoonotic diseases, food contamination, poor nutrition, and environmental harm.

    Olsson advocated for food sovereignty as an alternative, urging alliances with local farmers to promote clean, healthy food systems. 

    “Smallholder farmers must be protected and supported to produce safe, nutritious food for Nigerians,” she stressed.

  • New dawn for climate-resilient agri-food systems

    New dawn for climate-resilient agri-food systems

    The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has taken a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s climate and food security challenges with a two-day programme aimed at building indigenous leadership in co-developing climate-resilient technologies for sustainable agri-food systems.

    The event, organised by the Department of Agriculture & Bio Resources Engineering, was held on July 23-24, 2025, at the 85 Building, Faculty of Engineering, UNN. It was led by Engr. Prof. Chinenye C. Anyadike, a Professor in the department and Co-Principal and Research Director of SCID engineeringxpress

    Focus on safety and leadership

    A key highlight of the programme was an EngineeringXpress workshop on Safety Skills for Sustainable Engineering Development. This crucial session was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation and Onyia Construction.

    During the workshop, Distinguished Prof. Umezuruike Linus Opara delivered a compelling keynote address on leadership development, stressing the importance of equipping future engineers with the skills needed to drive innovation. Following this, Engr. Dr. Patrick Akpan, Academic Programmes Coordinator at the African Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACESPED), UNN, presented a comprehensive overview of safety in engineering, underscoring its foundational role in any sustainable project.

    The urgency of safety skills

    Dr. Uzor Onyia, Principal of SCID EngineeringXpress spoke on the critical need for developing safety skills within Nigeria’s engineering landscape. He highlighted that a strong safety culture is not just about preventing accidents but is fundamental to building a robust and reliable engineering sector capable of tackling complex challenges like climate change.

    “We are immensely grateful for the sponsorship of the Lloyd’s Register Foundation and Onyia Construction, whose support has been instrumental in making this safety programme a reality for Nigerian engineers,” Dr. Onyia stated.

    He also used the opportunity to encourage students and early-career engineers to take advantage of the upcoming safety skills training available on engineeringxpress, urging them to register and invest in their professional development.

    A Collaborative success

    The success of the programme was a testament to strong collaboration across various organisations. Dr. Onyia extended his gratitude to key partners, including the Royal Academy of Engineering, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), ACESPED, Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association (NUESA), Faculty of Engineering, UNN, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    A special vote of thanks was given to the Department of Agriculture and Bio Resources Engineering, led by Engr. Prof. Chinenye C. Anyadike, and the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Engr. Prof. Joel Nwakaire, for their exceptional leadership and for orchestrating a truly impactful programme. The event has set a new benchmark for professional development and collaborative efforts in engineering education in Nigeria.

  • Inspire Lagos food market marks one year with four-day hunger intervention

    Inspire Lagos food market marks one year with four-day hunger intervention

    Inspire Lagos Food Market will on Tuesday August 19, roll out a four-day programme tagged: Inspire Week to mark its maiden anniversary.

    It will also scale up efforts in the fight against hunger across Lagos.

    The event, billed for August 19 to 22, will feature food relief interventions, volunteer engagements, and strategic dialogues aimed at deepening food security and affordability for vulnerable groups in the state.

    With the theme: “Celebrating Real Impact, Fostering More…”, Inspire Week is expected to engage thousands of residents across multiple local councils.

    The anniversary will feature a line-up of impactful activities designed to promote food security and community engagement. 

    Top on the programme is the Zero Hunger Bootcamp, a general assembly of Inspire volunteers and food security experts where participants will share global best practices and local solutions under the theme: “Global Standards & Local Action for Ending Hunger and Food Insecurity through Volunteering.”

    Other events include Inspire on the Street, a grassroots outreach to underserved neighbourhoods featuring food advocacy, community dialogues and hands-on relief distribution. 

    There will also be a Special Food Market Edition, where residents can buy food items at half the usual price, alongside vendor exhibitions and interactive engagements.

    The celebration will climax with an Anniversary Gala and Awards Night, tagged: “The Impact Party,” to honour outstanding partners and volunteers while launching the Inspire 50–50 Mandate, a renewed drive to expand food access across Lagos.

    Among the confirmed speakers are Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems,  Abisola Olusanya; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development,  Mobolaji Ogunlende; storyteller and founder of Joy Inc., Chude Jideonwo; and leadership strategist, Debola Deji-Kurumi (DDK).

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    Since its launch in 2024, Inspire Lagos Food Market has reached over 25,000 families through its mobile and community-based food markets. The project is anchored on SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and thrives on public-private partnerships and volunteer networks.

    Convener and founder, Ambassador Abiola Adebajo, said the celebration goes beyond marking one year of impact.

    “This anniversary is not just a celebration; it’s a call to foster more impact. We want to show that with consistent community support and strategic partnerships, we can fight hunger effectively,” Adebajo said.

    The organisation has called on volunteers, philanthropists, development partners and private firms to support the vision of a hunger-free Lagos, one community at a time.