The Nation Newspaper

Category: Agriculture

  • Fed Govt launches first zinc-enriched rice to fight malnutrition

    Fed Govt launches first zinc-enriched rice to fight malnutrition

    As part of efforts to combat widespread micronutrient deficiencies, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with HarvestPlus and the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), have introduced first zinc-enriched rice varieties, FARO 71 and FARO 72.

    At the unveiling in Abuja, Agriculture Minister, Abubakar Kyari, described the development as a landmark in the nation’s fight against malnutrition, especially among women and children.

    This new rice, he said, provides an affordable way to improve dietary zinc intake and overall well-being.

    Kyari, who noted that zinc deficiency in Nigeria remains a serious concern, contributing to poor immunity, stunted growth, and delayed cognitive development, said  under the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria has prioritised the introduction of bio-fortified staples.

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    He noted that the newly released FARO 71 and FARO 72 are not only rich in zinc but also deliver high yields, resist pests and diseases, tolerate drought, and adapt well across diverse environments.

    He added that consistent consumption can meet up to 40% of the daily zinc requirement.

    In his remarks, HarvestPlus Nigeria’s Country Manager, Dr. Yusuf Dollah Fouad, credited the progress to support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and AGRA through the Propcom+ Project.

    “This achievement builds on successful models from Bangladesh and India. Nigeria is now leading in Africa,” he said.

    Fouad outlined a three-phase approach: research and development, commercialization, and wide-scale access. HarvestPlus is now entering the commercialization stage, aiming to keep the price of the new varieties comparable to conventional ones.

    The World Bank estimates that Nigeria loses over $1.5 billion annually in GDP due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

     Introducing zinc-rich rice could help reverse that trend while boosting income for local farmers.

    Propcom’s Country Representative, Dr. Adiya Ode, emphasised accessibility. “We’re working with seed companies to ensure these varieties are widely reproduced and affordable for farmers, without added costs or travel burdens.”

    Partners reaffirmed their commitment to working across sectors to scale up the adoption of nutrient-rich crops and reshape Nigeria’s food system for better health and economic outcomes.

  • PBR cowpea: Turning season of struggle into harvest of hope

    PBR cowpea: Turning season of struggle into harvest of hope

    As Nigeria looks to modernise agriculture, close its supply-demand gap, and lift millions from rural poverty, stories from rural farmers are a testament that innovation, in the right hands, can yield more than food, JULIANA AGBO writes.

    On a quiet morning in Kwali Area Council, 71 kilometres southwest of Abuja, Judith Uke Ekele walks through her vibrant field of beans with a smile that tells a story.

    For Judith, these aren’t just rows of cowpea; they are the seeds of a new life, one planted in innovation and watered by resilience.

    To her, it was like an accomplished impossible mission due to Nigeria’s shortfall in production of cowpea in recent years.

    When hope was fading

    For years, Nigeria’s cowpea farmers laboured against odds. In 2019, data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) showed that the country imported about 500,000 metric tonnes of cowpea annually to meet local demand, a shortfall driven by pest infestations and the growing impact of climate change.

    Among these pests, the Maruca vitrata, or pod borer, reigned as the most destructive.

    According to Professor Mohammed Ishyaku, former Executive Director of the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Zaria, the insect can wipe out up to 80 percent of a farmer’s crop.

    “These pests force farmers to apply numerous chemical sprays, creating health risks and high costs,” he explained.

    To protect their beans, he noted that some farmers spray chemical pesticides up to eight or ten times per season.

    The result, he noted, was a toxic combination of financial strain, environmental harm, and public health concerns, even prompting the European Union to once ban Nigerian beans for excessive pesticide residues.

    Science meets survival

    To tackle the severe yield losses caused by insect damage to cowpea flowers and pods, agricultural scientists at the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, developed SAMPEA 20-T, Nigeria’s first genetically modified food crop,  Popularly known as the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) cowpea, engineered to withstand pod borer attacks and significantly reduce the use of pesticides.

    Prof. Ishiyaku, who also serves as the Principal Investigator of the PBR cowpea project, explained that SAMPEA 20T, named after Samaru, the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) station where it was developed, “cowpea,” and its status as the 20th variety released by the institute, demonstrates how scientific innovation can effectively tackle Nigeria’s food security challenges.

    Speaking on the PBR cowpea, Prof. Ishiyaku noted that its pest-resistant traits significantly cut down the need for chemical sprays, requiring only about two applications compared to the eight to ten typically needed for conventional varieties.

    On the financial side,  he stated that the country  stands to gain N48 billion annually if one million hectares of the PBR cowpea is grown.

    Since its release in 2019, this biotech breakthrough is rewriting the fate of farmers like Judith.

    A testimony of survival to empowerment

    Judith, who said she has been planting cowpea for over a decade, noted that she has been spending so much on chemicals annually which discouraged her from farming the commodity for some years.

    “I used to spend so much on chemicals. Now, with this variety, I spray at most three times, and still get a bountiful harvest,” Judith says, kneeling to inspect a lush plant.

     “The money I save goes to my children’s school fees, our clothing, and even helping other families.”

    A mother of two originally from Kogi State, Judith has grown Sampea 20-T for the past four years.

    What started as a survival venture has blossomed into a source of empowerment.

    From investing in livestock to sharing her harvest and seeds with fellow farmers, Judith has become a grassroots evangelist for the GM variety.

    “As a farmer, I don’t need to be stingy,” she chuckles. I share with others so they can cook, taste, and see for themselves. That’s how it spreads.”

    Impact beyond the farm

    The benefits of Sampea 20-T transcend economics. Nigeria, with over 35 million food-insecure people, also grapples with widespread malnutrition, especially among women and children.

    The Director General/CEO of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr Agnes Yemisi Asagbra, said cowpea, rich in protein, iron, and dietary fiber, is critical to combating these deficiencies.

    While assuring Nigerians of the safety of PBR cowpea, she noted that the agency ensures that the processes of modern biotechnology and the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) do not have any adverse impact or risk to human health.

    She added that Nigeria has adopted science and technology as one of the major tools to enhance the economy.

    Speaking on the impact beyond the farm, Judith said the cowpea has helped boost her family nutrition.

    Judith, who her farm operates as a mini circular economy, said the cowpea leaves and chaff become livestock feed, eliminating the need to buy commercial feed for her goats.

    “Nothing goes to waste. It has changed how we live”, Judith added.

    A future free from fear

    Despite myths and misinformation that continue to shadow GM crops, Judith stands as living evidence of the safety and promise of biotech farming.

    “People say it’s harmful, and it can’t produce much with just few times spray, but look at me”, she smiles, extending her arms.

    “I’ve been planting and getting good yields and I have been eating it for years. No side effects, only blessings. This has definitely put Nigeria in the map as one of the leading producers of cowpea”, she added.

    Backing her statement, Asagbra emphasised Nigeria’s leading role in cowpea production, noting that the country remains both the largest producer and consumer globally.

    Citing data from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), she said Nigeria accounts for about 47 million tonnes representing 58 percent of the world’s total cowpea output.

    In truth, Scientists said the Sampea 20-T holds the potential to unlock international markets.

    Assistant entomologist for the Pod Borer Resistant (PBR) Cowpea project in Nigeria at the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), Zaria, Dr. Iliyasu Mohammed Utono, said with minimal pesticide use, Nigerian beans could once again qualify for export to Europe, bringing in foreign exchange and enhancing the country’s agro-export earnings.

    “For a country where agriculture employs over 60 percent of the labor force, genetically modified technology like this could be a turning point  if scaled responsibly”, Utono said.

    Hope for farmers

    What Judith cultivates is more than a crop; it is a movement, quiet but powerful, like the roots of the beans she harvests.

    In her words: “This cowpea can improve lives if farmers take it seriously. When you plant it with a good heart, you won’t regret it.

    “The testimony from the PBR cowpea is a humble reminder that when science meets the soil, even the smallest seed can grow into a harvest of hope”.

    As technology continues to reshape Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, innovations like the PBR cowpea offer a glimpse into a future where science and sustainability work hand in hand, transforming seasons of struggle into harvests of hope for millions of farmers like Judith across the country.

  • Sen. Imasuen empowers farmers with agricultural tools

    Sen. Imasuen empowers farmers with agricultural tools

    Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District, has distributed farm implements to farmers in his constituency, urging them to use the items to improve their agricultural productivity rather than selling them. 

    The initiative, he said, is part of his effort to boost food production and reduce the rising cost of food in the country.

    Speaking at the training and empowerment programme held in Benin City, Senator Imasuen emphasized the importance of the event, noting that it was aimed at equipping farmers with both tools and knowledge to enhance their yields and contribute meaningfully to their families, communities, and the nation.

    “These items are not meant for resale. I’ve heard stories of people selling implements meant to help them. I hope that will not be the case here. My prayer is that God grants you the wisdom to use these tools effectively, so we can develop our local government, state, and the country through agriculture,” he said. 

    He stressed that the two-day programme was deliberately extended to ensure farmers received adequate training and fully grasped how to apply what they learned. 

    “I am happy with the level of participation and the enthusiasm shown by the farmers. My hope is that they will not only use the implements and insecticides wisely but also see real improvements in their farm yields,” he added.

    One of the highlights of the programme was a lecture delivered by agribusiness expert, Iretiolu Odi. She urged the farmers to treat agriculture as a serious business, not just a subsistence occupation. 

    According to her, “Farmers are among the wealthiest people in the world. What matters is your mindset. With the right approach, you can make more profit and build a legacy that your children can inherit.”

    Odi encouraged the beneficiaries to see themselves as key players in national development and to make the most of the support from the senator. 

    She also provided insights into farm management, touching on planning, record-keeping, financing, and profit strategies to help them grow sustainable agricultural ventures.

    Another facilitator, Mr. Lekan Salami, trained the farmers on the proper application of chemicals on crops. 

    He explained that responsible chemical use is essential for both pest control and weed management, and guided them on how to mix and apply the substances accurately. 

    “Farming remains the backbone of our survival in Nigeria,” he said. “You must understand the correct dosage and mixing ratios to avoid harming your crops.”

    Items distributed to the farmers included rain boots, cutlasses, insecticides, sharpening files, hand gloves, and hoes—all aimed at enhancing their productivity on the farm.

    The empowerment initiative was widely praised by participants, who expressed gratitude to Senator Imasuen for his commitment to grassroots development through agriculture.

  • Tinubu’s climate strategy: Turning global south partnerships into green industrial future

    Tinubu’s climate strategy: Turning global south partnerships into green industrial future

    By: Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo 

    When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed world leaders this April on climate and the just transition, it wasn’t just another diplomatic performance—it was a signal. The global rules of climate finance are changing, and Tinubu’s speech, flanked by the UN and Brazil’s President Lula, placed Nigeria in the heart of that transformation.

    Tinubu was clear: Nigeria sees climate not as a constraint, but as a lever for growth. This is indeed a bold pivot, especially for a Petro-state.

    However, for much of his first two years in office, Tinubu’s climate policy was anything but certain. It was marked more by symbolism than strategy. At COP28 in Dubai, Nigeria drew criticism for fielding one of the world’s largest delegations—despite arriving without a negotiating agenda or concrete deliverables. 

    For some, it seemed less a diplomatic mission than a workaround to the UAE’s visa restrictions on Nigerians. A Special Presidential Envoy on Climate was appointed—despite lacking any climate expertise—while overlapping committees with unclear mandates jostled for power. The statutory National Climate Change Council has yet to meet since the Act was passed. The Presidential Committee on Climate Action hasn’t either. Climate, it seemed, was a lower-order priority.

    The good news is that this appears to be changing. Since Nigeria’s diplomatic turn toward BRICS, high-level state visits to China and Brazil, and the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, climate has been reframed—less as a technocratic sacrifice in service of decarbonisation, and more as a rational economic and geopolitical choice. It is increasingly being positioned not as a concession to global norms, but as a platform for national transformation.

    Framing climate action as a “strategic imperative,” he laid out policy positions signposting Nigeria’s development intentions. Unlike previous rhetoric-heavy efforts, he backs his rhetoric with real structural moves—from solarising the State House to reshaping fiscal federalism with greater revenue autonomy for states.

    Yet, ambition alone is not enough. Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP) may have arrived before South Africa’s—but unlike South Africa’s JETP, Nigeria has yet to unlock large-scale concessional finance. This is not for lack of effort, but because the ETP remains a statement of intent, not a delivery platform. It describes what must happen, but not how it will be financed, implemented, or coordinated.

    Tinubu’s pivot, however, goes deeper. It marks a break from his predecessors—President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo—who, despite introducing frameworks like the Climate Change Act and ETP, approached climate policy as a tool for international fundraising or platform for economic nationalism.

    Their efforts, while notable, lacked the political bite to enact foundational reforms: neither subsidy removal nor institutional reordering materialized before they left office.

    Tinubu, by contrast, appears to understand what many still miss: that climate is not merely a moral cause or a global obligation. It is political economy—tied to fiscal reform, state legitimacy, and competitive advantage. His decision to remove the petrol subsidy and allow the naira to float, while not primarily climate-driven, required the political courage needed to restore macroeconomic stability. It succeeded where his predecessors fearful of political consequences, hesitated. His climate pitch is now grounded in the hard realities of state capacity, global shifts, and Nigeria’s developmental needs. It makes common, political and commercial sense.

    At the heart of this approach is a growing recognition that what Nigeria—and indeed the Global South—needs is not another climate plan. It needs a country platform: not just a better implementation tool, but a different kind of institutional logic altogether. Unlike energy transition plans, which tend to focus primarily on mitigation, a country platform is inclusive by design. It integrates climate into a broader development agenda, greening the economy—connecting adaptation, industrial policy, fiscal reform, and institutional delivery into a single national platform for transformation. 

    Where ETPs substitute, platforms expand.

    Tinubu appears to understand this distinction intuitively. In his Renewed Hope manifesto, he pledged to amplify Africa’s voice in a climate debate that too often penalizes those who polluted the least. And in a striking metaphor, he once likened Nigeria’s role in global climate negotiations to that of a ‘church rat’ asked to eat poisoned Holy Communion—an image that underscored the dangers of climate solutions that ignore the fiscal and structural realities of poor nations.

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    Today, that framing is evolving into strategy: climate not as burden, but as leverage—an entry point for rethinking development through sovereign agency, institutional reform, and South–South cooperation.

    This is where Tinubu’s broader strategy becomes more interesting. He’s not just selling a plan—he’s building partnerships and institutions that can carry it. The upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China and deeper agro-industrial collaboration with Brazil aren’t sideshows. They are components of a new geopolitical alignment where South-South cooperation is strategically grounded in national development needs for climate-compatible growth.

    Tinubu’s fiscal reforms—especially those devolving more resources to subnational governments—signal a loosening of the centralised chokehold that has stifled state-level innovation. This creates space for policy entrepreneurs, risk-takers, and green capital to engage at the subnational level, where many of Nigeria’s most pressing energy and adaptation challenges live.

    But these moves must be consolidated. Building a platform is not the same as running one. Execution will demand not only political will but consistent state capability across electoral cycles, agencies, and subnational actors. Without that, even the most ambitious agenda risks fading into irrelevance.

    The Tinubu administration has placed a series of strategic bets—on subsidy reform, fiscal devolution, and geopolitical alignment—leveraging climate as a set of linked components in Nigeria’s platform for development. From fiscal decentralisation to carbon market reforms, from green partnerships with Brazil and China to political signals like State House solarisation, these bets form the early architecture of a climate-compatible development model, in a whole-of-government planning approach. 

    This is Nigeria’s moment to build such a platform: one that aligns presidential authority, regulatory reform, subnational innovation, and international climate financing. A platform that learns from Bangladesh’s “elite bargain for development,” as Stefan Dercon argues, where the political class chooses delivery over dysfunction.

    If Tinubu’s climate pivot is real—and the early signals suggest it is—then Nigeria has a chance to shape the green transition. That will take more than speeches. It will take sustained, strategic risk—the kind of gamble that defines a presidency. It’s the same kind of calculated risk Tinubu took in Lagos—transforming a city once associated with urban chaos and institutional decay into a magnet for innovation. 

    Today, Lagos is home to the vast majority of Nigeria’s tech unicorns, and reportedly more than half of all $1 billion valuation fintech unicorns in Africa were incubated there—a testament to what deliberate, politically-backed institutional reform can achieve when aligned with private sector dynamism. Just as Lagos’ transformation was underpinned by infrastructure, rule changes, and executive commitment, Nigeria’s climate pivot now requires similar systems-level discipline—across ministries, markets, and federal tiers. 

    The moment for Tinubu to shape

    Africa’s sustainable growth is now -if he stays the course- Nigeria maybe on the path to  redefining what climate leadership from the Global South looks like—not by declarations, but by design and action.

    Adeyanju Binuyo, (adeyanju@teranpico.com), a tech-preneur, strategist, and expert in climate and sustainable development, writes in from Abuja.

  • NAAS raises security concerns over planned relocation of KWASU students

    NAAS raises security concerns over planned relocation of KWASU students

    The National Association of Agricultural Students (NAAS) has raised concerns over recent plan by Kwara State Government to relocate the Faculty of Agriculture at Kwara State University (KWASU) to Ilesha Baruba, a community in Kwara North battling serious security threats.

    NAAS urged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to rescind the decision on the planned relocation of KWASU Agricultural students.

    A statement by NAAS President, Com. Bashar Abdulazeez. said many of the affected students were worried following reports of another attack in the area, with multiple sources confirming loss of six to seven lives.

    He stated that the students have raised urgent concerns about their safety and the dangers associated with relocating them to such an environment, adding that “as national body committed to the welfare and academic well-being of agricultural students, we find this development deeply troubling.”

    The statement reads: “While we sympathise with the communities affected by these violent attacks, we must also affirm that no educational reform or expansion should come at the cost of students’ lives. Students deserve an environment where they can learn without fear, and where their right to education is protected, not threatened. 

    “The Faculty of Agriculture should remain within a secure and academically conducive zone, and the idea of moving students to a region with such volatility should be suspended immediately.

    “We urge the Kwara State Government, led by His Excellency Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, to reconsider this policy direction and engage all relevant stakeholders, including the leadership of NAAS, before taking any further step on this matter. 

    “The university administration under the Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaykh-Lukman Alade Jimoh, is also encouraged to increase on-campus security and ensure that students remain protected in the face of growing insecurity in the state.

    “We commend the government’s efforts in responding to security challenges across the state but emphasize that more targeted action is required, especially in regions like Ilesha Baruba where student lives could be at stake.

    “The leadership of NAAS remains committed to monitoring the situation and standing in solidarity with our members in Kwara State. We will continue to advocate for safe, inclusive, and student-centered policies that promote academic excellence without putting lives at risk.”

  • AATF partners NRCRI to train farmers, processors

    AATF partners NRCRI to train farmers, processors

    The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), in collaboration with the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), has completed the second phase of its cassava training program, reaching 1,200 farmers and 200 food processors across five locations in Oyo State — Iseyin, Ijaye, Oyo, Serafu, and Soku.

    Held under the Mechanisation of Cassava Production and Processing Project, the initiative focuses on promoting good agronomic practices (GAP), farm mechanization, cassava value addition, and the production of high-quality cassava flour (HQCF).

    The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through the Fund for the Promotion of Innovation in Agriculture (i4Ag).

    The project coordinator, Mr. Taiwo Samuel Ogunleye, explained that the program aims not only to boost cassava yields but also to expand value addition beyond traditional products such as gari and fufu.

    “This initiative is part of AATF’s broader commitment to enhancing the productivity and income potential of Nigeria’s cassava value chain,” he said.

    Director of Tuber Crops Research at NRCRI Umudike and the initiative’s team lead, Dr. Adeyemi Olojede, emphasised the project’s long-term goal: empowering 6,000 farmers and 1,000 food processors across the region over three years.

    “This hands-on training is designed to improve cassava productivity and significantly enhance the livelihoods of farmers and processors,” he stated.

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    Highlighting the role of HQCF in income diversification, Dr. Olojede noted that experts from NRCRI, the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) in Ilorin, and the Master Bakers Association in Abuja were involved in delivering the training.

    A key feature of the program is its focus on empowering women and youth, particularly in cassava processing activities. The 200 processors trained, mainly women from Oyo State, received in-depth training in the economics and techniques of HQCF production, opening new income opportunities for rural households.

    Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that the skills acquired would help them adopt modern farming methods, embrace mechanization, and tap into the growing market for value-added cassava products.

    This second phase builds on the success of the inaugural session held in 2024, which trained over 800 farmers and processors. The program, set to conclude in 2026, aims to fulfill AATF’s commitment made during the commissioning of the Cassava Mechanisation and Agro-Processing Facility in Fashola, Oyo State, in April 2024.

    By bridging knowledge and technology gaps in cassava farming, the project is expected to make a significant contribution to national food security and rural economic growth.

  • Oyo federal lawmaker empowers farmers with trailers of fertilszers

    Oyo federal lawmaker empowers farmers with trailers of fertilszers

    The lawmaker representing Ido/Ibarapa East federal constituency, Engr. Aderemi Oseni on Tuesday empowered farmers in his constituency with full loads of trailers containing 5,206 bags of fertilisers.

    He said distribution of the fertilisers was one of the major goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda for the success of his administration.

    Speaking in Ibadan while handling over the bags of fertilisers to farmers in his constituency, Oseni, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said the empowerment programme was to increase productivity for farmers, ensuring plentiful harvest that not only enhances personal wealth but contributes to national food security.

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    According to him: “Food security has been one of the major agenda of Mr. President, which will continue to echo to every one of us and we will continue to promote as much as we can.

    “In the face of the current economic challenges and the surge of food prices, we are standing together to accelerate our seed while guaranteeing that our families remained nourished and supported.”

    He noted the empowerment initiative aligned with President Tinubu renewed hope and economic rebirth agenda, an initiative promising to restore stability and purpose of the nation after recent challenges. 

    “It is my firm belief that by supporting our farmers, we are not only assisting in alleviating the skyrocketing prices of food but also empowering them to take charge of their destinies.

    “As I hold these fertilizer and distribute it today to our esteemed and hardworking farmers, I see potential for growth.

    “I urge each and every beneficiary to embrace this opportunity to our clear commitment as defined by Mr. President in his renewed agenda. Let us cultivate the habit of excellence, not just in our farms but in every aspect of our lives.

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    “As your representatives, I assure you that I will continue to put people first. We will advocate for better policies, better infrastructure, and a better quality of life for everyone in our beloved Ibarapa’s federal constituency.

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    “This is not simply a promise. It is a pledge, grounded in my heart, grounded in my heartiness, and grounded in my unwavering love for each of you.”

    Some of the beneficiaries thanked Oseni for the initiative, lamenting that hardly a farmer can afford to buy a bag of fertilizer.

    They said the fertilizer will go along way in reducing suffering of farmers in the constituency.

  • Cooperative sector will position members for $1tr economy

    Cooperative sector will position members for $1tr economy

    The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, has said revitalising Nigeria’s cooperative sector is vital for empowering citizens and unlocking the country’s potential to join the $1 trillion economy club within the next decade.

    Speaking at the Southeast and Southsouth Cooperative Stakeholders Forum held in  Enugu State, Abdullahi emphasised that cooperatives play a crucial role in reducing poverty and hunger, contributing significantly to global economic growth.

    In a statement, Abdullahi said the world’s largest cooperatives generate over $2.4 trillion in turnover, noting that agricultural cooperatives alone account for 35per cent of global cooperative assets.

    The minister said the Federal Government is committed to a sustained reform of the cooperative sector through capacity building, policy updates, and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

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     As part of this effort, he said a national training and workshop series is underway for trustees, management, and managers of cooperative societies.

    Abdullahi outlined key reforms in progress, including the review of the Nigerian Cooperative Societies Act (N98 LFN 2004), the launch of a new National Policy for Cooperative Development & Growth 2025, and the creation of a regulatory framework and guidelines for cooperative operations.

    He also revealed plans to establish a cooperative bank owned and governed by members, as well as convene the National Council on Cooperative Affairs to improve synergy across states.

    The minister announced upcoming events under the Renewed Hope Cooperative Reform Programme, including a stakeholders’ training workshop in Ibadan on April 29–30 and a national summit in Abuja before the end of Q2 2025.

    Commending the efforts of the Federal Cooperative Colleges in the Southeast and Southsouth, Abdullahi said their alignment with the administration’s cooperative reform agenda is commendable.

    In his remarks, Provost of the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Dr. Jude Ejikeme, described the workshop as a platform for training and dialogue with key stakeholders.

    He said discussions would focus on modern cooperative management principles and skills needed to thrive in today’s economy.

    The event also featured the inspection of college facilities and the unveiling of four new utility vehicles: a coaster bus, an 18-seater bus, and two Hilux trucks.

  • FG, IWMI set to tackle looming flood threat, water crisis

    FG, IWMI set to tackle looming flood threat, water crisis

    The Federal Government in partnership with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and other stakeholders, has intensified efforts to combat the looming threat of flooding and broader water management challenges in 2025.

    This commitment was reiterated at the ongoing 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage (ARCID) in Abuja where the Nigerian National Committee of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) gathered experts from the continent and beyond to discuss Africa’s pressing water crises.

    IWMI’s Africa Director on Research Impact, Funke Koffi, emphasised the organisation’s role in driving proactive flood management strategies. 

    She highlighted collaborative efforts with Nigerian institutions to develop predictive tools such as the early warning and anticipatory action platform, known as AWARE. According to her, this platform leverages satellite data to forecast flood events and coordinate timely responses.

    “Floods are natural disasters that can be difficult to prevent, but we can certainly prepare for and manage them effectively. Our platform enables relevant agencies to take anticipatory action before floods occur, which helps minimize damage and improves response,” Koffi said.

    She further noted that IWMI has been working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture since 2012 to develop flood prediction tools and promote the use of floodwaters for productive activities like recession agriculture.

     IWMI Director General Mark Smith called for an integrated approach to water management, combining technology, policy reform, and inclusive practices.

    According to him:“Water can be the catalyst for transformation across the continent. By improving access to water for women, youth, and smallholder farmers, we can raise incomes, improve health outcomes, and create employment opportunities.”

    He referenced key African policy frameworks such as the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the African Union’s 2020 Framework for Irrigation Development, which prioritize water conservation, wastewater recycling, and farmer-led irrigation to build resilience in the face of climate change.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, urged African nations to embrace innovative strategies for water and irrigation development.

    Declaring the conference open, Tinubu described the theme -“Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa” – as a vital call to action for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.

    “Africa still faces major barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and governance issues. This conference offers a platform to collectively chart a path forward.” Tinubu said.

    He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes a National Emergency on Food Security and expanded irrigation infrastructure across more than 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land.

    Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, announced the upcoming launch of the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project. The initiative, in collaboration with the World Bank, builds upon the successes of the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project, which concluded after over seven years.

    “TRIMING delivered transformative results across several states. The SPIN project will address identified gaps and maximize the socio-economic benefits of stored water.” Utsev said.

    He moted that under TRIMING, the government completed major irrigation schemes like Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori, achieved 90% progress on the Middle Rima Valley project, and launched interventions in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States. The initiative also saw the creation of Water Users Associations and farmer management centres to strengthen agricultural value chains.

    Utsev revealed that the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) have developed over 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and are undergoing partial commercialization to attract private investment.

    He also highlighted the development of a 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy aimed at minimizing the impact of floods on food production.

    Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Wilson Jack, called for enhanced intergovernmental collaboration to ensure food security through improved irrigation.

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    Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, raised concerns over shrinking farming seasons caused by climate change, stressing the urgency of investing in irrigation.

    “Our land is turning to dust. We must act now and empower women and youth at the heart of our agricultural systems,” Zulum said.

    President of ICID, Dr. Marco Arcieri, lauded the conference as a turning point in Africa’s efforts to address climate-induced challenges in agriculture and water management.

    “This gathering marks the beginning of renewed commitment and collaborative action,” he said. “The future of African agriculture depends on how we respond today.”

    Day 1 of the conference climaxed with the launching of the IWMI – “Organizational Growth Strategy 2024-2030 roadmap”

  • We’re evolving into dominant player in Beverage Industry – MD, Champion Breweries Plc

    We’re evolving into dominant player in Beverage Industry – MD, Champion Breweries Plc

    The Managing Director of Champion Breweries Plc, Dr. Inalegwu Adoga, has affirmed that the company is rapidly evolving into a dominant force in the Nigerian beverage industry.

    Adoga spoke during a consumer engagement event tagged “Drink & Win,” at Bae Arena in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

    The event, which drew thousands of enthusiastic consumers, was aimed at rewarding loyal customers and reinforcing the company’s deep connection with the people of Akwa Ibom.

    Speaking with journalists at the event, the MD shared insights into the company’s impressive financial performance and strategic direction.

    “Well in the last two years, to be specific, last year we increased our revenue by 64.5% over the previous years. We posted N7 billion in 2023 and N21 billion last year and then also increase profit after tax by 121 percent,” he said.

    He added: “Our shareholder equity almost increased by over 1 billion. Our earning per share increased from N5.10k to N9.00 to give you a sense of our financial performance. Last year was very good for us and this have not happened before.”

    On the inspiration behind the Drink & Win Bar Activation Promo, the MD emphasised the company’s firm grip on its home market and the importance of maintaining visibility and dominance in Akwa Ibom.

    “It’s necessary to make statement of dominance as we are elevate our game and optimize our momentum,” he intoned.

    He described the event as the beginning of a series of mega activations, noting that the initiative will be extended to other selling districts within the state to deepen brand visibility and consumer engagement.

    “Our product leadership in Akwa Ibom cannot be contested. Champion is the official beverage of Akwa Ibom State. We are sincerely touched by the loyalty and support of our customers who desire to have the one-way format because of its convenience to take away. Right now, our CAN formats are in the market to the satisfaction of our esteemed consumers who remain the heartbeat and compass of our business,” he highlighted.

    Adoga also underscored the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and operational sustainability.

    The MD also took pride in the company’s consistent growth and standing within the consumer food sector.

    “Champion Breweries have done remarkable well in the market. In the consumer food sector in which we operate, we are the only brewery company which have done remarkable in these past years.”

    Read Also: NB champions sustainability in forest reserve

    Our correspondent reports that the Drink & Win event by the proudly Nigerian brewery was a resounding success, with thousands of customers thronging the venue to enjoy their favourite Champion brands in an atmosphere charged with fun, energy, and local pride.

    Litany of prizes including T-shirts, face caps, umbrellas, live chickens, bags of rice, cooking oil, tomato paste and other exciting items were given out to winners through raffle draws. A vibrant lineup of local entertainers kept the crowd lively with music, comedy, and dance performances well into the night.

    Speaking on the significance of the event, the Marketing and Brand Manager, Champion Breweries Plc, Queen Nwabueze, reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering quality and premium taste at an affordable prices and promoting the Akwa Ibom indigenous culture.

    She teased: “Why pay more for less? All Champion brands are crafted to perfection, priced for everyone and available at all stores, bars and sit-outs.”

    “This event is another way of giving back to the community and ensuring that loyal customers are rewarded for their continuous support,” she told journalists.

    According to her: “Champion Breweries Plc. has long been committed to delivering top-quality beverages that reflect the rich taste and culture of Akwa Ibom State.”