The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Firm unveils automated food security initiative to combat hunger nationwide

    Firm unveils automated food security initiative to combat hunger nationwide

    The MATAN Food Bank Professionals Association of Nigeria has launched the Automated MATAN Food Security Initiative (AMESI/METS), a nationwide effort aimed at combating hunger and improving food security across the country.

    The initiative was officially launched during a national flag-off ceremony that brought together key stakeholders in agriculture and community development to unveil the framework designed to transform food access and distribution in Nigeria.

    The three-day event, held at the National Institute of Sport (NIS) in Surulere, Lagos, attracted farmers from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    The National President of MATAN Group and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Mr. Olakunle Johnson, described the initiative as a “spiritual project” focused on strengthening food systems from the grassroots level.

    He emphasised that the program offers sustainable solutions to hunger by equipping communities with modern tools for food production, tracking, and distribution.

    Johnson noted that solving local problems requires local solutions. “Many of the challenges in Nigeria will resolve themselves once food is abundant,” he said, expressing hope that increased food availability will also help address insecurity.

    He pointed out that insurgency and banditry often flourish where hunger and deprivation are widespread.

    One of the key features of the program is the use of a multipurpose digital identity card system, which will enhance transparency and ensure more efficient food distribution across the country.

    Johnson called on the Federal, State, and Local Governments, as well as development commissions, to support the full implementation of the project.

    He further stressed that hunger is a major driver of insecurity, and that lasting peace can only be achieved if all citizens have reliable access to food.

    The initiative will use digital identities, community enumeration, and automated food distribution systems to prevent long food queues. Households will receive digital food security cards linked to Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identification Numbers (NIN).

    MATAN aims to enumerate over 200 million Nigerians, ensuring that children, vulnerable groups, workers, and households can access targeted food resources.

    Community kinship teams will play an essential role by collecting data, managing food banks, and operating street-level feeding machines for both cooked and uncooked food. To ensure a steady supply of food, MATAN has partnered with large-scale farmers who will produce the food, while MATAN handles storage, logistics, and distribution.

    In addition, the program includes land automation and community farming initiatives, allowing both landlords and tenants to provide land for mechanized cultivation.

    Johnson emphasized the need for a nationwide push for productivity, urging every community to return to farming to eliminate hunger and reduce insecurity. He expressed confidence that the project will show tangible results within a year, boosting food supply, employment, and national security.

    Also, speaking at the event, Vice President for the North West Zone, Alhaji Abba Imam, explained that the initiative follows a bottom-up model to ensure active participation from communities.

    He outlined the organizational structure of the initiative, which includes the National Advisory Council, Women in Agriculture, the National Executive Council, and various zonal and state councils.

    Dr. Goni Faruk Umar highlighted the IMF’s warning of an impending food crisis, which prompted MATAN to launch a grassroots farming scheme to enhance national food security.

    The scheme will mobilize young people, provide them with farmlands, and buy their produce for subsidized distribution in local communities.

    Former Gombe Deputy Governor, Senator Joshua Lidani, called the initiative “unprecedented” and urged stakeholders across Nigeria’s food sector to collaborate with MATAN. He expressed confidence that the project would significantly improve food security and strengthen the agricultural economy within two years.

    Dr. Olajide Bashorun, Chairman and CEO of Miss Farms Ltd, also stressed the importance of uniting farmers to build a stronger food security system for Nigeria. Bashorun, who also chairs the Food Security and Sustainability Committee of MATAN Food Bank Foundation, underscored that collective action is essential to ensuring sustainable food production.

    He explained, “By bringing farmers together, we can provide them with the necessary resources and support to increase productivity, improve incomes, and ensure a steady food supply for our communities.”

    Bashorun also highlighted the social impact of the initiative, noting that hunger drives numerous societal challenges, from poor health to social unrest. “By conquering hunger, we stabilize communities, boost productivity, and foster social harmony. Food is the key to unlocking human potential,” he said.

    He further elaborated that MATAN plans to register farmers through its online portal, supply critical inputs at competitive prices, and purchase their produce at agreed farm-gate prices to ensure fair compensation for their efforts.

  • FG, IFAD launch second supervision mission to fast-track SAPZ implementation

    FG, IFAD launch second supervision mission to fast-track SAPZ implementation

    The federal government of Nigeria and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on Tuesday commenced the second joint supervision mission of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, renewing their commitment to driving reforms that will reshape the country’s agricultural and agro-industrial sectors.

    Speaking at the opening session in Abuja, IFAD Country Director for Nigeria, Mrs. Dede Ekoue, described the mission as a strategic moment of reflection, recalibration, and renewed commitment to strengthening the SAPZ programme, which she noted is a flagship initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s agricultural priorities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The SAPZ programme, co-financed by the Federal Government, IFAD, African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), aims to structurally transform Nigeria’s food systems through agro-industrialisation, enterprise development, market integration, job creation, and rural prosperity.

    Providing an update on progress since the last mission, Ekoue announced that 41,204 smallholder farmers and value chain actors have been profiled across Ogun and Kano states, adding to profiling exercises carried out in 2024 and 2025.

    According to her, 14,655 farmers have so far received inputs, training, and digital tools, including climate advisory services. In total, 15,664 beneficiaries comprising 9,353 men and 6,311 women, including 3,955 youth, have been supported under the programme.

    She noted that women constitute half of the profiled actors in Ogun State, while youth represent nearly a quarter of those captured in Kano.

    Ekoue highlighted the progress made under IFAD’s 4P (public–private–producer partnership) model, including the establishment of the Multistakeholder Agribusiness Forum (MAF) and the signing of 24 Memoranda of Understanding linking cassava, rice, tomato, and groundnut farmers to guaranteed offtakers.

    “These partnerships are helping to reduce commercialization risks, strengthen market access, and safeguard farmers’ incomes,” she said.

    The programme is also advancing gender and nutrition initiatives through household engagements and food demonstrations targeted at women.

    As part of IFAD’s Digital Innovation Action Plan, digital tools have been deployed to support climate-smart agriculture, delivering digital climate information services to nearly 16,000 farmers and processors, while all profiling and geospatial mapping activities are now fully digitised.

    With implementation gathering momentum, Ekoue said the supervision mission would assess achievements, resolve bottlenecks, and ensure synergy between federal and state-level activities.

    Also speaking, Director of the Department of Development Partners Projects at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mrs. Adebola Iluromi, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the SAPZ initiative, describing it as pivotal to Nigeria’s transition from raw commodity production to competitive agro-processing.

    “The SAPZ model addresses decades-long challenges of low processing capacity and weak market linkages. It is a cornerstone of our agricultural industrialisation agenda, and Nigerians are eager to see fully functional agro-industrial zones that add real value and reduce post-harvest losses,” she said.

    Iluromi emphasised that the mission provides an important platform to review field progress, identify challenges, and strengthen coordination across all SAPZ states.

    She urged participants, including state officials, IFAD staff, consultants, and the Country Programme Advisory Team, to engage with transparency and technical rigor.

    The Ministry, she assured, remains committed to providing the oversight, technical support, and intergovernmental coordination required to drive the programme forward.

    “Together, we can make SAPZ an engine of growth that empowers smallholder farmers, stimulates agro-industrial investment, creates jobs, and strengthens national food security,” she added.

  • NGF, Labour Ministry, others push for gender inclusive leadership in workplace

    NGF, Labour Ministry, others push for gender inclusive leadership in workplace

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as a coalition of advocacy groups, have agreed to work together to eliminate barriers hindering women’s ascension to leadership positions in both public and private organisations.

    They reached an understanding during a meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja at the office of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

    Also present were the Gender Affairs Department of the NGF and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Governors’ Spouses Forum (GSF), Hauwa Haliru; founder of the Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN), Abosede George-Ogan; and founder of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), Amina Oyagbola.

    Equally at the event were the Executive Director for WIMBIZ – Women in Management, Business and Public Service – Omowunmi Akingbohungbe; the Executive Secretary of WISCAR, Ekemini Basey Akpakpan, and the Technical Team Lead at the Gender Affairs Department of the NGF, Rachael Pinda.

    Every speaker stressed the need to formalise and standardise the nation’s workforce to eliminate any form of discrimination based on gender, and that a mother is entitled to a minimum of 16 weeks paid maternity leave.

    The Minister of State for Labour and Employment commended those behind the coalition and noted that their vision to promote inclusive leadership by ensuring women’s participation and visibility at all levels of decision-making in the public and private sectors perfectly aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    She argued that gender inclusive leadership is not just about fairness, but a strategic imperative, noting that no nation could expect to achieve sustainable socio-economic development, global competitiveness, or institutional resilience if half of its population is underrepresented in the rooms where critical decisions are made.

    The Minister said her ministry remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian man or woman has an equal opportunity to contribute to national development.

    She added, “We will continue to work collaboratively with this coalition, with state governments, and with the private sector to create a Nigeria where leadership is determined by competence, character, and capacity—not gender.

    “Our ongoing review of labour laws will address gaps that limit women’s participation, including outdated provisions on employment practices, workplace protections, and the enforcement of anti-discrimination standards

    The Ministry fully supports initiatives that promote work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, equitable recruitment processes, and mentorship pipelines for women in the private sector.

    “We are committed to partnering with this coalition to develop gender-inclusive workplace guidelines that will help organizations create environments where women can thrive, innovate, and lead,” she said.

    Ms. Haliru, who spoke about NGF’s efforts in this regard, said the forum has recorded considerable success in getting sub-national governments to buy in on the need to standardise maternity leave.

  • Insecurity: Security expert urges FG to arrest fake bandit negotiators

    Insecurity: Security expert urges FG to arrest fake bandit negotiators

    Amid Nigeria’s insecurity, a prominent security expert, Amb. Abayomi Mumuni has called on the federal government to take swift action against individuals allegedly sympathising with terrorists under the guise of negotiation.

    Mumuni made the call in a statement issued by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, on Thursday,

    He decried the growing trend of self-styled negotiators who publicly associate with terror groups often referred to as “bandits”, saying that they may not have the country’s best interests at heart and could be exploiting public sympathy while emboldening terrorists.

    The renowned security expert warned that involving such sympathizers in peace negotiations is not only counterproductive but also poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s socio-political stability.

    He urged both citizens and the government to remain vigilant and take a united stance against the evolving security threats facing the nation.

    Mumuni further identified several factors fueling terrorism in Nigeria, including financial motivations, political manipulation, social grievances, and links to organized crime.

    According to him, addressing these root causes requires decisive government action and zero tolerance for any form of sympathy or support for criminal elements.

    To effectively tackle the menace, Mumuni outlined five strategic steps the government must adopt.

    The steps, according to him, include: the immediate arrest and prosecution of anyone posing as a mediator for terrorists, urging authorities to thoroughly investigate their networks and affiliations.

    He emphasised the importance of boosting law enforcement capacity and public awareness, noting that well-trained security agencies and informed citizens are essential to effectively combat terrorism and support national security efforts.

    The security expert advocated for collaborative partnerships between government bodies, civil society, and international partners to formulate a unified and effective counterterrorism strategy.

    While not ruling out negotiations, he maintained that only genuine stakeholders should be involved, and such dialogues must be transparent and free from terror sympathizers.

    “The time for action is now. Nigerians deserve a safe and secure country. The government must demonstrate the will to confront terrorism by addressing both the criminals and their apologists.

    “Only through decisive and sincere action can we build a safer future,” he added.

  • Police Inspector dies after attack by ticket touts in Ondo

    Police Inspector dies after attack by ticket touts in Ondo

    The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a police inspector who was allegedly attacked by ticket touts along Arakale Road in Akure South Local Government Area.

    The officer, whose identity is yet to be officially released, was reportedly assaulted on Wednesday while attempting to arrest a commercial tricycle operator waiting to collect a daily ticket.

    Sources said a disagreement erupted between the inspector and the ticket touts during the attempted arrest, leading to the officer being stabbed in the back with a broken bottle.

    The wounded inspector was immediately taken to the police hospital for treatment, and the situation initially appeared calm. However, tension resurfaced later in the evening after news emerged that he had died from his injuries.

    A source told The Nation that some of the deceased officer’s colleagues returned to the scene to make arrests, during which nearby shops were allegedly attacked, and individuals who were not present during the earlier altercation were picked up.

    Confirming the incident in a statement on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade said two suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing.

    Ayanlade, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the inspector was carrying out his lawful duties when the attack occurred, adding that the incident prompted an immediate and coordinated response from the command.

    “To set the record straight, the Command confirms that an incident occurred in the early hours of yesterday involving a police officer who was performing lawful duty in the said area.

    “An altercation ensued between the officer and some recalcitrant individuals, during which the officer was tragically stabbed.

    “Acting swiftly, the Commissioner of Police deployed a team of operatives to the scene, resulting in the arrest of two suspects directly connected to the incident,” he said.

    He added, “They include Shina Jacob ‘m’ aged 25 years and Felix Olalekan ‘m’ aged 32 years. The injured officer was also rescued and rushed to the hospital; however, despite all efforts, the police inspector sadly passed away while receiving treatment.”

    Ayanlade explained that a follow-up operation conducted later in the night formed part of the command’s ongoing efforts to rid the state of violent criminal elements and avert further breaches of public peace.

    He emphasised that the command would not condone any form of human rights abuse by its personnel, while warning that anyone who assaults security operatives in the line of duty would face the full weight of the law.

    The police spokesman, however, said the arrested suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of the police’s investigations. 

  • Group urges Nigerians to back Tinubu in fight against insecurity

    Group urges Nigerians to back Tinubu in fight against insecurity

    The Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) has called on Nigerians to give President Bola Tinubu full support in the ongoing fight against insecurity, saying he has shown uncommon courage and proactive leadership in tackling the nation’s most complex security challenges.

    The group noted that at a time when violent crimes have intensified across the country, the President has demonstrated clarity, decisiveness, and capacity, showing readiness to deliver on his mandate.

    “Like the phoenix, President Bola Tinubu is demonstrating bold leadership with clarity, decisiveness, and capacity in how he has handled the situation,” the group said.

    “Nigeria may not be out of the woods yet, but the President’s actions and the results so far show that he not only knew what to do but also had the political will to do it,” HAI noted.

    In a statement on Thursday by its Director of Media and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, HAI said the President’s firm actions show he is prepared and politically willing to tackle insecurity head-on. 

    It cited his swift response to the abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states, which led to the rescue of all abductees in two states and the recovery of over 50 victims in Niger.

    The group said Tinubu’s decision to suspend his planned trips to South Africa and Angola for the G7 and African Union meetings was a defining moment, describing it as a demonstration of his conviction that national security and the safety of Nigerians must override all international engagements.

    According to the group, the President has also established a central coordination room that brings together intelligence, military, police, and diplomatic units under his direct leadership. 

    This structure, it said, has enabled faster decision-making, seamless strategy alignment, and rapid deployment of security assets nationwide.

    HAI further highlighted Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency, including the recruitment of 50,000 new police officers, redeployment of military personnel from ceremonial duties to active operations, and the recall of police officers attached to VIPs. 

    These steps, it said, form part of a broader, intensified security push involving ground offensives and aerial surveillance.

    “These rescues show tangible security improvements and reinforce public confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership,” the group stated.

    It also commended the administration’s diplomatic work, including the National Security Adviser-led mission to Washington and the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ engagements in Niger Republic, which it said are strengthening regional intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism cooperation.

    HAI pointed to ongoing reforms in the justice system, noting that the Nigeria Police Force prosecuted 29,052 violent criminals between 2022 and 2024, securing 16,200 convictions, while the National Human Rights Commission conducted 18 investigations and five prosecutions on religiously motivated attacks.

    These are, no doubt, challenging times. However, we are fortunate to have a resolute leader in President Tinubu, who is bold and courageous enough to confront the challenges head-on. In time, our country will reap the results of his proactive leadership in the security sector,” HAI said.

  • LASG, NARTO move to deploy 2,000 CNG trucks, tighten safety measures in Lagos

    LASG, NARTO move to deploy 2,000 CNG trucks, tighten safety measures in Lagos

    The Lagos state government said it has advanced plans to deploy 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas CNG trucks as part of its effort to clean up the haulage sector, improve safety and cut logistics costs across the state.

    This was the highlight of a meeting held between officials of the Ministry of Transportation and the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO).

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, said the Sanwo Olu administration is driving a comprehensive shift toward cleaner mobility and safer road operations. 

    He noted that discussions with the banking sector are ongoing to expand financing options that will enable transport operators acquire CNG vehicles and modern hauling equipment. 

    According to him, Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu’s investments in clean transportation are already reshaping the states mobility landscape.

    NARTO National President, Alhaji Usman Yusuf Lawal, commended the governments support, citing complementary initiatives such as the expansion of the Lagos rail system and new food logistics hubs. 

    He said the Presidential Initiative on CNG has delivered 20 CNG buses to Lagos, with additional 50 seater buses including three new units supplied within the past three months already operational, adding that the rollout of CNG buses has lowered transport costs by at least 30 per cent, easing the financial burden on commuters.

    Special Assistant to the governor on Transportation and Logistics, Hon. Hassan Adekoya, said the government is tightening oversight of haulage operations, beginning with mandatory substance abuse testing for all truck drivers in Lagos. 

    Drivers diagnosed with poor vision, he added, will receive free corrective eyeglasses provided by the state.

    He announced that Lagos has concluded plans to phase out rickety trucks through an asset purchase scheme supported by UBA Bank. Under the arrangement, operators will be able to acquire new trucks and repay through a structured financing model. 

    The initiative, he said, will help protect public infrastructure, reduce accidents and improve the overall safety of lives and property on the states roads.

  • ‘Education is not a scam’: Youths chart Nigeria’s fiscal future in FIRS-supported contest

    ‘Education is not a scam’: Youths chart Nigeria’s fiscal future in FIRS-supported contest

    The winners of the 2025 National Essay Competition have been announced, with Vincent Maduka emerging as the top winner, Loveson Anselm as first runner-up, and Ogunleye Ayomide as second runner-up.

    The competition, sponsored by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), aimed to address the nation’s future through the lens of taxation and reforms, and attracted intense participation from young minds across Nigeria.

    Held on Wednesday, November 26, in Abuja, the event, convened by Foluso Sylvanus Ojo, publisher of the Abuja City Journal, drew attention to critical issues facing the nation, including tax reforms and the role of youth in shaping the country’s future.

    Ojo, who initiated the event as a response to the underrepresentation of hardworking students in national celebrations, expressed the need to elevate students excelling in academia, especially in areas outside the entertainment industry. 

    “Our youth should be celebrated for their intellectual achievements. It was heartbreaking when a top graduate was awarded a paltry sum while entertainers were given millions,” Ojo explained. 

    He noted that this realisation led to the creation of the competition to support students with intellectual acumen.

    This year’s theme, Write the Future, encouraged participants to explore the role of tax reforms in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. 

    “We are writing towards the future because the topics discussed today, like tax policies, are about Nigeria’s development,” Ojo added. 

    The focus on tax reform was a direct reflection of Nigeria’s evolving fiscal landscape, with the youth tasked with envisioning a prosperous future for the nation.

    Loveson Anselm, one of the finalists and a medical student from the University of Jos, shared his excitement about being selected. 

    “It’s a dream come true. I was in the middle of my professional exams when I saw the notice. I took the chance, researched deeply on tax reforms, and it paid off,” Anselm said, reflecting on his journey. 

    He also acknowledged the misleading narratives around the government’s tax reforms, stating, “What I discovered through my research is that the tax reform’s intention is genuine. If fully implemented, it will positively impact Nigeria’s fiscal health.”

    The FIRS played a significant role in the competition’s success, with Mohamed Adaya Salisu, the Chief Economic Advisor to the FIRS Chairman, emphasising the importance of educating Nigerian youth about tax administration. 

    “The future is bright. The FIRS is committed to funding education and human capital development, which are crucial for Nigeria’s growth,” Salisu noted.

    The event also featured a thought-provoking speech by Engineer Michael Oluwagbemi, who discussed Nigeria’s potential and challenges. 

    “Nigeria, with its young population, faces numerous challenges but also immense opportunities,” Oluwagbemi remarked, highlighting the nation’s growing influence on the African continent.

    As the event concluded, the finalists were urged to continue their education and remain engaged in nation-building, especially in areas such as tax reform. 

    “Education is not a scam; it pays,” Anselm said, encouraging his peers to embrace critical thinking beyond social media rhetoric.

  • Two parents of abducted St. Mary’s school children die

    Two parents of abducted St. Mary’s school children die

    Two of the parents of some of the abducted children of St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri in Agwara local government area have died.

    One of the parents, identified as Anthony Musa, was said to have died from a heart attack while the cause of death for the second parent was yet to be ascertained.

    Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed the parents’ demise yesterday.

    Read Also: How police are tackling banditry, other threats, by IG Egbetokun

    Yohanna said: “The man, Anthony Musa died of heart attack but the female we don’t have the details yet because we couldn’t get the family.”

    Over 300 people were kidnapped by armed terrorists who invaded the primary and secondary schools in Agwara. So far, 50 of the pupils have returned.

    The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora on Monday released the names of the abducted children and teachers.

  • Security advice behind closure of all Bauchi schools, says governor

    Security advice behind closure of all Bauchi schools, says governor

    Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has said that the closure of all schools in the state was based on security advice.

    He spoke yesterday before chairing the State’s Executive Council (SEC) meeting, explaining that intelligence reports indicated a potential threat of school invasions and student abductions in the state.

    Mohammed said the closure of both public and private schools from primary to tertiary levels was to avert such attacks.

    “Yes, we closed our schools because the security agencies advised us to do so. They have more information than us, and even though I am the Chief Security Officer, I don’t have the personnel to act alone. They warned of possible abductions of our students, similar to incidents that have occurred in other states,” the governor said.

    According to Mohammed, the decision was proactive, not to instill fear, adding that measures were being taken to secure schools, particularly those more vulnerable to terrorists’ incursions.

    “We have closed the schools, and we will ensure that such schools are fenced, possibly before the end of this year,” he said.

    Read Also: Five police officers killed, two injured in Bauchi bandit ambush

    Aside from fencing, Mohammed said all schools in the state would be equipped with lights, adding that recruitment of vigilantes would run alongside the Safe School Programme outlined by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

    On the killing of five policemen in Darazo Local Government Area, Mohammed clarified that it was not a banditry attack, as reported by some media outlets, but a community-related issue.

    “We had an incident in Darazo. While some reported it as banditry, it is actually a community issue. We are on ground and will handle it with the police and DSS,” he assured.