Agriculture

Senator Buhari Gifts 250 Oke Ogun Farmers Fertilizers

By Web News 89

By Iyabo Adebisi

Two hundred and fifty farmers from the Oke Ogun region of Oyo State have benefited from 1000 bags of fertilizers distributed by the member representing Oyo North Senatorial District, AbdulFatai Buhari.

Each of the 250 beneficiaries who belonged to different farmers association and local government areas across the 10 councils which made up of Oyo North received four bags of fertilizers each at the Senator Buhari’s residence in Ogbomoso.

The project was facilitated by the senator with aim of supporting farmers in the district towards improving their agricultural output as this year’s raining season commences very soon.

Prominent among the farmers associations that benefited from the empowerment were: All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Oyo North, Oke Ogun Oluwaseun Farmers Association, All Females Farmers Income Generating Association and Oke Ogun Youths Association of Farmers.

While distributing the fertilizers to the beneficiaries, Senator Buhari who was represented at the event by the chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo North Senatorial District, Mr Tunde Oloyede charged the beneficiaries to make best use of the items to increase their productivity.

Senator Buhari expressed the hope of seeing Oyo North as the Senatorial District with the most contributions to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of Nigeria.

Our correspondent reports that in the last five weeks, Senator Buhari had empowered 550 of his constituents via different entrepreneurship training with a start-up package of 100 thousand naira and certificates of participation so that they can all become employers of labour.

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Agriculture

National Cashew Association of Nigeria Laments Illegal Check Points

By Web News 102

By Olusegun Folarin

Key players in the cashew industry in Ogun State have raised the alarm over incessant harassment and extortion of merchants of the produce at illegal checkpoints and road blocks mounted by security operatives and other government agents on major roads in the state.

The stakeholders, under the aegis of the National Cashew Association of Nigeria, NCAN, Ogun State Chapter disclosed this in Abeokuta at a news conference addressed by their Consultant on Special Duties, Chief Taiwo Akinlabi.

Chief Akinlabi described the development as a serious threat to members’ operations and efforts to contribute to the present administration’s agenda of strengthening the economy through Agriculture and implored the relevant authorities to stop the harassment and extortion, to avoid chaos.

He pointed out that members were usually forced to pay about 650 thousand naira for moving 30 tons of cashew from Ilara in Imeko Afon Local Government Area of the state through Abeokuta, the state capital to any warehouse in Lagos State due to multiple checkpoints and roadblocks mounted by both uniformed and officers on mufti.

The NCAN spokesman maintained that 43 road blocks were created along the Ilara-Imeko-Obada-Olorunda- Ayetoro-Abeokuta Rounder road alone, giving the breakdown as 15 checkpoints for the Police, 3 for the Nigerian Army, 19 for the Nigerian Customs, 2 for the Nigerian Immigration and another 2 erected by the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service.

Earlier, the state Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Abdulganiu Adeniji who affirmed the claim that members were being forced to pay different amounts ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 naira per truck at every roadblock had also appealed to the authorities to urgently address the situation.

Also, the Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mr Oluseye Olugbenro, said the interaction with Journalists became necessary when several attempts to get the needed intervention from the relevant quarters had failed and expressed the hope that the move would yield positive results in the interest of members.

Agriculture

Don Seeks Improved Efforts on Wildlife Conservation

By Web News 323

By Lanre Omotoso

As the world celebrates Wildlife Day, a professor of Agricultural Economics and Extension at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, Raphael Omolehin has called for more efforts to protect varieties of animals and plants from extinction.

In an interview with Radio Nigeria in Ado-Ekiti, Professor Omolehin noted that continuous destruction of the wildlife, which comprises animals, plants and water bodies, would lead to the inability of the coming generation to identify them.

He emphasized the economic importance of wildlife species including birds, insects and earthworms as pollinators that help crops to yield bountifully.

Professor Omolehin noted that the wildlife also help to prevent pollution by filtering the air and releasing oxygen for human beings to breathe in. 

The university lecturer emphasized that wildlife serves as a source of tourism, education, as well as employment for tour guides and veterinarians.

He stressed further that people in the developed countries often go for picnics in the wild, which help them to be closer to nature, look fresher and calm, but such could not happen in Nigeria due to insecurity.

The don pointed out that in developed countries, squirrels could be seen roaming the streets without being killed, unlike Nigeria where people hunt them for food.

It would be recalled that the United Nations General Assembly had in 2013 proclaimed March 3 of every year as World Wildlife Day to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and protection of wildlife as well as their habitats, and the theme for this year is, “Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”.

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Agriculture

Oyo Govt. Commences Distribution of Motorcycles to Agric Extension Workers

By Web News 314

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State government has distributed fifteen brand new motorcycles to its agricultural extension officers. 

The presentation took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan.

Distributing the motorcycles, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the first phase of motorcycles distribution to the agricultural extension officers would enhance the flexibility of its operations in the rural agrarian zones of the state.

Mr Olaleye noted that the present administration had succeeded in ploughing 6,090 acres of land last year through the tractorization subsidy initiative which benefitted 1500 farmers, saying the initiative is beginning to have a positive impact against the food inflation in Oyo State.

He said Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration in the state is poised for research, orientation of local farmers and boost food production. 

Some of the beneficiaries including Azeez Zakariyau, and Adeniran Rotimi lauded the state government for prioritizing agric-business and agricultural development, promising to use motorcycles for its purpose. 

It would be recalled that the state government employed 168 extension workers in 2024, with other recent engagement of 161 others.

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Agriculture

Minister Calls for Reduction of Food Prices

By Web News 244

The Federal Government has urged retailers to reflect the reduction in food prices and shun exploiting consumers.

The Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Abubakar Kyari, stated this on Tuesday during the 2025 Wheat Farmers Green Field Day, at Dabi village in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa.

He decried the nonchalant attitude of retailers to reflect the reduction in their sales despite a drop in prices, describing it as unpatriotic and unacceptable.

“The federal government is aware of the significant drop in the prices of food items across major markets, particularly for essential commodities such as flour, sugar, rice, and pasta.

“However, it is deeply concerning that many retailers, bakers, and shop owners have refused to reflect this reduction in their selling prices, thereby denying Nigerians the relief they deserve.

“In previous months, stakeholders in the retail value chain raised concerns about the rising cost of food items. Now that the prices have dropped, such as flour, which fell from N81,000 per bag to below N60,000, Spaghetti has fallen from N20,000 to N15,000.

“It is only fair and just to let consumers benefit from food price reduction,” Kyari said.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Agriculture

Ogun to Establish Ranching Facilities

By Web News 202

By Bimbola Bamgbose 

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans to establish ranching facilities aimed at improving the processing of meat in the state.

The governor made this disclosure while receiving a delegation led by the Head of International Projects at SEMMARIS, Mr Timothee Witkowski, and the Regional Agriculture Counsellor of the French Embassy, Sonia Darraco, at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Monday.

According to Governor Abiodun, the proposed ranching facilities will enable the state to rear, fatten, slaughter, and process meat in a hygienic manner suitable for human consumption.

He further noted that approximately nine thousand to ten thousand cattle are slaughtered daily at Kara Cattle Market to supply Lagos, but the current process is unstructured and lacks adequate hygiene standards.

Governor Abiodun commended SEMMARIS for its contributions to agriculture, food distribution, and logistics, particularly highlighting the success of the Rungis Farmers’ Market in ensuring affordable food supply in France. He expressed optimism that the company’s presence in Ogun State would be transformative, creating economic opportunities across the South-West region.

The governor also emphasized Ogun State’s strategic advantages, including its extensive road networks, rich limestone deposits, and arable land suitable for cultivating cocoa, palm oil, and cotton.

He described the meeting as a continuation of discussions initiated during his visit to France and highlighted the strong business relationship between Nigeria and France. He also noted that President Bola Tinubu is keenly interested in the outcome of the partnership.

Governor Abiodun assured the delegation of his administration’s full support, including incentives to facilitate SEMMARIS’ establishment in the state. He emphasized that the company’s presence would benefit local farmers by providing extension services and serving as an off-taker for their produce.

Speaking on behalf of SEMMARIS, Mr Witkowski expressed the company’s commitment to partnering with the state in modernizing agricultural projects and offering technical support.

He added that once operational, the project would create jobs, enhance food security, and strengthen the agricultural value chain.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Regional Agriculture Counsellor, Sonia Darraco, noted that the French government is committed to supporting the initiative. She stated that the team is currently conducting a feasibility study to identify investment opportunities in the state.

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Agriculture

Renewed Hope Initiative Gifts Women Farmers Cash, Inputs

By Web News 286

By Seyifunmi Olarinde

In its effort to boost the economic empowerment of women and youths, the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI programme of the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has provided support to women farmers in Oyo state.

Speaking at the programme held in Ibadan, in conjunction with the office of the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, RHI coordinator in Oyo state, Mrs Florence Kakulu said the initiative was expected to reduce hunger in the land if beneficiaries make judicious use of the programme.

Earlier, in a lecture on Climate support for the growth of cassava and Maize, one of the guest lecturers, Dr Funmilola Ilori from the state’s Ministry of Agriculture, said Oyo state is blessed with arable land and a favourable climate condition which are conducive for planting Maize and Cassava.

Dr Ilori advised the women to always have knowledge of the climate and also plant the right crop for bountiful harvest.

Another lecturer, Mrs Abimbola Agbaje charged the farmers to process farm produce into varieties, such as starch, cassava chinchin and chips to curb wastage.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr Adeniyi Adebisi, while delivering the message of the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the wife of Oyo state governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, said if the initiative was being utilized rightly, it would tackle food insufficiency.

Our correspondent reports that women farmers, who received cash gifts, herbicides and some equipment commended the wife of the president and promised to utilize the equipment judiciously.

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Agriculture

Renewed Hope Initiative Empowers Women Farmers in Oyo State

By Web News 321

By Seyifunmi Olarinde

The Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI, led by the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has taken active steps to boost the economic empowerment of women and youths by providing support to women farmers in Oyo State.

During the program held in Ibadan, in collaboration with the office of the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, the RHI coordinator in Oyo State, Mrs. Florence Kakulu, emphasized that the initiative aims to reduce hunger in the region.

She urged beneficiaries to use the resources provided judiciously to achieve this goal.

A guest lecturer from the Oyo State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Funmilola Ilori, delivered a lecture on climate support for the growth of cassava and maize.

She highlighted that Oyo State boasts vast arable land and favorable climate conditions, making it ideal for cultivating maize and cassava.

Dr. Ilori advised the women farmers to stay informed about climate patterns and choose the right crops to ensure bountiful harvests.

Another lecturer, Mrs. Abimbola Agbaje, encouraged the farmers to process their produce into value-added products such as starch, cassava chinchin, and chips to minimize waste and increase profitability.

The Commissioner for Trade and Commerce in Oyo State, Mr. Adeniyi Adebisi, conveyed a message from the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde.

He stressed that the initiative has the potential to address food insufficiency if utilized effectively.

Women farmers who received cash gifts, herbicides, and farming equipment expressed their gratitude to the president’s wife and pledged to use the resources wisely.

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Agriculture

Adeleke Lauds FG for Agric Sector Reforms

By Web News 360

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has commended the Federal Government for the reforms currently being embarked on in the agricultural sector with a Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee set up recently, describing it as one well-intended initiative.

Governor Adeleke gave the commendation while receiving the Presidential Livestock Reforms Initiative Committee led by Professor Attahiru Jega in his office at Abere Osun State.

Governor Adeleke expressed the readiness of his administration to support any initiative by the Federal Government that would put more food on the tables of the people of Nigeria.

“To this end, I want to earnestly declare my interest in this FG’s initiative to boost food production and very soon, I will put in place a strong committee of egg heads in the field of Agriculture, to design a good template for Osun on the best way to reform the livestock sector.”

Earlier, the Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Initiative Reforms Committee and former Chairman, of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, said his team was in Osun State to sell the idea of the Committee and its overall objectives, which, if bought into reality, would benefit Osun State.

Professor Jega particularly appealed to Governor Adeleke to set up a Ministry of Livestock in Osun State or an Agency that would see to the realisation of the dream of the Federal Government to make livestock available in large quantities throughout Nigeria. 

While calling for enabling legislation through the State House of Assembly to back the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock, Professor Jega urged Governor Adeleke to engage the services of critical stakeholders in livestock in addition to creating good awareness on the immense importance of reforming the sector for the good of all Nigerians.

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Agriculture

Don Calls for Synergy between Ministries to Curb Food Crisis

By Web News 337

By Lanre Omotosho

A lecturer in the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, Ekiti State University, Professor Oluwayemisi Arowosoge has called for synergy between agriculture and water resources ministries to curb the food crisis this year.

Professor Arowosoge who gave the advice in Ado Ekiti while speaking with Radio Nigeria, noted that climate change last year led to low food productivity, hence the need for stakeholders to assist farmers in the area of irrigation.

The university lecturer also called for adequate protection of farmers against the destruction of plantation farms by cattle, kidnappings as well as honeybee pollination of crops.

She advocated adequate farm inputs such as fertilizers, chemicals and improved seeds for the real farmers from the government and warned farmers against diversion of such inputs.

 Professor Arowosoge emphasized the need to add value to perishable crops through processing and storage.

President Bola Tinubu had in December declared that the vision of his administration was to position Nigeria as a leading agricultural export nation by the year 2025.

Represented by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, at a forum in Abuja, the President stressed that Project “Earn from the Soil” would transform subsistence farming into robust, export-driven economic opportunities, thereby revolutionising the country’s agricultural landscape and ensuring National Food Security.

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Agriculture

We shall engage more youths in agriculture – Oyebanji

By Web News 206

By Kazeem Ayodeji

As part of efforts to address food scarcity and boost local food production, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has announced plans to engage more youths in agriculture. 

Speaking during an inspection of a government warehouse in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji explained that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for state governors to prioritize food security as a critical strategy to combat hunger across the nation.

He revealed that his administration has already launched the first phase of the programme which involves young farmers actively participating in crop cultivation and livestock farming across the state. 

Governor Oyebanji disclosed that the government would be purchasing produce directly from the young farmers and also provide them with the necessary tools and resources to cultivate crops and rear livestock.

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Agriculture

Ondo L-PRES Project Engages Stakeholders in Beneficiary Communities

By Web News 292

By Dupe Isename

The Ondo State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support, L-PRES Project has conducted stakeholder/community engagement across ten beneficiary communities and local governments in the state, as part of its project implementation plan. 

The communities included Ikare, the headquarters of Akoko North East Local Government; Igbara-Oke, headquarters of Ifedore Local Government; Akungba and Oba Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government; Irele in Irele Local Government; Ondo, in Ondo West Local Government among others.

These communities are set to benefit from at least one of the L-PRES construction projects.

The projects include the construction of slaughterhouses/slabs, the establishment of farmers’ field schools, the construction and installation of boreholes for farmers’ clusters, and the construction of sheep/goat markets.  

The L-PRES Project implementation team, led by the Project Coordinator, Mr. Olufemi Adeogun, was warmly received by traditional and religious leaders, market women, youth, and other stakeholders in the communities.

Mr Adeogun explained that L-PRES is a six-year World Bank intervention in partnership with the Ondo State Government to improve the productivity, resilience, and commercialization of selected livestock value chains, including poultry, pigs, sheep, and goats.

He emphasized that the project also aims to address farmer-herder crises.  

The L-PRES Project Coordinator noted that the visited communities have been included in the 2025 work plan to benefit from one or more of the mentioned projects.

He stressed the importance of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in decision-making and implementation processes.

Mr Adeogun urged the communities to take ownership of the projects and assured them that beneficiary profiling is an ongoing exercise at no cost.  

In response, the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh, represented by some of his chiefs, expressed gratitude to the team for siting some of the projects in his community.

Oba Momoh urged the team to expedite the implementation process and assured them of his support, including providing the most suitable land options.  

At Emure in Owo Local Government, the Elemure of Emure, Oba Simon Adedubaje, welcomed the team to his palace with his chiefs.

Oba Adedubaje appreciated his domain’s inclusion as a beneficiary and assured his total support for successful project implementation.  

Similarly, the Alale of Akungba Akoko, Oba Sunday Adeyeye, and the Regent of Oba Akoko, Princess Adegoroye, along with their respective chiefs, expressed their delight in receiving the team.

They pledged full support and promised to allocate suitable land for the proposed projects.

However, they urged the team to honour their commitment to project implementation.  

In Irele, both HRH Olanrewaju Ayeromora, represented by High Chief Adeolu Aroloye, and the council caretaker chairman, Mr Aliu Olaniran, represented by the Head of Local Government Administration, Mrs. Oluronke Olufunmi, assured the project team of their readiness to allocate suitable land for the project.  

Meanwhile, in Igbara-Oke, the headquarters of Ifedore Local Government, the team engaged with potential direct beneficiaries of the project at the council.

The L-PRES Project implementation team lead explained that only profiled and authentic livestock farmers of poultry, pigs, sheep, and goats would benefit.

Mr Adeogun emphasized a minimum of 30% participation by women and youth, encouraging them to form groups recognized by the project.  

Over six hundred individuals attended the events held across all the visited communities.

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Agriculture

NIHORT Holds Training on Home Gardening

By Web News 284

By Rotimi Famakin

In line with the Federal Government’s Renew Hope Agenda, a day sensitization training on home gardening for neighbouring communities of the National Horticultural Research Institute, NIHORT has been inaugurated at the institute.

The training which drew fifty residents from NIHORT’s neighbouring communities focused on vegetable farming.

 Declaring the workshop opened, the Executive Director, NIHORT, Professor Lawal Atanda said the training became imperative following the intention of the Federal Government to ensure that food sufficiency is achieved in Nigeria.

“The main message is what the president has been saying that he is committed to making all Nigerians to be food sufficient in food and nutritional intake which is passed from our ministry, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and food security through agencies under the ministry of which NIHORT is one of them”.

That is why we are working in tandem with that. That is why we said all Nigerians should know how to cultivate what they are going to eat, and it is in that regard, we are training our neighbours. 

“We have been doing that across geopolitical zones. We now look inward this time around. This is the best time we can do irrigation farming and with this, people will have enabled knowledge and strategies and input to go into it because, after this training, we are going to give them some seed to start their own farming”.

Professor Atanda who urged the participants to make good use of the training said the program will benefit Nigerians saying food would be made sufficient as other neighbours of the selected beneficiaries would disseminate the knowledge to them.

“We are picking one person from each of the quarters that formed the neighbourhood of NIHORT and you should know we have a large neighbourhood. So when they get back home, they will train many people. We have quality seeds developed by our Indigenous scientists here, they will be able to share it among themselves and this will have a ripple effect.”

In her reaction, the director of research at NIHORT, who is also the coordinator of the home gardening training, Dr Olutola Oyedele said the beneficiaries were selected based on interaction with the leadership of NIHORT host communities.

“It is part of the institute’s responsibilities to the neighbours. The programme is going to be on a rolling basis in the sense that we will be taking them in batches since they are our neighbours. So, for the first batch, we are taking fifty. The next set of batches would come next year. This is December, now. We are rounding off. Fifty for a start. So it’s on a rolling basis, 50 per batch.”

“It is a continuous programme and it is one person per household, so to select that, we went into that through the various landlord associations around us, about 18 of them. So they sent us the list of interested participants. So out of that list, we are drawing them in batches. We are training them in vegetable production”.

She said fifty beneficiaries were selected to participate in the training adding that the project would be sustained with another set of fifty beneficiaries already selected for participation next year.

Some of the residents appreciated NIHORT for the gesture describing it as timely.

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Agriculture

Collaboration Vital for Food Security, Oyo Tells MACBAN

By Web News 429

By Iyabo Adebisi

The new executive officers of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Oyo State chapter, have been urged to collaborate with the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration to build peace and ensure food security in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Olasunkanmi Olaleye gave this advice at the inauguration of the new executives of the Miyetti Allah.

Mr Olaleye, while noting that the government’s doors remained open to the executive, said the government needed the cooperation of all stakeholders on direct participation in farming and business.

He urged the cattle breeders to preach peace and harmonious coexistence among their members activities. 

Mr Olaleye, who was represented by the Chief Veterinary Medical Officer, Control Post and Cattle Markets and Deputy Director, Veterinary Services, Dr Adeniran Liadi Mobolaji, lauded Governor Makinde for taking proactive steps to address herders-farmers’ clash in the state.

He added that the administration had also launched several initiatives to boost livestock production in the state, including free vaccination of large animals across the 33 local government areas of the state, free anthrax vaccination, the administration of 250,000 doses of PPR vaccines for sheep and goats, among others.

The commissioner congratulated the new executive members of Oyo MACBAN and reminded them of the state’s government’s digital identity cards for cattle breeders and dealers, stressing the need for their members to get the card to make it easy to identify genuine cattle breeders.

Earlier, the National President of MACBAN, Baba Usman Ngelzarma, lauded Governor Makinde’s tremendous and consistent support to herdsmen in Oyo State.

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Agriculture

IITA Makes Breakthrough on Enhanced Seed Yam Production

By Web News 585

By Famakin Rotimi 

Agricultural scientists have developed an improved method of generating seed yam to make planting yams easier and more commercially available.

This new breed of seed yam is known as minituber.

This discovery is a collective effort of a group of seed scientists known as Programme for Seed System Innovation for Vegetatively  Propagated Crops in Africa, PROSSIVA, led by International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA and complemented by other national partners.

As explained by the yam component lead in the project,  Professor Morufat Balogun, the mini tuber when experimented generated high volume of seeds in the nursery and field environment which was ten times what the traditional method would produce using the same land area.

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Professor Morufat Balogun said the traditional mode of yam planting had too numerous impediments in achieving the mass production of yam  

including slow propagation ratio of seed yam resulting in harvest of contaminated tubers with some becoming rotten shortly after harvest.

 “Yes the three objectives have been achieved. They have seen their own milking method and the improved methods. Their milking method is ratio one to two and the improved method is ratio one to one hundred. They have chosen the mini tuber which is “chinchin” mini tuber. So we will pursue the different model”

Professor Balogun advised  government to partner  PROSSIVA for enhanced yam production as a way to achieve food sufficiency.

In their separate presentations, Drs Delphine Amah, PROSSIVA Co-Lead, Dr Beatrice Aighewi, Temi Adegoroye of SAHEL consulting, Djana Mignouna and Lava Kumar who were representative of various yam component specialities in PROSSIVA took turns to address seed yam production including agronomic and quality management including viruses and other diseases affecting yams as well as business aspects and  logistics in the monitoring and delivery of seed yam to target farmers.

Also, the Director of Seed Coordination and Management Services, National Agricultural Seed Council, Mr. Ebiarede Zidafamor, advised farmers to register with  appropriate authorities in order to become seed entrepreneurs.

He also urged them to approach  appropriate seed companies to obtain mother plants  for improved seed production.

“we (NASC) need to know that the materials you are going to use as a producer or even before you become one of us, the seed must be a released variety and it must at least be quality materials that have been accepted as generic and must have undertaken to our seed certification. To be a registered seed entrepreneur the following steps must have been undertaken, you put in an application that you want to be an entrepreneur with the following attachment. The attachment would be the registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, writing in the certificate that says the article of association that says you want to go into seed production, packaging and marketing.

” The next step would be for the council to now review all that you have submitted. So if you have done this, then we issue you the form and the committee to scrutinize your application and if passed you are granted approval to become a seed entrepreneur. Before we give you certificate again too, we come for facility inspection to make sure you are right on ground. Thereafter you are recommended to the body and you are approved”

The Vegetative seed specialist of IITA-GOSeed, Dr Mercy Diebiru-Ojo,  explained that early generation seed yam production pathways could lead to income generation.

“what this project want to do is to make sure we want to have seed companies or seed producers who are producing Vegetation crops so that high quality seeds will get to the farmers. The farmers are within our communities. But this planting materials are perishable, so there is no better way to make the seed available than to have it where it is grown. That is why we talked about decentralized seed entrepreneurs”

Aside farmers from registered associations in some local governments, young farmers’ and agricultural students from the Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology at the University of Ibadan participated in the workshop.

The women, who constituted half of the participants, expressed their willingness to engage in seed yam entrepreneurship alongside their male counterparts producing food yams.

 “Today’s programme is a very good one and I really enjoyed it. As a farmer, we need to get the clean seed to plant. It shows that we took can start seed yam entrepreneur”

“This programme is very fantastic and I will follow it immediately the rain starts to fall.”

The new improved seed yam production by PROSSIVA began six months ago with planting of leaf bud cutting identified as vine cutting and mini tuber which were harvested three months and five months after.

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Agriculture

Abiodun Expresses Desire for Partnership with Food Giant

By Web News 360

By Bimbola Bamgbose 

The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed the state’s readiness to partner with Brazilian food giant, José Sobrinho, with over seven decades of experience.

Sobrinho is the world’s largest producer of animal protein and the second-largest food company globally. The company specializes in processing beef, pork, lamb, and chicken, as well as producing convenience and value-added foods.

Governor Abiodun announced during a meeting at his Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta with the Managing Director of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC, Aisha Rimi, and Sobrinho officials, including Fabio Maia, Director of International Operations, and Osorio Dal Bello, Head of Poultry and Swine.

He affirmed Ogun State’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for global companies like JBS, adding that the state’s strategic location and infrastructure make it the ideal partner for such ventures. “Sobrinho cannot find a better state in Nigeria to partner with,” Governor Abiodun said, emphasizing that Ogun State offers a dedicated livestock production zone and leads the country in agro-processing development.

The governor highlighted Ogun’s status as one of six agro-processing zones established by the Federal Government and noted that the state slaughters between 10,000 and 15,000 cattle daily to meet the protein demands of neighbouring Lagos State, with many of these cattle sourced locally.

Governor Abiodun also revealed plans for a ten-million-dollar partnership with a Moroccan firm focused on palm oil by-products and announced the imminent launch of a timber processing zone. Additionally, the state recently established its inland port to facilitate manufacturing and accelerate industrial growth.

Speaking during the visit, Fabio Maia lauded Ogun State’s business-friendly environment, citing the rapid industrial growth along the Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway. Maia disclosed JBS’s plans to invest two point five billion dollars in Nigeria, which includes building three chicken processing plants, two cattle plants, and one swine plant.

Aisha Rimi, the NIPC Managing Director, highlighted the visit as a follow-up to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent trip to Brazil, where a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, was signed with Sobrinho to enhance livestock production. She noted that the Sobrinho team is currently conducting feasibility studies and project development plans in Nigeria.

The collaboration underscores Ogun State’s growing reputation as a hub for agro-industrial investment and sets the stage for significant economic growth in the state’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

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Agriculture

Oyebanji Unveils Plan to Revitalize Agriculture

By Web News 243

By Kazeem Ayodeji

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has announced his administration’s plan to establish Renewed Hope farm settlements as part of efforts to revitalize agriculture and ensure food security in the state.

Governor Oyebanji made this known in Ado Ekiti while presenting over one hundred million Naira in cheques to the first batch of young farmers who are participating in the “Bring Back Our Youth to Agriculture” programme, an initiative, which is in collaboration between the state government and a private firm. 

The Governor revealed that the construction of the farm settlements would commence in January next year, with six settlements planned across various farm clusters in the state, adding that the settlements are named “Renewed Hope” as an honour to President Bola Tinubu’s support for agricultural projects in Ekiti.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Governor Oyebanji noted that the cheques represented the returns on their investments in the programme and encouraged the young farmers to reinvest their earnings wisely to achieve greater yields in the coming harvest season. 

In their remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade and the CEO of the private agricultural firm who financed the young farmers, Mrs Oluwayemisi Joluwe, said the government is aiming to be the largest producer of maize, cassava and tomatoes in the country with a call for more youths to participate in the programme. 

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Agriculture

South-West Govs. to Address Food Scarcity

By Web News 247

South-West governors have decided to beef up security around farms in the region by forming specialised units within the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun.

The decision was reached at a round table on food security, organised by the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN, Commission, on Wednesday, in Ibadan.

It was gathered that the move is to address the acute food scarcity in the zone which was occasioned by pervasive insecurity in most parts of the zone.

Recall that the Southwest Governors’ Forum had directed the Commission to convene the meeting with the responsibility of fashioning out a regional agricultural template.

Though all the six governors were represented by their Commissioners for Agriculture, it was resolved at the meeting that all the resolutions would be meticulously implemented.

The five Commissioners for Agriculture who stood in for their governors include Mr Ebenezer Boluwade (Ekiti), Bolu Owotomo (Ogun), while Olayato Aribo, Babatola Faseru and Olasunkanmi Olaleye represented Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states respectively.

Mr Emmanuel Audu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture represented the state’s commissioner for Agriculture.

In his opening remarks, the Director General of the Commission, Dr Seye Oyeleye stressed that the insinuations that the region had lost its capacity to produce its food should be discarded calling on the participants “to come up with recommendations that state governors can easily implement” within the next few months.

Other resolutions reached at the meeting include massive land clearing, enhanced security, and large-scale production of short-term crops like maize, sweet potatoes, and vegetables. Other plans include revitalizing moribund dams for irrigation, improving mechanization across the value chain, adopting a cluster farming model, expanding input distribution, and establishing an electronic agriculture database.

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Agriculture

It is imperative that women engage in farming – POWA

By Web News 307

By Mojisola Oladele

The Wife of the Inspector General of Police and President of Police Officers’ Wives Association, POWA President, Mrs. Elizabeth Egbetokun wants women to engage in agriculture in other to address food security in the country.

Mrs. Egbetokun made the call during an event held at the Police headquarters, Osun State.

She stressed the need for all women to utilize their resources and skills to engage in farming to contribute to a more food-secure future for Nigeria.

Mrs. Egbetokun lauded the leadership style of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Muhammed in ensuring the safety and security of Osun State.

She reiterated that POWA would continue to support to their spouses as they uphold the law and protect the communities.

The Wife of the IGP described the association as a vital network of support, fostering unity, resilience, and empowerment among police families nationwide.

“Am encouraging women to venture into farming through ”Young Women in Agriculture under the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), to promote food security in our country,” Mrs. Egbetokun said

“It’s with great pleasure that I am here before you today as the National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), representing the dedicated spouses of our nation’s law enforcement officers,” Mrs Egbetokun submitted

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Agriculture

Cocoa: Adeleke Woos Chinese Investors

By Web News 298

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reiterated his commitment to reviving cocoa industries with a target to be the first among cocoa producing state in Nigeria.

The Governor, who stated this at a meeting with a Chinese team of investors from Wuxi Huadong Cocoa Food Co. Limited, were on a two-day working visit to the state, said his agenda extends to developing partnership with agro industrial firms, from far and near.

Governor Adeleke pointed out that his administration launched the cocoa revival initiative in January this year, covering revival of old cocoa plantations, planting of at least, a million seedlings and development of processing factories for new cocoa products.

“Our government is particularly focused on reviving the state’s Cocoa Industries limited. We seek to go beyond becoming the first Cocoa producing State in Nigeria. We target producing and exporting Cocoa products. That explains why we are determined to revive our Cocoa Industry and even establish new factories“.

The Governor, while describing the presence of the Chinese team as a welcome development, said, his government was open to a Memorandum of Understanding for the revival of the industry located at Ede, Osun State.

He directed the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry as well as the Attorney General of the State to work out a partnership deal.

The Managing Director, Wuxi Huadong Cocoa Food Co. Limited, Mr. Yan Weiqing, who expressed satisfaction after site inspection of the moribund Cocoa industry at Ede, promised to rebuild the Cocoa Processing facility and bring in new equipment for the progress of Mr. Governor’s industrialization agenda.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Reverend Bunmi Jenyo had stated that the company is expected to generate direct and indirect jobs for the citizens, revenue for the state and good returns on investments for prospective investors.

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Agriculture

POWA Seeks Collaboration for Women in Agriculture

By Web News 243

By Olawale Asake

Wife of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, and the President, Police Officers Wives’ Association, POWA, Mrs Elizabeth Egbetokun has called for stakeholders collaboration to empower Young Women in Agriculture to further solve the issue of food insecurity in the country. 

Mrs Egbetokun made the call when she led the Management of the Association to the Residence of Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin at Alalubosa Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The wife of the IGP said, the roles of women in the society could not be underestimated, hence the need for them to be empowered, supported and encouraged to also contribute their quota through Agribusiness to national development.

Mrs Egbetokun assured of POWA’s commitment to enhancing the productivity of Women in Agriculture to improve their livelihood and income.

She sought the blessings of the Olubadan-Designate in her efforts at making women particularly members of her Association self reliant and playing active roles at homes as good and virtuous women.

Responding, the Olubadan-Designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin who spoke through the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe commended the wife of the Inspector General of Police and her team for the visit, saying, the visit was the first from the Federal Authorities since the nomination of Oba Olakulehin as Olubadan of Ibadanland.

He promised to give priority to gender equality and respect women in the Society, irrespective of Religious, Tribe or Status.

On the entourage of Mrs Egbetokun were Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr. Adebola Hamzat, wives of the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Zone 12 and 17, some Wives of Assistants Inspector-General, AIGs,  and those of Commissioners of Police, While Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Eddy Oyewole, Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Kolawole Adegbola joined the Olubadan-Designate to receive the Team.

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Agriculture

Don Urges Youths to Tap Potential of Bee Business

By Web News 293

By Lanre Omotosho

As the World commemorates Bee Day, youths across Nigeria have been enjoined to explore various value chains involved in the bee business.

A lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Professor Raphael Omolehin gave the advice to commemorate the Day with the theme “Bee Engaged With Youth”.

Professor Omolehin who frowned at importation of honey bee into the country, charged Nigerian youths to bridge the gap.

The agricultural-economist emphasized that rearing bee required little capital with huge returns on investment, hence youth should embrace such.

He explained that engagement of young people in beekeeping as new generation of environmental leaders would improve quality agriculture that would be benefitial to both human populations and the ecosystem.  

The don identified honey, pollen, propolis, bee bread, royal jelly and wax among the by-products that could be derived from rearing bees which are useful for domestic, industrial and pharmaceutical companies.

Professor Raphael Omolehin stressed that bee as pollinator is significant to food production and human existence, hence the need to desist from destroying them with fire and harmful chemicals.

United Nations General Assembly had in 2017 declared May 20 as World Bee Day to  raise awareness on the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy. 

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Agriculture

Proper Care of Plants Prevents Hunger, Reduces Poverty – Don

By Web News 337

By Lanre Omotosho

Nigerians have been enjoined to always take proper care of plants in order to prevent hunger and reduce poverty.

A lecturer in the Department of Plant Science, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, FUOYE, Dr. Ayoola Oluwajobi gave the advice in Ado Ekiti to commemorate this year’s International Day of Plant Health with the theme, “Plant Health, Safe Trade, Digital Technology”.

Dr. Oluwajobi emphasized that plants provide 80% food for mankind, 98% breathe in oxygen as well as taking away carbondioxide, hence the need for the proper care.
While noting that healthy plants produce food optimally, the don explained that proper watering and manure would enhance their growth.

He emphasized that indiscriminate dumping of waste, air, soil and water pollutions negatively affect the growth of plants, which would be detrimental to health of whoever consumes them.

The don stressed that heavy metal picked by plants from indiscriminate waste disposal, ate by roaming animals would automatically have health implications on human-beings who consume them.

Dr Oluwajobi, however, cautioned against inappropriate usage of agro chemicals, urging farmers to always follow manufacturers’ instructions for consumers not to pick residues from what they eat.

The United Nations, UN, had in 2022 set aside May 12 of every year as International Day of Plant Health to safeguard biodiversity and promote economic development.

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Agriculture

APC Chieftain Makes Case for Improved Investment in Agriculture

By Web News 381

By Olawale Asake

A Chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, Prince Niran Adeyoju has advised the Federal Government to invest more in Agriculture across the nation to make food sufficient for its Citizens

Prince Adeyoju who is the patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ibadan gave the advice while speaking with Radio Nigeria on the current hike in food commodities.

He said the country needed to diversify from Oil and concentrate on provision of food through mechanised farming that would be more productive in the interest of all.

The Business Tycoon enjoined individuals to embrace subsistence farming like planting of vegetables, maize and tubers within their compounds, saying it would reduce crowded dependency on the unavailable goods in the Market.

Prince Adeyoju, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for taking bold steps at repositioning the Country, urging Nigerians to be more patient with the policies and Programmes of the Federal Government.

He expressed optimistic that Nigerians would soon enjoy the results of government policies

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Agriculture

We remain resolute on bringing prosperity to the state – Makinde

By Web News 468

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has reiterated his commitment to making the state a modern agribusiness hub in Sub-Saharan Africa, just as he promised to give more support to farmers and improve infrastructure and security with a view to attracting large investments in agriculture to the state. 

He stated this in his opening remark at an event themed, “Agribusiness for Food Security Initiative”, held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, (IITA), Ibadan. 

Governor Makinde noted that his government remained resolute in bringing prosperity to the state and would continue to support youths. 

The governor said in his Roadmap for Accelerated Development, that he had thought of how to take the people from poverty to prosperity, noting that given the state’s comparative advantage of arable land, it was clear that embracing agriculture was the way to go, but it was also obvious that using the old method of farming would not produce the desired result.  

He said, “We are a state that was doing poorly on economic indices. The internally generated revenue was low for a state that has a rich history of economic development and we are close to the nation’s commercial capital. Lagos is not far from here. Every month, they do an IGR of about N65bn and here, when we came in, it was N1.8bn but we have now managed to push it close to N4bn.

 So, in terms of where we want to be, we have not scratched the surface yet. 

“So, we had to find a way to stimulate the economy quickly. Our comparative advantage is the arable land. If we are to achieve accelerated development, we have to build our economy around this advantage. The 11 local government areas in Ibadan are double the size of the whole of Lagos State. So, it was a no-brainer that we have to leverage agriculture and agribusiness, but we are not content with practicing agriculture like it was done in the past. 

“We need an economic solution driven by data. We need an achievable strategy powered in a new way of thinking about agriculture. One of the platforms set up to drive the new way of thinking about agriculture was the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), headed by Dr Debo Akande.

“So, I will also say that Dr Akande has been instrumental in pushing the new way of practising agriculture in Oyo State and I can tell the whole world that this is yielding dividends. To achieve this, we will focus on partnerships to drive agribusiness, working with the private sector and development organisations.”

Governor Makinde said for Oyo State to become a modern agribusiness hub in Sub-Saharan Africa would require the attraction of large investments in agriculture, adding that to attract the kind of investments needed by the state; it would need to provide adequate infrastructure and security. 

He said though the state on his watch had done so well with the provision of infrastructure and security, it would still do more to buoy investors’ confidence. 

Talking about the Fasola Industrial Hub, the governor said developing it had provided the state a learning opportunity that would come handy as the state embarks on building Eruwa and Akufo industrial hubs. 

The governor lauded the IITA for helping the state with high-quality seeds which are propelling increased productivity in the state.

In a keynote address, a former President of Nigeria, who is also an Honorary Ambassador of IITA, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said agribusiness would play a vital role in the future of the country. 

Chief Obasanjo said that the federal government should not be directly involved in agribusiness since the states have the landmass, resources, manpower, innovations and the infrastructure to develop holistic strategies for food security.

He commended the efforts of women in agribusiness and also encouraged them to do more as food security and food nutrition would go a long way in providing more employment, boost the foreign exchange, and increase in internally generated revenue.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Africa Continental Director CGIAR/ Director General IITA, Dr Simeon Ehui, said the forum was aimed at addressing pressing issues on food security and to drive positive changes by leveraging major stakeholders to ensure a sustainable future for the present and next generation.

Some beneficiaries of Oyo State Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP), Ibukunoluwa Tubi and Dolapo Opekun, lauded the initiative which has brought hope to youths. They also thanked Governor Makinde for empowering and supporting youths. 

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