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NASENI, Agric Ministry partner on Agro-Industrialization

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L-R, the Minister of State for Agriculture & Food Security Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, EVC/CEO NASENI Mr Khalil Halilu and Minister of Agriculture & Food Security Senator Abubakah Kyari in a group photograph after the meeting on Monday in Abuja

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security have commenced discussions on how to deploy existing technical competencies and other resources by the two institutions to improve agro allied-industries development targets, climate change mitigations and smart solar irrigation aimed at dry-season farming.

 

The trio of the Minister of Agriculture & Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of State, Hon. Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi and the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu who held the meeting in Abuja yesterday 6th November, 2023 agreed that the nascent collaboration between NASENI and Agric Ministry was aimed at enhancing the focus and deliverables toward achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

 

The Minister, Senator Abubakar Kyari gave insight to some of the essentials in the 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda of the government, saying that about six of the eight socio-economic recovery programmes have the starting points in their achievements rooted in the success of the Agricultural sector, his ministry. Therefore, the Minister commended Halilu, EVC NASENI and his team for having agriculture as one of the Agency’s target area to work. “I won’t be tired of saying that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given my Ministry the responsibility to carry one of the important programmes in the 8-point Renewed Hope agenda, which is food security and five others.” he said.

 

During the visit, Halilu was received not only by Senator Abubakar Kyari and the Minister of State, but all the directors in the Ministry were present at the meeting. Halilu said the Agency was ready to collaborate with the Ministry to boost agriculture and also achieve food security through technology adaptation and transfers.

 

Addressing the Ministry’s top government functionaries, Halilu explained that NASENI’s technical manpower, technologies and also international partners were ready to work in ensuring that Nigeria becomes self-sufficient in food production, food processing and exports. Part of the efforts in actualizing this goal, he disclosed, is the on-going NASENI Scheme to refurbish about 50,000 broken tractors across the country under the presidential initiative, aimed at bringing back the culture of large cultivation of lands for farming.

 

According to him, the management of NASENI has secured both local and international technical partners to work with the Agency to mass-produce Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for spraying of insecticides over vast farm locations, sustain afforestation, introduce solar-powered water irrigation to increase wet and dry season farming yields, cold chain food processing and agro-allied value chain additions for preservation and processing of foods in commercial quantities and exports. Halilu said the list on the collaboration plans with Agric Ministry includes crop traceability, rice straw project, mitigation of climate change through scientific and technological researches or innovations by NASENI to increase food production, value addition and ensue Nigeria’s dependence on food imports reduce significantly.

 

“We are embarking on development activities in agriculture from production to commercialization. The key thing is how we can add value to our farm produce or raw materials before they are consumed or before exporting them out of our country. Also as for foreign technologies brought into our country, we are seeking the cooperation and collaboration of the Ministry to transfer, domesticate and commercialize such technologies. In a nutshell, this is why we are here” Halilu stated.

 

The EVC said since assuming office, he has been receiving a lot of requests in terms of how NASENI could add value around agriculture from production all the way to the market. He disclosed that a recent outing by the Agency at the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Forum in China attracted about $6 billion dollars’ investment and about 40 per cent of the monies will be channeled to agriculture.

 

As his remark on the significance of the meeting, the Minister of State expressed appreciation of the visit by NASENI’s EVC and his team, describing the move as progressive and patriotic. He said the time to put an end to inter-ministerial competition and rivalry is now, rather, synergy and collaboration amongst government institutions should become the new culture and orientation. He underscored the earlier statement by the Senior Minister that one of the Federal Government’s current priorities is food security. Therefore, he called for alignments with the Agric Ministry’s focus not only by NASENI but other Agencies with related functions in order to actualize the Government’s intentions to alleviate poverty, create jobs and tackle all other socio-economic ills in the Nigeria society.

 

Nigerians to monitor implementation of Federal Government projects – Idris

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Minister Idris

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has said that Nigerians will soon be able to monitor and track the implementation of federal government projects.

The Minister stated this during a conversation with senior media editors and executives on Monday in Abuja.

The Minister, while speaking on the recently concluded retreat for Ministers and other senior government officials, said it was aimed at showcasing and fine-tuning strategies for achieving the overall objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The President directed that cutting-edge digital technology be deployed to empower Nigerians to monitor and track in real-time the implementation of Federal Government projects across the country; to this end, the Presidential Delivery Tracker was reactivated.”

The Minister urged the media to support this move by being objective, factual, and balanced, explaining that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure that honest, credible, and timely information is put out for the benefit of Nigerians.

He added that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to provide the right atmosphere for the media to operate, and he called on media operators to reciprocate the gesture by carrying out their function with a high sense of responsibility.

“Report what is accurate and leave what is in doubt; don’t report what is not factual; this country is ours, and it is for all of us to build, and we all know that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a Democrat, and he is willing to provide you with all the information you so require. Let’s focus on those things that are important for our development as a nation and leave out fake news, disinformation, and all those things that create chaos,” the Minister appealed.

Alhaji Idris, while highlighting the success made by the security agencies, also called on the media to support the government’s effort by giving adequate reportage to the gains made by the security agencies in the fight against insurgency.

He added that the Nigerian government is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all her citizens and visitors and has invested heavily in the training and re-training of her security personnel, the acquisition of arms and ammunition needed for the prosecution of the fight against insecurity, as well as deploying the right intelligence to neutralize plans by insurgent groups.

“The bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, pirates, etc., are waging not only a physical battle but also a psychological one, trying to undermine our faith and confidence in our security agencies; as media leaders, we must be very careful not to play into their hands through reporting what might be misleading, sensational, or that undermines the morale of our security personnel,” He said.

BREAKING: Gov Soludo’s father dies at 92

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Soludo and late father

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has lost his father, Pa Simeon Nwankwo Soludo.

Pa Soludo was said to have died in the early hours of Monday, 6 November 2023.

A short press statement by the Press Secretary of the governor, Mr Christian Aburime, announced the death.

Aburime said: “Pa Soludo is survived by seven sons, eight daughters-in-law, twenty-two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

“Governor Soludo noted that his late father lived a fulfilled life and died at the ripe age of ninety-two years (92)

“Further information will be communicated to the public in due course,” he said

RMRDC concludes training of farmers, food processors as DG bags award(PHOTOS)

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(L)Professor Dr Asif Ahmad (from the Institute for Food & Nutritional Science (IFNS) Pakistan), Professor Hussaini Doko Ibrahim, RMRDC DG/CEO (M) and Dr Rai Muhammad (IFNS Pakistan)

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) on Friday concluded a 5-day capacity building training programme where at least 50 farmers and food processors received training on the fruits and vegetable value chain development technical program (TCP).

At the end of the programme, Prof. Hussaini Doko Ibrahim, the DG RMRDC,presented a plaque to experts from the Institute for Food and Nutrition Sciences (IFNS) Pakistan led by Prof. Dr. Ahmad Asif (Left) and Dr. Rai Muhammad Amir (middle) for outstanding contribution towards success of RMRDC, in conjunction with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Technical program (TCP) on Fruits and Vegetables Value Chain Development in Nigeria held at the RMRDC corporate Headquarters recently.

Experts Dr. Rai Muhammad Amir and Prof. Ahmad Asif, receiving the plaque at the RMRDC corporate Headquarters on Friday.

Appeal Court Declares Jigawa Rep Seat Vacant

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The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja has affirmed the ruling of the lower court that declared the 2023 election in Birninkudu/ Buji federal constituency of Jigawa State inconclusive.

In his ruling, chairman of the panel, Justice Ogochuku Anthony Ogakwu, ordered Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye election across eight polling units within 30 days.

The court gave the verdict in an appeal filed by Hon Adamu Yakubu, a People Democratic Party (PDP) candidate who was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but challenged by Magaji Dau Aliyu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The tribunal, which sat in Dutse, Jigawa State capital, had declared the result of the 2023 election of Birnin Kudu/Buji Federal Constituency as inconclusive.

The tribunal under the chairmanship of Justice A. A. Okeke said INEC did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

But Yakubu appealed the ruling, which did not end in his favour.

INEC will now organise bye election across the eight poling units have the total number of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) collected was 6, 351 and the APC candidate, Mr Da’u was trailing behind the PDP candidate Hon Adamu Yakubu with 1,926 votes.

Robust FinTech critical for strengthening financial inclusion in Nigeria – NCC boss, Maida

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EVC NCC, Aminu Maida

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive officer (EVC/CEO) of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, has described the Financial Technology (FinTech) industry as a critical driver of financial inclusion of Nigerian citizens living in the underserved and unserved communities across the country.

Dr. Maida made this known in his keynote address at the 2023 edition of the annual Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) FinTech Forum, which focused on, “Harnessing Nigeria’s Fintech Potential: Challenges and Opportunities” and took place in Lagos recently.

The EVC, who was represented at the event by the Controller of NCC Lagos Zonal Office, Mr Henry Ojiokpota, stated that the theme of the forum was suitable at this time for a discourse about the financial industry given the significant rise in digital financial services across the nation.

The EVC said Fintech is revolutionizing Nigeria’s financial ecosystem as it represents a positive disruption to the conventional financial system. Maida stated that financial technology’s emergence to leverage technology to enhance financial services, such as mobile banking, borrowing, investment, and cryptocurrency, is an enhancer and enabler of business and other opportunities in innovation, job creation and investment that further stimulates economic growth.

The EVC stated that fintech applications such as robo-advisors, payment apps, peer-to-peer (P2P) lending apps, investment apps, and crypto apps, among others, create business opportunities for individuals. He also stated that adopting these Fintech applications for socioeconomic gains by the youth, who account for 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population, will add value to the economy.

Maida recalled recent industry statistics citing active subscriptions across mobile networks in Nigeria, which hit 220.7 million in August 2023, to demonstrate that the Nigerian Fintech ecosystem can offer various financial services to telecom subscribers.

He said the Commission will continue to expand and enhance telecommunications infrastructure to enable robust Fintech services and address consumer concerns and regulatory challenges in the sector because the optimal utilization of digital technologies will enhance the provision of financial services to rural communities and underserved segments of the population through leveraging of high mobile phone penetration in Nigeria.

“Therefore, Fintech has the potential to deepen the existing payment and financial system infrastructure to reach unserved and underserved areas and further stimulate economic growth”, Maida said.

He said the Commission has begun implementing new strategies to meet the new target of 70 per cent Broadband penetration by 2025 as contained in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025 and the blueprint released by the Honourable Minister for accelerating the growth of the digital economy sector through technology.

The EVC said these policies and strategies have huge implications for enhancing derivable benefits of the Fintech industry and significantly and positively impacting Nigeria’s goals on financial inclusion and the digital economy at large.

The NCC boss promised that the Commission will continue to support the Fintech industry in harnessing its enormous potential and will not rest on its oars in its strides to address the challenges in the sector, including improving the provision of secured infrastructure that support the delivery of digital financial services in efficient ways. He also reiterated the Commission’s focus on maintaining minimum standards in Quality of Service (QOS) to ensure uninterrupted connectivity to enhance sectoral contribution to the economy.

The EVC stated that the Commission, in support of its vision in this sphere, has implemented a Memorandum of Understanding with CBN on boosting payment systems and financial inclusion, which is in line with the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2025. He also informed that NCC will continue to play an important role in harnessing the potential of Fintech through maximum support for Fintech policies, enforcing regulations, and strengthening collaborations with relevant authorities.

RMRDC, ISDB train 50 farmers on fruits, vegetable processing

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RMRDC

The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB), have trained over 50 farmers and food processors on fruit and vegetable processing.

NAN reports that the trainers are Dr Asif Ahmad and Dr Rai Muhammad from the Institute for Food & Nutritional Sciences (IFNS) and Arid Agric University in Pakistan.

It is a five-day capacity building training held at the RMRDC Headquarters, Abuja.

Mrs Asabe Mustapha, the Coordinator of the RMRDC/ISDB reverse linkage program who spoke with NAN, noted that agriculture plays a vital role in our economy.

She added that the fruit and vegetables sector holds immense potential for economic growth and prosperity.

She said the primary mandate of RMRDC is to foster self-reliance by optimizing the utilization of local raw material resources for sustainable industrial growth and advancement within Nigeria.

“Noteworthy programs of the Council include annual distribution of improved agricultural seeds to farmers through farmers’ associations, capacity building initiatives for best agricultural practices.”

She also said RMRDC collaborates with relevant institutions to develop new and improved varieties of agricultural seeds.

“There are several challenges that hinder our agricultural progress, and it is our responsibility to address them collectively.

“That is why the Council is collaborating with the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) to enhance capacity development in the fruits and vegetables value chain she said.

She said the program will increase awareness and interest in fruit juice concentrate production, reduce the need for importation and enhance competitiveness in the fruit industry.

“The training focuses on fruit juice concentrates, including but not limited to orange, pineapple, mixed fruit, apple, red grape, mango, and guava concentrates.

“This training also concentrates on efficient transportation of fresh fruits, storage while preserving the essential nutrients and flavours of the fruit and reducing wastage,” she said.

NAN reports that the trainees were drawn from the Abuja chamber of Commerce, farmers and food processors associations, the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, and small scale industries, amongst others.

They were extensively trained in loss reduction technology, value addition, packaging systems, and supply chain management.

NOTAP backs FG’s renewed hope agenda

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NOTAP and Team

The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) said it is exploring partnerships for technological advancement in line with the renewed hope agenda of the federal government.

NAN reports that NOTAP announced that it is set to enter a tripartite agreement with Romania and Swedish Governments on technology development in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a press statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The statement reads that the acting director general of NOTAP, Dr Idoreyin Imiyoho, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology (MIST), Mr Uche Nnaji.

Imiyoho went on a visit to the company of the Managing Director of COPS Nigeria Limited, Mr Simon Naoun, and it’s Executive Director, Mr. Joseph Saab.

She expressed joy over the partnership that is about to be entered into with COPS Nigeria Ltd, adding that no agency or government succeeds without comparing notes or sharing ideas with others.

She said over 90% of technologies utilized in all sectors of the Nigerian economy were foreign, and the situation was unacceptable.

She said, “ For a country that is desirous of becoming a major player in the global technology space, the situation was unacceptable, hence the encouragement of indigenous technological capabilities.”

Mrs. Imiyoho asserted that what distinguishes developed from developing nations is technology, which is a product of research.

“NOTAP evolved some strategic programmes and projects aimed at encouraging Nigerian researchers to undertake demand-driven research rather than the conventional research for carrier progression,” she said.

She disclosed that the NOTAP-industry partnership led to the establishment of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Offices (IPTTOs) in some Nigerian knowledge institutions across the geo-political zones of the country.

She noted that the partnership aimed to create awareness on the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) to improve the economic sustainability of the nation.

Mr Nnaji was highly elated about the visit and partnership that will lead to a high-profile technology investment in the country.

He commended NOTAP for the foresight and expressed the Ministry’s full support for the partnership.

NAN reports that COPS Nigerian Limited is set to provide expertise in Drone technology with an assembling plant in Nigeria.

It is also set to advance satellite development, provide scientific education tools, and invest in Research and Development (R&D).

‘War is not solution – Pope sends message to Israel, Palestine

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POpe francis

Weeks after the escalation of the Gaza war, Pope Francis on Wednesday called on Israel and the Palestinians to find a solution at the negotiating table.

This approach has enjoyed broad support for decades but has not progressed despite all international appeals.

Francis strongly advocated for a two-state solution, one state for Israel and one for the Palestinians.

“Every war is a defeat. Nothing is solved by war. Everything is gained with peace, with dialogue,” the 86-year-old said in an interview on the Italian television channel Rai.

“In war, one slap in the face provokes another. A strong one and then another stronger one, and it goes on.”

However, it is about “two people who must live together.”
There is a “clever solution” for this: “Two peoples, two states. The Oslo Accords state: two well-limited states and Jerusalem with a special status.”

Francis referred to the Oslo peace process between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), which began in 1993.

However, after initial progress, it has not moved forward in over two decades.

At the same time, the Pope condemned any form of anti-Semitism.

Group condemns Gov Alia’s Threat Against Benue Pensioners

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Benue state Governor Alia

A prominent pro-democracy group, Defenders of Democracy (DoD), has condemned the threat by the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, that he will remove from the pay-roll the names of all the pensioners who have obtained garnishee orders against the government pending the determination of their cases.

Governor Alia issued the threat through his Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, during a meeting with pensioners in Makurdi, who claimed that 95 per cent of the garnishee orders against the government are from pensioners.

Reacting to the development, DoD, in a statement signed by its President, Amos Uchiv, took a swipe at the governor, describing his threat against the pensioners as draconian and dictatorial. The statement reads:

“Defenders of Democracy (DoD) finds Governor Alia’s threat against the senior citizens as an abomination. No responsible and humane government would consider such a move against people of that age.

“The Governor’s threat is a callous and insensitive action which demonstrates a complete disregard for the welfare and rights of the retirees who dedicated the prime of their lives in service to the state. The threat is dictatorial and bears the fangs of impunity.

“It is disheartening that Governor Alia, through his Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, chose to threaten the very people who have contributed significantly to the development and progress of Benue State. Pensioners, already facing numerous challenges such as inadequate healthcare, rising costs of living, and financial instability, should not be subjected to further distress and uncertainty.

“Alia is the first Benue governor to threaten pensioners. None before him ever treated the senior citizens with indignation like he is doing. Aku, Adasu, Akume, Suswam and Ortom never took any action of impunity against the state pensioners.

“The Governor’s threat is not only an affront to the pensioners but also a violation of their fundamental rights. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of its citizens, particularly the elderly, who are more vulnerable and deserve special care and attention. Instead of prioritizing their welfare, Governor Alia has chosen to exacerbate their plight by threatening them with the removal of their means of livelihood.

“DoD believes that every pensioner has the right to access their pensions and benefits without hindrance or intimidation.

“Garnishee orders are legal instruments that protect the rights of individuals to seek justice and redress for their legitimate claims. Governor Alia’s attempt to undermine these orders is an assault on the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law.

“We call upon Governor Alia to immediately retract his threat and take immediate steps to address the concerns of the pensioners. The government must engage in constructive dialogue with the retirees, understand their grievances, and find lasting solutions to their issues.

“The government should demonstrate compassion and empathy towards the pensioners, ensuring their rights are respected and their needs are adequately met.

“We urge the Benue State House of Assembly and other relevant authorities to intervene in this matter, ensuring that the retirees’ rights and welfare are protected. The legislature has a crucial role to play in holding the executive accountable and safeguarding the interests of the citizens, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society.

“Defenders of Democracy (DoD) reiterates its commitment to upholding democratic values, promoting social justice, and protecting the rights of all citizens.

“We stand in solidarity with the pensioners of Benue State and demand that Governor Alia immediately rescind his threat, prioritize their welfare, and work towards a just and equitable society.

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