Plateau Farmers Express Concern Over Scarcity of Improved Acha Seeds

Farmers in Plateau State are raising concerns about the scarcity of improved Acha (fonio) seeds, which are essential for boosting their crop yields. Plateau, known for its favorable climate for agriculture, has been a leading state in Acha cultivation. However, while traditional varieties are still being used, the demand for improved seed varieties has surged due to their better output and resilience.

Acha is a nutrient-rich grain known for its high levels of zinc, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It aids digestion, promotes cardiovascular health, and is particularly beneficial for diabetics. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has highlighted its high calcium content, adding to its significance in global food security efforts.

The National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI) has previously developed two improved Acha varieties: NCRIACH 1 and NCRIACH 2, which boast shorter maturity periods and higher yields than traditional varieties. However, Plateau farmers are finding these improved seeds difficult to access.

Farmers like James Bature, who has farmed for over three decades, are recycling traditional seeds despite the availability of improved varieties. Bature noted that traditional seeds are weakening, resulting in reduced yields. He and other farmers are calling for greater availability of improved seeds to meet their farming needs.

Other challenges faced by the farmers include limited access to fertilizer, pest and bird infestations, and the risk of cattle grazing on their fields. Despite these hurdles, many farmers, like Sunday Baren and Yohanna Davou, are pressing ahead with cultivation, hopeful for a successful harvest.

Farmers are urging the government to intervene and ensure that improved Acha seeds become more accessible, which they believe would significantly enhance their productivity and food security in Plateau State.

How Okada Riders Pioneered a Rice Farming Revolution in Lagos and Ogun

Rice farming in the Magboro area along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State’s Ifo Local Government has seen a significant transformation, attracting people from various professions and boosting the region’s economic growth and food security.

Muhammed Bello, chairman of the Albarka farmers’ group, explained that the initiative began on a small scale by Northern commercial motorcyclists, or Okada riders, working in Magboro. He supported their efforts with financial loans ranging from ₦1 million to ₦10 million, and after visiting the farm, he recognized its potential and scaled up the project to mechanized farming.

Bello’s expansion efforts caught the attention of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who inaugurated the group’s first rice harvest this year. With growing interest from professionals including lawyers, police officers, and civil servants, the project is now set to expand into other southwestern states, including Osun and Lagos.

Former Okada rider Sa’id Habib shared how his visit to the farm inspired him to become a full-time rice farmer, while others, such as trader Kaneshi Daniel and Bureau De Change operator Nasiru Abubakar, also transitioned into farming, finding greater financial stability.

Bello emphasized the need for government support, stating that widespread backing of similar farming initiatives could enhance food security and job creation across the region and the country.

Court Blocks Emir Bayero from Renovating Nasarawa Palace Amid Legal Dispute

A Kano State High Court, led by Chief Judge Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, has issued an interim order preventing the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from proceeding with renovations on the historic Nasarawa Palace.

The legal dispute arose after Bayero began holding court at the palace following the dissolution of the emirates. The Kano State Government, the state attorney general, and the Kano Emirate filed the lawsuit, with Emir Bayero being the sole defendant.

The court’s order mandates that both parties maintain the current condition of the palace, preserving its structural and architectural design until the matter is resolved. Justice Aboki stated, “An order of interim injunction is hereby made restraining the defendant, his agents, or anyone acting on his behalf from demolishing, renovating, or altering the property known as Gidan Sarki Nasarawa until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

The injunction, based on an ex-parte motion dated September 9 and supported by a 33-paragraph affidavit from Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed, known as Matawallen Kano, prevents any changes to the palace until further court proceedings.

The court has also instructed that Emir Bayero be served with the legal documents by substituted means, with the next hearing set for October 2, 2024.

Rema Urges Nigerian Leaders to Focus on Sustainable Solutions Amid Economic Crisis

Popular Afrobeats superstar, Divine Ikubor, widely known as Rema, has called on Nigerian politicians to implement long-term solutions to tackle the nation’s economic challenges, emphasizing that temporary relief measures will not alleviate the suffering of the people.

Speaking on The Breakfast Club, Rema criticized the practice of distributing food items like rice as a solution to poverty, stating, “It’s not about giving rice. Do you know if some kids have an allergy to rice? What about tomorrow? What are they going to eat tomorrow?” He urged leaders to create sustainable platforms to consistently provide food, education, clothing, and shelter to those in need.

The singer also shared that he frequently advises Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki on policies when they meet, advocating for more impactful and enduring initiatives to help Nigerians.

In a separate act of generosity, Rema recently donated ₦105 million to Christ Embassy Church in Benin City, Edo State, during his visit for the Edo@33 celebration. The donation included ₦40 million towards the church’s infrastructural development, ₦25 million to support the teen church, ₦20 million for the Rhapsody of Realities publication, and an additional ₦20 million to assist widows within the church.

Rema attributed this philanthropic gesture to the unwavering support the church provided his family after the loss of his father when he was just eight years old. He explained how the church helped his mother during that difficult time, enabling them to survive and move forward.

“I’m not here to give myself accolades or glory but to give God the glory,” Rema said during the thanksgiving service at Christ Embassy. His generous donation reflects his desire to give back to the community that stood by him and his family in their time of need.

Sokoto and UNICEF Join Forces to Combat Malnutrition and Polio

The Sokoto State Government has announced a significant partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) aimed at addressing malnutrition and polio within the state. This collaboration was solidified during a recent visit by UNICEF’s country representative in Nigeria, Christian Munduate.

During her visit, Munduate met with Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the First Lady of Sokoto State, Fatima Aliyu, to discuss and formalize the partnership. The agreement includes the establishment of a Child Nutrition Fund, which will be used to purchase essential nutrition supplies for the state’s children.

Governor Aliyu highlighted the state’s commitment, stating, “Our contribution to the Child Nutrition Fund demonstrates our dedication to addressing severe acute malnutrition. This partnership with UNICEF represents a bold step towards safeguarding the future of Sokoto’s children.”

UNICEF’s communication specialist, Susan Akila, confirmed the state’s contribution and noted that UNICEF will match this funding to provide lifesaving nutrition commodities to children in need across Sokoto State. Munduate praised Governor Aliyu’s leadership and commitment to this critical issue, emphasizing the potential for a substantial impact through this combined effort.

Additionally, both the Governor and the First Lady discussed the ongoing polio outbreak in the region. The First Lady expressed her full support for the vaccination campaign and pledged to engage religious leaders and women’s groups to promote birth registration and vaccination efforts.

Munduate assured that UNICEF will continue to support Sokoto State in these vital health initiatives, working together to combat malnutrition and polio effectively.

Ogun Rice Farmers Clarify Government’s Role in Farming Success

The Alubarika Rice Farmers Cluster in Ogun State, led by Alhaji Bello Zabarmawa, has refuted claims that the Ogun State government hijacked their rice farming efforts. Zabarmawa clarified that the government has significantly supported the farmers, contributing to their success. He emphasized that the government provided tractors, fertilizers, herbicides, and other resources, paying 50% of the costs, while farmers covered the remaining 50%. Similarly, during harvesting, the government covered 65% of the costs for the harvesters.

Zabarmawa denied any claims of ownership over the 200 hectares of rice and stressed that the farming efforts are community-driven, with support from the government. Salam Adelowo, Chairman of the Alubarika Cluster Farmers, confirmed the government’s essential role in land preparation, planting, and harvesting. The service provider, Ajibola Johnson of Young Agro Service Enterprise, also confirmed that the government’s contributions were pivotal and threatened legal action against anyone spreading misinformation.

This cooperation between the government and the farmers has led to successful rice farming in the region, and plans are underway to expand the initiative to include more farmers and improve infrastructure.

Tinubu Praises Military Success in North-West Operations

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian military for its recent successes in tackling security challenges in the North-West. The commendation follows a series of effective operations by troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, which led to the death of wanted bandit leader Halilu Sububu, the elimination of terrorist Sani Burki, and the rescue of 13 kidnapped students in Kaduna.

In a statement released on Saturday, Tinubu expressed his relief and praised the military’s dedication and strategic execution. He acknowledged the President’s directive for service chiefs to relocate to the North-West as a key factor in these achievements.

Tinubu reaffirmed his support for the military and other security agencies, urging them to maintain their efforts until both immediate and latent threats are fully addressed. The President’s statement underscored his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the nation through continued support for the security forces.

Rising Fear Among Single Women as Ritual Killings by Boyfriends Spread

A growing wave of fear is sweeping through the female population as cases of boyfriends killing their lovers for ritual purposes continue to rise across various states in Nigeria. These gruesome murders, driven by superstition, greed, and cruelty, have left many women feeling unsafe, even in public spaces.

One recent incident involved a 25-year-old man, identified as Elisha, who was arrested on May 14 for allegedly killing his girlfriend in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Another horrifying case saw Christiana Idowu, a student at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Ogun State, abducted and murdered by Ayomide Adeleye on August 19. Adeleye had previously been accused of killing his ex-girlfriend in 2018.

In Lagos State, Fatai Mogaji was arrested on August 6 for allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend, Opeyemi Shoyinka, to death. In another shocking case, 19-year-old Damilola, a student at the Federal University in Lokoja, was brutally murdered by 20-year-old Jeremiah Samson, who dismembered and buried her body in a shallow grave.

These violent incidents have caused panic, particularly among young women in southwestern Nigeria. Adenike Araoye, a 22-year-old single woman, expressed her fear of dating due to the increasing number of ritual killings. “I am single, but I’m terrified of entering a relationship. The news of boys killing their girlfriends is terrifying,” she said.

Mariam Oyebamiji, a student at Osun State University, echoed this sentiment, saying, “I don’t want anyone to destroy my parents’ joy.” Oluwatobiloba Ajiboye, 30, also shared her concern, emphasizing the need for women to be more vigilant in relationships and warning that many relationships are built on deception.

Ajiboye attributed the rise in ritual killings to economic hardship and societal pressure, driving some men to seek quick wealth through deadly means. She also highlighted the dangers of dating fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys,” who are often linked to ritualistic practices.

Journalist Nafisat Oyedele criticized society’s reaction to femicide, pointing out that victims are often blamed rather than addressing the root causes. “It’s heartbreaking to see so many femicide cases in Nigeria, yet society blames the victims. Girls are told to stay home, but even at home, they aren’t always safe,” Oyedele said.

Activist Titilope Adako described the killings as a form of gender-based violence, noting that many perpetrators enter relationships with the intention of using their partners for rituals. She blamed a toxic mix of superstition, desperation, and ignorance for fueling these crimes, coupled with weak law enforcement that emboldens the killers.

“The lack of remorse shown by some of these killers highlights the severity of the issue,” Adako said, calling for urgent societal reforms and stronger legal frameworks to address the alarming rise in ritual killings

Rangers Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu Confident Ahead of Return Leg Against Esperanca in Angola

Rangers’ technical adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has expressed optimism about his team’s chances in the second leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie against Sagrada Esperanca in Angola. The Nigerian side secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg, played in Uyo on Friday, September 13.

After the match, Ilechukwu acknowledged the strengths of their Angolan opponents but remained confident that Rangers could seal the tie in Luanda. He emphasized the importance of converting scoring chances and maintaining a positive atmosphere in the team as they prepare for the decisive game.

Reflecting on the first leg, Ilechukwu admitted that the team’s approach to the game could have been better, particularly in the early stages. Despite missed opportunities, he was pleased with the result and focused on encouraging his players ahead of the return fixture.

“We know they have players that can cause us problems, but we also have what it takes to finish the contest in Angola,” Ilechukwu said. “We had a solid game plan, but I was a bit disappointed with how we started. We wasted many chances, but we won’t put the players under more pressure. We need to support them because this tie is delicately balanced.”

Ilechukwu remains hopeful that his team will perform better in the return leg, scheduled for Sunday, September 22, at the 11 de Novembro Stadium in Luanda.

Several UNIBEN Students Trapped in Building Collapse Amid Heavy Rain in Benin City

A number of University of Benin (UNIBEN) students are feared trapped after a storey-building collapsed on Ekhator Street, Ekosodin, a student-populated area near the university.

According to reports, the structure gave way early Saturday morning due to heavy rainfall in Benin City, Edo State. Rescue operations are ongoing.

Eyewitnesses revealed that a university rescue team managed to pull several individuals from the wreckage, though many sustained serious injuries. The injured victims have been rushed to the hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Efforts are still underway to save at least one more victim, who reportedly called from beneath the rubble pleading for help. Rescue teams continue to search the debris.

The dean of the university is said to be on-site, leading rescue efforts alongside other school officials. As of now, the university has yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the collapse or provide exact details on the number of those affected.