Governor Buni reflects on the passing away of the Emir of Ngazargamu and others in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, of Yobe State, has mourned the passage of sons and daughters of the state, describing the deaths as a giant loss to their families, communities, and, indeed, the state in general.

The governor disclosed the information in response to the sad deaths recorded across the state within short periods in recent times.

Governor Mai Mala Buni called for prayers for the repose of their souls and support to their families, adding that “it is indeed a trying moment for us, but we firmly believe that it is the will of Almighty Allah.”

He consoled the families of the deceased and the people of the state, noting that, “As faithful, we all know death is a necessary end; it will always come at the prescribed time as ordained by Allah (SWT).”

According to Governor Buni, we have lost one too many in recent times, from the late Emir of Ngazargamu to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Bukar Aji; former Permanent Secretary Alhaji Ligali Ma’aji; Alhaji Yakubu Dokshe; Hajiya Mairiga Umar; Alhaji Kafchi Shettima; and some others.

“The deceased persons have, in their individual capacities, contributed greatly to the people and the state at large,” Gov. Buni added.

“As Muslims, we accept the will of God and pray for the repose of their souls. May Almighty Allah grant them Aljannah Firdausi and their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Governor Buni prayed, May Almighty Allah forgive their shortcomings and bless their souls with Aljannah Fiddausi. Ameen.

Governor Buni reflects on the passing away of the Emir of Ngazargamu and others in Yobe

Nigeria Launches Ambitious 10-Year Agrifood Plan to Transform Agriculture and Boost Food Security

By: Michael Olukayode

Nigeria’s agricultural sector is entering what policymakers describe as a defining decade, with the Federal Government unveiling a 10-year Agrifood System Strategy and Action Plan designed to reposition agriculture from a largely production-focused activity into a complete economic ecosystem built around food security, value creation, resilience and inclusive growth.

The strategy, launched in Abuja on July 23, 2026, is Nigeria’s framework for domesticating the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration (2026–2035), and is being positioned as a major attempt to address longstanding challenges that have limited the country’s agricultural potential.

At the centre of the new agenda is a recognition that Nigeria’s food challenge is not simply about producing more crops, but about building a system capable of supporting farmers, reducing losses, expanding processing, attracting investment and ensuring that agriculture contributes more significantly to national development.

Speaking at the Agrifood System Working Group Meeting, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described Nigeria’s agrifood system as a critical pillar of the economy, noting that it supports the livelihoods of more than 70 per cent of the population, drives rural economies, contributes significantly to GDP and holds enormous potential for job creation, foreign exchange earnings and inclusive growth.

“When our agrifood system thrives, Nigeria thrives,” the minister said, stressing the need for a transformation that goes beyond traditional agricultural interventions.

Moving Beyond Fragmented Agricultural Policies

For decades, Nigeria has introduced several agricultural programmes aimed at improving food production and supporting farmers. However, many have struggled to deliver lasting transformation due to challenges including inconsistent implementation, weak coordination, limited financing and inadequate infrastructure.

The new strategy attempts to take a different approach by adopting an integrated agrifood systems model.

Kyari explained that the plan was developed in alignment with the CAADP Kampala Declaration, which builds on previous continental commitments under the Maputo and Malabo Declarations but goes further by focusing on value chain development, resilience, inclusivity and good governance rather than production alone.

The minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the development of the 10-year strategy because food security must be treated as a national security priority. He noted that the government’s objective is to move beyond isolated projects and create a coherent, bankable and implementable roadmap for long-term agricultural transformation.

Governance at the Heart of Transformation

A major theme running through the new strategy is governance.

Kyari argued that governance is the foundation upon which sustainable production, investment, food security, inclusivity and resilience must be built. He maintained that without strong governance structures, the ambitious objectives of the Kampala Declaration cannot be achieved.

This emphasis reflects a major lesson from Nigeria’s agricultural history: increasing production requires more than inputs. It requires reliable institutions, effective coordination between federal and state governments, accurate data, accountability and policies that remain consistent beyond political cycles.

Nigeria’s Continental Leadership Role

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) described Nigeria’s new strategy as a landmark achievement, noting that the country has become the first nation to develop a national strategy and action plan for domestication of the CAADP Kampala Declaration.

According to IFAD, the achievement demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to translating continental agricultural ambitions into concrete national actions and provides a model that other African countries can follow in implementing the Kampala Declaration through nationally owned frameworks.

The development agency commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, government institutions, development partners, private sector actors, research organisations, farmer groups, women and youth organisations whose contributions shaped the strategy.

Putting Farmers, Women and Youth at the Centre

A major feature of the new framework is its focus on inclusion.

IFAD noted that the strategy recognises that sustainable agrifood transformation can only happen when smallholder farmers, women, young people, rural communities and vulnerable populations are placed at the centre of policy and investment decisions.

The strategy also incorporates cross-cutting issues such as climate resilience, nutrition, gender equality, youth empowerment, disability inclusion and support for internally displaced persons.

This approach reflects a growing understanding that agricultural development is not only about increasing output, but also about improving livelihoods and expanding opportunities for millions of Nigerians who depend on farming and related activities.

Digital Agriculture and Modern Farming

Another important element highlighted by IFAD is the emphasis on digital transformation.

The development agency noted that digital tools could become a major driver of efficiency in Nigeria’s agricultural sector through farmer registries, climate advisory services, electronic extension services, digital financial platforms, market information systems and data-based decision-making.

If successfully implemented, digital agriculture could improve transparency, expand access to services and help millions of farmers adopt modern production techniques.

Investment, Processing and Value Addition

The Federal Government has also highlighted ongoing interventions aimed at strengthening the agricultural value chain.

Kyari said government programmes have financed hundreds of thousands of farmers through the Bank of Agriculture’s Smallholder Financing and Value Chain Fund, distributed fertilisers and improved seeds, introduced a Guaranteed Minimum Price mechanism and expanded support for farmers across production cycles.

Other initiatives include Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones designed to bring processing infrastructure closer to farming communities, agricultural mechanisation programmes involving the deployment of tractors and equipment, and efforts to reposition Nigeria’s cocoa industry through improved seedlings.

The focus on processing is particularly significant because Nigeria has historically exported many agricultural commodities in raw form, limiting income opportunities for farmers and reducing the country’s ability to capture greater value from its agricultural resources.

The Challenge Ahead: Turning Strategy Into Results

Despite the optimism surrounding the new framework, implementation remains the biggest test.

Nigeria’s agricultural transformation will depend on sustained financing, effective coordination, infrastructure development, climate adaptation measures and the ability to ensure that policies reach smallholder farmers across the country.

Kyari acknowledged the importance of collaboration, stating that the Agrifood System Working Group would provide oversight, review progress, identify gaps and support solutions through cooperation among government institutions, development partners, academia, farmers’ associations and civil society organisations.

IFAD similarly stressed that successful implementation would require continued political commitment, coordinated action, adequate financing, strong accountability mechanisms and sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

Nigeria’s new agrifood strategy therefore represents both an opportunity and a test. The opportunity lies in transforming agriculture into a major engine of economic growth, employment and food security. The test lies in whether the country can overcome the implementation challenges that have affected previous reforms.

As Kyari concluded, transforming Nigeria’s agrifood system will require political will, governance capacity and collective resolve. The next decade will determine whether this latest agricultural roadmap becomes a turning point or another ambitious plan waiting for full implementation.

Nigeria Launches Ambitious 10-Year Agrifood Plan to Transform Agriculture and Boost Food Security

Nigeria Calls for Calm as Houthi-Saudi Arabia Tensions Raise Fresh Regional Security Concerns

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government of Nigeria has appealed for urgent de-escalation between Yemen’s Houthi movement and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following renewed tensions and reported attacks, warning that further hostilities could worsen insecurity in the Middle East and threaten civilian lives.

Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid retaliatory actions and embrace dialogue as the pathway towards resolving their differences.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said Nigeria remained committed to the principles of peaceful dispute resolution, international law and the objectives of the United Nations Charter.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes with deep concern the ongoing tensions and reported attacks involving the Houthi militia in Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” the statement said.

“​​Nigeria strongly calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate the situation, and refrain from any further actions that could inflame hostilities or endanger civilian lives and regional peace and stability.”

The government stressed that any escalation of the conflict could have wider implications for regional security, adding that diplomacy and peaceful engagement remained the most effective means of preventing further deterioration.

The tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia are rooted in Yemen’s prolonged conflict, which has become one of the world’s most complex humanitarian and geopolitical crises.

The Houthi movement, also known as Ansar Allah, emerged in northern Yemen and gained significant influence after taking control of Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, in 2014. The development triggered a military intervention by a Saudi-led coalition in 2015, which backed Yemen’s internationally recognised government against the group.

The conflict has since resulted in widespread destruction, displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis affected by food insecurity, limited access to healthcare and damaged infrastructure.

Although periods of relative calm and diplomatic efforts have reduced the intensity of fighting in recent years, tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia have continued to pose a major security challenge. The Houthis have previously carried out missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi territory, while Riyadh has responded with military operations.

The conflict has also drawn wider regional attention due to its links with broader rivalries in the Middle East and concerns over the security of key trade routes, particularly around the Red Sea.

Nigeria has consistently advocated peaceful resolution of international disputes and has called for dialogue in conflicts affecting global stability.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its readiness to support genuine initiatives aimed at reducing tensions, restoring calm and promoting lasting peace in the region.

The statement, signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasised Nigeria’s continued support for diplomatic solutions and the protection of civilian populations affected by conflicts worldwide.

As regional and international actors monitor developments, Nigeria urged all stakeholders to prioritise peace and stability over further confrontation.

Nigeria Calls for Calm as Houthi-Saudi Arabia Tensions Raise Fresh Regional Security Concerns