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UNIFEMGA identifies problems confronting Nigeria’s agricultural sector, proffers solutions
UNIFEMGA identifies problems confronting Nigeria’s agricultural sector, proffers solutions
By: Michael Mike
For Nigeria to get on the right trajectory to agricultural development and food sustainability, she needs to overcome the challenges of limited finance, high cost of power generation, limited storage facilities, inadequate market information, among others.
These challenges were identified by Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) at a one-day third agricultural conference organised by the Ogun state Chapter of the association in Abeokuta.
it was resolved that to get it right as a country, all the factors listed must be adhered to.
At the Conference, whose theme is: Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Development: Access to finance and funding opportunities”, it was resolved that to get it right as a country, all the factors listed must be adhered to.
UNIFEMGA noted with concern that corruption has been the main factor affecting the Nigerian economy and until it is vigorously tackled, the country will not make any progress, while adding that interventions and aids which could have helped the sector only come as crash programme and never consistent.
According to the foremost Muslim Alumni, natural occurrences such as flood which could lead to famine must also be taken into consideration for Nigeria to move forward in the agricultural sector.
In the communique issued at the meeting, also identified national insecurity and mistrust, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, the Boko Haram insurgence were recognized as some of the factors responsible for the reluctance of financial institutions to provide credit for agriculture venture as it poses a great financial risk and therefore attracts high interest rate that is mostly unaffordable to agriculture entrepreneurs.
The communique read: “Corruption is the bane of our economy and until we drive it out from all the sectors of the economy, we are going nowhere as a nation. The challenges confronting Nigeria as a nation among others are lack of modernisation/mechanisation, market volatility, limited finance, tax and duties laced with inconsistencies by government, high cost of power generation.
“Project interventions and aids come as crash programme and is not consistent. Natural phenomena are very difficult to cope with and manage because of the negativities such as flood which wash away farm settlements and which may result in famine. So also is national insecurity and mistrust, banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram insurgence, etc.
“The presence of these challenges are responsible for the reluctance of financial institutions to provide credit for agriculture venture as it poses a great financial risk and therefore attracts high interest rate that is mostly unaffordable to agriculture entrepreneurs. With less than 5% of banks’ credit granted to the sector, finance from traditional banks remains a major challenge to agriculture development in Nigeria.
“In order to bridge the gap within the agriculture credit market, financial institutions like Lotus Bank has a critical role to play by developing areas around the value chain through product financing, financing of farm inputs, financial advisory and financial literacy. Financial institutions must understand that whatever financing option to adopt must be mutually beneficial,” the Communique added.
The conference advised entrepreneurs to take advantage of Lotus Bank, where there are financing for the purchase of inputs for crop production such as seedlings/seeds, fertilisers, insecticides, manual sprayers, for the acquisition of farm machinery, of working capital needs through forward purchase of agriculture produce, for infrastructure development such as farm house and warehouse as well as equity partnership on agriculture venture.
While calling on those who want to embrace agriculture as business to have sound knowledge of the sector through mentorship and research, he urged government and policy makers to show sincerity of purpose in addressing the multiple challenges facing the Nigerian economy so that people are encouraged to put in their best.
“Government policy must not be anti- people and innovation as we have in most situation in Nigeria where upcoming local business are brutally killed by multiple unexplained heavy financial demands from government agencies.”
Participants at the conference include the former minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Najeemdeen Adewale, UNIFEMGA BOT Chairman, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, Prof. Sabur Adesanya, former Olabisi Onabanjo University Vice Chancellor and chairman of the occasion as well as National President of UNIFEMGA, Alhaji Abdulfattah Olanlege.
Others were the duo of the guest speakers ,Alhaja Kafilat Araoye , MD/CEO of Lotus Bank, Prof. Jimoh Farinde from OAU Ile-Ife, Mr Tairu Olarenwaju, the chairman of UNIFEMGA Ogun state,representatives of various chapters of UNIFEMGA, other stakeholders in agricultural business, among several others.
UNIFEMGA identifies problems confronting Nigeria’s agricultural sector, proffers solutions
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
By: Our Reporter
The Secretary to Borno State Government (SSG), Hon. Bukar Tijjani, and the Senator representing Borno Central, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, led a government delegation to observe the two raka’at Eid prayers at Ramat Square Eid ground.
This was in accordance with the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who is currently in Mecca for a spiritual exercise.
The Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur was unable to attend as he is in mourning following the passing of his elder brother, Mai Aliyu Usman Kadafur, in Biu town.
The Eid prayer marks the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to spiritual blessings and devotion.
Accompanying the SSG and the senator were former deputy governor, Hon Usman Mamman Ndurkwa, the State Head of Service, Dr Muhammad Aminu Ghuluze, commissioners, special advisers, heads of government agencies, stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC), heads of security agencies, and members of the business community.
His Royal Highness, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin Elkanemi, also led members of Borno Emirate Council to attend the prayers.
In a sermon shortly after the prayers, the Imam Idaini of Borno, Imam Shettima Mamman Saleh, urged Muslim faithful to apply the lessons learned during the Ramadan fast to foster harmonious relationships and peaceful coexistence among diverse groups across the country.
He further described Eid al-Fitr as a period of self-reflection and reassessment of the values inculcated during the holy month.
The Imam encouraged Muslims to give alms to the needy, known as Zakatul Fitr, and to observe six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal to earn Allah’s blessings and rewards.
Delivering the governor’s message shortly after the eid prayers at the Government House, Hon. Bukar Tijjani expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for witnessing a hitch free sallah celebration.
He called on people of the state to continue to support Zulum’s administration, stressing the need for a peaceful and harmonious relationship.
In a remark, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan said the governor is in Saudi Arabia to offer special prayers for peace and prosperity to continue to reign in the state and the country at large.
He extended Governor Zulum’s Sallah message, who directed them to take part in all activities lined up for the eid celebration.
The delegation later proceeded to the Shehu of Borno’s palace, where the royal father staged a durbar, displaying the rich cultural heritage of the people of Borno and a sign that peace has returned to the state
In a message, Shehu Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi lauded governor Zulum for his relentless effort towards the restoration of peace in the state.
He commended the federal government for the reconstruction and expansion of the Alau dam and called for prayers to avert the reoccurrence of last year’s flood disaster and for restoration of sustainable peace in the state.
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has asked Nigerians to embrace the values of peace, compassion, and unity that the of Eid al-Fitr festival, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan, represents.
The Minister, in his message to commemorate the festival, said: “On this joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, I extend my warmest greetings to all Nigerians, both at home and abroad. As we mark the completion of the holy month of Ramadan, let us embrace the values of peace, compassion, and unity that this sacred period represents.
“Eid is a time of gratitude and reflection, a moment to strengthen our bonds as a nation and reaffirm our commitment to love, kindness, and generosity toward one another. It is also an opportunity to pray for continued progress, stability, and prosperity in our beloved country.
“To our fellow Nigerians living abroad, we recognize your contributions to our nation’s development and appreciate your role in fostering the good image of Nigeria globally. May this Eid bring you renewed hope, joy, and a deeper connection to home.
“As we celebrate, let us also remember those facing hardship and conflict, both within and beyond our borders. In the spirit of Eid, let us extend our prayers and support to those in need, reaffirming our collective resolve for peace and harmony worldwide.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Eid. May this celebration usher in a period of renewed strength, prosperity, and unity for our great nation.”
Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity
Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Police Command has arrested Alhaji Surajo Mai Asharalle and three others for allegedly attacking Hisba officials and causing severe injuries during a late-night enforcement operation at Kofar Kaura Quarters, Katsina.
According to sources from the CPS Katsina, the Operations Officer of the Katsina State Hisba Board, Nafi’u Aliyu Akilu, reported that at about 2:30 a.m. on March 29, Hisba officials were dispatched to stop a group of youths playing football near a mosque where Tahajjud (night prayers) were ongoing.
However, upon arrival, the youths resisted and chased the Hisba officials away. During the confrontation, Alhaji Surajo Mai Asharalle allegedly fired multiple shots from a locally made cut-to-size gun, injuring five Hisba officials: Aminu Musa Yari, Muhammad Ibrahim, Yau Musa Ingawa, Kabir Abdullahi and Mustapha Isa
In addition, a Peugeot 206 (blue) and a Mercedes C180, which were parked at the scene, were severely damaged.
Police later mobilized to the scene, arrested the suspect and three accomplices, and recovered the firearm used in the attack.
The injured victims were rushed to General Hospital Katsina and later referred to Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Katsina for further treatment.
Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured
SSG, Senator Shehu, led Borno government delegation to Eid, Durbar
Eid Mubarak: Tuggar Asks Nigerians to Embrace Peace, Compassion, Unity
Gunman Attacks Hisba Officials in Katsina, Five Injured
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