Connect with us

News

FG, IITA, World Bank To Partner On Innovative Agricultural Practices

Published

on

FG, IITA, World Bank To Partner On Innovative Agricultural Practices

*VP Shettima seeks collaboration on improved seedlings, climate-resilient agric

By: Our Reporter

The Federal Government, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and World Bank have pledged to form a formidable partnership on innovative agricultural practices to address food insecurity in Nigeria and the broader sub-Saharan African region.

This was the outcome of a high-level meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and a delegation from the IITA, World Bank, and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

Speaking during the meeting, VP Shettima said the whole mantra is focused on increasing yield, and the IITA is in a vantage position to assist not just Nigeria but sub-Saharan Africa in repositioning the agriculture ecosystem through smart agriculture, climate-resilient agriculture, and improved seedlings.

“The IITA is at a vantage position to assist not just Nigeria but sub-Saharan Africa towards repositioning the agriculture ecosystem through smart agriculture, climate resilient agriculture, and improved seedlings,” he said.

VP Shettima noted the significant role of the IITA established in 1967 in shaping Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

“More than ever before, we need the IITA now. By 2050, we will be the third most populous nation on earth,” Shettima stated.

The Vice President also noted the interconnectedness between the economy and ecology, exacerbated by desertification, climate change, and insecurity challenges in the Sahel region.

“In the food basket of the nation, there is an incestuous relationship between economy and ecology because of desertification and climate change. The productivity of our agriculture is poor, and is compounded by insecurity, which might not be unconnected with the challenges in the Sahel,” he explained.

Calling for close collaboration with the IITA, VP Shettima pointed out the importance of investing in agriculture as a business.

He specifically requested the institute’s assistance in providing high-quality seeds for maize and root crops, particularly cassava. The Vice President lauded the widespread adoption of IITA’s improved cassava seedlings in the Southwest region, urging the institute to extend similar initiatives to other sub-Saharan African nations.

Earlier, the Director General of the IITA, Dr Simeon Ehui, thanked the Vice President for his leadership and commitment to the development of agriculture in Nigeria and support to the Institute.

He said the delegation from the Institute was in Abuja for a strategic meeting that aims to review IITA’s partnerships, collaborations and stakeholder engagements, all to support the Federal Government’s efforts in addressing food security in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region.

On his part, the Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery, IITA, Dr Dashiell Kenton, said the institute is supporting a few initiatives of the Federal Government aimed at creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians in the sector.

According to him, the ‘Youth in Agribusiness’ initiative of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is commendable and should be scaled up to empower more young Nigerians, assuring that the institute, through the initiative, will empower more smallholder farmers with knowledge on improved agricultural practices.

In the same vein, the World Bank Practice Manager for Agriculture and Food Global Practice, Mr. Abel Lufafa, said the IITA, World Bank and other partners were delighted with the level of interest and quantum of support deployed by the Tinubu administration in revamping agricultural productivity in the country.

He said the President and Vice President are demonstrating uncommon leadership in repositioning agricultural production in Nigeria, just as he noted that the World Bank and other partners are impressed with the paradigm shift especially the change to a government-led collaboration in the sector.

Similarly, a senior researcher at the International Food Policy Research Institute, Channing Arndt, said the organization’s partnership with the IITA cuts across diverse areas of agricultural value, noting however that the primary objective is to support ongoing efforts to improve agricultural practices and rapidly boost food production.

The delegation led by the IITA Board Chair, Prof. Roel Merckx, also had in attendance board members, Ms. Rhoda Tumusiime; Dr. Namanga Ngongi; Dr. Ylva Hillbur, and Deputy Director General, Research for Development, IITA, Dr Bernard Vanlauwe, among others.

FG, IITA, World Bank To Partner On Innovative Agricultural Practices

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Christmas: VP Shettima Assures Citizens Of FG’s Commitment To Their Welfare

Published

on

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

Christmas: VP Shettima Assures Citizens Of FG’s Commitment To Their Welfare

*** Says national security, economic transformation remain President Tinubu’s priorities

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.

In a Christmas message on Wednesday, the Vice President said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.

He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”

Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.

“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.

Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”

He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.

“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.

VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.

“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.

Continue Reading

News

Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration

Published

on

Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration

…Urges Sustained Prayers for Peace, Prosperity, Well-being of Region and Nigeria

By: Our Reporter

The Concerned Citizens of Northeast has felicitated with Christians in the State and across the world as they celebrate this year’s Christmas.

CCNE called on the Christian faithful and all citizens of Northeast States to embrace the core values of Christmas which connote love, peace, reconciliation, and selflessness, while reflecting on its deeper spiritual significance.

“As we mark this joyous occasion, we urge everyone to emulate the virtues of love, sacrifice, and compassion demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Let us use this period to promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among ourselves, which are essential for building a harmonious and progressive society.

They encouraged the people of the region to sustain the bonds of brotherhood and communal support, emphasizing the need for continued peace and stability in the state.

The Concerned Citizens of Northeast further called for prayers for the prosperity and well-being of the nation, especially during these challenging economic times.

“While these times are undeniably tough, we encourage everyone not to lose hope but to stay optimistic and committed to the vision of a better Nigeria. Together, we can overcome our challenges and pave the way for a brighter future.

Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration

Continue Reading

News

Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops

Published

on

Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops

By Zagazola Makama

Residents of Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State are breathing a sigh of relief following the neutralization of a notorious bandit known as “Al’jan,” who had long terrorized the community.

Originally from Niger Republic, “Al’jan,” whose real name remains undisclosed, settled in Tsafe LGA after working as a motorcycle taxi operator. This job connected him with Fulani herders, leading him down a path of criminality.

Over time, he forged alliances with a bandit group led by Hassan Bamamu, becoming deeply entrenched in acts of banditry and terror throughout the region.

Utilizing his extensive knowledge of Tsafe and its surroundings, “Al’jan” acted as a guide for criminal gangs, orchestrating numerous raids and kidnappings.

He was implicated in several high profile killings, including those of Anas Umar Dan Kanti, Alhaji Musa Ille, and an unnamed Navy officer.

The reign of terror that “Al’jan” inflicted on the community came to an end three weeks ago when security forces successfully neutralized him and several of his associates during a joint operation between Mada and Yandoton Daji in Tsafe LGA.

This operation involved a coordinated effort by soldiers and local vigilantes, who ambushed the gang as they traversed the area.

The elimination of “Al’jan” has brought newfound hope to the people of Tsafe, particularly those residing along the Tsafe-Gusau road, which had suffered from frequent attacks. Residents of Bamamu village, his last known hideout, confirmed his death after viewing his remains.

Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights