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WFP Calls for Public/Private Collaboration to Tackle Hunger in Nigeria
WFP Calls for Public/Private Collaboration to Tackle Hunger in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has advised public and private sector leaders to work together to tackle the root causes of hunger and build peace in Nigeria,
This advice was given by the Executive Director of the UN agency, Cindy McCain
while concluding a visit to Nigeria, stressed that there was urgent need for this step to be taken amidst rising food insecurity and malnutrition in Nigeria,
A statement by the WFP made available to our correspondent on Monday, said despite its huge agricultural potential, Nigeria is now in the grips a widespread humanitarian crisis driven by poverty, recurring conflicts, and climate shocks – with 32 million people struggling to feed themselves.
The statement said during McCain’s five-day visit to Nigeria, she witnessed firsthand how conflict, climate shocks, and high food and fuel prices are driving millions into acute hunger and malnutrition.
The statement quoted McCain to have said: “What I have seen and heard during my visit to Damasak, in Borno State, is deeply disturbing. An urgent humanitarian crisis is unfolding in northern Nigeria, as the number of children with acute malnutrition soars and the ongoing conflict prevents millions from returning to their homes and lands,” adding that: “People there desperately need peace and stability, so farming and food production can restart and this hunger crisis can be halted in its tracks.”
According to the statement, the prolonged humanitarian crisis – worsened by an economic slowdown, high inflation, rising food prices, and the recent floods – is endangering the lives of children, pregnant women and girls, and entire communities. Over 3.6 million people in northeastern and northwestern states have been forcibly displaced by conflict and are not able to access their farmlands or engage in other economic activities. With devastating flooding hitting Maiduguri in September – described as the worst in 30 years – more than 400,000 people have also been temporarily displaced in and around the city.
The statement further said malnutrition is rising, with nine million children at risk of acute malnutrition in the country. The number of children admitted for severe and moderate acute malnutrition has risen by 40 and 70 percent compared to 2023.
It said WFP is on the ground, supporting government-led efforts responding to the most urgent needs, and doing all it can. So far this year, WFP has assisted 1.6 million people affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis, distributing 32,000 metric tons of food and US$40 million in cash entitlements, decrying that the scale of the crisis calls for a response that goes beyond these badly-needed humanitarian interventions.
The statement said while in Abuja and Lagos, McCain engaged with senior government and private sector leaders, creative industries, international financial institutions, the United Nations, and donor representatives to explore African-led solutions, and discuss the role of the private sector and entrepreneurship in addressing food insecurity and youth employment.
It said McCain noted that “WFP’s commitment to delivering lifesaving assistance and tackling the root causes of hunger in Nigeria is stronger than ever. By mobilizing funding, technology, and ambitious new partnerships between the private and public sectors, we can support rural livelihoods, strengthen food systems and offer sustainable solutions to food insecurity that empower local communities,”
It admitted that Nigeria – West Africa’s most populous and largest economy – has the potential to play an outsize role in stabilizing the region and helping to ensure sustainable food security and nutrition for millions, provided the country receives the attention commensurate with its strategic importance.
The statement revealed that WFP is working with the Government of Nigeria and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on a ground-breaking food systems programme that will help communities escape the cycle of conflict by building the resilient, inclusive and effective food systems they need to achieve self-reliance.
Through the “Out of Conflict, into Solutions” food systems strategy, WFP will seek to address post-harvest losses, limited access to agricultural inputs, poor dietary diversity and limited access to food in Nigeria.
It further said: “Agriculture is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy – providing employment to more than a third of the labor force – up to 80 percent in rural areas. The private sector is one of the key contributors to developing extensive supply chains, including production, processing, manufacturing and distributions.”
It however explained that WFP needs US$228 million to stave off catastrophe in northeast Nigeria and meet the food and nutrition needs of 1.6 million over the next six months.
WFP Calls for Public/Private Collaboration to Tackle Hunger in Nigeria
News
Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court
Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court
Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State — It is with immense pride and joy that the 1978 graduating class of Nshiagu College, Ogwashi-Uku, extends heartfelt congratulations to our their own distinguished alumna, Hon. Justice Flora Ngozi Azinge (née Osadebay), on her transfer from High Court 4, Asaba, to a much-anticipated homecoming posting at the Ogwashi-Uku High Court.
A Homecoming Long Awaited
The news of Justice Azinge’s transfer to Ogwashi-Uku High Court has been received with keen excitement across her old class circle. For many members of her class of ’78, this is more than a judicial reassignment — it is what feels like a return to her roots, an opportunity for her to serve in the ancestral community where she went to school, close to the people who have watched and celebrated her rise through the years.
As a daughter of Chief Dennis Osadebey, former Premier of the defunct Mid-West Region, Justice Azinge carries both the weight of a distinguished lineage and the expectation of public service.
During her tenure in Asaba, she earned attention — for her firm judgments. In 2023, she presided over a chilling case in which a 28-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping his four-year-old daughter. In delivering judgment, she described the offender’s act as “callous, animalistic, barbaric.”
Her strong stance in exposing attempted bribery in tribunal settings has also made headlines. In a high-profile case, she disclosed that a Senior Advocate of Nigeria attempted to corrupt proceedings in which she was presiding.
These episodes have only reinforced her image as a no-nonsense jurist with integrity, which adds to the pride with which her classmates now celebrate her return to Ogwashi-Uku.
Bonds of Friendship and Support — Chief Mike Nwaukoni & Classmates
Among those leading the congratulations within the community is Chief Mike Nwaukoni, widely known in Ogwashi-Uku as “Supu Lele,” a wealthy clearing and forwarding magnate and senior chief in the Kingdom.
Over the years, Chief Nwaukoni has become particularly close to Justice Azinge, offering both moral support. It is well known among the 1978 class that she has frequently opened her home to key classmates — to dine, socialize, share stories, and to strengthen class bonds. In every such gathering, she is said to have welcomed her peers with warmth, and many in the class say that those experiences helped deepen loyalty to her success.
In acknowledging her homecoming, classmates note that Chief Nwaukoni has been a steadfast ally — not merely in name, but in action — supporting her, uplifting her profile, and affirming her. She has also been very good to him and has always welcomed him to her house for meals and exchange of banter. The existing relationship of friendship, respect, and mutual backing between her and Chief Nwaukoni is thus a cornerstone of this congratulatory message.
Other members of the class of ’78 also join in this chorus of support. From professionals in law, business, education, and public service — many of whom credit Justice Azinge’s example as inspirational — the message is unanimous: she has made them proud, and they will walk with her in this new leg of her judicial journey.
In Her New Station — A Promise of Growth and Service
While Ogwashi-Uku is now her station, the class expects nothing less than excellence from Justice Azinge. They express unshakeable confidence that she will elevate the Ogwashi-Uku High Court, bring to it the same zeal, fairness, and integrity she displayed in Asaba, and even surpass them.
In heartfelt words circulated among class WhatsApp groups and letters, they promise: “Now that she is practically in her home, we will be there to support her at every step of the way.” That promise, made in unity, underscores how personal and collective this transition is for them.
Looking Ahead: What This Move Means Locally
Her return holds significant symbolic and practical value for Ogwashi-Uku. Having a high court judge of her caliber locally can speed up access to justice for the people, reduce burdens on litigants who otherwise travel to Asaba, and potentially strengthen the judicial presence in the community. For her classmates, neighbours, and the kingdom at large, her appointment is more than a personal victory — it is a community asset.
As she settles into her role, the Class of 1978 encourages all stakeholders — from the judiciary to the local bar, traditional institutions to civil society — to rally around her, support her, hold her accountable, and celebrate her success. They look forward to the stories of justice done, reforms made, and lives impacted under her watch in Ogwashi-Uku.
Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court
Borno Council Elections set for Dec 13th
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Chair of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) party in Borno state Bello Ayuba has said the next council elections will take place on Dec 13th.
To this end, he assured recently that his party will work with the Borno state electoral commission to ensure that they conduct a free and fair party primaries to encompass everyone in the game.
Ayuba who addressed newsmen recently noted that his party has hit the ground running by inaugurating four committees that will guide the democratic process of electing the next sets of council chairmen in the state.
He said his party has formed a special reconciliation committee to ensure that aggrieved card carrying members will have a place for stabilization in the process of conducting the primaries within the 320 wards of the 27 council areas of the state.
Larger committees he posited will also be setup soon to work with the party leadership even after screening, appeal and reconciliation committees have concluded their service.
The chairman noted that his party has directed that candidates for the position of Councillor has been pegged at N 0.5m while Chairmanship candidates will pay only N2m for their forms compared to what goes on in other progressive states.
Borno Council Elections set for Dec 13th
Police arrest 54 suspects in coordinated raids across FCT
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have arrested 54 suspects during coordinated raids across various parts of Abuja.
Zagazola Makama that the operation, which took place late on Tuesday, was part of ongoing efforts to rid the territory of criminal elements.
It said the raids were carried out simultaneously by operatives from Nyanya, Karu, Kurudu, Life Camp, Apo, Karmo, Zuba, Byazhin and Bwari Divisions at identified black spots, criminal hideouts, and uncompleted buildings.
According to the sources, all 54 suspects are in custody undergoing screening and interrogation, while those found culpable will be charged to court.
Police arrest 54 suspects in coordinated raids across FCT
Class Of 1978, Nshiagu College Ogwashi-Uku Congratulates Hon. Justice Flora Azinge On Homecoming Posting To Ogwashi-Uku High Court
Borno Council Elections set for Dec 13th
Police arrest 54 suspects in coordinated raids across FCT
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