News
BPP Calls for Reforms to Allow for Inclusivity in Agricultural Procurement
BPP Calls for Reforms to Allow for Inclusivity in Agricultural Procurement
By: Michael Mike
The Bureau of Public Procurement has called for reforms in the procurement system in the country especially for agriculture to ensure inclusivity of all major stakeholders and strata.
Speaking at the Workshop on
Inclusivity in Agriculture Procurement organised by the Centre for Social
Justice (CSJ) in Abuja on Monday, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public
Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, said the workshop on “Inclusivity in Agriculture Procurement,” convened by the International Budget Partnership and the Small-Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria as part of the transformative “Engaging for Systems Change and Transformation” project is coming at an important time when the nation’s agricultural sector is yearning for development and needs to take its rightful position in the push for Nigeria’s economic growth.
Represented by the Head of the Research, Training & Strategic Planning Department.
Adesina Mokuolu, the DG said: “I extend gratitude for this opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue on advancing inclusivity—an imperative for our nation’s agricultural and socioeconomic advancement.”
Adedokun while explaining that inclusion, in the context of agriculture procurement, means opening decision-making, funding,
and participation pathways to all stakeholders—especially women, youth, and marginalized groups, noted that: “It requires deliberate policies and practices that ensure that procurement systems do not exclude smallholders, women entrepreneurs, or rural communities from benefitting directly from government investments in agriculture.”
He noted that: “Agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, engaging millions, including women and small-scale farmers who are the primary stewards of our land and food systems. Yet, barriers persist—ranging from limited access to credit, market information, and fair competition—hindering full participation in procurement opportunities. Addressing these barriers is not just ethical, but essential to national development, food security, and poverty reduction.”
The DG while acknowledging persistent challenges in the procurement system with limited outreach and capacity-building targeting rural women and youth, inadequate support for smallholder farmer organisations to compete in procurement
processes, and gender bias and administrative complexity in accessing government contracts, said: “The Bureau of Public Procurement is proud to have advanced transparency, fairness, and competitive processes in public procurement, including agricultural sector interventions.”
He called on participants to “let us seize this moment to renew our commitment to inclusive procurement and investment in agriculture. I urge all participants—policy-makers, local champions, and international
partners—to advocate for practical reforms, invest in capacity-building, and champion the voices of smallholder women and youth in procurement processes.”
He insisted that: “Together, we can build agricultural systems that are not only productive and resilient, but equitable—ensuring no group is left behind in Nigeria’s journey toward food security and sustainable prosperity.”
In his welcome address, the Lead Director of the Centre for Social Justice, Barr Eze Onyekpere noted that the agricultural sector has the greatest employer of Nigerians need to be sanitized to allow for everyone to be carried along and to allow for poverty to be effectively tackled.
He noted that everyone should be impacted in the policies and actions taken by government and the gaps noticed in the procurement processes should be abridged in order for inclusivity.
BPP Calls for Reforms to Allow for Inclusivity in Agricultural Procurement
News
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
By Comrade Philip Ikodor
The National Progressive Hub (NPH), a leading support group for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on all Nigerians to rally behind President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR for a successful second term in office come 2027.

In a statement, National Coordinator/Convener, Honorable Bukie Okangbe, praised the APC administration for its efforts towards nation-building and economic stability. Okangbe highlighted the NPH’s previous support for President Tinubu, including a National Security and Endorsement event in 2022 that contributed to the party’s successful general election outcome.
The NPH is gearing up for a Grand Endorsement event for President Tinubu’s second term, scheduled to hold on February 26th at the Musa Yaradua Center, CBD, Abuja. The event will also feature the inauguration of 36 state coordinators, including the FCT, and address critical national issues.
“We invite everyone to join us at this significant event,” Okangbe said. “Your presence will be a testament to our collective commitment to Nigeria’s progress and the APC’s vision for a better future.”
The event promises to be a landmark occasion, showcasing the NPH’s dedication to the APC and President Tinubu’s leadership.
National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure
News
Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak
Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, distributed farm tools to farmers and commissioned a new high Islamic school in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area.
Governor Zulum was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

Zulum’s agricultural intervention aimed to boost dry-season farming and enhance the livelihoods of returnees who are gradually resettling in the community.
Zulum said, “From the beginning of this administration, dry season irrigation farming was adopted as a strategic component of the state’s food security framework. Recognising the limitations of rain-fed agriculture in the context of climate variability, insecurity, and population growth, the government implemented a dual-season production strategy to ensure year-round farming.”

He added, “Today’s distribution of 1,000 solar-powered water pumps and 200 complete tubewell drilling kits build upon earlier targeted interventions in Damasak and surrounding communities, including irrigation infrastructure development, mechanisation services, farmer-training, cooperative support, and security stabilisation measures.”
He stated, “The state remains aligned with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit and continues collaboration with relevant Federal Ministries and development partners to strengthen agricultural productivity, processing, and market integration.”

At the commissioning of the newly constructed high Islamic school, Zulum noted, “the commissioning of the Higher Islamic College, Damasak, represents a major milestone in the state government’s policy to expand and modernise sangaya education across Borno State. This intervention reflects our commitment to building an inclusive education system that integrates spiritual development with academic and vocational advancement.”
“All Higher Islamic Colleges operate under the approved curriculum of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), enabling students to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and pursue further education where desired.”
In his remarks, the commissioner of education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, underscores Governor Zulum’s giant strides, stating, “this institution forms part of a wider education recovery and expansion programme implemented across Borno State. Under the leadership of His Excellency,”
“The state has constructed One Hundred and Four (104) Mega Schools, rehabilitated and remodelled One Thousand and Eighty-Seven (1,087) classrooms, executed major works in forty (40) additional schools, restored thirty (30) flood-affected schools, and delivered numerous classroom projects through the State Universal Basic Education Board.”

“These strategic investments have yielded measurable progress. The number of out-of-school children has declined significantly from approximately 2.2 million to fewer than Eight Hundred Thousand (800,000). Current enrolment for the 2025 academic year stands at One Million Four Hundred and Eighteen thousand two hundred and seventy-nine (1,418,279) learners, with further increases expected as Women Leader, Hajiya Fati Alkali Kakenna.
Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak
News
Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks
Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have thwarted a coordinated multi-pronged terrorist assault on positions in Kukawa after a prolonged overnight battle supported by air strikes.
Military sources said the attackers, mounted on gun trucks, motorcycles and on foot, launched the assault from multiple directions late on Feb. 20.

Troops mounted a determined defence, engaging the insurgents in intense combat that lasted into the early hours of Feb. 21 before forcing them to withdraw while dragging away casualties.
Air strikes later destroyed one gun truck and several motorcycles carrying fleeing fighters, neutralising additional terrorists.

During follow-up exploitation, troops recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 16 loaded magazines, three handheld radios, and other items believed to have been used by the attackers, as well as evidence of casualties evacuated by the group.
One soldier was killed during the encounter, while some equipment was damaged by rocket fire. Injured personnel were evacuated and are reported to be in stable condition.
Military authorities said the coordinated operations demonstrated sustained pressure on insurgent elements and continued efforts to degrade their combat capability across the theatre.
Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks
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