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Chinese Government Boosts Peanut Production in Nigeria with Training
Chinese Government Boosts Peanut Production in Nigeria with Training
By: Michael Mike
The Chinese Government is boosting peanut production in the country with training of farmers on techniques for quality production.
This is part of its quest to assist improve food production in Nigeria.
The intervention was done through the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IFST-CAAS) in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and the China-Africa Green Agriculture Development Research Centre (GACARDC) who collaborated in organising a one-day international training conference on peanut quality evaluation and processing utilization technology at the China-Aid Nigerian Agricultural Development Technology Demonstration Center, Ushafa, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Wang Jun, Director of China-Africa Green Agriculture Development Centre and the Managing Director of Green Agriculture West Africa Limited (GAWAL), in his remarks, said the training provides an opportunity to explore new technologies in peanut cultivation and processing techniques for the benefit of farmers.
He said despite facing a series of challenges, such as the need to address aflatoxin issues and the significant fluctuations in peanut cultivation and yield, the future of the Nigerian peanut industry is promising.
He said: “Through measures such as technological innovation, sustainable development, enhanced processing, and market promotion, Nigeria will further solidify its position in the global peanuts market, bringing sustainable development and benefits to farmers and the national economy.
“This technical training programme serves as a bridge between theory and practice, bringing together experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts alike to enhance knowledge, share experiences, and push the boundaries of what we know about peanut processing. During this session, we will embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the nuances of peanut raw material evaluation, from cultivation practices, post-harvest handling, and processing methodologies to quality control measures,” Wang Jun added.
Earlier in his remark, Professor Wang Qiang, Chief Scientist of the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences said the technical training session is in line with the institution’s mandate to provide regular science and technology assistance projects to developing countries.
He said the institute is in Africa to promote the construction of the first China-Africa Cooperative Research Center for Quality Evaluation, Processing and Utilization of Peanuts in Nigeria. He stated that the aim is to jointly promote the healthy development of the African peanut industry, and provide support for ensuring the quantity and quality safety of African peanuts.
On his part, Professor Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), ably represented Professor Bello Zaki Abubakar, thanked the Chinese government for the training and urged participants to apply the knowledge acquired for the development of the peanut industry.
Participants at the conference received training on processing characteristics and quality evaluation of peanut raw materials, comprehensive utilization of peanuts, and the practical demonstration of peanut quality portable tachymeter and peanut oil press equipment.
Chinese Government Boosts Peanut Production in Nigeria with Training
News
Youth attempt to disarm soldiers enforcing curfew in Niger
Youth attempt to disarm soldiers enforcing curfew in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Some youths in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State allegedly attempted to disarm soldiers enforcing a curfew before fleeing the scene, security sources have said.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 10:35 p.m. on March 10 when troops of the 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment, were on patrol to enforce the curfew declared by the Chairman of Borgu Local Government.
According to the sources, the troops were patrolling along the Correctional Service Office area in New Bussa when they intercepted some motorcycles.
During the encounter, some aggressive youths reportedly began stoning the soldiers and attempted to struggle with them in a bid to seize a rifle, while also hurling abusive language.
The troops fired warning shots into the air to disperse the youths, who later fled the scene.
The Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service subsequently reported the incident to the police.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in New Bussa immediately mobilised more security personnel to the area, but the youths had already dispersed.
Community leaders, including the village head, were later invited and cautioned to maintain peace and ensure residents avoid confrontations or misunderstandings with security personnel.
Security sources said no arrest was made and no injury was recorded, while the military troops continued their patrol in the area.
Youth attempt to disarm soldiers enforcing curfew in Niger
News
ISWAP appoints Abu Ameer as new pulka commander after neutralization of Modu Kundiri
ISWAP appoints Abu Ameer as new pulka commander after neutralization of Modu Kundiri
By: Zagazola Makama
Following the recent neutralization of Modu Kundiri, the senior commander (Qa’id) of Pulka camp in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has appointed a replacement to sustain its operational command in the area.
Intelligence reports obtained on the evening of March 11, 2026, revealed that ISWAP leadership quickly designated Abu Ameer as the new commander (Qa’id) of Pulka camp. The move pointed out to the group’s efforts in maintaining command continuity despite recent setbacks.
Kundiri had served as the senior commander, also known as Qa’id, of the group’s Pulka camp, a strategic operational hub located in the southern axis of Borno near the border with Adamawa State and Cameroon.
Pulka occupies a critical position in the insurgency landscape due to its geographical proximity to the border regions linking Borno State with Adamawa State and neighbouring Cameroon.
The area has historically served as a transit corridor for insurgent fighters, logistics supplies and communication networks operating across multiple theatres.
According to intelligence discussions intercepted on March 11, fighters loyal to the group are still present in Ngalta village, located between Pulka in Gwoza LGA and Madagali Local Government Area in Adamawa State.
The disclosure reportedly came during internal exchanges among insurgent members, where a fighter identified as Konto informed another member, Manya, about the continued presence of fighters in the area.
Such conversations indicated that despite losing commanders, the group continues to maintain operational cells and surveillance elements within the Pulka–Ngalta–Madagali corridor.
The continued presence of fighters in Ngalta village suggests that the insurgents may still retain limited operational capability along the Borno–Adamawa border axis. Such locations often function as temporary regrouping points or staging areas for movement between remote settlements.
The development therefore point to the need for sustained intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and coordinated ground operations across the corridor.
Zagazola emphasise the importance of maintaining strong collaboration between military forces, local vigilante groups and community intelligence networks to detect insurgent movement.
The development comes amid ongoing operations by the Nigerian military to dismantle ISWAP strongholds across the Northeast and reinforce stability in affected communities.
ISWAP appoints Abu Ameer as new pulka commander after neutralization of Modu Kundiri
News
Buni attends funeral prayers of Wali Shettima, elder brother, in Nauru
Buni attends funeral prayers of Wali Shettima, elder brother, in Nauru
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, and other top government functionaries attended today the funeral prayers for Ba Wali Shettima, elder brother to Yobe State Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali mni, in Nguru town of Yobe State.
Ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), the funeral prayers were led by the chief imam of Nguru Central Mosque, Shiek Ibrahim Shehu Ahmad.
The governor described the death of the renowned Islamic scholar Ba Wali as a huge loss not only to the Nguru community but to the whole Yobe state.
Gubana further extolled the virtues of the late Ba Wali as a committed and dedicated cleric, an epitome of peace and knowledge who contributed his own quota towards teaching and propagating Islam.
Late Ba Wali died at the University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, on Tuesday after a protracted illness at the age of 80. He is survived by a wife, ten (10) children, and many grandchildren.
Special prayers were offered by Chief Imam Shiek Ibrahim Shehu Ahmad. May Aljanna Firdausi be the reward of his good deeds. Amin, suma Amin.
Buni attends funeral prayers of Wali Shettima, elder brother, in Nauru
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