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FG, IITA, World Bank To Partner On Innovative Agricultural Practices
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
News
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have rescued an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and arrested three suspects following a reported kidnapping and disruption of election-related activities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:15 p.m. on May 22 when two groups of suspected kidnappers stormed the venue of ADC primary elections at Wummy Hotel, Ekori community.
According to the sources, one of the groups abducted the INEC returning officer, forced him into a vehicle, and compelled him to transfer ₦70,000 before fleeing the scene.
The second group, operating on a motorcycle, reportedly carted away ballot boxes from the venue.
Following intelligence on the incident, troops in Yakurr Local Government Area laid an ambush on the fleeing suspects, successfully intercepting the vehicle and rescuing the kidnapped INEC official.
Three suspects were arrested during the operation, while one armed suspect reportedly escaped into nearby bush with a pistol, a mobile phone, ATM card, travelling bag and other election materials.
The rescued official, arrested suspects and recovered vehicle are currently in military custody for further investigation and action.
Security forces have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen electoral materials.
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 103 Battalion, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have raided a suspected cultists’ hideout in Achi town, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, arresting three suspects and recovering items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 4:30 a.m. on May 23 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected cultists and other criminal elements operating in the area.
According to the sources, the troops stormed a residential building suspected to be used as a hideout by the criminal group.
During the raid, three suspects were apprehended, while items recovered include eight motorcycles and two buckets of locally made gunpowder.
The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and necessary action.
Security authorities have continued to intensify joint operations in Enugu State and surrounding areas to curb cult-related activities and other forms of violent crime.
Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State
Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 Operation Enduring Peace have launched efforts to track down Berom Militia following an attack on cattle in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources disclosed that the troops responded to a distress report at about 5:12 p.m. on May 23 concerning an attack on cattle belonging to a local herder identified as Alhaji Tambari at Gassa village.
According to the sources, the cattle were grazing in the area when the attackers struck and fled before the arrival of security personnel.
Upon reaching the scene, troops discovered that one cow had been shot dead during the incident.
The Berom militia were said to have escaped from the area before security operatives arrived.
Troops have since intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack while patrols have been heightened within the community and surrounding areas to prevent further incidents.
Security authorities reiterated the commitment of Operation Enduring Peace to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace in communities across Plateau State.
Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State
Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community
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