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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
2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election
2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election
Yamaltu/Deba constituents have declared support for President Bola Tinubu and Senator Danjuma Goje’s re-election ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Dr Newton Moses, declared the support in a statement read on behalf of the people of Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State on Friday in Gombe.
Moses said voting for experienced leaders in 2027 remained key to addressing Nigeria’s challenges and delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
He said the group’s decision to support Tinubu and Goje was guided by patriotism, and a sincere desire to see competent, and result-driven leadership that would benefit their constituents and the country.
He said that Goje’s leadership in the past 16 years at the Senate has benefitted the constituents and given effective representation to the people of Akko and Yamaltu/Deba LGAs that make up the district.
He dismissed allegations that the people of Yamaltu/Deba have been marginalised and were demanding the seat to be zoned to Yamaltu/Deba and not Akko where Goje is from.
He said that the constitution did not impose any zoning limitation or tenure restriction on membership in the National Assembly, hence urged those seeking the seat to test their popularity through election.
“We are not part of that group saying Goje should not return to the senate in 2027; that is not the voice of the grassroots from Yamaltu Deba.
“ Goje has, over the years, built invaluable networks and acquired the experience necessary to effectively advocate for the interests of his constituency and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“ By returning Goje to the Senate, Gombe Central stands to gain even more.
“ His established influence will ensure greater access to federal opportunities, increased developmental projects, and stronger representation in critical national decisions,” he said.
The group further advised President Tinubu to stay away from those working to tarnish the good name of Goje, stating that Goje’s influence in Gombe was important for the success of the All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Moses said at a time when Nigeria is focused on economic recovery, institutional strengthening, and inclusive growth under Tinubu, it was imperative that proven leaders like Goje to continue contributing his expertise toward national progress.
2027: Constituents declare support for Tinubu, Goje’s re-election
News
Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows
Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows
By Comrade Philip O. Ikodor
The Ashlee Momoh Foundation (AMF), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the families of fallen officers, marked the Easter season with a heartwarming outreach to military widows at different locations in Abuja and Nasarawa state, respectively on April 2nd, 2026. This thoughtful initiative was designed to bring joy, hope, and support to the widows of our fallen Military Officers, who have made immense sacrifices for their country.

“Easter is the season of renewal, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness,” Princess Ashlee said. “It reminds us that even after the longest winter, spring arrives and even after the deepest sorrow, there is the possibility of a new dawn.” The outreach was designed to show support and encouragement to the military widows, and to felicitate with them on the occasion of Easter.

Princess Ashlee Momoh reassured the widows that while their loved ones are no longer physically present, their legacy lives on, and AMF is committed to standing with them, supporting them, and celebrating their strength. “Today, we celebrate you, our heroes’ widows, and the sacrifices you’ve made,” she said.
The event was filled with moments of joy and fulfilment, as beneficiaries received gift items, cash gifts, and scholarship opportunities. The Foundation also announced enlistment for skill acquisition and empowerment programs, aimed at equipping the widows with the tools they need to rebuild their lives.

The outreach was a testament to AMF’s unwavering commitment to supporting the families of fallen officers, and its dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those who have made immense sacrifices for their country. As one beneficiary put it, “This Easter, we’ve received more than just gifts – we’ve received hope, love, and a sense of belonging.”

The Ashlee Momoh Foundation’s Easter outreach was a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope, and that together, we can overcome any challenge.
Hope in the Hard Times: Ashlee Momoh Foundation Spreads Easter Joy to Military Widows
News
Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash
Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash
By: Zagazola Makama
Six persons have been confirmed dead and 12 others injured in a fatal road traffic accident along the Okolowo–Jebba expressway in Kwara State.
Police sources said the accident occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on April 2 near Danjuma Bakery area, involving a Toyota Hummer bus and a stationary truck.
According to the sources, the bus with registration number BTR-161-XA was conveying 18 passengers from Lagos State to Katsina State when it rammed into a parked truck with registration number BUU-495-ZD.
The truck was reportedly driven by Kamarudeen Abdullahi, said to be from Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The impact of the collision resulted in the death of six passengers on the spot, while 12 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The injured victims were rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Oke-Oyi, for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were deposited in the hospital morgue for autopsy.
Police said investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Six die, 12 injured in Kwara road crash
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