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Food Security: UN Women, WPHF Empower North-East Women With Improved Seedlings
Food Security: UN Women, WPHF Empower North-East Women With Improved Seedlings
By: Francis Okoye
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women ( UN Women) and Women’s Humanitarian and Philanthropic Foundation ( WHPF ) , in partnership with Iwuese Cooperative, have distributed improved varieties of millet, rice, and maize seedlings to 80 selected women farmers across four local government areas (LGAs) in Taraba and Adamawa States.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Executive Director Iwuese Cooperative, Ritdimwa Orga said the initiative is aimed at boosting food production and empowering women in agriculture, which reflects a commitment to addressing gender disparities in the agricultural sector and promoting sustainable development.
She said the distribution targets 80 women farmers carefully selected from diverse backgrounds in the Taraba and Adamawa States, adding that the initiative seeks to empower women by providing them with the resources and support needed to enhance their roles in agriculture.
Ritdimwa Orga [ED at Iwuese Cooperative, emphasized, “We are proud to be part of this initiative that directly impacts women farmers. Through the distribution of improved seed varieties, we aim to contribute to increased agricultural productivity and improved livelihoods.
” The distributed seedlings include improved varieties of rice and maize. These varieties are selected for their resilience, higher yields, and nutritional value, contributing to the overall improvement of agricultural practices and food security in the region.
“UN WOMEN and WHPF, in collaboration with Iwuese Cooperative, bring together a powerful alliance that leverages expertise, resources, and networks to address the unique challenges faced by women farmers in Taraba and Adamawa states.
“The initiative extends its impact across four Local Government Areas, ensuring a broad reach and contributing to community development. By strengthening the capacities of women in agriculture, the project aims to create sustainable change at the grassroots level.
“The distribution of seedlings aligns with UNWOMEN’s and WHPF’s commitment to advancing gender equality in agriculture. Empowering women farmers not only improves their livelihoods but also contributes to the overall development of their communities.”
Women Leader Mubi North, Anna James in appreciation on behalf of the beneficiaries said, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to UNWOMEN and WHPF for their unwavering support in empowering women in Jalingo. The agricultural initiative has not only enhanced our farming practices but has also given us the confidence to actively contribute to the economic growth of our community.”
Similarly, Women Leader Jalingo , Nwuro Lelgi said , “UN Women and WHPF have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the well-being of women in Mubi North. The distribution of improved seed varieties and the focus on knowledge transfer have been instrumental in transforming the lives of women engaged in agriculture. We are truly grateful for this initiative.”
Food Security: UN Women, WPHF Empower North-East Women With Improved Seedlings
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
By: Zagazola Makama
Five soldiers were killed and three others declared missing following a clash between Nigerien Defence and Security Forces (FDS) and suspected Islamic State fighters in Sanam, Tillabéri Region of western Niger.
Security sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2026, during a confrontation between troops and suspected members of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) operating in the area.
The clash reportedly took place in Sanam Zone, a locality near the Niger–Mali border known for recurrent armed attacks by jihadist groups.
According to the sources, the soldiers were engaged in an operation when they came under heavy attack, leading to a standoff. Five personnel were confirmed dead, while three others were declared missing after the encounter.
The Tillabéri Region has remained a hotspot of insurgent activities due to its proximity to Mali and Burkina Faso, with security forces frequently conducting operations to contain armed groups.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the latest incident, while search efforts are reportedly ongoing to locate the missing soldiers.
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
By: Zagazola Makama
A Combined Army and Police operatives have rescued 12 kidnapped victims following an armed attack by suspected kidnappers in Oke-Ako area of Ekiti State.
Sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 9:00 a.m., when sporadic gunfire was heard near their base. Preliminary assessment indicated the gunshots were from an assault launched by suspected kidnappers in the area.
Army troops, in collaboration RRS,Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), and local security outfits, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the security forces, the attackers engaged in a gun duel, but were overpowered and forced to retreat into the forest, taking two victims with them.
Through intensified operations, the security forces successfully rescued 12 victims unhurt, while one, identified as Jeremiah Gambo, sustained a gunshot injury and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Ikole Local Government Area for treatment.
The troops also recovered an unregistered Boxer Bajaj motorcycle, a white Nissan Cabstar pick-up with registration number EJG-96XB, and a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla with registration number KLE-575AE, all belonging to the victims.
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A member of the Forest Guard in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State has been arrested for allegedly shooting his son to death.
Sources said the incident occurred on Feb. 13 at about 5:40 p.m. at the RRR Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Monguno.
The case was reported to the Monguno Division at about 6:20 p.m. by Maidugu Mustapha of Gana Ali Ward, who alleged that Mohammed Ibrahim Angoli, 28, a Forest Guard member, fatally shot his 24-year-old son, Ajiya Mustapha, in the back with an AK-47 rifle.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Monguno led a patrol team to the scene, where photographs were taken and the victim was evacuated to General Hospital, Monguno.
A medical doctor on duty confirmed the victim dead on arrival. The corpse was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The suspect has been arrested and the firearm recovered as exhibit.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Maiduguri, has commenced investigation into the incident.
Forest guard arrested for allegedly killing son in Monguno, Borno
Five soldiers killed, three missing in clash with insurgents in Niger
Benue Police repel bandits attack in Ugba, one suspect arrested, one bandit killed
Army, police rescue 12 kidnapped victims in Ekiti border attack
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