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Irrigation agriculture: Experts recommend new land administation method
Irrigation agriculture: Experts recommend new land administation method
As FG sensitizes host communities to deepen participation and ownership of irrigation projects
By: Ameh Ochojila
A report on irrigation agriculture practices in Nigeria has recommended the adoption of a semi-formal land ownership and administation method to boost land use and agricultural production in Nigeria.
The publication which made the recommendation, “Learning by Doing! Action Research Experiences from TRIMING Project in Nigeria’s Public Irrigation Schemes,” was released in Abuja on Monday at a two-day workshop organized by Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria(TRIMING), a World Bank-funded Federal Government initiative.
The publication, compiled by the Research Panel of Experts (RPoE) assembled by TRIMING, is the synthesis and highlight of the research reports and outcomes from the five research projects funded by the TRIMING Project. The action research is aimed at advancing the course of irrigation farming in Nigeria and to address challenges in agricultural production and its value chain. The research projects were carried out between 2017 and 2023 in the five target Schemes, namely: Hadejia Valley Irrigation Scheme (HVIS); Middle Rima Valley Irrigation Scheme (MRVIS); Bakolori Irrigation Scheme (BIS); Kano River Irrigation Scheme (KRIS); and Dadin Kowa Irrigation Scheme (DKIS).
“The semi-formal land administration method was socially acceptable, transparent, pro-equity, effective, cost efficient, sustainable, and the farmers in both formal-government land area and informal-customary were willing to adopt it; hence a high possibility that it will be adopted for implimentation of land consolidation in DKIS,” the experts said.
“The semi-formalized land administration process was perceived as having the potential to guarantee security of tenure and land use right, support land taxation, provide collateral for credit, develop and monitor land markets, reduce land disputes, facilitate land reform, improve infrastructure development, and support environmental management. Hence it was concluded that the land administration process may promote private investments in agriculture and support sustainable irrigation development.”
The two-day engagement with the theme, “consolidating and sustaining lessons learned from the implementation of the TRIMING Project Participatory Action Research,” is aimed at examinimg the efficiency and to ensure proper delivery of the projects. It was declared open by Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.
In her remarks at the occasion, Mrs. Walson-Jack disclosed that the Federal Government had initiated advocacy programmes targeted at enhancing host communities’ understanding of the projects in order to deepen their participation and ownership of completed water projects.
She listed some of the benefits expected from the workshop to include best practices identification, capacity building, networking and collaboration, and policy ecommendations.
She told the participants that the success of the workshop depended on their active participation, engagement, and commitment to the shared goal of enhancing agricultural productivity. “Let us leverage this platform to learn from our collective experiences and chart a course for a more prosperous and sustainable future for irrigation in Nigerian agriculture.
TRIMING’s National Project Coordinator, Engr. Peter Yakubu Manjuk, said the workshop was planned, among other things, to discuss the systainability issues relating to the research finding and recommend action. It was also meant to promote community ownership of the research outcomes and plan for advocacy programmes for upscaling the promising research results by relevant institutions.
Irrigation agriculture: Experts recommend new land administation method
News
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
News
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
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