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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
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
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