National News
Nigeria, India begin advanced millet production to tackle food insecurity

Nigeria, India begin advanced millet production to tackle food insecurity
Nigeria and India have began an advanced millet producing strategy and advocacy to increase millet production to tackle the looming global food insecurity and improving nutritional values.
Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gangadharan Balasubramanian and Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mohammed Abubakar, made this known during the commemoration of the International Year of Millet (IYM 2023) organised by the Indian High Commission, Abuja.
The minister and envoy said that knowing the health and nutritional benefit of millet, both countries have keyed into the UN declaration of the IYM 2023 to increase production of the grain and create more awareness on the benefits.
Balasubramanian said that India has already taken innovative steps to increasing millet production and with close partnership with Nigeria.
“The International year of Millet was proposed by the government of India at the United Nations and I am very happy to say that Nigeria was one of the eight countries which have co-sponsored this resolution.
“Supported by seventy other people and subsequently was unanimously agreed by the united Nations to announce 2023 as the international year of millet.
“The government of India is very keen, is very conscious. We have a separate millet imitative that has started, various research programmes are going on, various support systems are being put in place.
“Farmers are being taught, there are a lot of activities that are taking place in terms of improving and providing the millets to the general populations.
“Nigeria is one of the major five millets producing countries and it is pertinent to note that India and Nigeria will come together in celebrating this.
“This cooking and food festival is only to showcase that it will be possible for us to have all the kinds of items that we consume on a daily basis which can be replaced by millets also.
“This is just the beginning, we will be having a conclave of meetings between Indian and Nigerian stakeholders in millet production, whether it is the agro-tech, the farmers, or the extension services that will be provided,” Balasubramanian said.
Abubakar said that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has been promoting millet production and value addition towards self-sufficiency and meeting industrial requirements in the country.
Abubakar who was represented by Engr. Abdullahi Abubakar, a Director in the Ministry said that all hands must be on deck in other for Nigeria to achieve the set goal.
“Presently, millet in Nigeria has not met the national demand and it is attributed to low productivity of the crop.
“Our national demand for millet as at 2022 was 6.4 million metric tons, while our national production is only two million metric tonnes.
“This low productivity can be caused by local potential of the crop’s variety, application of poor agronomic practices, depleted soil, climate change or agrégation of these factors.
“The ministry is in deer need to increase the productivity of the crop so as to enhance farmers income and attract more youths into millet cultivation and meet our national demand and industrial demand and contribute to the growth of the GDP.
“This event is as well to reawaken the consciousness of Nigerian millet farmers to adopt good agronomic practices to improve the livelihood of farmers and the GDP of Nigeria
“I want to assure you that the Ministry will cooperate with you to ensure that no stone is lefty unturned until Nigeria becomes self-sufficient in millet production in the nearest future,” Abubakar said.
Also speaking, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar said that the event is the beginning of a great journey between both countries to producing a crop which will be of immense benefit to humanity.
“I am sure this is just the beginning of our journey towards achieving our desired food security,” he said
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was marked with the Millet Food Festival and Cooking Competition was organised by the High Commission in collaboration with the Niger State government.
National News
VAPP Act @10: Be Ready for Strong Bite, Increased Prosecution of Sex Offenders- NAPTIP DG

VAPP Act @10: Be Ready for Strong Bite, Increased Prosecution of Sex Offenders- NAPTIP DG
By: Michael Mike
Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello has promised a strong bite, increased prosecution of sex offenders, proactive implementation of the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015 to enhance the protection of Nigerians from issues of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV).
She gave the promise at the agency’s headquarters, Abuja, while speaking on the 10th year anniversary of the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015.
The VAPP Act, which was designed to eliminate violence in public and private life, prohibits all forms of violence against persons and provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims, and punishment for perpetrators, was passed on May 25th, 2015, and is being implemented by NAPTIP.
The Act is applicable within the Federal Capital Territory and already domesticated by several states across the country.
The Director General, who hailed the efficacy of the Act, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a just, inclusive, and violence-free society. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, signed into law in 2015, is 10 years old. This landmark legislation remains one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive legal frameworks for the protection of human rights, especially for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
“As the Director General of NAPTIP, I am immensely proud to announce a decade of impactful implementation of the VAPP Law, which has been domesticated and gazetted by 32 states across Nigeria.
“Over the past 10 years, we have raised the bar for justice and given voice to the voiceless, empowering survivors of violence to seek redress. We have protected the vulnerable, restored dignity to victims, and enhanced support systems for survivors of abuse.We have contributed to the restoration of peace and harmony in homes, communities, and institutions affected by gender-based violence.
“We have fought relentlessly to end the culture of silence and impunity, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under the law.
“The journey has not been without challenges, but our resolve has remained unshaken. With the unwavering support of our partners, stakeholders, and civil society, NAPTIP has successfully secured 25 convictions of perpetrators, including two life imprisonment sentences of high-profile individuals in Nigeria, with over 1557 cases in courts and provided support to over 5000survivors through shelters, legal aid, psychosocial services, and reintegration programmes.
“As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthened enforcement of the VAPP Act across all States of the Federation by scaling up advocacy and enlightenment to ensure that every Nigerian understands their rights under this law, collaboration with traditional, religious, and community leaders to deepen grassroots impact, and a proactive, data-driven approach to tackling all forms of violence, especially those rooted in harmful cultural and gender norms”, she stated.
The Director General thanked the Federal Ministry of Justice and the entire Judiciary for sustained support to the agency in implementing the Act, the partnering Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Development Partners, members of the Civil Society Organization (CSOs), the Media, and other stakeholders for their collaboration and partnership with NAPTIP, which have culminated in the successful implementation of the legislation.
“While extending our heartfelt gratitude to all who have walked this journey with us and survivors whichcontinue to show courage, the law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, legal advocates, development partners, and the general public, we promise double portion of trouble for perpetrators in the years ahead”, the DG said.
VAPP Act @10: Be Ready for Strong Bite, Increased Prosecution of Sex Offenders- NAPTIP DG
National News
Beyond condemnation, why Governor Kefas must act decisively to end karim lamido crisis

Beyond condemnation, why Governor Kefas must act decisively to end karim lamido crisis
By: Zagazola Makama
The latest attack on Munga Lelau community in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State has once again thrust the fragile security situation in the region into national focus. The attack, which reportedly occurred on Friday evening, left many dead and communities in mourning.
In response, Governor Agbu Kefas swiftly condemned the incident, describing the carnage as “horrendous and unacceptable.” In a press statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, the governor expressed outrage at the continuous assaults, warned of grave repercussions for the perpetrators, and reiterated his administration’s commitment to securing the state.
However, while such condemnation is commendable and necessary to signal empathy and political will, what is urgently required now is a comprehensive, transparent, and sustained response that goes beyond words. The time has come for Governor Kefas to not only condemn the attacks but also to lead a full-fledged, fact-based investigation into what truly transpired and why.
The attack in Munga Lelau is not an isolated case. It follows a recent incident in Bandawa where two farmers were reportedly killed by suspected bandits. This recurring pattern of violence often fueled by retaliatory attacks between farmers and herders points to deeper, unresolved tensions in the Karim Lamido axis. While the rainy season usually heightens competition for land and water resources, what we are seeing is the escalation of low-grade communal tension into full-blown armed conflict.
Security forces have, on several occasions, brokered peace accords between aggrieved parties. Yet, these agreements have often been short-lived. Just Yesterday, troops under Operation Lafiyan Jamaa had to intervene after youths from Badanwa reportedly attacked herders grazing near their village, sparking reprisals and further bloodshed.
This cycle of provocation and retaliation is precisely why Governor Kefas must now go beyond condemning the violence and institute a full investigation. There is a growing concern that certain individuals referred to as “conflict entrepreneurs” may be exploiting these tensions for personal or political gain. These actors must be identified and held accountable, regardless of ethnic or political affiliation.
Equally, justice must not be selective. All sides must be heard, and those found culpable, whether among farmers or herders, must face the full weight of the law. Only a fair and balanced approach can restore confidence in government intervention and prevent further descent into lawlessness.
To achieve lasting peace, the state government must adopt a three-pronged approach:
Deploy additional security personnel to flashpoints in Karim Lamido and impose necessary restrictions, including curfews, where needed to prevent reprisal attacks. Peace committees comprising community leaders, religious heads, and youth representatives should be activated or reconstituted to immediately de-escalate tensions.
Establish an independent investigative panel to ascertain the root causes of the recurring violence. This panel should be empowered to take testimonies, review previous peace accords, and recommend actionable strategies. Simultaneously, set up mobile courts to fast-track justice delivery and deter impunity.
Develop and implement a comprehensive land-use and grazing policy, supported by modern conflict resolution training and dialogue platforms across LGAs. More investments should also go into education, vocational training, and rural infrastructure to address some of the socioeconomic drivers of insecurity.
Taraba must not be allowed to slide into a theatre of unchecked violence. Now is the time for Gov. Kefas to lead boldly, ensuring not only that peace is restored but that it is sustainable, just, and inclusive.
Beyond condemnation, why Governor Kefas must act decisively to end karim lamido crisis
National News
NDLEA, US-DEA to strengthen collaboration on drug war

NDLEA, US-DEA to strengthen collaboration on drug war
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration of the United States (DEA) have stressed the need to strengthen current collaboration between the two agencies on the fight against the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
This was the highpoint of discussion during a meeting between the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd) and the Country Attache of US-DEA, Ms. Daphne Morrison on Friday at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja

Marwa, while appreciating the cordial
working relationship and partnership between NDLEA and DEA, Ms. Morrison who was recently posted to Nigeria said “I wanted to make this one of my priorities to come meet with you so we can continue to collaborate and work together.
“And thank you so much for your support over the years, and we’re ready to keep things going. I know you’ve been working well with the last Country Attaché, so I’m ready to get back in and collaborate and do some really great things with you.”
She said efforts are ongoing to organise more trainings for officers and men of the Special Operations Units of the afency Amwhile looking forward to a number of joint operations with NDLEA in already identified areas of interests.
In his response, the NDLEA boss acknowledged the excellent relationships with Morrison’s predecessors. He said: “They’ve been very, very supportive, and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that it will be the same, if not better, with you.” He acknowledged the recent evolution of NDLEA in the size of its workforce, expansion of operational and administrative structures as well as remarkable successes recorded in its drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.
While acknowledging the support received from DEA over the years especially in areas of equipment, training, and joint operations, Marwa expressed hope that more of such support will continue. “I think we would welcome much more support but because this being your first visit to introduce yourself, I’m not going to bring out a long list of demands or requests, but just to acknowledge that we appreciate all the support we’ve been receiving.”
NDLEA, US-DEA to strengthen collaboration on drug war
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