Modified seeds safe, key to eradicating hunger- NBRDA tells Adamawa youths

The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has sensitised Adamawa youth against misinformation condemning genetically modified seeds in the country.

Speaking at the two day sensitisation workshop for youth in collaboration with Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of the agency Modified seeds are safe.

The theme of the sensitisation is “Empowering the next generation: youth driving the future of Agricultural biotechnology in Nigeria”.

Mustapha said that the workshop is timely considering how some faceless people who do not understand science were condemning modified seeds in the country.

He said the modified seeds are key to eradication of hunger and a key to nutritional value that many farmers were yearning to get.

He said that considering the situation of drought and excessive use of chemicals among other climate change issues, modified seeds change household income and productivity.

He further urged the participants to use the training to facilitate eradication of misinformation and make sure that what they gave is factual.

Prof. Ibrahim Umar, Vice Chancellor MAU Yola said, the sensitisation is significant considering the challenge of food security in the country.

Umar who was represented by Prof. Iliyasu Audu, DVC Academic said, the workshop provided an opportunity for the participants to understand the importance of modified seeds against misinformation on social media.

He added that the university has taken it as its top priority to improve food security in the country.

Mohammed Buji, a farmer testified that he planted modified maize on half hectares of farmlands and harvested 3.5 tons unlike conventional seeds that give a maximum of two tons per a hectare of farmland.

He said that the seeds were resistant to drought, pest control free and give good yield that would transform the life of farmers.

Beki Idris a student and a participant said, modified seeds are helpful to farmers and such a seed is safe and has no side effects on the people and he assured to step down the sensitisation to other people.

Modified seeds safe, key to eradicating hunger- NBRDA tells Adamawa youths

World Bank Commends ACReSAL Project for Massive Restoration of Land in Northern Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The World Bank has commended the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project for its massive achievement in restoration of land in parts of Northern Nigeria.

ACReSAL, is a World Bank approved project aimed at increasing the implementation of sustainable landscape management practices in targeted watersheds in northern Nigeria and strengthen the country’s long-term enabling environment for integrated climate-resilient landscape management.

Speaking at ACReSAL Stakeholders Engagement/ Marketplace Showcase in Abuja on Tuesday, Senior Environmental Specialist, World Bank and Task Team Leader, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Dr Joy Agene, said that marketplace for ACReSAL project have delivered huge investment through land restoration.

She noted that marketplace for ACReSAL is where we have a huge investment that is saving millions of land in targeted watersheds.

She explained that: “Marketplace is also a technology where water is conserved in dryland to ensure that we are able to produce, sell and make income.

On her part, the Practice Manager Environment, World Bank, Mrs Ellysar Baroudy expressed satisfaction with the project saying the project had really been an example within the whole World Bank portfolio.

She said however the World bank was faced with challenges of climate change, degradation, as well as finance.

Baroudy urged ACReSAL to be resolute in spite of the challenges being faced at the point of discharging their work.

The National Project Coordinator ACReSAL, Mr Abdulhamid Umar said that the project is a people-oriented project that would sustain livelihoods.

He added that the project has touched so many lives especially the down trodden in communities.

Director Water Support Services, Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr Segun Babarinde said that the marketplace has showcased a collaborative effort within the stakeholders.

He said: “I want to thank all the states for being very, resolute in ensuring the achievement of this glorious idea by the government.”

Director International Economic Relations Department, Ministry of Finance, Mr George Stanley said that there is no doubt that the project has delivered on various aspects of environment, agriculture, water resources and even beyond.

He said: “In special terms, the project has improved the resilience and livelihood of the communities through wide range interventions carefully implemented by institutional partners.”

Etsu Kwali, a prominent traditional ruler with the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Luka Ayedo, said that the intervention of market place project is already yielding excellent results.

He noted that: “The project has come to terminate hunger in our community the intervention has impacted us for good I want to say the World Bank has invested rightly.”

World Bank Commends ACReSAL Project for Massive Restoration of Land in Northern Nigeria

Buni urges security operatives to redouble efforts on peace, law, and order in Yobe

By: Yahaya Wakili

Yobe State Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON has called on the security agencies to redouble their effort to provide adequate security and proper maintenance of law and order in the state.

Buni made the call today in Damaturu at the commissioning of 47 four-wheel-drive vehicles and 50 motorcycles distributed to security agencies in the state.

He said government efforts towards supporting security agencies to enable them to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently are a means of ensuring the maintenance of law and order throughout the state.

“To achieve this noble objective, it has become necessary to provide adequate support to security agencies in terms of logistics to ease their movements on routine patrols or when responding to distress calls from citizens of the state.” Governor Buni said.

The governor appreciates the federal government and security agencies in ensuring that peace and security reign across Yobe State.

He maintained that our efforts in security agencies since assumption of office have been wide-ranging and inclusive through close collaborations to enhance synergy for a better working relationship to enhance successful operations to reduce crime in the state.

According to Governor Buni, one vehicle will be given to each of the 17 local government area chairmen to enhance their day-to-day operations, while the 50 motorcycles will be allocated with the following ratio: 23 to the Department of State Services, 10 to the Nigerian Army, 10 to the airport security team, and 7 to the vigilante group.

Buni directed the chairmen of the 17 local government areas to maintain the vehicles attached to Divisional Police Officers in their respective local government areas as well as provide them with fuel to facilitate their day-to-day operations.

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser on Security Affairs to the Governor, Brig. Gen. Dahiru Abdusalam (rtd), commended Governor Mai Mala Buni for supporting security agencies in the state.

Gen. Abdusalam assured judicious use of the vehicles for the purpose intended to improve security across the state.

Buni urges security operatives to redouble efforts on peace, law, and order in Yobe