Military
UK Boosts Efficiency Rice Production in Nigeria
UK Boosts Efficiency Rice Production in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Kingdom (UK) has assisted in the introduction to Nigeria Systems of Rice Intensification – SRI, a climate smart agricultural practice that would lead to efficiency rice production
The introduced system can lead to reduction of input costs by 50%, with less use of water, doubling yields for farmers and reducing GHG emissions.
A statement on Wednesday by the Senior Press & Public Affairs Officer and Comms Lead, Prosperity and Economic Development, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Ndidiamaka Eze read that: “Since 2021, the UK Government’s LINKS programme implemented by Tetra Tech International Development has been piloting a couple of climate smart farming initiatives; helping farmers to increase yields and become more resilient in the face of climate change while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.”
Eze said at a Climate Smart Agriculture results and lesson sharing event which held in Abuja on Wednesday, LINKS demonstrated that the project is starting to deliver impressive results, particularly the Systems of Rice Intensification – SRI, a climate smart agricultural practice which is a different way of producing rice that reduces input costs by 50%, with less use of water, doubling yields for farmers and reducing GHG emissions.
She explained that SRI involves early transplanting of seedlings and wide spacing to allow the plants to flourish, alternative wetting and drying rather than flooding and the use of organic rather than chemical fertilisers.
She disclosed that a further benefit for wider society is the overall climate impact delivered by SRI. Rice production traditionally produces methane (globally contributing approximately 2.5% of all human induced GHG emissions, roughly the same as international air travel) and this is set to grow in Nigeria with increasing consumption and production of paddy rice.
Speaking at Wednesday’s event, Team Leader, LINKS programme, Andrew Thorburn said: “Farmers were sceptical at first but after four seasons we now have over 26,000 farmers in Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa actively using SRI. The use of organic rather than chemical fertilisers equally meant that soil quality further improves every season which continued to deliver improved results as well as increased resilience to changing weather, especially flooding.”
British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Ben Llewellyn-Jones, represented by the FCDO Climate and Nature Lead in Abuja, Martine Sobey said: “The UK Government has a strong focus on supporting Nigeria to deliver its international climate commitments,” adding that: “We are particularly pleased to note that the Systems of Rice Intensification – SRI reduces the GHG emissions produced by rice growers by as much as 40% and look forward to seeing SRI expand throughout Nigeria”.
At the event participants heard from farmers based in Kano and Jigawa who were trained to use the SRI method explain how the change had benefited their lives and that of their communities. They also heard from Silvex International, a LINKS partner and aggregator who is planning to expand SRI to over 1,000 hectares in the coming years that will ensure benefits throughout the value chain. With this positive start, SRI is set to help Nigeria on the road to rice self-sufficiency as well as improving the environment for all.
The LINKS programme – Powering Economic Growth in Northern Nigeria – is a £12m UK government funded programme designed to support the development of a vibrant, inclusive, and diversified economy in three Northern Nigeria States of Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa.
LINKS primary objective is to develop high potential pro-poor value chains supporting them to be productive, competitive, and attractive for investment at every level.
The programme has had two main areas of activity, which are Support for the growth of Climate Smart Agriculture to improve yields, build resilience among farming communities against climate change, as well as reducing the emission of GHG. In addition to SRI, LINKS is also working with 30,000 farmers in Jigawa state to pilot a regenerative farming project that will generate additional revenue from the sale of carbon credits; and the LINKS also works to encourage investment into its focal states, including working with businesses to help them develop plans to access finance for growth and development. Clients range from small holder farmers to high tech start-ups and large corporates.
UK Boosts Efficiency Rice Production in Nigeria
TROOPS FOIL TERRORIST AMBUSH, NEUTRALIZE TWO TERRORISTS IN GWOZA
By: Zagazola Makama
The troops of the Joint Task Force (NE) Operation Hadin Kai, troops of the 192 Battalion have nutrialsied 2 Boko Haram terrorists in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.
Zagazola Makama reliably gathered that the troops, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), carried out a siege operation along the Ngoshe-Ashigashya road in Gwoza Local Government Area.
The operation, which took place on September 1, 2024, resulted in troops coming into contact with terrorist elements towards the Mandara Mountain. The troops engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, neutralizing two and causing others to flee in disarray with possible gunshot wounds.
Following the operation, troops recovered four empty sacks and one mosquito net from the general area. There were no reported casualties on the side of the troops, while two terrorists were confirmed neutralized.
TROOPS FOIL TERRORIST AMBUSH, NEUTRALIZE TWO TERRORISTS IN GWOZA
Military debunks rumor of abduction of 150 persons in Sokoto
By: Our Reporter
The Nigerian military has reacted to the rumor making the round that terrorists have abducted over one hundred and fifty residents of Gobir village in Sokoto state after the reported killing of an emir earlier abducted in the state.
In a statement, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defense Media Operations, clarified that a trending video showing mass killings and burials actually depicts events from a nearby African country, not Nigeria.
Also speaking on the incident in Zamfsra state, where bandits reportedly burned down military vehicles after it was said to have abandoned detailed that on August 29, 2024, at around 5 p.m., troops from OPERATION HADARIN DAJI stationed at FOB Zurmi in Zamfara State conducted a patrol to target terrorists in Kwashabawa Village.
During the operation, two MRAPs became immobilized in swampy terrain due to heavy rains.
The troops dismounted and deactivated the vehicles to prevent their capture by terrorists.
Although General Buba did not give further details, he urged the general public to be cautious of terrorist attempts to spread misinformation and fake news as part of their propaganda efforts.
Military debunks rumor of abduction of 150 persons in Sokoto
Military
OPERATIONAL THEATRE VISIT: PARTICIPANTS OF ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA ENGAGE WITH FRONTLINE COMMANDERS, VISIT OPERATION HADIN KAI
OPERATIONAL THEATRE VISIT: PARTICIPANTS OF ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA ENGAGE WITH FRONTLINE COMMANDERS, VISIT OPERATION HADIN KAI
By: Our Reporter
In a crucial step towards enhancing operational readiness, participants of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 8/2024 embarked on a strategic visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri. The visit, scheduled from August 28 to September 1, 2024, is an integral part of the Operational Art and Campaigning Module of the course, providing the participants with firsthand exposure to the contemporary security challenges being addressed by the Nigerian Army.
Major General Kenneth Chigbu, the Deputy Theatre Commander, welcomed the AWCN delegation on behalf of the Theatre Commander, Major General Waidi Shaibu. In his address, Major General Chigbu lauded the Army War College Nigeria for its pivotal role in shaping the future leaders of the Nigerian military. He highlighted the professional excellence demonstrated by officers who were earlier posted to the theatre from the College, and acknowledged the significant impact of strategic papers developed by the institution.
“The theatre has achieved tremendous successes, including the surrender of numerous Boko Haram fighters, thanks to both kinetic and non-kinetic operations,” General Chigbu added. He emphasized the ongoing importance of collaboration between the College and the theatre in enhancing military effectiveness.
In response, Major General Ishaya Maina, the Commandant AWCN, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and urged participants to maximize the learning opportunity by identifying operational gaps that could further drive the mission’s success. “The insights gained here will be invaluable and will justify the sacrifices you’ve made,” General Maina emphasized.
The visit featured detailed briefings on intelligence, operations, and sector-specific strategies, offering the participants a comprehensive overview of the theatre’s operations. The visit concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the Theatre Commander, the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army, and Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI as well as Acting Commanders of Sectors 2, and 3. This was followed by a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
OPERATIONAL THEATRE VISIT: PARTICIPANTS OF ARMY WAR COLLEGE NIGERIA ENGAGE WITH FRONTLINE COMMANDERS, VISIT OPERATION HADIN KAI
Yobe: Flood kills 10 in Jakusko
Zulum Activates Gov’t Machinery to Avert Flood Disaster in Borno
COAS EMBARKS ON WORKING TOUR OF 17 BRIGADE, CHARGES TROOPS TO UP OPERATIONAL TEMPO, CONDOLES THE YAR’ ADUAS, KATSINA GOVERNMENT
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News6 months agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News6 months agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS6 months agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns6 months agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions7 months agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
National News6 months agoFraud and Mismanagement Rock INGO’s IDP Cash Assistance Effort in Bama
-
Opinions3 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
