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UK Boosts Efficiency Rice Production in Nigeria

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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

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Nigerian Army to Interr Slain Soldiers in a Solemn Ceremony at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja

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Nigerian Army to Interr Slain Soldiers in a Solemn Ceremony at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja

By: Babagana Wakil

The Nigerian Army is set to pay tribute to its brave personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty during a recent operation in Okuama Community, Delta State.

The fallen soldiers, who were killed in action, will be laid to rest on Wednesday, 27th March 2024, at 3:00 pm at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

The solemn ceremony, organized by the Nigerian Army, will be a poignant moment of remembrance and respect for the fallen heroes. Military personnel, dignitaries, and members of the public are expected to gather to honour the courage and dedication of these brave individuals who selflessly served their country.

The burial service will serve as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform to protect the nation and uphold its security. It will also be a moment to express gratitude for their unwavering commitment and bravery in the face of danger.

As the nation mourns the loss of these gallant soldiers, the Nigerian Army stands united in solidarity to commemorate their service and sacrifice.

Nigerian Army to Interr Slain Soldiers in a Solemn Ceremony at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja

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NAF nutrialised ISWAP terrorists in Marte, destroy logistics camp

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NAF nutrialised ISWAP terrorists in Marte, destroy logistics camp

By: Zagazola Makama

The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has destroyed a ISWAP Terrorists (BHTs), staging and logistics enclave in the fringes of Arinna Woje, in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

Intelligence Sources told Zagazola Makama that attack was executed on Sunday March 24, 2024, following successive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, which were aimed at identifying locations housing the insurgents as well as their rendezvous positions.

The sources disclosed that the Intelligence derived from the ISR missions led to the designation of buildings within Arinna Woje, that served as assembly areas for the terrorists from where they launched attacks.

Accordingly, the AC detailed its attack aircraft to engage the hideout, scoring devastatingly accurate hits which led to the complete destruction of insurgents building as well as the neutralization of several terrorists.

NAF nutrialised ISWAP terrorists in Marte, destroy logistics camp

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Nigeria’s Armed Forces role, key to peace and stability in West Africa – Tuggar

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Nigeria’s Armed Forces role, key to peace and stability in West Africa – Tuggar

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has said the Armed Forces of Nigeria play a pivotal role in maintaining peace, stability, and social cohesion in West Africa.

Tuggar made the assertion during a courtesy call by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja.

He further stated that the partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has become imperative given President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda with foreign policy doctrine anchored on the 4 Ds strategic pillars of Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

In his response, the CDS commended the Foreign Affairs Minister for providing practical foreign policy directives for the nation since his assumption in office and assured the foreign affairs ministry of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) ‘s readiness to partner with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the country’s outward-facing entity in discharging its mandate.

The CDS also used the occasion to restate the AFN’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Nigeria, the Lake Chad region, and the entire West African subregion.

Nigeria’s Armed Forces role, key to peace and stability in West Africa – Tuggar

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