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USAID gives $4 million towards mitigating COVID-19 inflicted food insecurity 

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USAID gives $4 million towards mitigating COVID-19 inflicted food insecurity 

USAID gives $4 million towards mitigating COVID-19 inflicted food insecurity 

In order to combat food insecurity in the country, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced 32 winners of its $4 million COVID-19 Food Security Challenge

A statement by the organisation on Wednesday said the 32 selected winning small and medium enterprises will receive awards totaling $4 million in funding and technical assistance to implement their solutions that improve food security in Nigeria. 

According to the statement, the competition was run in partnership with USAID’s Exploratory Programmes and Innovation Competitions (EPIC) Team in the Innovation, Technology, and Research Hub within the Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation.

Also Read: Chinese Banks to Operate in Nigeria soon- Envoy

The statement lamented that Nigeria currently faces a food security crisis that is compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has significantly disrupted already fragile agricultural value chains across the country, including smallholder farmers’ ability to produce, process, and distribute food. This disruption to agricultural productivity and limited access to markets has a negative impact on livelihoods, especially among the most vulnerable households, women, and youth.

The statement read that: “To address this food security crisis, USAID/Nigeria, in partnership with EPIC, launched the COVID-19 Food Security Challenge in April 2021. The Challenge is partnering with commercially viable youth-led and mid-stage companies in Nigeria to improve food production, processing, and distribution,” while noting that: “Over the next year, the Challenge will support the winners as they implement and scale their sustainable, local, and food-based models and increase incomes for smallholder farmers across Nigeria.”

According to the statement, after receiving over 500 applications to the Challenge, USAID/Nigeria selected 19 youth-led companies (led by young people up to 29 years of age) and 13 mid-stage companies (with an existing customer base of at least 1,000 people) that are working across 33 states in Nigeria. 

“USAID/Nigeria is proud to announce that 12 of the winners are women-led businesses and 31 of the winners are partners new to USAID. Some of the innovations that USAID/Nigeria is funding through this Challenge include online platforms that connect farmers to customers and services; access to solar refrigeration to extend the freshness of fruits, vegetables, and meat in off-grid communities; organic fertilizer made from converted biowaste; and micro-lending organizations to help smallholder farmers gain access to finance,” said the statement 

The winning companies are expected to use USAID/Nigeria’s funding and technical assistance to rapidly expand their food production and food security activities to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on Nigeria’s food value chain and improve the resilience of vulnerable households.

USAID gives $4 million towards mitigating COVID-19 inflicted food insecurity 

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Delegation of Chinese Business Leaders Visits Nigeria for Investment Opportunities

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Delegation of Chinese Business Leaders Visits Nigeria for Investment Opportunities

By: Michael Mike

A 35-man delegation of Chinese business leaders have visited Nigeria with the purpose of investing in the country and establishing partnerships in Nigerian businessmen.

The visit which was facilitated by the Pan-African Expansion Industrial Nigeria Ltd, saw the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), hosting the delegation. NCSP had earlier visited China to promote Nigeria and invite Chinese investors to the country.

A statement by the NCSP at the weekend, read: “In line with the comprehensive strategic partnership between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China, the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) hosted a 35-man delegation of Chinese business leaders interested in investing and establishing partnerships in Nigeria.

“The delegation, whose visit was facilited by Pan-African Expansion Industrial Nigeria Ltd, comprised of companies with interests in Science and Technology, Mining, Construction, Real estate, Healthcare, Tourism and E-commerce. They were received by the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe. Mr Jason Zhu, the delegation lead, highlighted areas of desired investments in Nigeria, leveraging on China’s industrial and technological advancements.

“While welcoming the delegation, the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) noted that Nigeria offers a dynamic and increasingly attractive business environment, marked by significant growth and abundant opportunities for investment. As the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria significantly contribute to the continent’s GDP, boasting a vibrant and resilient market and a business climate that benefits from a large and youthful population, a strategic geographic location, and a government dedicated to implementing reforms that enhance economic stability and investor confidence. He highlighted policies and programmes that investors can key into, including investment in Free Trade Zone to boost exports from Nigeria.”

Responding to questions, the DG emphasized that Nigeria is positioned to serve as the gateway to business across the African continent. However, he urged the investors to prioritize local production, stating that Nigeria seeks to move beyond merely exporting raw commodities. Instead, the focus is on upgrading exports to value-added products. He encouraged the delegation to bring advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities to support this goal, which aligns with the nation’s industrialization aspirations.

The statement added that: “Nigeria’s thriving technology sector stands as a beacon of opportunity. The country has produced several tech unicorns, such as Andela and Flutterwave, and continues to attract global investments. With China leading the way in technological innovation, deeper collaboration in this sphere offers immense potential. Strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and China would yield mutual benefits, including increased trade and investment, job creation, enhanced infrastructure and knowledge transfer.

The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) represented by Mrs Victoria Aigbedion outlined the entry protocols for the investors to register their businesses, and the incentives they can take advantage of. She noted that the NIPC is committed to making the process timely and hitch-free.

Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership was established to drive Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation through targeted Chinese investments, aligning with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The event marked another significant step in deepening the Nigeria-China business relationships and is expected to foster a mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations.

Delegation of Chinese Business Leaders Visits Nigeria for Investment Opportunities

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Senator Lawan visits UMAPO’s former chairman in Potiskum

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Senator Lawan visits UMAPO’s former chairman in Potiskum

By: Yahaya Wakili

The president of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has paid a solidarity visit to the residence of the former chairman of the United Marketers Association Potiskum (UMAPO) and staunch member of APC in Potiskum, Alhaji Nasiru Mato.

The main purpose of the visit of the former Senate President is to sympathize with Alhaji Nasiru Mato following the unfortunate fire accident that gutted his house.

Senator Lawan was deeply saddened to witness the extent of the damage caused by the fire, and thanks Almighty Allah that no lives were lost in the accident.

He assured Alhaji Nasiru Mato of his support as he works to rebuild and recover from his setback, adding that such moments remind us of the importance of compassion and sacrifice for one another in times of need.

“But most importantly, we should always remember that Almighty Allah will always test us in various ways, including the loss of our possessions. May we always pass these tests. Amin,” Senator Ahmad Lawan said.

He also prays, May Allah (SWT) grant him and his family the strength to overcome this trial and replace what was lost with something better. Amen.

The Sardaunan Bade was accompanied during the visit by Hon. Yau Usman Dachia, Deputy Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Gado Da Masun Bade, and Alhaji Mohammed Garba Gagiyo, among others.

Senator Lawan visits UMAPO’s former chairman in Potiskum

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NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

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NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Lt Col Adamu Ngulde has disclosed to the participants of Strategic Communication Course to prepare to further enhance their knowledge on Artificial Intelligence in Information Management and Fact Checking as part of the courses lined up for their training. He made this known on Friday 11 April 2025, during the inauguration ceremony of the second quarter courses 2025 at the Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja auditorium in Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment Giri Abuja.

The acting Commandant further stated that the School is collaborating with the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Abuja and Prof Ishaq Oyebisi Oyefolahan, Research Professor, Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) to training them on current trends in the field of Strategic Communication.

He also said that in modern public relations, Strategic Communication is essential for aligning military messaging and narratives with national interest, managing public perception, and countering misinformation in both peace and conflict situations.

Similarly, he also reminded students of A1 Photojournalism Course the vital role photographs play in documenting military activities, telling authentic visual stories that shape public trust and boost morale while graphic design and printing ensures that communication materials are not only informative but also visually compelling and professionally delivered. Assuring them that NASPRI will provide a well package training for all students in line with their various courses.

Lt Col Ngulde expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede for his unwavering support to the Directorate of Army Public Relations and NASPRI which has been instrumental in sustaining the standard the school upheld today. He also extended appreciation to the Commander TRADOC NA, Maj Gen Kelvin Aligbe and the Chief of Training (Army) Maj Gen AS Ndalolo, for their continuous guidance and support throughout the training year.

Earlier, the Acting Chief Instructor of the school, Maj Tonye Wenke while reading out the course expectations stated that courses are prerequisite for career progression and service delivery and the students are therefore expected to meet up with the training objectives of the school as they will be tutored in many subjects which will equip them with the skills in handling the 5th Generation Warfare, which is information based. He admonished them to settle down quickly and ensure that they put themselves in the right frame of mind to effectively key into the training activities earmarked for the courses.

Maj Wenke also reminded the students on the need to acquaint themselves with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of NASPRI and exhibit the highest standard of discipline required of military personnel as all acts of indiscipline will not be tolerated.
A total of 76 students assembled for the second quarter 2025 courses comprising of 16 Senior Officers for the Strategic Communication Course, A1 photojournalism and X3 Graphics Design and Printing

NASPRI INTRODUCES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND FACT CHECKING TO PARTICIPANTS OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COURSE

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