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FG’ll establish Agric Mechanization Service Centre in each geopolitical zone: Minister
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.
The Federal Government has planned to establish an Agriculture Mechanization Service Centre in each of the country’s geopolitical zones for training, repairs and coordination of agriculture technologies.
Speaking at the 25th international conference and 45th annual general meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE) in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, themed, Standardization and Promotion of Proven Technologies for Agricultural Production and Value Addition in Nigeria, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the Federal Government would set benchmarks that would govern production and use of agricultural machinery in Nigeria for decades to come.
He said: “Beyond acquisition, our focus remains on standardization, local assembly and maintenance systems, ensuring that every machine deployed is fit for purpose and supported by skilled technicians.’
The Minister said that Nigerian farmers deserve home-grown technologies, “that are developed with deep understanding of our soils, our crops, our scale of farming, and the labour dynamics of our rural communities”.
He, however, encouraged collaboration between Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, representing the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization, and Tanta Motors of Egypt.
He added: “The young mould making machine which was originally developed by NCAM here in Nigeria serves as an example of what we can achieve through more collaborations.
“The essence of NCAM Tanta Motors collaboration is to facilitate mass production and commercialization of proven home-grown technologies. I am pleased to inform you that the collaboration has led to an improved young mould making machine. The true model has been redesigned to function both as a mould maker and a ridge maker.
“Giving farmers the freedom to adopt which environment geometry is most suitable for their region and preferred cultivation practice. This collaboration will eventually lead to local manufacturing and assembly in Nigeria.
“This collaboration will also extend to other technology developed by NCAM, including the mechanical weeder, the cassava stem planter, the grain and seed planter, and the multi-crop treasure. All of which are being prepared for standardization and commercialization under a joint NCA/TM branding arrangement.”
In his address, the NIAE National Chairman, Engineer Professor Joshua Olaoye, called on Nigerian engineers, innovators and policy influencers to channel their collective expertise toward designing and deploying affordable, adaptable, and locally manufactured machinery that meet the needs of smallholder farmers in the country.
The agricultural engineer said that the small holder farmers constitute the bulk of Nigeria’s farming population.
He said: “As we celebrate 50 years of dedicated service to the agricultural sector, let this gathering mark the dawn of a new era of purposeful engineering — one that translates ideas into implements, research into results, and technology into transformation.
“Together, we shall drive the mechanization revolution that Nigeria needs for food security, job creation, and national prosperity.”
He also said that the maiden national agricultural machinery exhibition, organised in collaboration with the NCAM, is an initiative designed to bridge the gap between innovation and adoption.
“Through this platform, we are showcasing home-grown and field-tested technologies — tractors, planters, threshers, harvesters, dryers, and processing machines — developed by Nigerian engineers and fabricators to enhance productivity, reduce drudgery, and boost food security.
“This exhibition is a practical demonstration of our readiness to transition from theoretical research to tangible engineering solutions that empower farmers and agripreneurs across the country,” he stated.
End.
Uncategorized
Benue Killings: Tiv Youths Give Politicians, Governments 90-Day Ultimatum
The Tiv Youths Organisation (TYO), Worldwide, has issued a 90-day ultimatum to political aspirants across all parties and to governments at the local, state and federal levels to put an end to the ongoing killings by suspected herdsmen in Benue State.
The warning was issued by the Acting President General of the organisation, Comrade Patrick Terfa Angbagh, amid continued attacks, loss of lives and the displacement of Tiv communities. He described the situation as a clear failure of leadership and governance, stressing that the blood of Benue people must no longer be reduced to political statistics.
According to Angbagh, the Tiv people have endured prolonged suffering marked by repeated attacks, mass burials and what he described as “empty condolences.”
“The Tiv people and Benue citizens have suffered enough pain. If within the next 90 days these killings do not stop, then no aspirant—regardless of party affiliation—should expect to campaign or seek votes in Benue State ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.
The organisation warned that political ambition without a commitment to protecting human lives was unacceptable, adding that Tiv youths across the state were ready to mobilise peacefully to resist any attempt to normalise insecurity for electoral gain.
Angbagh emphasised that security should not be treated as a campaign slogan but as a constitutional responsibility. He called on the Federal Government to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve security deployment and ensure accountability among security agencies.
He also urged the Benue State Government to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete action, while charging local government authorities to assume responsibility for community protection and the establishment of effective early-warning systems.
The Tiv Youths Organisation cautioned that silence, indifference or political exploitation of the crisis would no longer be tolerated, warning that Benue must not be turned into a killing field ahead of future elections.
“Any aspirant who cannot defend the lives of the people has no moral right to ask for their votes,” Angbagh stated.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy, justice and the protection of Tiv ancestral lands, and called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations to join in demanding urgent action to end the killings.
“Enough is enough. Benue lives matter,” the organisation declared.
Uncategorized
Woro Bandits’ Attack: Kwara Gov sets up seven-person committee
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved the appointment of a seven-person committee to interface with Woro community on humanitarian support that the Governor announced earlier on Thursday.
In a statement on Friday, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Rafiu Ajakaye said the Chairman of the Committee is Hon. Ahmed Kiwozi, a former lawmaker from Kaiama Local Government Area.
Other members are the Vice Chairman of the Local Government Council Aisha Abubakar Sadiq; Alhaji Abubakar Mora; Woro Village Head Alhaji Umar Bio Saliu; and a representative each of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP); and a representative of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government who should be a female.
The Committee, which has four weeks to carry out its assignment, will interface with the community leaders on rebuilding efforts, areas of need of the survivors, and other outstanding issues.
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Tinubu Holds High-Level APC Meeting at Presidential Villa
Fabian Apechihin
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday met with top stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to review preparations for the party’s forthcoming convention and congresses.
The closed-door meeting brought together members of the APC national leadership, state governors, and key figures from the party’s caucus in the National Assembly.
Among those present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin; House of Representatives Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; Chief Whip of the House, Usman Bello Kumo; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru.
Speaking after the meeting, APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, described the engagement as brief but productive, noting that it focused on aligning preparations and strengthening unity within the party ahead of the convention and congresses.
According to Yilwatda, discussions centred on deepening collaboration between the party’s national leadership, sub-national governments, the National Assembly, and the party structure. “It was a brief meeting to review our preparations for the convention and congresses and to strengthen synergy among all arms of government,” he said.
He added that the party’s rapid growth, marked by the influx of new members, governors, and lawmakers, made inclusivity a key priority. “The party is expanding every day. We are growing beyond bounds, and we want to ensure that in the process of this growth, nobody is left behind,” Yilwatda stated.
The APC chairman also praised President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a seasoned politician whose guidance continues to shape the party’s strategic direction. “Mr President is a very experienced politician. His advice was remarkable, and his deep understanding of the political cycle is driving the strength and expansion of the party,” he said.
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