News
Food Security: 50 farmers trained on cassava production in Kwara
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
No fewer than 50 farmers and extension agents have been trained and empowered in Kwara State on resilient practice in cassava production, with a view to boosting food production in the country.
The training was sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in partnership with the Kwara State Government.
The capacity building workshop, tagged “Emergency Empowerment and Demonstration of Climate Change Resilient Practice in Cassava Production and Empowerment of Farmers and Extension Agents in the North-West, North-East and North-Central Region”, was held at the Kwara State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) Office in Ilorin.
Speaking at the training session, the Kwara State Field Office Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Issa Kabir, disclosed that part of the mandate of the Ministry is to ensure robust development of agriculture through various training and empowerment initiatives for both youths and women in the sector across the country.
According to him, the workshop is one of the series of training lined up for the year, pointing out that the Ministry had earlier in the year organised trainings for stakeholders in the sector on soya bean and yam production.
The current hardship in the country, Kabir noted, necessitated the need to empower the teeming youths, in order to improve the output of the existing farmers, while also encouraging more people to embrace farming as business.
Dr. Kabir disclosed further that the empowerment would be in kind and partly cash for the beneficiaries as a start up to spur them, and encourage others to see the potential of agriculture as the only sector with the capacity to employ substantial number of people across the country.
In his brief remarks, the Director of Agriculture Services, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mallam Alhassan Kabir Mohammed, assured farmers that the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would continue to prioritise people-oriented programmes especially for farmers and the downtrodden in the state.
He urged the participants not to sell the items given to them with a view to assisting the state government to realise its aim of achieving food security in the country.
In his contribution, the State Chairman, Nigerian Cassava Growers Association, Engr. Gabriel Fasanu, appreciated the efforts of the organisers of the programme, adding that the training has broadened the knowledge of members of the association to achieve breakthroughs in their businesses.
Fasanu, however, appealed to government at all levels to clear more land for farming activities and ensure proper funding of the sector, which he described as the catalyst of industrialisation in any country.
In her welcome address, the Managing Director, Kwara ADP, Dr. Khadijat Ahmed, said the participants were carefully selected to ensure that only the real farmers benefitted from the empowerment scheme.
Dr. Ahmed, however, used the occasion to inform the farmers that the extension agents would monitor how they manage those items given to them on their farm.
End
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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