By: Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved the establishment of agricultural mechanisation centres in Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to strengthen food production and reduce reliance on manual farming.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the minister, the centres will support mechanised farming in rural areas and promote year-round food production as part of a broader agricultural reform programme.

He explained that the initiative is aimed at reducing manual labour, increasing crop yields and strengthening national food security.

Idris also revealed that FEC directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to hold quarterly meetings with the Ministry of Finance, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Economic Management Team (EMT) to ensure strict prioritisation, coordination and monitoring of capital projects.

In addition, the council approved the deployment of 4,000 telecommunications towers to underserved communities nationwide under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

The minister said the initiative would significantly improve rural connectivity, boost commercial activities and enhance security surveillance in areas currently without network coverage.

“With millions of Nigerians still digitally underserved, the erection of 4,000 new towers is a major step toward bridging the communication gap and supporting economic activities in rural communities,” Idris said.

By: Fabian Apechihin

Former federal lawmaker and senator representing Zamfara State, Garba Marafa, has said that the absence of Muslim leaders speaking up for Muslims killed by terrorists in Northern Nigeria should not prevent a Christian president from defending Christians under similar attacks.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Marafa expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on the killing of Christians in Plateau and Benue states, even though he acknowledged that his position differs from that of many Nigerians.

“I share a different view from most Nigerians about these comments made by the United States. I strongly support President Donald Trump for issuing that — I don’t want to call it a threat, but it is more like a threat,” he said.
“Many Nigerians look at it from the perspective of patriotism and national sovereignty, which I agree with. But of what importance is sovereignty or patriotism to a dead man?”

Marafa, who hails from Zamfara State, described the North-West as the epicentre of ongoing violence, stressing that most of the victims in his region are Muslims.

“I come from Zamfara State, where people are killed almost on a daily basis, and about 99 per cent of them are Muslims. So the fact that there is no Muslim country or Muslim president speaking for the Muslims does not stop a Christian president of a Christian country from speaking for his people and the Christian community,” he said.

He also acknowledged that Christians killed in northern Nigeria are fellow citizens who deserve protection, adding that any form of intervention that saves lives should be welcomed.

Marafa further expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the North-West, revealing that some communities have begun surrendering to bandits and initiating peace talks on their own due to a lack of confidence in government protection.

According to him, the trend highlights the depth of fear and desperation among residents as the insecurity continues to escalate.

By: Fabian Apechihin

The administration of United States President Donald Trump has announced new visa restrictions targeting Nigerians and other foreign individuals accused of financing terrorism or supporting alleged persecution and killings of Christians.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in a statement posted on his official X account.

According to Rubio, the policy is designed to hold accountable those who direct, authorise, fund, support, or participate in violations of religious freedom.

“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world,” Rubio said.
“The State Department will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom. This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has rejected claims that genocide is being carried out against Christians in the country. Officials maintain that Nigeria’s security challenges cut across all religious lines and affect citizens regardless of faith.