Connect with us

latest

Breaking: USAID Mobilizes N188 Billion To Boost Agribusiness In Seven Nigerian States

Published

on

Breaking: USAID Mobilizes N188 Billion To Boost Agribusiness In Seven Nigerian States....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has facilitated the mobilization of N188 billion in private debt and equity financing to support agribusiness development in seven Nigerian states, including Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Niger.

This announcement was made by Michelle Corzine, the Director of the USAID/Nigeria Economics Growth & Environment Office, during the Feed the Future Nigeria Agribusiness Investment Activity Closeout Ceremony in Abuja. Since 2008, USAID, through the Feed the Future Initiative, has been addressing global hunger, with Nigeria being one of the twelve focus countries for this initiative.

Read Also Senate President Godswill Akpabio Commits To Supporting Ogun State’s Federal Road Reconstruction

Corzine highlighted that the Agribusiness Investment Activity has been instrumental in connecting more than 18,000 micro, small, and medium agribusinesses with private investors in Nigeria. Additionally, the program has played a significant role in empowering women and youth. Corzine noted, “Over 5,000 female smallholder farmers have gained knowledge in good agronomic practices, financial literacy, and leadership skills, while 2,600 youth-led businesses have received support to access finance.”

Furthermore, Corzine emphasized that the Agribusiness Investment Activity is just one of several initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth in Nigeria. She called on the Nigerian government and financial sector stakeholders to advocate for pro-business policies in the agricultural sector, including the Investment and Security Bill 2022, which is crucial for increasing access to finance for agribusinesses and smallholder farmers. Collaboration between public and private sector entities is essential for the successful development and implementation of policy reforms.

Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, stressed the importance of agribusiness financing in strengthening the Nigerian agricultural sector. However, he noted that policy approaches and necessary interventions have been inconsistent. He also mentioned that food security in the country is under threat due to factors like drought, floods, and erosion.

Umakhihe explained that the ministry has embraced digital agriculture by employing information technology equipment across the agricultural value chain. This approach aims to enhance agricultural development, improve productivity, reduce food wastage, and mitigate the impact of climate change, aligning with the goals of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security and the President’s agenda on food security.

Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

latest

“NBA Chiarman In DSS Net!” Ex-Branch Leader Tsenyen Remanded In Shocking Security Move.

Published

on

Gabriel Nkup Tsenyen, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Shendam, Plateau State, has been remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). The Federal High Court in Abuja issued the remand order on Friday, pending a judicial determination on the validity of a fresh arraignment.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Presiding Judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, has scheduled a hearing for August 20 to decide whether Tsenyen can be subjected to a new trial on allegations of cyberstalking and incitement to public disturbance.

The DSS attempted to arraign Tsenyen on a new two-count charge related to these allegations. However, the defendant’s counsel, Emmanuel Esene (SAN), immediately objected, raising a plea of double jeopardy. Esene informed the court that his client had already been arraigned on the exact same allegations before the very same court, and that the initial case had been adjourned to September 28 for trial.

The prosecution counsel from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Muinat Oladunjoye, stated she was unaware of any prior charges against Tsenyen.

After hearing both sides, Justice Abdulmalik ordered the defence to produce the record of proceedings from the earlier case to verify their claim. The defence stated the fresh charges were a surprise and requested time to furnish the records.

Consequently, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that Tsenyen be remanded in DSS custody until August 20, when the court will examine the records of the previous trial to rule on the propriety of the new arraignment.

The fresh charges, filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Iseoluwa Oyedepo, allege that in May 2026, Tsenyen posted a malicious message on a local community WhatsApp platform. The prosecution claims the message falsely accused the community of plotting to kill him, with the intent to cause annoyance, intimidation, and enmity, contrary to the Cybercrimes Act. The second count accuses him of sending the same publication with the intent to incite a breach of public peace, contrary to the Penal Code.

Continue Reading

latest

“Osun Govt House Under Siege?” APC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Massive Influx Of Political Thugs.

Published

on

The All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign media committee has raised an urgent alarm regarding the alleged importation of political thugs into Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at a press conference at the Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo, Kehinde Ayantunji, representing the committee, claimed that these individuals were brought in from Lagos and are being accommodated within the Government House by Governor Ademola Adeleke and his team.

Ayantunji identified the alleged leaders of the group as “Olowe” and “Iberu,” asserting that their purpose is to disrupt the electoral process in Osogbo and parts of Egbedore if the election results do not favor the ruling party.

He stated, “As I’m speaking to you now, we have intelligence that a large number of political thugs have been mobilised into the government house. In the last two hours, they have been moving in and out, and our intelligence has confirmed that most of these people are not from this State.

He further provided specific details of vehicles allegedly used to transport the individuals into the Government House, including a Dark Ash Lexus Jeep (KRD207IS), a Toyota Corolla (AKD 795 GR), a red Volkswagen Golf (AGL719), and another Dark Ash Lexus Jeep (KRD 210 KS). Ayantunji maintained that the APC possesses pictorial evidence to substantiate these claims.

Detailing the alleged mission of the group, Ayantunji stated that intelligence reports indicate the thugs have been mobilized with funds and ammunition to destabilize specific areas, including Ward 5 in Osogbo Local Government, and Wards 4 and 8, as well as the towns of Okini, Ido-Osun, and Ofatedo in Egbedore Local Government.

He called on the public, the international community, and security agencies to hold the ruling Accord Party (A) and Governor Ademola Adeleke accountable for any violence.

“We have to inform the members of the public, and we have to call on the security agents that we have been saying this, but it appears that security agencies are helpless,” Ayantunji added. “Therefore, we are telling the international community, to the security agents in Nigeria, and to all stakeholders that have anything to do with the Osun election, that if anything happens to our members tomorrow, or any electorate, Governor Ademola Adeleke should be held responsible for shielding political thugs in the government house.

Continue Reading

latest

“A Sudden Departure”: Gospel Sensation Esther Igbekele Thrown Into Grief Over Mum’s Passing

Published

on

.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The mother of popular Nigerian gospel singer Esther Igbekele, Mary Amope Igbekele (JP), has passed away. The musician, known as the “Duchess of Gospel Music,” announced the sad news on her Instagram page on Friday, writing, “AND MY MOTHER DIED. Death, you took my GOLD away.” This loss comes shortly after the family celebrated her mother’s 70th birthday and wedding anniversary. Condolences from fans and fellow musicians have flooded Igbekele’s social media, though burial arrangements have not yet been disclosed. Igbekele has had a prolific career in gospel music since 1996, performing both within and outside Nigeria.

In a separate development, Nollywood actress Ronke Oshodi Oke has publicly criticized Itunu Onadeko, the partner of the late actress Temitope Osoba. Osoba passed away on August 4, 2026, after a nearly two-year battle with breast cancer. Following her death, Onadeko made various claims, including allegations that Osoba used hard drugs and died at a police station in Ikorodu.

Reacting via Instagram, Oshodi Oke challenged Onadeko’s statements, questioning why he remained with Osoba for two years if he was aware of the alleged drug use. She also questioned the nature of their long-term relationship, noting the absence of a formal introduction or marriage. Furthermore, Oshodi Oke alleged that Osoba was asked to leave Onadeko’s home only after the public donations for her medical treatment had been exhausted, raising serious concerns about the true nature of their relationship during her illness.

Continue Reading

Trending