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Agric Transformation Looms: FG Eyes Record Soybean Output in Landmark 2-Year Plan

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The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to cultivate one million hectares of farmland and produce 460,000 metric tons of soybeans within two years—part of a broader drive to strengthen food security, cut import dependence, and position Nigeria as a leading player in the global soybean market.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the plan on Tuesday at the launch of the National Soybean Production Expansion Policy and Strategy.

“This goes beyond policy,” Kyari said. “It is about planting the seeds of a food-secure and globally competitive Nigeria. Our target is to cultivate one million hectares of farmland and deliver 460,000 metric tons of soybean grain to the market within two years.”

Kyari explained that Nigeria currently produces around 1.35 million metric tons of soybeans annually, while domestic demand has surged past 2.7 million metric tons, driven by rapid growth in food, feed, and industrial sectors.

“This supply gap is both a challenge and an opportunity to expand production, strengthen processing capacity, and create jobs,” he noted.

Highlighting soybeans as both an economic and nutritional powerhouse, Kyari said:

“Soybean contains about 40 percent high-quality protein and essential amino acids, making it crucial in tackling malnutrition and improving household diets. Nigeria’s soybeans are naturally non-GMO, giving us a competitive edge in premium markets where demand for non-GMO products is rising.”

He stressed soybeans’ critical role in local industries, particularly animal feed, where about one-third of Nigeria’s production goes into poultry feed, comprising 20–25 percent of the mix.

“By boosting local production, we reduce reliance on imported feed ingredients, strengthen our poultry and aquaculture industries, and build a more resilient, self-sufficient food system that feeds our people while opening doors to global markets,” Kyari said.

He added that meeting these targets demands more than good intentions:

“Achieving these goals requires deliberate, collaborative execution. Through supportive policies, strategic collaboration, and targeted interventions, we will strengthen the soybean value chain and make it truly competitive.”

Benue at the Heart of the Push

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, speaking at the event, described the launch as a turning point:

“This is not merely to inaugurate a policy, but to ignite a national transformation that promises prosperity, resilience, and hope for millions.”

According to Alia, the national strategy aims to generate ₦3.9 trillion in annual revenue, create one million jobs across 22 states and the FCT, and transform Nigeria into a global agricultural powerhouse.

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He declared Benue State the “linchpin of this vision,” citing its historic leadership in soybean cultivation since the introduction of the Malayan variety in 1937.

“From exporting 9 tons in 1947 to producing over 15,000 tons by the 1960s, Benue has set benchmarks for excellence,” Alia said. “Today we cultivate a significant share of Nigeria’s 780,000 hectares of soybeans and contribute heavily to the nation’s 758,000 metric tons annually. Yet our greatest achievements are still ahead.”

Alia projected that with ongoing initiatives, Benue would double its soybean output from 202,000 to at least 400,000 tons within three years, adding significant value to the national target while empowering thousands of households.

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Over the next three years, more than 200,000 farmers in Benue will gain access to high-yield, disease-resistant seeds.

“Our Soybean Seed Multiplication and Distribution Programme will raise average yields from 1.2 to up to 3 metric tons per hectare. We’re deploying extension officers, creating mechanisation clusters, and training farmers in best practices and climate-smart agriculture,” Alia explained.

Benue’s Open Farmland Initiative will unlock 30,000 new hectares through public-private partnerships and investor-friendly incentives to drive large-scale commercial production.

The state’s flagship Benue Food City Complex is set to process at least 50,000 metric tons of soybeans annually, supported by new silos, aggregation centres, and digital tracking systems to minimise post-harvest losses and stabilise prices.

“We are developing new silos and aggregation centres with export partnerships and quality certification that will open regional and BRICS+ markets to Benue soybeans,” Alia said.

He added that these efforts would generate over 100,000 jobs across farming, logistics, processing, and trade:

“Our young, ambitious, and industrious population will benefit directly. The expected net income for our farmers stands at nearly ₦40,000 per hectare.”

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ADC Breaks Silence, Denies Any Deal With PRP Ahead Of 2027 Elections.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has firmly dismissed claims that it is in discussions with the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) regarding a possible alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, clarified that the ADC is not engaged in any form of negotiations with other political parties in anticipation of an upcoming court ruling.

He stressed that the party’s leadership has no intention of abandoning the ADC platform, describing reports suggesting otherwise as unfounded and speculative.

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Abdullahi stated that the leadership remains focused on challenging what it described as unlawful actions taken against it by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other actors linked to the ruling party, expressing confidence that the judiciary would uphold the rule of law.

While noting that the party remains open to broader opposition collaboration aimed at strengthening democracy, he maintained that there are currently no talks with any political group, including the PRP.

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The clarification follows remarks by the PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba Ahmed, who recently disclosed that several opposition figures had approached his party in recent weeks seeking possible alignment ahead of the next general elections. He added that the PRP remains open to welcoming interested individuals and groups, including members of the ADC leadership.

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Shock Delay: Supreme Court Pushes Kano Emirate Battle To 2027.

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The Supreme Court on Monday postponed further proceedings in the Kano Emirate dispute, fixing April 19, 2027, as the new date for continuation of the case.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The long-standing legal battle involves the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, and the 16th Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido, both of whom are contesting the legitimacy of the Kano Emirate throne.

At its first sitting on the matter, the apex court listened to preliminary submissions from the parties before deciding to adjourn the case to the 2027 date.

The suit was filed by Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, who is challenging the actions of the Kano State Government and the State House of Assembly, particularly the repeal of the 2019 Kano Emirates Law. The legal challenge also addresses the dissolution of the five emirates established during the administration of Abdullahi Ganduje, as well as the reinstatement of Sanusi, who was removed from the throne in 2020.

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Reacting after the court session, Dan Agundi expressed satisfaction with the proceedings so far, stating confidence in the judiciary’s fairness. However, he indicated that there may be a move to seek a review of the lengthy adjournment after consultations with legal counsel and key stakeholders, including members of the traditional council.

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He noted that while the court’s actions align with legal expectations, the timeline could still be reconsidered upon further deliberation.

It will be recalled that in 2024, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf signed a new Emirate Council Law, which led to the removal of five emirs appointed under his predecessor. The decision also paved the way for Sanusi’s reinstatement as Emir of Kano, with the affected emirs directed to vacate their official residences within 48 hours.

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“Sick Mentality!” – Iwobi Applauds Osimhen While Galatasaray Boss Drops Fitness Hint Ahead Of Derby

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Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi has opened up about the intense competitive nature of his Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen, describing the forward’s drive to succeed as extraordinary.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking during an appearance on the Best Mode On podcast, Iwobi portrayed Osimhen as a relentless and fearless player who consistently pushes himself to the limit. He explained that the striker often risks injury in training due to his aggressive style, always willing to challenge for balls others might avoid, highlighting his unyielding fighting spirit.

Iwobi noted that Osimhen’s rise to the top is no surprise, emphasizing that while some critics may view his style as unrefined, his tireless work rate allows him to create numerous scoring opportunities through sheer determination and constant movement. He added that Osimhen shows no regard for an opponent’s reputation, approaching every match with the same intensity, whether facing elite defenders like Virgil van Dijk or lower-tier opposition.

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According to Iwobi, the striker’s obsession with winning defines his mentality, describing it as extreme and, at times, overwhelming even in training sessions, where he is known to go to great lengths to come out on top.

Osimhen’s fierce mindset has played a significant role in establishing him as one of the most dangerous strikers in the game, with an impressive goal tally for Nigeria further underlining his impact.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has provided a positive update on the forward’s fitness ahead of a crucial derby against Fenerbahçe. The coach indicated that Osimhen is expected to be available for the high-stakes encounter after missing a recent league fixture.

Although the striker travelled with the team to Ankara, he was not included in the matchday squad as the club carefully monitored his recovery from an arm injury sustained during a UEFA Champions League clash with Liverpool. He subsequently underwent surgery and has since been gradually reintegrated into training.

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Buruk explained that Osimhen participated in parts of training but experienced fatigue, prompting the technical team to rest him as a precaution. He added that the player’s condition will be reassessed ahead of the next fixture, with expectations high that he will be fit for the derby.

Galatasaray have found results difficult in his absence, managing just one win in five league matches and dropping points against sides such as Trabzonspor, Konyaspor, Gaziantep FK, and Kocaelispor. Despite the dip in form, the club remains narrowly at the top of the table with five games left to play.

Before his injury setback, Osimhen had recorded an impressive return of goals and assists across all competitions, and his anticipated comeback could see him form a key attacking partnership with Mauro Icardi in a derby that could prove decisive in the title race.

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