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Oyo Trains 140 Youths in Tractor Operation to Boost Mechanized Farming

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Oyo State government has trained 140 young people in tractor operation as part of a new plan to expand mechanized farming and improve food production.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The training, completed this week, focused on teaching participants how to operate, maintain, and manage modern tractors for use in large-scale farming. Officials said the initiative is part of a wider effort to support agriculture and reduce unemployment in the state.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, said the program is designed to equip young people with practical skills. He explained that the use of tractors will make farming faster, easier, and more profitable for local farmers.

“Mechanized farming is the future,” Olaleye said. “We are preparing our youths to take advantage of modern technology in agriculture. By training them to operate tractors, we are also giving them opportunities for employment and self-reliance.”

According to the government, the 140 trainees went through hands-on sessions on tractor driving, basic repairs, and safety measures. They were also taught how to provide tractor services to farmers who need help on their farms but do not own machinery.

Officials said the program will not only boost crop production but also help address food security challenges. With Nigeria facing rising food prices and shortages in several crops, state governments have been under pressure to improve agricultural output.

Oyo State is one of Nigeria’s largest producers of maize, cassava, and yam. Farmers in the region often rely on manual labor, which slows production and limits harvests. Experts say more access to tractors can increase yields and reduce the heavy workload on rural communities.

One of the trainees, Adeola Akinyemi, 25, said the training gave him confidence to start a new career. “Before this program, I never thought I could operate a tractor,” he said. “Now I see farming in a new way. I can use this skill to earn a living and also help farmers in my area.”

Another participant, Zainab Lawal, said the training opened her eyes to the business side of agriculture. “It is not only about planting crops,” she said. “There is money to be made in providing tractor services. I want to start my own tractor hiring business.”

The government said it will support graduates of the program with opportunities to access loans and cooperatives. Officials are also working with private investors to make more tractors available in farming communities.

The Oyo State government has launched several agricultural programs in recent years. In 2022, it partnered with international agencies to support cassava processing and provide improved seedlings to farmers. This year, the state announced a plan to open more farm settlements and train youths in agribusiness.

Analysts say the new tractor training fits into Nigeria’s national push for food security. President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly called for states to use technology and innovation to reduce dependence on imported food.

Agricultural experts welcomed Oyo’s program but said more needs to be done. “Training operators is a good first step,” said agricultural consultant Tunde Ajayi. “But the government must also ensure there are enough tractors available. Otherwise, the skills will not be fully used.”

Ajayi added that access to credit and affordable fuel will be key factors in making mechanized farming successful.

The Oyo State government said it plans to expand the program in the coming months, training more youths and supplying additional equipment to rural areas.

“Our goal is to create a new generation of farmers who are skilled, motivated, and ready to feed our people,” Commissioner Olaleye said. “This is just the beginning.”

With more young people entering the sector and gaining technical skills, officials hope Oyo will become a leader in modern farming in Nigeria. For many of the trainees, the program represents not just a job opportunity but also a chance to change the future of agriculture in their communities.

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“Kano Will Fall!” – NDC Candidate Declares Total War On APC Ahead Of 2027.

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Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for Kano State, has declared his firm belief that his party will defeat the incumbent administration in the 2027 elections. During a recent event to affirm his candidacy, the former deputy governor emphasized the unity between the NDC and the Kwankwasiyya movement, asserting their shared determination to lead Kano State in a new direction.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Gwarzo reaffirmed the movement’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stating, “We are the followers of Kwankwaso. We are here, and we continue to pray day and night. By the will of Allah, this government will be defeated in a single stroke.” He pointed to the palpable enthusiasm within the movement as clear evidence that democratic change is well within reach.

Looking toward the upcoming election, Gwarzo outlined a strategy centered on robust grassroots mobilization and consistent engagement with the electorate. He also encouraged his supporters to maintain peace and adhere to the law as the political climate heats up. Finally, he called on the people of Kano to critically evaluate the performance of their political leaders to ensure they are prepared to make informed choices at the ballot box.

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“Relief At Last!” – Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price To ₦1,250 Per Litre.

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has adjusted its gantry price for Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), lowering it from ₦1,275 to ₦1,250 per litre, marking a two per cent reduction. This price shift is attributed to a decline in international crude oil prices, which serve as the refinery’s primary feedstock.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    An official from the refinery noted that such adjustments are expected in a deregulated market and emphasized that the company will continue to calibrate prices based on evolving market conditions. Despite this move, current retail prices at many filling stations across Nigeria remain above ₦1,350 per litre, with costs varying by location and marketer.Beyond pricing, the refinery has been credited as a key driver of Nigeria’s improving economic outlook. S&P Global Ratings recently upgraded the country’s long-term foreign- and local-currency sovereign credit ratings from “B-” to “B,” citing factors such as stronger economic growth, increased oil production, and improved external balances. S&P specifically highlighted the operational ramp-up of the Dangote refinery’s 650,000-barrel-per-day facility as a significant contributor to the nation’s enhanced balance-of-payments position and overall economic resilience.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

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Political Grudge Match: Ganduje Mocks Kwankwaso, Declares Him His Former “Political Boy”!.

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A political war of words has erupted between former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The friction began when Kwankwaso, speaking at his Kano residence, insisted that prominent politicians—including Ganduje—owe their political rise to his mentorship and cannot deny their past loyalty to him. Ganduje, currently performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, responded through his chief of staff, Muhammad Garba, by asserting that Kwankwaso was actually his own protégé. Ganduje highlighted his role in Kwankwaso’s early career, including his support during Kwankwaso’s rise to the House of Representatives and his decision to step down as a gubernatorial candidate in 1998 to serve as Kwankwaso’s deputy. Ultimately, Ganduje advocated for moving away from “godfather” labels to focus on effective leadership and peace in Kano.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Option 2: Concise Summary

Following Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s claims that top Kano politicians were once his “political boys,” Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has fired back, asserting he was actually the mentor in their relationship. While Kwankwaso insisted that his former allies owe their success to his political structure, Ganduje countered by citing his own past support for Kwankwaso’s career, including his sacrifice during the 1998 Kano governorship race. Furthermore, Ganduje requested respect for the office of current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and urged Kano’s political class to prioritize unity over divisive rhetoric regarding past hierarchies.

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