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Agriculture Minister Unveils ₦1.5 Trillion Push To Empower Young Farmers.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has emphasized that the transformation of Nigeria’s food system depends on aligning policies with innovation and empowering the youth to take central roles in shaping the nation’s agricultural future.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking at the World Food Forum Nigeria Chapter Side Event themed “Bridging Policy and Innovation: Youth at the Forefront of Agri-Food Transformation,” Kyari said young entrepreneurs are key to driving agricultural innovation, creating opportunities, and fostering a more inclusive and productive ecosystem.
According to Nivo News, the minister noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, agriculture has been positioned as a cornerstone of national development. He described food security as “more than an economic priority” but rather “the foundation of national sovereignty and stability.”
Kyari explained that through the Renewed Hope agenda, the government is restoring confidence in Nigeria’s food systems by strengthening production and empowering young people to lead in agricultural transformation.
He stated that the ministry is bridging the gap between policy and practice through strategies that are data-driven, inclusive, and informed by those directly engaged in the food systems, especially innovative youth.
Highlighting the government’s shift from a top-down model to co-creation, Kyari said collaboration now replaces prescription, ensuring that young Nigerians play active roles in shaping agricultural policies that define the nation’s future.
He cited the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy as the foundation of a tech-enabled, youth-driven, and commercially viable agricultural sector. However, Kyari stressed that sustained funding remains crucial for scaling youth-led innovations.
“To sustain innovation, we must ensure young agripreneurs can access financing to scale their ideas. No matter how brilliant our technologies are, without affordable finance, they cannot grow into tangible impact,” he stated.
The minister outlined major financing efforts, including the operationalisation of the National Agricultural Development Fund and the ₦1.5 trillion recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture—one of the largest agricultural finance initiatives in Nigeria’s history. These moves, he added, will expand access to affordable financing for youth and women-led agribusinesses.
Kyari also celebrated the contributions of young Nigerian innovators such as Samson Ogbole, Femi Adekoya, Atinuke Lebile, and Azeez Salawu, who are advancing innovations in soilless farming, drone technology, biofortified crops, and agricultural ecosystem coordination. He also commended Abdulsalam Umar of Matura Agro for pioneering Nigeria’s first large-scale cultivation of alfalfa grass for export.
Announcing the procurement of 2,000 tractors and over 9,000 agricultural implements, Kyari described the move as the largest mechanization initiative in Nigeria’s history. He said the intervention would expand access to modern machinery, boost productivity, and open new opportunities for youth in machinery operation, maintenance, and agribusiness services.
Kyari lauded the establishment of the World Food Forum (WFF) Nigeria Chapter, calling it a platform that connects local innovation with global priorities. He added that it would unite youth-led organisations, private sector players, researchers, and government institutions to build a resilient food system for the country.
He called on partners to support the government’s efforts to de-risk investments, scale agribusiness enterprises, and provide blended finance for youth-driven projects.
“Let us build a food-secure, youth-powered, and innovation-driven Nigeria, where every young person sees agriculture not as a struggle but as a pathway to prosperity and national pride,” he said.
Yakubu Gowon University (formerly University of Abuja) has graduated 17,300 students at its combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies held on Saturday at the main campus.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The university also conferred honorary Doctorate Degrees on Paul Odili, Founder and CEO of Paulo Group of Companies; Prof. Yusuf Ali, SAN; and Emmanuel Issa, in recognition of their contributions to society.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, said the honourees were selected based on their character, achievements, and commitment to excellence.
He urged graduating students to focus on what they can contribute to national development, stressing that character, discipline, and integrity would determine their success beyond the classroom.
According to him, certificates may open doors, but personal values and conduct will shape long-term achievements.
The Vice Chancellor also reminded the graduates to uphold the reputation of the institution wherever they go.
Fawehinmi disclosed that the 29th convocation covered the 2022/2023 academic session, while the 30th covered 2023/2024, with thousands graduating across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Speaking after receiving his honorary award, Dr. Odili dedicated the recognition to Nigerians with dreams and encouraged young people to remain persistent in pursuing their goals.
He also pledged support for the university, promising collaboration aimed at addressing key challenges facing the institution.
The Federal Government has released an updated list of items banned from importation into Nigeria, in a move aimed at protecting local industries and reducing pressure on foreign exchange.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The revised prohibition schedule, dated April 1, 2026, outlines 17 broad categories of goods that are no longer allowed into the country through any entry point.
According to the Federal Ministry of Finance, the policy affects a wide range of products, including food items, pharmaceuticals, household goods, and industrial materials.
One of the most notable aspects of the list is the ban on several widely used medicines under specified HS codes, including paracetamol, metronidazole, cotrimoxazole, chloroquine, aspirin, folic acid, and some vitamin supplements. The government says these are now to be produced locally.
The restriction also covers pharmaceutical waste, which remains completely prohibited.
In the agriculture and food sector, the importation of poultry, pork, beef, and eggs remains banned, although an exception was made for hatching eggs used for breeding and research purposes.
Retail-packaged vegetable oils, sugar products, cocoa derivatives, tomato paste, and certain bottled water products are also included in the import restrictions, with emphasis on encouraging local production.
The policy further bars detergents, soaps, ballpoint pens and refills, cement, certain fertilizers, packaging materials, and specific steel and glass products.
The Nigeria Customs Service has been directed to enforce the new rules strictly, with importers and businesses advised to comply fully to avoid seizure of goods and penalties.
ADC chieftain and publisher, Dele Momodu, has dismissed calls for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, describing the push as unfair and politically motivated.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Momodu was reacting to comments by activist Zekeri Idris Jnr, a supporter of Peter Obi, who urged Atiku to step aside over concerns about his age, which would be about 80 by 2027.
In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Momodu said attention should be focused on holding the government accountable rather than targeting Atiku’s political ambition.
The exchange followed a viral video where Idris insisted that Atiku should support younger aspirants instead of contesting, arguing that voters would not back an elderly candidate.
Idris also suggested that Atiku should act as a statesman and support younger politicians such as Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others.
Responding, Momodu cited several world leaders who held office at advanced ages, arguing that experience should not be dismissed in leadership discussions.
He questioned what should disqualify Atiku from contesting, insisting that age alone is not a valid reason.
Atiku, who lost the 2023 presidential election to President Bola Tinubu, is reportedly considering another run in 2027 under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
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