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THE END OF AN ERA: Niger VCDP Exit Sparks Desperate Plea For Unity And Farmers’ Empowerment.

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Hajiya Hadizat Isah, the Niger State Programme Coordinator for the Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development (FG/IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), has called on members of the Commodity Alliance Forum (CAF) to unite and preserve the achievements of the initiative as it approaches its conclusion.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking in Minna during a stakeholders’ meeting focused on establishing market linkages and contractual agreements between off-takers and farmers’ organizations, Isah emphasized that the programme’s exit should not break the networks built for smallholder farmers. She noted that CAF members must first cultivate internal synergy before forging external partnerships.

“The activities of VCDP will stop, but those who want to sustain VCDP intervention need to come together. They need to have that synergy within themselves first before they can collaborate with others,” Isah stated, highlighting the importance of regular executive meetings to address challenges and coordinate efforts.

To ensure long-term sustainability, Isah urged stakeholders to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture and non-governmental entities. She also raised concerns about the underutilization of certain processing and aggregation centres established by the programme, encouraging leaders to engage local government chairmen to make them fully productive. Furthermore, she stressed that skills and knowledge acquired through VCDP training must be passed down to broader groups.

As part of transition efforts, the Commodity Alliance Forum signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Agricultural Graduates Association of Nigeria (AGAN). Niger State AGAN Chairman, Hussani Usman, explained that the collaboration will connect financial institutions, input suppliers, and off-takers to continuously support beneficiaries.

The Niger State CAF Chairman, Engr. Ibrahim Mohammed Kanko, added that the partnership aims to secure better access to training, funding, and agricultural inputs for smallholder farmers. Mrs. Elizabeth Yisa, the Business and Marketing Development Officer for VCDP, noted that the agreement will also reinforce transparent relationships and prevent contract disputes between farmers and off-takers.

During the gathering—which brought together traditional leaders, financial experts, farmers, and industry stakeholders—participants encouraged farmers to increase their production output, particularly for cassava and rice, while emphasizing the value of processing over traditional raw sales.

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THE ULTIMATE SHUTOUT: APC Sweeps All Chairmanship Seats Across Ebonyi In Dramatic Poll Outcome!.

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2 hours ago

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August 23, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has secured all 13 chairmanship positions and 171 councillorship seats contested in the Ebonyi State local government election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

One of the prominent winners was Osborn Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who emerged chairman-elect of Ohaozara Local Government Area.

Other APC candidates declared winners included Peace Agwu in Ishielu, Paul Ituma in Ohaukwu, Friday Nwuhuo in Ezza North and Chinedu Mkpuma in Ezza South.

Chidi Nwode won in Ikwo, while Timothy Nwachi emerged victorious in Afikpo. Ikechukwu Ogbofia secured Onicha, Michael Kalu Anyim won Ivo, and Simeon Onuoha was declared elected in Edda.

The other winners were Helen Aduga in Izzi, Chidiebere Alo in Abakaliki and Chibueze Odigwe in Ebonyi Local Government Area.

Speaking after announcing the results, Enyi described the election as peaceful and free, stressing that candidates from other political parties also took part.

He praised residents who participated in the poll, saying their turnout demonstrated their commitment to exercising their constitutional rights.

The EBSIEC chairman also commended security agencies for providing the necessary support before and during the election.

Following his declaration, Umahi thanked the electoral commission for what he described as the transparent and peaceful conduct of the election.

The Ohaozara chairman-elect said his administration would focus on improving rural communities, empowering young people and transforming agriculture.

The state APC chairman, Stanley Okoro Emegha, described the party’s performance as a reflection of its growing political influence in Ebonyi.

Emegha said the sweeping victory showed that the APC was gaining wider acceptance among residents, adding that the party was well positioned for the 2027 general elections.

He expressed confidence that the party would replicate its local government election success at the next general election.

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MAINSTREAM OR BUST: APC Chieftain Drops Hard Truths On Why Ndigbo Must Stop Sitting On The Political Fence! .

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2 hours ago

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August 23, 2026

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  • The Cost of Isolation: An APC chieftain, Ikenna Azomchine, has cautioned that the south-eastern region’s self-imposed political alienation from President Bola Tinubu’s administration is deeply disadvantageous to the Igbo nation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • A Shift Toward Collaboration: Speaking during a regional mobilization tour in Nibo, Anambra State, Azomchine emphasized that meaningful progress and a future path to the presidency rely on active engagement and collaboration with the federal government rather than opposition or confrontation.

    • Acknowledging Policy Shifts: Reflecting on his own years in opposition, Azomchine noted that he previously criticized the administration’s policies, but commended the president for listening to feedback and making necessary policy adjustments.

    • Tangible Benefits: He highlighted that the current administration has delivered increased federal appointments and vital infrastructural projects to Igboland compared to previous eras.

    • Building Broad Alliances: Azomchine concluded that no single geopolitical zone possesses the unilateral capacity to produce a president, underscoring the necessity of building strong political bridges across Nigeria’s diverse regions to achieve national aspirations.

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‘NOWHERE TO RUN’: NAF Escalates Air Patrols And Strikes To Flush Out Criminal Enclaves.

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3 hours ago

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August 23, 2026

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has stepped up its aerial campaigns targeting terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the North-West, reinforced by an expanded air presence in Sokoto State to bolster joint security efforts.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an official update shared via its verified social media channel, the NAF stated that this strategic deployment is designed to strengthen aerial surveillance, maintain constant pressure on criminal networks, and improve the operational response time of security forces.

Given that criminal elements frequently exploit challenging terrains and mobility to evade ground troops, the deployment of rapid air assets aims to locate, disrupt, and restrict enemy movement. This approach provides ground forces with critical tactical advantages through improved air-ground coordination.

The initiative reflects the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to maintain a mission-ready and highly professional force working closely with sister services. The NAF reaffirmed its dedication to utilizing air power to protect citizens, dismantle criminal syndicates, and restore lasting stability to the region.

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