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  • Kano: NNPP not behind unfounded allegations against FG  – Aniebonam

    Dr Boniface Aniebonam, NNPP Founder
    Kano
    By Chioma Ugboma
    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Founder of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP),  Dr Boniface Aniebonam, says the party is not behind the unfounded  allegation accusing the Federal Government of creating crisis in Kano State.
    Aniebonam stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Thursday.

    Kwankwaso was reacting to the ongoing Emirate Tussle in Kano state, alleging further that  Federal security agencies, with constitutionally assigned responsibility for ensuring peace, law and order, had been backing the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

    NAN reports that Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate had on Monday, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of attempting to create a new breed of Boko Haram terrorists in Kano state.

    Aniebonam told NÀN that the NNPP’s stand on the Emirate Tussle had been that it was not a political matter but an internal cultural matter concerning the people of Kano state.
    According to him, such weighty and unfounded allegation against the Federal Government is condemnable as it is capable of triggering crisis in the state.
    “Kwankwaso has long been expelled from NNPP and so,  his allegations are personal and not the stand of our party.
    “We firmly believe that the Federal Government can wade into the matter if it may lead to loss of lives and property of citizens living in Kano state.
    “But making such allegation without proof is in our estimation, tantamount to incitement and we totally disagree with that.
    “As a political party that is peace loving, we refuse to be dragged into the Emirate Tussle crisis despite being the ruling party in Kano state.
    “We also will not be dragged into unsubstantiated allegations against the Federal Government,” Aniebonam said.
    While praying for peaceful and fast resolutions to the crisis, Aniebonam urged Gov. Abba Yusuf to tread with caution so as to continue to preserve the peace and respect accorded the state.
    He also sued for calm among members of the NNPP in the state, its supporter and people of Kano state. (NAN)
    CHOM/VIV
    =======
    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Oyebanji receives board appointment committee report, promises prompt implementation

    Board
    By Bolanle Lawal
    Ado-Ekiti, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, on Thursday, received the report of the committee set up to recommend names for appointment into various boards, parastatals and commissions in the state.
    The governor said the appointment committee was aimed at ensuring a merit-based, transparent and inclusive appointment system that would allow for party supremacy.
    Oyebanji explained that the setting up of the committee was in fulfillment of his campaign promise to return the party to the leaders.
    He said that the committee’s recommendations were rooted in the best practice to foster greater public service trust in government and enhance effectiveness and transparency of board appointments across the state.
    While expressing appreciation to the committee members for their diligence in ensuring that the most qualified individuals were appointed to serve, Oyebanji assured that his administration would promptly implement the recommendations.
    “Let me start on the note of appreciation for our leaders for the tedious job.
    “It is a very tough assignment and I must thank you for accepting to serve our people and to also reiterate my belief in party supremacy.
    “What has happened today is a confirmation of my belief in what I told party members when I was running that I would return the party to the leaders.
    “I have strong belief that the names here came from our leaders from respective wards and local governments,” he said.
    Earlier in his remarks, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Awe, said that the committee consulted with relevant stakeholders across the 177 wards in the state to ensure fair representation and inclusive governance.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Awe stood in for the committee chairman and former Deputy Governor of the state, Prof Modupe Adelabu.
    He said that the committee screened and recommended names of suitable candidates for appointment into boards and commissions, based on merit and competence.
    The special adviser stated that it also reflected gender balance and people living with disabilities as well as religious and local peculiarities.
    Other members of the committee present at the occasion included: Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Adeoye Aribasoye; Chairman of Local Service Commission, Elder Alaba Bejide and the acting Chairman of APC in the state, Mr Sola Elesin. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    FFB/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Alleged money laundering: Court adjourns Ali Bello, co-defendant’s trial

    Alleged money laundering: Court adjourns Ali Bello, co-defendant’s trial

    Adjournment

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday adjourned an amended money-laundering charge preferred against Ali Bello and his co-defendant, Daudu Sulaiman, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) until July 15.

    Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter for trial continuation after the EFCC’s witness, Olom Otane Egoro, an Access Bank staff, was cross-examined by the defence counsel.

    It would be recalled that on Ma 6, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had presented Egoro from the Compliance Unit of the bank as the 6th prosecution witness (PW6) of the commission.

    The banker, while being led in evidence, had told the court that the EFCC, via a letter, requested for the bank statements of the Kogi Government House, for the period of 2018 to 2021.

    He said the commission also asked for other documents, including the account opening mandate for the account and certificate of compliance in respect of the printouts.

    The witness thereafter went through the statement of account, detailing the various deposits into and withdrawals from same via transfers and cash.

    From his evidence, Egoro had said the withdrawals were N10 million each in different tranches.

    The witness, however, did not state who deposited the monies, what the monies were deposited for or who withdrew the same and for what purpose before concluding his testimony in the last adjourned date.

    Oyedepo had tendered the documents through the witness and were admitted in evidence accordingly and today was fixed for cross-examination.

    However, during the cross-examination by Abubakar Aliyu, SAN, counsel for the 1st defendant (Ali Bello) on Thursday, Egoro admitted there was no lodgement or withdrawal linked to Bello in the exhibit before him.

    The witness equally admitted that the staff of compliance unit of the bank are not the ones that run and maintain the servers of the bank where information on bank transactions are generated from.

    He added that it was the duty of the bank’s ICT Department to manage the bank servers.

    Lawyer to the 2nd defendant (Suleiman), Olusegun Jolaawo, SAN, equally cross-examined the PW6.

    After the defence counsel completed their cross-examination, Justice Omotosho discharged Egoro from the witness box and adjourned the matter until July 15 and July 16 for trial continuation.

    It would be recalled that Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022, are standing trial on a 10-count charge bordering on money laundering brought against them by the anti-graft agency.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/SH

    ======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Army Chief seeks partnership with media to combat insecurity

     

    Army Chief seeks partnership with media to combat insecurity

    Media

    By Muhammad Nur Tijani

    Kano, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.Taoreed Lagbaja, has urged media professionals to partner with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to combat insecurity in the country.

    Lagbaja made the call in a keynote address he delivered at the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat held in Kano on Thursday.

    Lagbaja described the theme of the event:  “Synergizing Civil-Military Cooperation for National Security: Focus on Nigerian Army-Media Relations” as apt in view of the current security situation in Nigeria.

    The army chief said that, Civil-Military Cooperation was a vital component in achieving national security objectives.

    He said that the Army would strive to build stronger relationships with the media, recognizing the critical role the media plays in shaping public opinion, informing the people, and fostering transparency in governance.

    “The Nigerian Army is fully committed to the protection of law-abiding citizens and their civil liberties.

    “We understand that a robust partnership with the media is paramount in achieving this objective.

    “The media serves as the bridge that connects the military to the citizens, ensuring accountability, and maintaining a healthy relationship based on mutual trust and understanding,” he said.

    Lagbaja explained that over the years, the Nigerian Army has made significant progress in enhancing its communication and engagement with the media

    Accordong to him, the Army  has worked hard to remove most of the encumbrances to peace in the country and enhance civil-military relations.

    The army chief, however, acknowledged that there was still work to be done and challenges to address.

    “We must establish regular channels of communication, enabling transparent and accurate reporting of military operations and activities, timely dissemination of information for engendering public confidence and countering misinformation.

    “In view of this, I urge you to exercise responsibility, accuracy, and fairness in reporting on Nigerian Army’s matters.

    “While we acknowledge the importance of freedom of the press, it is crucial to strike a balance between national security interests and the public’s right to information,” he said.

    Lagbaja further urged the media to avoid disseminating fake news or inflammatory contents that could undermine national unity and security.

    He also reiterated Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving media access to operations within the bounds of operational security.

    The COAS added that the Media Chat signifies unwavering dedication to transparent and effective communication between the Nigerian Army and the media practitioners.

    He then re- assured the nation of the unalloyed loyalty of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Lagbaja also appreciate the President for his continuous strategic guidance and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.

    Earlier, the Chief of Civil -Military Affairs, Maj. Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, said that the media chart serve as platform to synergize efforts, improve communication and foster a strong and collaborative relationship between the Nigerian Army and the media for national security.

    According to him, the Nigerian Army’s collaboration with the media is one of the numerous platforms used to enhance Civil-Military cooperation as well was Civil-Military relationship.

    Ugbo reiterated Nigerian Army’s commitment to not only safeguarding the nation, but also fostering relationships that promote understanding and unity among the people.

    In her remark, the special guest of honor, the Group Managing Director of TVC, Victoria Ajayi, said that the Nigerian Army stood as a fortification of national defence, tasked with ensuring the safety and security of people in the face of multifaceted security challenges.

    Ajayi lauded the Nigerian Army for it’s efforts to engage with the media, fostering productive interactions that enhance transparency and promote a shared understanding of collective security challenges.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    MNT/AOS

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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

     

     

  • Court nullifies creation of 33 LCDAs by late Akeredolu

    Court nullifies creation of 33 LCDAs by late Akeredolu

    Nullification
    By Alaba Olusola Oke
    Akure, June 20,2024( NAN) The Ondo State  High Court in Akure on Thursday nullified  the 33 Local Government Development Areas (LCDAs) created by late Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
    Delivering judgment,  Justice A.O Adebusuoye, described the LCDAs as inchoate and not lawfully created.

    The court held that it was illegal for a governor to sign a law outside the state.

    The court added  that the Local Government Creation Law 2023 signed by late Akeredolu in Ibadan, outside the state ,was unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.

    The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that Akeredolu had on Sept.  9, 2023 assented to the bill creating 33 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs in the state.

    The bill for the creation of the LCDAs was   presented to the late governor by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Chief Oladiji Olamide, during a  ceremony at the governor’s residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.(NAN)
    OKEO/SH

    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • NNPC Ltd-TotalEnergies JV announces $550m FID on Ubeta field dev’t project

    NNPC Ltd-TotalEnergies JV announces $550m FID on Ubeta field dev’t project

    Ubeta
    By Emmanuella Anokam
    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The NNPC Ltd-TotalEnergies  Joint Venture (JV) has announced a 550 million dollars Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Ubeta Field Development Project.
    This was announced on Thursday at the signing ceremony held at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) Towers, Abuja.
    The milestone is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Executive Order on Oil and Gas Reforms, aimed at improving the investment climate and positioning Nigeria as the preferred investment destination for the Oil and Gas sector in Africa.
    The Ubeta field was discovered in 1964, in the North-West of Port Harcourt in the eastern part of the Niger Delta.
    Once on stream, it will produce about 350 million standard cubic feet per day (MMScf/day) of gas and 10,000 BBLS/day of associated liquids.
    It will tap into the vast gas reserves and contribute towards securing gas supply to the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG).
    Malam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited said the milestone was a major step towards boosting Nigeria’s oil and gas production.
    Kyari expressed appreciation to the president for providing the appropriate fiscal environment and facilitating a conducive operational environment as a major enabler in achieving this success.
    The GCEO, while appreciating the industry stakeholders for their continuous support, lauded the Federal Government’s Presidential Executive Orders for Fostering Growth in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas sector.
    “The Presidential Executive Order is instrumental to us getting to this significant milestone and we are now seeing the impact of the policy,” Kyari said.
    In his remarks, Mike Sangster, Senior Vice-President Africa, Exploration and Production, TotalEnergies, described Ubeta as the latest in a series of projects developed by the oil giant in Nigeria, most recently Ikike and Akpo West.
    “I am pleased that we can unveil this new gas project which has been made possible by the Federal Government’s recent incentives for non-associated gas developments.
    “Ubeta fits perfectly with our strategy of developing low-cost and low-emission projects, and will contribute to the Nigerian economy through higher NLNG exports,” he said.
    Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, said Tinubu had significantly rekindled investor’s confidence in the Oil and Gas Industry, assuring Nigerians that more investments were on the way.
    Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the project was a testament to the effectiveness of government’s policies aimed at creating a conducive environment for investment in the gas sector.
    Located in OML58, the Ubeta gas condensate field will be developed with a new 6-well cluster connected to the existing Obite facilities through an 11km buried pipeline.
    Production start-up is expected in 2027, with a plateau of 300 million cubic feet per day (about 70,000barrels of oil equivalent per day including condensates).
    Gas from Ubeta will be supplied to NLNG, a liquefaction plant located in Bonny Island with an on-going capacity expansion from 22 to 30 Mtpa, in which NNPC Limited holds a 49% interest.
    Ubeta is a low-emission and low-cost development, leveraging OML58 existing gas processing facilities.
    The carbon intensity of the project will be further reduced through a 5 MW solar plant currently under construction at the Obite site and the electrification of the drilling rig.
    TotalEnergies is working closely with NNPC Limited to enhance local content, with more than 90 per cent of man-hours which will be worked locally.
    The Ubeta FID justifies the effort invested by NNPC Limited, with unyielding Executive support, into tackling the underlying reasons that have plagued the attractiveness of the Nigerian oil and gas industry to foreign investors in recent years.
    The Ubeta project has a robust Nigerian Content plan and is poised to stimulate economic activities, create job opportunities, and create significant value for stakeholders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ELLA/BRM
    ===========
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • We need friendly policies to promote sustainable agricultural practices – NIFST

    We need friendly policies to promote sustainable agricultural practices – NIFST

    Policy

    By Funmilola Gboteku

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Lagos State Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to initiate more friendly policies to promote sustainable agricultural practices by farmers.

    Mr Olugbenga Aina, the Lagos State Chapter Chairman, NIFST, said this during the 10th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit/NIFST Day celebration on Thursday in Lagos.

    The theme of the event was, “Attaining Sufficient, Safe and Healthy Food for Nigerians Through Food Science and Technology.”

    According to him, farmers are responsible for producing the food that feeds the population.

    Aina said that ensuring that farmers had the resources and support they needed to produce an adequate supply of food was essential for national food security.

    He noted that supporting farmers could help stabilise rural economies, create jobs and contribute to overall economic growth.

    He explained that many farmers lived in rural areas where economic opportunities may be limited, adding that by supporting farmers, governments could help promote rural development.

    “Presently the government needs to deal with the insecurity that is affecting farmers and keeping them from farming.

    “We need food, especially now when there is inflation, insecurity and food hunger in the land.

    “This is one of the reasons why we are gathered here today to discuss this issues; food safety and security are two intertwined topics that are crucial to the development of any country,” he said.

    On cholera, the chairman said promoting good hygiene practices among communities was key to preventing further transmission of the disease.

    Aina said the government had done a lot in creating awareness on the need for citizens to maintain good hygiene.

    He, however, said that eating food bought from the road could make people subsceptible to cholera.

    Aina advised that people should not consume food bought from the road without knowing how it was prepared.

    He said the environment or the kind of water used to prepare food was vital.

    The chairman said other causes of cholera included eating of uncooked and contaminated foods.

    He also advised that people should always wash their hands at all times before eating.

    On empowerment, he said that NIFST, through it partnerships with businesses, industries and government agencies had been able to provide job opportunities for over 100 youths between last year and 2024.

    In his address, the National President of NIFST, Prof. Abu Oneh, said that academic institutions and research organisations must continue to lead in scientific research, development and innovations needed to address the current and future challenges of food security.

    He also said private sector partners, including food producers, processors and retailers must play the crucial role of bringing innovation to the market and ensure its widespread adoption.

    Also, Mrs Taiwo Ubany, the Chairperson, Local Organising Committee, said it was necessary for Nigeria to be able attain production of safe and healthy foods.

    She noted that there were so many technologies that were available or could be employed to ensure food safety and security in Nigeria.

    According to her, Nigeria is a food basket, adding that we have the people and the soil, all we need to do is harness the resources along with technology in order to cater for the needs of Nigerians.

    She said food sufficiency was key, and that food was available but not getting to the people because of so many issues.

    Mrs Veronica Alaba, NIFST Adviser, said that the government needed to find a lasting solution to the issue of terrorism which was hindering farmers from planting crops.

    According to her, the attacks have made so many farmers to stop cultivating crops, which in turn has led to food inflation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FOG/BEKl/SA

    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Salif Atojoko

    ============================

  • Giving hope to indigents not for government alone–Foundation

    Mrs Abimbola Agbebiyi, the Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation handling pack of food to an indigent woman during the just-concluded Eid el-Kabir festival in Lagos.

     

    Giving hope to  Nigerians not for govt alone- NGO

    Hope

    By Adeyemi Adeleye

    Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Tabitha-Abimbola Foundation, says providing hope to indigent and disadvantaged Nigerians should not be a task for  government alone.

    The Founder, Mrs Abimbola Agbebiyi, said this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

    Agbebiyi  noted that many citizens across various communities were in search of hope, which could be provided by well-meaning Nigerians ,both at home and abroad.

     

    She said that her foundation was created out of  the need to support those in need .

    According to her, the foundation   started out officially on June 25, 2023 ,and will commemorate its first anniversary  on July 10.

     

    She added that the NGO would be re-launched and an office unveiled on the  the  anniversary , with the theme: “Inspiring hope, Transforming lives”.

    Agbebiyi said that the foundation had the vision to combat the scourge of poverty that had continued to limit the potential of women (widows, single mothers).owing to lack of access to resources.

    She said that the re-launch and the unveiling of office in Ikeja ,Lagos, would  give the foundation a platform to share its vision, introduce initiatives and provide opportunities for collaboration and engagements.

    “Our desire is to bring these women out of devastating situations through our various economic empowerment initiatives.

    “Our mission is to create a world where these persons ,regardless of their background or circumstances ,can have access to essential resources and support.

    “We look for a world where women can make significant contributions in the home and in the society at large.

    “Driven by this passion, we are not just committed to upholding the principles of charity and social justice in our work, but also strive to make these positive impacts by  promoting education and healthcare access in underserved communities.

    “One family at a time, until our impact is felt across Nigeria and beyond its shores,” Agbebiyi said.

    The founder said that the foundation was  dedicated to helping the poor with special focus on indigent women and less privileged children in the society.

    She added: “With determination as our driving force, we embarked on a journey of transformation.

    “As a steadfast advocate for change, we have partnered with corporate organisations and individuals to rewrite the story of the marginalised, nurturing a future built on sustainable development.”

    Speaking  further on the birth of the organisation , Agbebiyi said that the foundation started with project L.E.A.R.N- (A Street to School Initiative).

    “What began as a passion to provide support for indigent women in local communities is slowly evolving into a multi-faceted empowerment and endowment initiative which has continued to expand.

    “At  inception, the foundation embarked on a mission to empower indigent women with the resources they need to reach their full potential.

    “But it is taking a step further by delving into uplifting children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by offering them not only free education, but also providing them with educational materials to aid learning.”she said

    According to her, with reports of school age children roaming the streets increasing at an alarming rate , the foundation decided to join hands with  government to bring down the scary number.

    “We are full aware of the various factors responsible for this; from insecurity to poverty, ignorance, gender inequality, religious and cultural influences among others.

    “Our goal is to give  the needed educational support to out-of-school children and disadvantaged young people.

    “Every child deserves education in a clean and safe environment. This is our unwavering commitment to their educational journey.

    “In the last 12 months, The TABITHA-ABIMBOLA Foundation has written an inspiring story of impact. Spurred by the testimonies of transformation of lives and guided by our unwavering dedication to humanity.

    “We have touched the lives of women and children, wiping away their tears and putting smiles on their faces,” she said.

    Agbebiyi said that with “Project Feed” ,the foundation had fed many families through the distribution of food items with the recent one tagged “iléyá food pack”

    She said that it was carried out in collaboration with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-West), Miss Moremi Ojudu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/OJI/BHB

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Buhari Bolaji

     

  • NDLEA seized 7,148.945kg of drugs in Nasarawa in 1 year – Commander

    Drugs
    By Oboh Linus
    Lafia, June 20, 2024 (NAN) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nasarawa State Command, says it seized 7,149 kilograms of drugs between July 2023 and June 2024.
    Commander of NDLEA in the state, Peter Onche-Odaudu, disclosed this at a news briefing on Thursday in Lafia.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the briefing was part of week-long activities to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
    Onche-Odaudu said that the arduous task of checking the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, in spite of the daunting challenges of logistics and paucity of funds, had resulted in the modest achievements.
    He said that cannabis sativa accounted for 7,037.2 kg of the seizures; cocaine, 0.011 kg, methamphetamine, 0.185 kg, while sundry psychotropic substances accounted for 111.534 kg.
    The commander said that United Nations had set aside June 26 of every year for the commemoration of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by member nations.
    He stated that that the theme for this year’s Day: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”, was apt, as it emphasised the importance of prevention over cure in issues of drug abuse.
    Onche-Odaudu said that a couple of activities had been lined up by his command to commemorate this year’s day.
    These, he said, would include: an advocacy walk, starting from Lafia square  and ending at Lafia Stadium, with the grand finale holding on June 26 at the Conference Room of the Federal Secretariat, Lafia.
    The commander further stated that the command would take anti-drug sensitisation campaign to GSM Village, Lafia and Lafia Custodial Centre on Monday and Tuesday.
    He thanked Gov. Abdullahi Sule for his support to the command toward the drug war in the state.
    The commander also appreciated the support of journalists, sister security agencies and stakeholders in the war against drug abuse in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    OLO/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • FCT farmers augment fertiliser with poultry, cow dung

     

    A stock of fertilisers in a warehouse

    FCT farmers augment fertiliser with poultry, cow dung

    Fertiliser

    By Veronica Dariya

    Bwari (Abuja) June 20, 2024 (NAN) Some farmers in Bwari Area Council, FCT, say they have resorted to patronising livestock farmers for poultry manure and cow dung as fertilisers on their farms.

    The farmers, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, said they now used poultry manure and cow dung in place of industrial fertilisers.

    They said industrial fertilisers have become expensive  and almost unaffordable for them.

    According to them, most farmers have resolved to using organic fertilisers and the rush for the manure has increased since the planting season began.

    Mr Yakubu Bala, a farmer in Sabon-gari community said, more people now rush to poultry farms and houses to buy the manure and litter.

    Bala said that a bag of poultry excreta which initially cost N3,000, now goes for N5,000.

    He attributed the increase in price to the high demand for the poultry manure that farmers are now using to augment.

    Mr Bawah Malik, a farmer said he buys cow dung from herders in Kogo community, close to where his farm is located.

    Malik said that although what he spent could not be quantified to the cost of industrial fertilisers, adding that the cow dung was enough for him to spread on his crops.

    ” I sometimes give them N10, 000 or a little more and they ask me to pack as much as I want, sometimes I go four to five times with a wheelbarrow.

    ” I started patronising them during the dry season farming in December and so, I just continued because it is cost effective as compared to a bag of industrial fertiliser.

    ” The crops are doing well so far, if God continues to be graceful to us with the rains, we hope to have bountiful yields,” he said.

    Mrs Rabi Usman, a poultry farmer in the area, said the patronage for organic manure has been impressive, adding that she was making additional profit from the business.

    Usman said she also used poultry excreta on her vegetable garden as well, adding that it was good fertiliser if used with caution.

    ” Poultry manure and litter is good for farms, it is a low cost fertiliser but you have to be able to use it properly so you don’t do more harm than good to the crops.

    ”This is because too much of it on crops may kill the crop.

    ” Science says it returns nutrients and organic matter to the soil and helps to build soil fertility and quality, adding calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and micronutrients to the soil.

    ” Both chicken and cow manure are some of the best resources of nutrients for organic crop farmers and it makes it easier to earn and maintain or increase your soil’s water retention,” she explained.

    Mr Phillip Akuso, one of the farmers in the Baran-goni community, said that as at May a bag of Golden Urea was being sold for N37, 000, while others sold for N35, 000 and above.

    ” Fertilisers are so expensive this year and now that the planting season is here, it has even gone higher than earlier in the year.

    ” In 2023, the highest we bought was N20, 000 and slightly above but this year, as at May, Golden Urea was N37, 000.

    ” NPK 20-20-10 was sold for N35, 000 and above, while NPK 15-15 is scarce in the market and even when you eventually get it, it might be adulterated.

    ” So if you have to put at least 20 bags on your farm, where will you get the money and why will you not sell the produce at the end at a high price, ” Akuso said.

    Akuso  decried the cost of agro inputs, adding that chemicals were essential for a good yield, however, getting them had also become a major challenge for farmers.

    He said he had already spent close to N500, 000 to start his farm but was yet to be satisfied with what was on ground, adding that he was not sure of a fruitful yield.

    ” If I cannot afford fertilisers and agrochemicals, I don’t know what will become of the crops this year, ” he said.

    He urged the government to increase access to loan acquisitions for small holder farmers, and farmer groups so that they will be able to boost production on a larger scale.

    Akuso urged the government to improve on security in farming communities to enable farmers to produce more and ensure food sufficiency in the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DVK/DE/JPE

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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh