A Professor of Stored Products Entomology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Mercy Olayinka Oni, has advocated the replacement of synthetic insecticides with plant-based alternatives for the preservation of stored agricultural products such as grains, beans, and cereals. She described plant-derived insecticides as safer, affordable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly solutions capable of protecting stored products from destructive pests without the harmful effects associated with synthetic chemicals. Professor Oni made the call while delivering the 199th Inaugural Lecture of the university on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Speaking on the theme, “Eco-Friendly Innovations: Tapping into Plant-Derived Insecticides for Stored…
Author: Abdallah el-Kurebe
Djibouti and Ethiopia have reaffirmed their joint commitment to improving coordination along the Djibouti-Ethiopia corridor following a National Oversight Committee (NOC) meeting that reviewed progress, addressed operational constraints, and agreed on priorities for the next phase of the bilateral corridor programme. The Djibouti-Ethiopia corridor — a critical trade route for both countries — is designated as a pivotal trade route under the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative for the Horn of Africa, which aims to strengthen sustainable and reliable regional connectivity. The project, “Promoting Regional Economic Integration in the Horn of Africa through the Development of the Djibouti Corridor,” is…
Nigeria has cancelled $717.7 million in undisbursed funding under the World Bank-backed Power Sector Recovery Performance-Based Operation (PSRO), dealing a setback to ongoing efforts to reform the country’s struggling electricity sector. According to a World Bank restructuring paper, the cancellation followed a formal request by the Federal Government on March 26, 2026. Both parties agreed to discontinue the financing arrangement and explore alternative support mechanisms. The restructuring also brings forward the programme’s closing date from June 30, 2027, to May 31, 2026, effectively ending further disbursements under the facility. ALSO READ Nigeria seeks second-largest $1.25bn World Bank loan under Tinubu…
Mike Arnold’s claim that Nigeria is in the grip of a “Christian genocide” orchestrated by a “Sultan’s Master Plan” and driven by Muhammad’s end‑times prophecy is deeply inflammatory and not backed by credible evidence from mainstream human‑rights or conflict‑monitoring groups. Even researchers who document severe attacks on Christians in Nigeria stress that the violence follows a broader pattern of terrorism, banditry, and intercommunal conflict, not a centrally coordinated religious extermination campaign directed from the Sultanate of Sokoto. Only recently, Bishop Hassan Matthew Kukah appealed to the United States for Nigeria not to be designated as a Country of Particular Concern…
In northwestern Nigeria, particularly in Zamfara State, the rainy season brings more than relief from the heat. It brings distress, disease, and preventable deaths. Between May and September, daily survival becomes a struggle as flooding, outbreaks of infectious diseases, and worsening food insecurity converge. For communities already affected by years of insecurity, the consequences are devastating. Years of armed violence in Zamfara State—marked by kidnappings, village raids, cattle rustling, and ambushes—have uprooted tens of thousands of people, shattered livelihoods, and severely restricted access to essential services. Communities face overwhelming barriers to healthcare due to poverty, insecurity, long distances, and weak…
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Adenike Oladiji, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to combating food insecurity through innovative agricultural initiatives, research advancement, and modern farming technology. Speaking during a tour of major projects across the university as part of activities marking her fourth anniversary in office on Friday, May 22, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor said the institution was strategically positioning itself for large-scale agricultural production and possible export-driven operations. She disclosed that FUTA had completed the construction of new greenhouse structures, which are already being deployed for specialised farming. The 11 new structures, measuring 5…
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has called on journalists and media organisations to intensify public enlightenment on Zakat and Waqf, describing the Islamic institutions as critical tools for poverty alleviation, social welfare, and humanitarian development. The call was the central focus of a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s congress held on Saturday at the NUJ Press Centre, Sokoto, following a presentation by the Chairman of the Sokoto State Zakat and Waqf Board, Malam Lawal Maidoki. Speaking on the topic, “The Role of Zakat and Waqf in Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Service: The Responsibility…
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Sokoto State has formally affirmed former Deputy Governor, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general election following an endorsement by delegates drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state. The affirmation, which took place during a stakeholders’ gathering attended by party leaders, delegates, elders, youths and women groups, was described as a demonstration of unity and consensus within the party as it prepares to challenge for power in 2027. Delegates unanimously endorsed Dan’iya after consultations among aspirants and key stakeholders of the party. Speaking after the affirmation, Dan’iya…
The leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, has commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu, for what he described as people-oriented projects and impactful governance across the state, following the governor’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election. Wamakko made the remarks during the APC governorship affirmation exercise held on Thursday, at the party secretariat in Sokoto, where Aliyu was formally endorsed by party delegates and stakeholders as the APC flagbearer for the next gubernatorial election. The endorsement comes shortly after the APC affirmed Governor Aliyu as its consensus candidate, a move…
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has been affirmed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state. The affirmation was announced on Thursday by the Chairman of the APC Governorship Affirmation Committee, Muhammad Mukhtar Birniwa, during a party gathering attended by delegates, stakeholders, and supporters in Sokoto. Speaking shortly after the exercise, Governor Aliyu expressed appreciation to party members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to consolidate on the achievements recorded by his administration over the past three years. He said his administration would continue to prioritise security, infrastructure…