Some farmers in Gombe State have expressed concerns over erratic rainfall affecting crop production. A cross-section of farmers, who spoke in separate interviews on Wednesday, described the situation as frustrating and alarming. Mrs. Joy Ayuba, a maize grower, expressed apprehension over inadequate rains, noting that her plantation wilted in recent weeks. She said she planted millet and maize in the first week of June, but the lack of rain caused the crops to wilt. READ ALSO: Farmers push for better pineapple value-chain development “We saw rainfall only twice in June, and then it stopped. This is really bad, as many…
Author: Newsdesk
Dr. Esther Adegbolagun, Senior Registrar and Psychiatrist at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, emphasized that family support and a multi-disciplinary approach are key to effectively managing dementia. She spoke at a Care Haven webinar titled “Memory Loss or Normal Aging: How to Spot Dementia Early,” moderated by Dr. Omobonike Akinseye, who used case scenarios to illustrate caregiving challenges. One scenario involved an elderly man who forgets where he keeps his keys or money and accuses a family member of theft. Experts stressed that no family should face the journey alone. Care Haven was established to transform elderly healthcare in Nigeria and…
The Kaduna State Government on Wednesday started training grassroots emergency responders across all 23 local government areas to enhance flood preparedness ahead of the 2026 rainy season peak. The one-day training, organized by the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (KADSEMA), gathered members of Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) and Community Information Coordinators (CICs). The event, themed “Strengthening Grassroots Response for a Safer Kaduna State,” is part of KADSEMA’s 2026 Disaster Management and Response Strategic and Tactical Flood Mitigation Plan. Speaking at the opening, Usman Mazadu, Executive Secretary of KADSEMA, emphasized that effective disaster management relies on timely information, community coordination,…
Pineapple farmers have called for increased investment in processing facilities and export development to reduce post-harvest losses, boost farmers’ incomes, and strengthen the fruit value chain. The farmers made this appeal in separate interviews with reporters on Wednesday in Lagos. They explained that a significant portion of harvested pineapples is lost before reaching consumers due to the fruit’s highly perishable nature and limited value-addition facilities. Mr. Afolabi Odunlami, a pineapple farmer, noted that many producers are forced to sell their harvest at low prices during peak production to avoid losses. “Once pineapples are harvested, farmers have a limited time to…
The rising cost of food has forced many Lagos residents to replace expensive items with cheaper alternatives as they struggle to manage increasing household expenses. In separate interviews on Wednesday, consumers said they now prioritize affordability over preference by buying less, changing meal plans, and opting for more affordable foods. Mrs. Iyabode Fakunle, a loan officer and resident of Egbeda, explained that rising food prices have shifted perceptions of what is affordable. She recalled that low-income families once had access to inexpensive options. “I remember my stepmother teasing my mother for buying cheaper fish, saying she could never eat Egun…
The Federal Government says the N95 billion Kano dam upgrade project aims to improve safety and management, boost agricultural production, and enhance food security in Nigeria. In 2024, the government established an inter-ministerial committee to evaluate about 35 dams across Nigeria for safety and management improvements. Mr. Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Enlightenment, stated this during a media inspection tour of the ongoing work at the Chalawa Goje Dam in Kano State’s Karaye Local Government Area. He explained that the government awarded a N95 billion contract for the expansion and rehabilitation of…
The Kogi State Government, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development through its Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP), has distributed farm inputs and cargo tricycles to 572 rice and cassava farmers. Inaugurating the distribution in Lokoja on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Timothy Ojomah, described the intervention as a major step towards strengthening food security, increasing agricultural productivity and promoting inclusive economic growth. Ojomah said the initiative reflected the commitment of Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s administration to empowering farmers, improving rural livelihoods and driving sustainable agricultural development across the state. He commended the governor for…
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has donated security vehicles to support the construction of the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway. ASHENEWS reports that the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, received the Hilux vans on behalf of the Federal Government on Wednesday in Sokoto. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Aliyu said the donation fulfilled the state government’s pledge to support the project in recognition of the importance of road infrastructure linking states across the country. He commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating the project, noting that it would stimulate socio-economic development and enhance connectivity nationwide. Earlier, Goronyo described the 1,068km…
Mr Oyeleke Bola, National President of the Tomato and Orchard Producers Association of Nigeria (TOPAN), says low harvests due to rains and rising production costs are responsible for the current high prices of tomatoes in Nigeria. Bola disclosed this in an interview with reporters on Monday in Abuja. He explained that factors affecting tomato production include high costs of pest control, fertilisers and other sustainability challenges. He noted that these issues have caused a seasonal rise in tomato prices, especially during the rainy season. Bola also attributed the sharp increase in prices to rising costs of seeds and other farm…
An agronomist, Prof. Salihu Abubakar, has called on relevant government agencies to intensify public awareness of Genetically Modified (GM) and hybrid crop technologies to address misconceptions among farmers. Abubakar made the call in an interview with reporters in Maiduguri. Hybrid crops are developed through traditional cross-pollination of related plant varieties, while GM crops are produced by modifying a plant’s DNA using modern biotechnology. The technology has generated global debate over its potential health, environmental and regulatory implications, although approved GM crops undergo rigorous safety assessments before commercial release. According to Abubakar, increased awareness will help dispel misinformation, encourage the adoption…