News
Harness Agric Potential To Change Nigeria For Better — US Diplomat
The Nigerian government and its citizens are urged to fully utilize and invest in the country’s agricultural potential to enhance the welfare of the population. This call was made by Mr. David Greene, the Charge d’Affaires of the United States of America, emphasizing the importance of harnessing the agricultural potential for economic development.
Greene made these remarks on Wednesday during a visit to Agbayewa Farms, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings in Ipao Ekiti, Ikole Ekiti local government area of Ekiti State. He commended the farm’s impressive operations, stating that it showcases the possibilities within the agricultural sector. Greene highlighted the underutilization of Nigeria’s agricultural potential and emphasized the transformative impact that investment and leadership in the sector could have on the lives of Nigerians.
He expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to learn more about the cassava and yam harvest during an exhibition at the farm and expressed interest in how the United States could contribute to such endeavors. Greene also mentioned existing U.S. investments in dairy farming and cocoa production in Ekiti State and elsewhere, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to address agricultural challenges.
John Niyi Olajide, the chairman of Cavista Holdings, reiterated the organization’s commitment to creating value and improving lives through investments in Ekiti State. He explained their focus on increasing farmers’ crop yields and job creation, particularly through initiatives like experimenting with high-yield cassava varieties and supporting local farmers.
Olajide emphasized the importance of providing a ready market for farmers’ produce and minimizing post-harvest losses to ensure economic prosperity for Ekiti farmers. He highlighted the role of agricultural investment and job creation in addressing security challenges, citing the positive impact of the farm’s operations in reducing insecurity in the region.
The farm, with a footprint spanning over 15,000 hectares in Ekiti State, actively cultivates crops such as cassava, yam, and maize, alongside other vegetables and fruits. The Ekiti State Commissioner for Agriculture affirmed the government’s partnership with the farm through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement aimed at replicating the farm’s success across the state and providing inclusive opportunities for local farmers. He also emphasized the government’s efforts to enhance security and infrastructure to support agricultural activities in the region.
Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.
This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.
The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.
In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.
As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:
- Spain vs Canada
- Brazil vs Cameroon
- Colombia vs South Korea
- Mexico vs USA
- North Korea vs Austria
- Germany vs Argentina
- Netherlands vs France
- Japan vs Nigeria
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.
In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.
A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.
Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.
He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).
Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
We’ll be forced to export 97% of our petrol – Dangote Refinery warns
Why is Ethiopia just entering 2017 and celebrating a New Year in September?
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Round of 16 fixtures confirmed [Full list]
What we know about Israel’s war with Hamas
LaLiga: Everyone want to play with him – Vinicius on player Real Madrid should sign
Iran calls on Islamic, Arab countries to confront Israel
-
World News11 months agoWhat we know about Israel’s war with Hamas
-
Sports11 months agoLaLiga: Everyone want to play with him – Vinicius on player Real Madrid should sign
-
World News11 months agoIran calls on Islamic, Arab countries to confront Israel
-
Tech11 months agoTop 10 AI Skills to Learn in 2023
-
ICT1 year agoApple Bows To EU, Unveils iPhone With USB-C Charger
-
Entertainment11 months agoBET Hip-Hop Awards: Black Sherif wins big as Burna Boy loses seven nominations
-
ICT1 year agoApple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro pricing around the world
-
Entertainment11 months ago‘Black Panther’ star Lupita Nyong’o breaks up with boyfriend, Selema Masekela