Magistrate Court 7, in Moore Road Calabar, Cross River State, has granted environmental activist and Director of the Rainforest Resources and Development Centre (RRDC), Odey Oyama, bail.
Odey Oyama
Odey was on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, granted bailed alongside four others allegedly accused and arrested by the Cross River State Police Command of instigating native war in Effi Community.
They were arrested in Ikom on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, detained and charged to court by the Police in Calabar.
In case No MC/ 20C/2025, the presiding judge, Magistrate Okoho Bassey, ruled that the court is enjoined to protect the rule of law and the right of the citizen especially when guilt is not established. She, therefore, granted bail to the defendant; with a bail condition of N5 million and two sureties.
While she ruled that the prosecutor did not act in good faith, the Judge said when a case is brought before a magistrate court for the purpose of remand, it must comply with section 290 sub section 1 and 2 of Cross River State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, that in the instant case, only the charge was brought with no case file and motion.
“I’m careful not to strike out this case even though it is incompetent before me,” she stated.
Earlier while presenting his case, the Defense Counsel, Ntufam Sunny Mgbe, citing section 136 and 160 sub section 1 of Cross River State Administration of Justice Law, argued that a case of such nature should not have been brought to the magistrate court since it does not have the jurisdiction over a case that attracts a capital punishment.
Mgbe pleaded to the court to either strike out the case or grant the defendant bail, citing section 136 and 160 sub section 1 of the state justice law
But the Prosecuting Counsel, O. U. Ubi in his argument pleaded to the court not to strike the case or grant bail to the defendant, stating that the court has the jurisdiction over the case upon citing section 101 sub section 1 and 2 and section 102 of the state criminal justice law.
The court, however, granted bail to the defendant and four others, namely, Alobi Ofuka, Ogbeshi Opene, Samuel Agbor and Konye Eka. The court was adjoined till February 7, 2025.
It will be recalled that some civil society organisations on Tuesday called for the immediate release of Oyama, saying his arrest and detention by the Nigerian Police signifies a rising trend of abuse and repression.
The Executive Director of PADIC, formally known as Development Concerns (DEVCON), Dr, Martins Egot, and Director of PeacePoint Development Foundation (PPDF), Mr. Umo Isuaiko, described his arrest and detention as deliberate to keep him incommunicado.
In a statement by the Executive Director of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Comrade Nnimmo Bassey, Egot of DEVCON, Isuaiko of PPDF, Ken Henshaw of We the People (WTP) and 28 others said it was against the law for Odey to be detained beyond 24 hours without trial and “the action of the Nigeria Police has once again demonstrated flagrant disregard for due process and their role in stifling dissenting voices, especially when vested business interests are at stake”.
They said: “This instance, Odey Oyama a conscientious objector to the destruction of the environment, rather than enjoy the protection of the government, is being systematically persecuted.”
The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has validated its National Biosafety Guidelines on Low-Level Presence (LLP) to ensure that only approved Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are safely imported into the country.
Director-General of NBMA, Dr Agnes Asagbra
Speaking during the presentation and validation of the guidelines on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in Abuja, the Director-General of NBMA, Dr. Agnes Asagbra, emphasised the agency’s commitment to protecting human health, animals, plants, and the environment.
“I like to assure Nigerians that we are concerned about their safety. We have to conduct rigorous assessments to ensure that GMOs are safe for consumption,” Asagbra stated.
She noted NBMA’s mandate to regulate modern biotechnology, adding that the newly validated guidelines are crucial in ensuring that no unverified seeds or grains enter the country.
“A very important guideline is being validated on LLP for the importation of GMOs.
“Because of our mandate to save human lives, we are determined that not just any seed or grain can come into the country,” she said.
Asagbra further assured that all grains or seeds imported into Nigeria must be analysed and certified safe.
“LLP means the product must have been certified, approved, and gone through basic risk assessment in other countries and certified safe before it is accepted in Nigeria.
“Let me state categorically that LLP is not a safety issue; it is a trade issue,” she clarified.
Similarly, Mrs. Modupe Adeyemo, Senior Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, expressed satisfaction with the guidelines and pledged support for implementing NBMA’s GMO importation policies.
Construction of a giant celestial solar farm is underway in China, with a scale comparable to creating a “Three Gorges Dam project above the Earth”.
International Space Station solar array. Photo credit: NASA via Wikimedia Commons
The solar farm, which would be launched into space using heavy-lift rockets, is expected to stretch one kilometre in width and continuously harvest renewable energy for Earth.
It would be positioned in geostationary orbit, meaning it has an orbital time equivalent to the Earth’s rotational period and always remains at the same point above the Earth’s surface.
When revealing plans for the structure, Chinese aerospace engineer, Long Lehao, referred to it as “another Three Gorges Dam project above the Earth”, South China Morning Post reported.
The 2,335-metre-long Three Gorges Dam, which crosses the Yangtze River in central China, is the largest producer of hydroelectric power in the world.
“We are working on this project now,” said Long.
“It is as significant as moving the Three Gorges Dam to a geostationary orbit 36,000 kilometres above the Earth. This is an incredible project to look forward to.”
Solar panels are engineered to harness the sun’s energy to generate electricity by turning light energy into usable power – a process known as the photovoltaic effect.
Unlike terrestrial arrays, space-based photovoltaics can provide continuous power as they are unaffected by seasons or daylight, allowing constant harvesting of energy from the sun.
They are also estimated to be 10 times more efficient at energy collection than photovoltaic panels on Earth.
According to Global Construction Review, work started on the space solar power station in Chongqing in 2019. It is expected that a reusable heavy-lift rocket, named the Long March-9, will be required to launch the solar farm into orbit.
Once in place, this one-kilometre-wide solar array is expected to harvest as much energy in a year as the total quantity of oil that can be extracted from the Earth, reported Sustainability Magazine. The energy is planned to be transmitted to ground using microwaves.
The Korea Forest Service (KFS) of the Republic of Korea and the Secretariat of Natural Resources and the National Institute of Forest Conservation and Development of the Republic of Honduras signed a five-year bi-lateral cooperation agreement on Tuesday, January 21 2025, on the implementation of Articles 5 and 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Lucky Medina, Minister of Environment, Honduras
The partnership aims to promote the implementation of both Article 5 and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement at national level. The collaboration will include support on capacity building, exchange of information, knowledge sharing, best practices, and experience of implementing mitigation outcomes frameworks and policies governing the management and development of greenhouse gas mitigation activities and resources.
Honduras and Korea will also apply corresponding adjustments, share, and transfer the Mitigation Outcomes generated from the mitigation activities under Article 5, based on mutually agreed-upon quantities and timelines in accordance with the CMA guidance.
“Our goal, as a rainforest nation, is to implement the UN-compliance carbon market for the forestry sector at the national level in following Article 5.2 and additionally fulfilling all of the requirements of Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, recently regulated at COP29 in Baku,” said Lucky Medina, Minister of Environment, Honduras. “These types of national partnerships are critical for the environmental integrity of the new UN carbon markets under Article 6.”
The Republic of Honduras has already complied with Article 5 of the Paris Agreement on REDD+, voluntarily reporting its national forest reference level (FREL), and covering at national level the activities reducing emissions from deforestation, reducing emissions from forest degradation, conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable management of forest, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
This has been carried out in accordance with decisions 1/CP.16, 12/CP. 17, and 13/CP. 19 of the Paris Agreement. As a result, the Biennial Update Report for the Republic of Honduras includes REDD+ Results for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, transactable as ITMOs under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Coalition for Rainforest Nations, a US not-for-profit, has been working with Honduras both on capacity building and institutional frameworks throughout the ITMO development process. ITMO Ltd will support Honduras on the sale of its ITMOs.
To begin the partnership, both countries will cooperate on a pre-feasibility study and a feasibility study toward the development and implementation of a UN REDD+ Programme for implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The initial partnership is set for five years with the option to renew.
On January 23, 2025, we will launch the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP). The plan targets 3.6 million of the most vulnerable people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states, requiring $910.2 million in funding. It underscores the urgent need for lifesaving interventions while laying the groundwork for resilience and recovery. It is a result of extensive consultations with affected people, Government authorities, and partners, ensuring that our response is evidence-based and needs-driven.
A family in need in the Northeast
As we launch the Nigeria 2025 HNRP, we are reminded of the escalating challenges and the profound resilience of Nigerians facing one of the largest and most complex humanitarian crises in the world. From conflict-induced displacement to climate shocks, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks, Nigeria continues to grapple with overlapping emergencies that strain resources and test the limits of our humanitarian response. Yet, these challenges present an opportunity to rethink, reform, and realign our efforts for more efficient, impactful and sustainable outcomes.
The Nigeria 2025 HNRP is a strategic blueprint aimed at addressing these multifaceted crises. With an estimated 33 million Nigerians facing food insecurity, 1.8 million children at risk of severe malnutrition, and millions displaced across the country, the stakes are higher than ever.
Humanitarian needs extend far beyond the BAY states, affecting communities nationwide. The United Nations acknowledges these challenges and the urgency to address them. However, limited resources and capacity constraints necessitate careful prioritisation to ensure the most effective use of available resources. Outside of the BAY states, a model is being developed that will jointly address humanitarian, development and peacebuilding needs. This with emphasis on development interventions addressing the underlying causes of vulnerability, reducing overall humanitarian needs.
Recognising that the approach used in the BAY states may not be suitable for all other regions, efforts outside these areas will focus on a coordinated response with development actors to address underlying vulnerabilities. This strategy will be led by the government, leveraging national leadership and resources to ensure sustainability. A new model of coordination and response is being developed to achieve this goal.
The crises in Nigeria are rooted in a complex interplay of conflict, economic instability, and climate change. The BAY states remain the epicenter, with 7.8 million people in need, including displaced individuals and host communities. Conflict continues to drive displacement, disrupt livelihoods, and erode access to basic services. At the same time, climate-related disasters, such as the devastating floods of 2024, have exacerbated vulnerabilities, destroying homes, farmland, and critical infrastructure.
These challenges are compounded by systemic inequities. Women and children face heightened risks, from gender-based violence to malnutrition and lack of access to education. Girls and women are also often excluded from access to health care, livelihoods and decision-making processes. People with disabilities report feeling overlooked in aid distribution, highlighting the need for inclusive and equitable approaches. These disparities demand targeted interventions that prioritise the most marginalised.
Recognising the need for transformative action, the 2025 HNRP introduces key reforms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian responses. First, we aim to reduce transaction costs by localising aid delivery, channeling more resources through national and local organisations that better understand community dynamics. Empowering these organisations not only enhances local acceptance but also ensures faster, more trusted responses.
Second, it promotes a shift from reactive to anticipatory and proactive approaches to humanitarian action. By investing in early warning systems and pre-agreed trigger mechanisms, we can respond swiftly to predictable shocks such as floods and disease outbreaks. Allocating 5% of the budget to anticipatory action is a step toward minimising human suffering and resource wastage.
Third, we are committed to leveraging partnerships with development actors and the Government to address the root causes of vulnerability. By integrating humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts, we can create durable solutions that reduce reliance on aid and promote long-term stability.
Finally, the plan seeks to diversify funding sources. Traditional funding mechanisms are no longer sufficient to meet growing needs. Innovative approaches, including private sector engagement and government-led initiatives, are essential to bridging the gap.
The success of the 2025 HNRP depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders. Humanitarian actors must collaborate closely with the government, civil society, and affected communities to ensure that assistance is tailored, inclusive, and effective. Donors are called upon to sustain their commitment, recognising that their support is vital to driving the necessary reforms and innovations.
More than anything, we must challenge our perceptions of humanitarian assistance. It is not a standalone solution but a critical component of a broader strategy that includes development and peacebuilding. By aligning our actions with these principles, we can address immediate needs while paving the way for resilience and empowerment.
As we embark on this journey, let us draw inspiration from the resilience of those we serve. Their courage and determination remind us of the profound impact we can achieve through collective action.
I call upon all stakeholders to support the 2025 HNRP. Together, let us invest in humanity and leave no one behind.
By Mohamed Malick Fall
Mohamed Malick Fall is the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria.
Nigerian plastic manufacturers have been reminded by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) that their participation in the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme is mandatory to bolster government initiatives to address the country’s plastic waste pollution crisis.
NESREA officials during an inspection of various plastic and packaging companies in Lagos State
Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director General of NESREA, who reinforced the call during an inspection of some plastic and packaging companies in Lagos, stated that the visit was part of the agency’s grand plan to gather information on how to best develop a regulatory framework that would be used to implement the EPR initiative throughout the country.
Nigeria is currently implementing a project with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to explore how to use the circular economy concept to reduce plastic pollution and its impacts in Africa, which the EPR is a key component of.
“We want to assess stakeholders’ understanding of the EPR implementation, get firsthand information on plastic pollution management strategies in the respective states, and evaluate plastic packaging producers’ knowledge of their obligations, including the formation and subscription to Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs),” the DG, who was represented by Chukwudi Nwabuisiaku, NESREA’s Assistant Director, Plastics Pollution Control, said.
He urged the different producers to help implement the EPR in their sectors in order to expedite the nation’s goals of leveraging the circular economy approach to address the waste pollution crisis, increase job opportunities, and advance a sustainable environment for all Nigerians.
As Donald Trump was sworn into office for a second term as the President of the United States, he has, for the second time, announced his intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change.
President Donald Trump signs an executive order as he attends an indoor Presidential Inauguration parade event at Capital One Arena, on January 20, 2025, in Washington. Photo credit: Evan Vucci/AP
“I’m immediately withdrawing from the unfair, one-sided Paris climate accord rip-off,” Trump said as he signed the executive order ahead of his inauguration. “The United States will not sabotage our own industries while China pollutes with impunity.”
Trump’s presidential orders include declaring an “Energy Emergency”, which could give the administration increased powers to approve production of both fossil fuels and, interestingly, critical green minerals, essential to the energy transition.
Though the withdrawal is immediate, it officially takes a year to kick in; and the order indicates the administration’s intent to limit participating, including cutting funding for climate mitigation and adaptation, and increasing production of fossil-fuels.
The US exit from the Paris Agreement means that America is withdrawing from a global pact aimed at mitigating climate change. The agreement, signed in 2015, brings almost 200 countries together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to well below 2°C (3.6°F) above pre-industrial levels.
The US is the world’s second-largest greenhouse gas emitter behind only China. The exit means that America will no longer be bound by the agreement’s requirements, such as submitting plans to reduce carbon emissions.
However, it’s worth noting that the agreement has no enforcement mechanisms, so countries can’t be punished for not meeting their targets.
Months after taking office for the first time in 2017, President Trump signed an order to withdraw from the pact, a move President Joe Biden promptly reversed on his first day in office in 2021.
While wildfires in Los Angeles serve as a reminder of the immediate impacts of the climate crisis, the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement highlights the continued challenges in global climate action.
As scientists call for drastic reductions in carbon emissions,UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has already noted that the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement would undermine global efforts to halt climate change.
“The Paris agreement can survive, but people sometimes can lose important organs or lose the legs and survive. But we don’t want a crippled Paris agreement. We want a real Paris agreement,” Guterres told the Guardian. “It’s very important that the United States remain in the Paris Agreement, and more than remain in the Paris agreement, that the United States adopts the kind of policies that are necessary to make the 1.5 degrees still a realistic objective.”
Implications for Africa
Africa is particularly vulnerable to climate change, with many countries already experiencing severe droughts, floods, and heatwaves. The US exit may lead to reduced international support for climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in Africa.
This could exacerbate the already devastating impacts of climate change on the continent, including food and water scarcity, displacement, and economic instability.
“The cost of inaction far outweighs the cost of action,” observed Dr. Joyce Kimutai, Climate Scientist at Imperial College London and Kenya Meteorological Department. “Vulnerable communities, who have contributed the least to this crisis, are bearing the heaviest burdens. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are eroding developmental gains and plunging countries further into debt. The longer we wait, the harder recovery will become, and the planet will face massive losses and damages.”
The US exit may also lead to a decrease in climate finance for Africa. The Paris Agreement aims to mobilise climate finance for developing countries, including those in Africa. Without US participation, it may be challenging to meet this goal, leaving African countries with limited resources to address climate change.
According to Faten Aggad, Executive Director of the African Future Policies Hub, “the world cannot afford to see the largest greenhouse gas emitter per capita and the second largest emitter globally disengage from an agreement that is already under significant strain.
“Truth be told, we need the US to act seriously. After all, it is responsible for 13.5% of global emissions – more than 4-fold Africa’s contribution as a full continent. This is the moment for a stronger leadership from industrialised economies, whose higher ambition is the only way forward to compensate for the USA’s failures.”
The US exit may also impact African economies that are transitioning to renewable energy. The Paris Agreement aims to promote the development and deployment of renewable energy technologies. Without US participation, African countries may face reduced access to technology, expertise, and funding for renewable energy projects.
All Hope Not Lost
Even without the US on board, some experts believe that the rest of the world will continue to move forward with climate action.
“This decision is a major setback at a time when the urgency of climate change calls for more concerted action, solidarity and greater ambition. Faced with this situation, we reaffirm our commitment to working for fair climate finance and inclusive solutions for the energy transition,” said Mouhamadou Sissoko, Secretary General, Teranga Lab, Senegal.
According to Just Climate Policy Expert, Julius Mbatia, “the world has lived through this once, and greater multilateral cooperation holds a promise to handle it yet again.”
He added that “it’s inconceivable that the US pulls out of the Paris Agreement and quench its strategic role in shaping the green and safe future that is in the making. This is not the leadership required at a moment when the majority of the people and States are mobilising for climate action and issue unmatched commitment to tackling the climate crisis.”
The US exit from the Paris Agreement indeed poses significant setback for global climate action, and raises challenges for Africa, from reduced climate finance to decreased support for climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.
However, many countries, cities, and businesses remain committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the worst impacts of climate change.
“Trump attempting to sabotage global efforts to tackle the climate crisis, is a huge threat to our future. Africa, being one of the continents facing the impacts of the climate crisis, will not stop in the face of those who choose to risk everything for the profit of a privileged few,” said Fred Njehu, Pan-African Political Strategist for Greenpeace Africa.
Kofi Adu Domfeh is a journalist and climate reality leader; adomfeh@gmail.com
The Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) has expressed disappointment at the decision made on January 20, 2025, by President Donald Trump to once again withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, the landmark global Accord aimed at curbing the catastrophic impacts of climate change.
Dr Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA)
The group submitted that, while the decision comes as no surprise, its implications for the future of the planet and the global fight for climate justice are profound and worrying.
As the largest historic polluter, the United States bears significant responsibility for the climate crisis currently affecting vulnerable nations worldwide, said PACJA, adding that Trump’s unilateral move threatens to undermine international efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a threshold critical to the survival of millions of people in Africa, the least developed regions, and the global South.
PACJA believes that this decision exacerbates existing challenges and delays much-needed climate action at a time when the world needs all hands to be on deck.
Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of PACJA, expressed the Alliance’s concern, saying: “The decision by Donald Trump to pull the United States out of the Paris Agreement for the second time is both reckless and damaging. It sends a dangerous message to the rest of the world, particularly to the most vulnerable communities in Africa and the global South, that some of the wealthiest nations are not committed to shared global responsibilities. As a continent, Africa is already feeling the devastating effects of climate change, and this decision further entrenches the inequities that exist within the climate crisis.”
Dr. Mwenda continued, highlighting the critical role the U.S. must play in global climate governance: “The U.S. is the largest historic emitter of greenhouse gases, and its continued disregard for international climate commitments severely hampers our collective efforts. Climate justice demands that nations such as the U.S. take responsibility for their past actions and contribute significantly to the fight against climate change. This decision undermines the progress we made at COP28 and threatens the integrity of future climate negotiations.”
According to PACJA, Trump’s justification for this withdrawal – claiming it would protect American jobs and industries from an unfair economic burden – ignores the reality that climate action can drive economic growth and create jobs.
“Moreover, his criticism of countries like China and India for not having equivalent obligations fails to acknowledge that the U.S. is the largest historic polluter and has an obligation to lead in reducing emissions and supporting global efforts to mitigate climate change.
“This decision also falls within the broader pattern of U.S. half-hearted commitment to the UNFCCC, dating back to the U.S. refusal to ratify the Kyoto Protocol in 2001, the weak outcomes of the 2009 Copenhagen Summit, and the Trump administration’s rollback of domestic climate policies like the Clean Power Plan. Such inconsistency undermines the global momentum required to tackle the climate crisis and puts vulnerable nations like those in Africa at even greater risk.”
PACJA also stressed that the fight for climate justice goes beyond just reducing emissions. “It includes delivering on climate finance pledges to support the most vulnerable countries adapt and build resilience to climate impacts. As countries like the U.S. turn their backs on international agreements, they further jeopardise the ability of developing nations to protect their people and ecosystems.”
In light of this decision, PACJA urged African governments, climate advocates, and the global community to remain steadfast in their commitment to the Paris Agreement.
“The alliance calls for continued and enhanced efforts to pressure the U.S. and other major emitters to honour their obligations to tackle the climate crisis and ensure a just and equitable transition to a sustainable future.”
PACJA reiterated its call for a united, collective global response to the climate crisis – one that centres on justice, equity, and accountability.
“It is also time to urge for punitive sanctions against the Trump Government as it joins, shamefully, the axis of climate terrorism – Iran, Yemen and Libya, which are yet to ratify the Paris Agreement.”
Dr. Augustine Njamnshi, the Executive Director of the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access (ACSEA), who is also the Chair of the Technical and Political Affairs Committee of PACJA, said: “Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement should not discourage us but should galvanise people power and international solidarity as the only hope we have of averting an unimaginable climate crisis which will fan the flames of every existing inequality and injustice.
“It will take all of us around the world, organising together, to hold the historic emitters like the U.S. under the watch of Donald Trump to account and ensure our governments also do their fair share of climate action in the next four years to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees. Trump’s decision doesn’t change that.”
The Federal Government has called on the media to mobilise, educate and sensitise the Nigerians on the need to embrace agriculture and promote food security in the country.
Agriculture
Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security stated this at a workshop for Agriculture Correspondents on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in Abuja.
The workshop, with the theme “Building Strong Partnership with the media for Food Security”, was organised by the Department of Information, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He underscored the importance to mobilise, educate and sensitise the Nigerian populace on the need to embrace agriculture.
Ogunbiyi said that the Ministry recognised the importance of effective communication, collaboration and knowledge sharing in achieving its lofty objectives.
He said the event had become expedient, given the emphasis the present administration placed on agricultural development and the priority it attaches to the attainment of food security.
“This workshop is, therefore, a critical step towards fostering a deeper understanding of our Ministry’s activities, programmes and projects among media correspondents for proper reportage.
“The importance of Agriculture in our national economy cannot be over-emphasised, especially with the global economic challenges and the need for diversification of our economy.
“There is therefore, the need to mobilise, educate and sensitise the Nigeria populace on the need to embrace agriculture,” he said.
Speaking, Dr Joel Oruche, the Director, Department of Information, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, called for stronger partnership with the association to actualise the ministry’s mandate on food security, employment generation among others.
“Essentially, as we make effort towards ensuring food security in our dear country, it is important that we forge a strong synergy to ensure that this is achieved.
“Your duty in this regard is to continuously educate the public on the policies, programmes and activities of the ministry that impact on farmers.
“Small holder farmers indeed depend on your ability to educate them on methodologies, inputs availability and application of implements that can enhance their yield,” he said.
In a presentation, the Director, Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services, Dr Deola Lordbanjou, said that food was a critical issue that is impacting the well-being and economic stability of any nation.
He said that the theme of the workshop underscored the critical role that media partnerships play in promoting food security and sustainable agricultural practices.
“The extension advisory services provide technical advice on best agricultural practices, helping farmers optimise their productivity,” he said.
Lordbanjou said the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP) is an ongoing innovative initiative aimed at revolutionising agricultural extension delivery in the country.
He said that the NEEP was developed by the Ministry of Agriculture to provide real-time market information to farmers, helping them make informed decisions.
“Weather updates and alerts assist farmers in planning their activities and optimising their productivity.
“NEEP will offer services such as market information, weather updates, farm inputs, extension advisory services, and a feedback mechanism to bridge gaps between farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.
“This platform will serve as a transformative tool for enhancing agricultural extension delivery,” he said.
In another presentation, Mr. Ishaku Buba, the National Coordinator, National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), said the scheme had registered farmers nationwide.
He said it was done through the use of ICT to promote transparency, accountability and ease assessment or evaluation of impacts.
The African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) says it plans to light up one million houses in rural communities nationwide using clean energy.
A solar mini-grid system
National Coordinator, AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, Mr. Jabiru Abdullahi, disclosed this at an inaugural media parley in Abuja on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
He said that although the project would be tasking and require a huge amount of money, partners who also have an interest in clean energy would be engaged to ensure success.
While emphasising collaboration for transparency and sustainable development, Abdullahi highlighted the agency’s role in implementing the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
He commended the media for its role in shaping narratives, holding institutions accountable, and connecting citizens with good governance.
Abdullahi also called on the media to amplify transformative stories and foster accountability.
He outlined priorities such as good governance, capacity building, and empowerment of farmers, youth, and women to ensure success.
According to him, aligning with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration, the partnership aims to inspire collective action for a prosperous Africa while addressing national challenges.
“I have an agenda which I hope to achieve. Starting from this year, I intend to light up one million houses using clean energy. It is by no means an easy task.
“But it is doable. With the right partners that are there to mitigate climate changes, we will achieve this. We are targeting the rural communities they lack rural electrification access.
“Some may wonder how we intend to power one million houses, it is not going to be in one stare, it will be spread across the nation.
“I know the cost is huge, but I am optimistic that we will achieve it,” Abdullahi said.
The National Coordinator noted that AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria has made significant strides over the years, such as leading Nigeria’s second peer review process.
“Empowering over 55 professionals through the NEPAD Academy with skills in governance, technology, and leadership.
“Driving smallholder farmer programmes that provide tools, resources, and knowledge to enhance productivity and secure food systems across Nigeria.
“Also, through oganising nationwide sensitisation workshops and training on violence-free elections and governance, aligning with the principles of democracy and political stability,” Abdullahi added.
