Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Chike Ozohili

  • FAO trains Nigerian farmers, others on drip irrigation

    FAO trains Nigerian farmers, others on drip irrigation

    As part of efforts to boost food production, towards addressing the increasing demand to feed the ever-growing population in Nigeria, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has trained farmers, extension workers, researchers, and irrigation technicians in drip irrigation.

    A statement by FAO Communication Specialist, David Tsokar, recently, the training was held in Kano under the aegis of the FAO initiative to promote drip irrigation scheme in selected sites in the country, with the theme “Innovations in Irrigation Development and Practices for increased Water and Land Productivity for Beneficiary Farmer Leaders, Agriculture Extension Officers, Irrigation Technicians and Irrigation Engineers.”

    Declaring the training open, the Director of the Irrigation and Drainage department at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Engineer Esther Oluniyi said the initiative is part of government’s efforts to promote food security and sustainable water management for irrigated agriculture with the expectation to produce more crops per drop of water on the land.

    He noted that the briefing and coaching sessions would broaden the understanding of participants on efficient “farm management practices to produce even more crops on the same land using less amount of water, implementation and management procedures of drip irrigation kits for sustainability.”.

    FAO Representative, Fred Kafeero noted that though designed as a lesson learnt from operation, maintenance, and the rehabilitation of challenged irrigation schemes in Nigeria by the department, the initiative was developed as a pilot initiative in collaboration with the Water Resources Ministry.

    He stated that it is viewed to compare “low energy drip based irrigated system side by side gravity canal, flood based irrigated system, with the view to come up with a study on some irrigation parameters such as volume of water use, the number of crops produced, cost of power, labour cost among others”.

    The training was attended by representatives of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, leaders of farmer groups, Hadejia-Jamare River Basin Development Authority, the Agriculture Development Programme from Kano state, and academia from the Bayero University Kano (BUK) among many others.

    The objective of the training is to enhance understanding of the technical processes of the different stages of drip irrigation practices with a view to cascade the training to the individual/ farmer groups in the irrigation scheme. This is against the background that drip irrigation reduces the impact of drought and climate change on food production; contamination of groundwater and rivers caused by fertilizer leaching is averted; it is advantageous to rural communities in poverty reduction due to increase in outputs and reduces rural urban drift.

  • 3m people die annually from food poisoning globally- Expert  

    3m people die annually from food poisoning globally- Expert  

    A food expert, and second Vice President of Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Dr Ignatius Alaka, has labeled farmers using inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, synthetic hormones to grow their crops and raise livestocks as hired assassins.

    Alaka said the farmers were killing consumers slowly and painfully. According to him, these farmers kill consumers of their produce gradually and painfully. This is even as he called for increased consumption of organic products.

    Presenting a paper titled “Food Safety, Hygiene and Adherence to Quality Organic Standard,” during a ensitization workshop on organic agriculture for rice farmers and processors in Ebonyi State recently Dr. Alaka, said research has shown over the years that these in-organic substances used in farming had very serious deleterious harmful effects, even as he revealed that globally, over 1.5 billion cases of food borne disease outbreak are reported resulting in 3 million deaths.

    “Organic agriculture, which is governed by strict government standards, requires that products bearing the organic label are produced without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineering etc. The use of organic fertilizers to grow nutritious foods is becoming internationally acceptable in-view of its numerous health benefits.

    “Consumers should be aware that you are what you eat. Anyone who has ever had food poisoning can tell you it is an experience you would never wish for your enemy. To avoid this, it is important to learn about food safety guidelines pertaining to the preparation of foods.

    “However, there is inadequate supervision and proper monitoring by food safety officers and the enforcement of food hygiene regulation is weak. There is also the lack of training in food safety and good hygiene practices for food handlers.

    “Rice is one of the most important grain crops in the world. Growth in population combined with rapid urbanization has helped to fuel the demand for rice. In order to meet up with the high demand for rice, farmers have to increase their production capacity by adapting conventional means of using in-organic fertilizers and pesticides.

    “The way people access food is important for their safety and health. All food manufacturers have a responsibility to provide consumers with safe, wholesome foods. Safety is not an option but it is an essential part of the planning, preparation and production of foods.

    “The safety and quality of foods is becoming a matter of increasing concern. Information is more readily available to consumers through the mass media and they are considerably more aware of existing and potential risks from pesticides, food poisoning and a poor diet,” he warned.

    He said a lack of consideration of safety can result in serious threat to public health and according to him, in most countries serious penalties exist for those who contravene hygiene and food safety legislations. 

    He also, urged farmers to take advantage of the high demand of organic produce across the world, saying consumer demand for organic food is growing at a rate of 20 to 30 per cent annually year and that it is estimated that more than 6 out of every 10 Australian households now buy organic foods, hence Nigeria farmers must key in now and take advantage of this opportunity to grow organic rice and other crops.

  • NDIC assures depositors of 182 closed MfBs, PMBs speedy payment 

    NDIC assures depositors of 182 closed MfBs, PMBs speedy payment 

    The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has assured depositors affected by the recent revocation of the licenses of 178 Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and four Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of speedy payment of their insured deposits.

    The Managing Director of NDIC Mr. Bello Hassan gave the assurance during a three-day capacity-building workshop for management staff of the corporation at the weekend in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state.

    The event had as its theme: ‘Result Based Procurement: A Strategic Approach’ was organized by the Corporation in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

    The Managing Director represented by the Executive Director, Operation, Mr Mustapha Ibrahim stressed that the Corporation would not compromise standards as it would also ensure that depositors get their money promptly to prevent a panic situation.

    Hassan stated that NDIC would continue to strengthen the financial system to appropriately support the economic advancement of the nation and also contribute meaningfully to financial system stability.

    “It is also pertinent to remind ourselves of the role the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) continues to play as a key player in the Financial Safety-Net arrangement of the country’s banking system as a Deposit Insurer; others being; the prudential regulation & supervision, failure resolution, deposit insurance and lender of last resort function of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    These components continue to safeguard the safety and soundness of the banking system as well as promote financial stability. 

    “Following the recent revocation of the licenses of 178 Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and four Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has since commenced the liquidation exercise with the main purpose of paying the guaranteed sum, recovery of debts owed the banks, sale of physical assets and payment of liquidation dividend on the uninsured sum. 

    “The NDIC is hereby assuring depositors of the closed banks of speedy payment of their insured sums,” he added 

    Hassan expressed delight at the collaboration and training of procurement staff by BPP saying it has helped to conserve funds, block leakages, and enhance healthy competition and transparency.

    In his remark, the Director-General of BPP, Mr. Mamman Ahmadu cautioned that any public procurement without plans and records is tantamount to criminality.

    Ahmadu, represented by the Director, Research and Development/ICT, Mr. Aliyu Aliyu assured that the agency will continue to collaborate with NDIC to ensure smooth sailing on its procurement activities.

  • YABATECH is Nigeria’s Best Polytechnic for record 6th time

    YABATECH is Nigeria’s Best Polytechnic for record 6th time

    Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has retained the first position for the sixth time in the biannual Webometrics ranking among Polytechnics in the country released in July 2023.

    This is contained in a statement on Saturday, signed by YABATECH Deputy Registrar, Mr Joe Ejiofor, Lagos.

    Ejiofor said the College also moved up by two steps, displaced other universities, widened the gap between the College and the first runner-up polytechnic by 17 steps, and improved upon its January 2023 position.

    According to Ejiofor, Webometric is a ranking of higher institutions of learning; it uses both Webometric and Bibliometric (research) indicators.

    Webometrics ranking is based on web content impact, top-cited researchers, and papers published on research and publication platforms online.

    The primary objective is to promote open access to the knowledge generated by institutions.

    “This milestone success is attributed to the support the Management has consistently given to relevant research units in the college.

    “In particular by providing the tools needed by the Centre for Information and Technology Management (CITM) to work professionally on the website tailored toward the sensitisation of the academic community.

    “This idea was to create an enabling environment so that they can publish their journals in relevant high-impact platforms,” he said.

    Ejiofor noted that the school had implemented strategies to improve its ranking through the increase in the quantity and quality of its web content.

    Earlier, the statement said that Dr Ibraheem Abdul, Rector, YABATECH, on assuming office on May 22, 2023, and in line with his erect agenda, promised to lift the college to the topmost height of academic excellence.

    This, according to the statement, was brought to bear by putting in place the necessary structure that would enable the College to grow, and take her stand among her global counterparts.  

  • Global commodities’ prices up 1.3% in July – FAO

    Global commodities’ prices up 1.3% in July – FAO

    Global food commodity prices rose in July, influenced by the termination of the Black Sea grain initiative and new trade restrictions on rice, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has stated.

    The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 123.9 points in July, up 1.3 percent from the previous month while 11.8 percent below its July 2022 level.

    The increase was driven by a sharp jump in the FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index, which rose 12.1 percent from June after seven months of consecutive declines. International sunflower oil prices rebounded by more than 15 percent in the month, due mostly to renewed uncertainties surrounding the exportable supplies after the Russian Federation’s decision to end the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. World prices for palm, soy, and rapeseed oils increased on concerns over output prospects in leading producing countries.

    The FAO Cereal Price Index declined by 0.5 percent from June, driven by a 4.8 percent drop in international coarse grain quotations due to increased seasonal supplies of maize from ongoing harvests in Argentina and Brazil and potentially higher-than-anticipated production in the United States of America. However, international wheat prices rose by 1.6 percent, their first monthly increase in nine months, due to uncertainty over exports from Ukraine as well as continued dry conditions in North America.

    The FAO All Rice Price Index increased by 2.8 percent on the month and 19.7 percent on the year to reach its highest nominal level since September 2011, as India’s 20 July prohibition of non-parboiled Indica exports fostered expectations of greater sales in other origins, amplifying upward pressure already exerted on prices by seasonally tighter supplies and Asian purchases.

    This upward pressure of rice prices “raises substantial food security concerns for a large swathe of the world population, especially those that are most poor and who dedicate a larger share of their incomes to purchase food,” FAO warned, adding that export restrictions can bear adverse consequences on production, consumption and prices that last beyond the duration of their implementation and risk exacerbating high food domestic inflation in many countries.

    The FAO Sugar Price Index declined by 3.9 percent as good progress in Brazil’s sugarcane harvest and improved rains across most growing areas in India weighed on world quotations, as did subdued demand from Indonesia and China, the world’s largest sugar importers. Persistent concerns over the potential impact of the El Niño phenomenon on sugarcane crops, along with higher international crude oil prices, mitigated the decline.

    The FAO Dairy Price Index declined by 0.4 percent in July to stand 20.6 percent below its July 2022 value. World cheese prices recovered slightly after steep recent declines as hot weather affected seasonally declining milk supplies in Europe.

    The FAO Meat Price Index declined 0.3 percent from June. Quotations for bovine, ovine and poultry meat declined on solid supply availability and in some cases lower demand from leading importers. Pig meat prices, by contrast, rose, reflecting high seasonal demand coupled with ongoing tight supplies from Western Europe and the United States of America.

  • Naira appreciates 4.31% at investors, exporters window

    Naira appreciates 4.31% at investors, exporters window

    On Friday, the Naira displayed a remarkable appreciation of 4.31% against the dollar at the Investors and Exporters window, reaching an exchange rate of N743.07. This significant gain was in contrast to the previous day’s rate of N776.50. The open indicative rate also closed favorably at N782.28 to the dollar on the same day.

    During the day’s trading, the spot exchange rate peaked at N799 to the dollar before ultimately settling at N743.07. Interestingly, the Naira was observed to have been sold as low as N475 to the dollar within the same trading session, indicating some fluctuations in the market.

    The Investors and Exporters window witnessed substantial activity, with a total of $121.08 million being traded on Friday.

    This volume of transactions reflects the ongoing dynamics in the foreign exchange market and the interests of investors and exporters in Nigeria’s currency market.

    The Naira’s gain at the Investors and Exporters window indicates some positive sentiment and demand for the local currency in recent trading activities.

    However, it is essential to keep an eye on market conditions and various economic factors that could influence future fluctuations in the exchange rate.

    As with any currency, the Naira’s value can be influenced by factors such as the country’s trade balance, foreign direct investments, foreign reserves, and government monetary policies.

    A stable and competitive exchange rate is crucial for the Nigerian economy to attract foreign investments, ensure price stability, and enhance international trade.

    Overall, market participants, investors, and policymakers will continue to closely monitor the Naira’s performance in the coming days to gauge the currency’s strength and stability in the face of economic challenges and global market trends.

  • Police foil bandit attack on police station, Juma’at prayer in Zamfara

    Police foil bandit attack on police station, Juma’at prayer in Zamfara

    The police command in Zamfara said its operatives repelled bandits who attacked the Divisional Police Station in Zurmi Local Government Area of the state.

    The command said it also arrested a 35-year-old suspected female informant.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Yazid Abubakar disclosed this at the weekend at a media briefing in Gusau.

    Abubakar said police operatives attached to the police station acted on credible intelligence that a group of armed bandits was planning to carry out the attack.

    “The police operatives mobilised, confronted the bandits, and engaged them in a gun battle which lasted for hours.

    “As a result of this, one of the bandits was neutralised while the others escaped to the bushes spilling blood on their paths because of the wounds they sustained.

    “Police investigation that followed the incident resulted in the arrest of a 35-year-old female suspected to be an informant from Rukudawa village.

    “The suspect confessed that she has been working with bandit kingpin Dankarami Gwaska as his informant and has given her the task of monitoring activities at the police stations for him.

    “Two handsets containing bandits’ telephone numbers were recovered from her,” Abubakar said.

    “On July 28 Police Tactical Operatives attached to 34 PMF, deployed to Magarya community in the same Zurmi local government area acted on an intelligence report that suspected armed men were on their way to attack Muslims during Juma’at prayers at Kwata village in Magarya district.

    “The police operatives confronted them and succeeded in foiling the attack and the bandits escaped to the bushes.

    “Two AK47 rifles, four rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and Bajaj motorcycle were recovered at the scene while the command is still pursuing the suspects with a view to arresting and prosecuting them.

    “On July 27 at about 1330hrs, Police Tactical Team attached to Area Command Gusau acted on intelligence that led to the arrest of two suspected bandits and kidnappers terrorizing the Saminaka area in Gusau Metropolis,” the command’s spokesman added. 

  • Nigerian Breweries hints of ‘moderate’ hike in beer price

    Nigerian Breweries hints of ‘moderate’ hike in beer price

    The Nigerian Breweries (NB) has said that it is set to carry out a moderate adjustment to its current price regime. 

    According to the company, the proposed exercise is due to the continued rise in the cost of production.

    NB has 19 high-quality brands (Heineken, Desperados, Maltina, Life, Amstel Malta, Gulder, Fayrouz, and Legend) produced by nine breweries and distributed nationwide.

    The removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has led to an increase in transportation costs.

    A statement by the management of the company read in part: “We are aware of the memo in circulation issued by our Sales Director, Ayo Lawal on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, to all our direct customers notifying them of the upcoming review of prices of some of our SKUs, effective Thursday, August 10, 2023.

    “This notification to our esteemed trade partners is in keeping with our standard business practices, and commitment to business continuity for our customers. 

    “We would like to use this opportunity, to clarify, that this is a moderate price adjustment planned on some of the SKUs of our brands, due to the continued rise in input cost.”

    The company assured all stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to excellent customer service delivery and consumer satisfaction.

  • Current oil output unlikely to change as OPEC meets Friday

    Current oil output unlikely to change as OPEC meets Friday

    The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is not likely going to make any changes to the current oil output policy as tighter supplies and resilient demand drive an oil price rally.

    Ministers from the OPEC and allies led by Russia, known as OPEC+, meet on August 4 and the panel, called the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee, can call for a full OPEC meeting if warranted.

    Oil has rallied to a three-month high this week above $85 a barrel for Brent crude, as tighter supply and rising demand outweigh concern that interest rate hikes and stubborn inflation could hit economic growth.
    The Six OPEC+ sources said the Committee would probably not make any changes to existing policy during Friday’s online meeting as one of them cited the rising oil price as a reason to take no action.
    The OPEC and the Saudi Energy Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday.
    In the latest comments from an OPEC member about the market, the energy minister for the United Arab Emirates told Reuters on July 21 that current OPEC+ actions were sufficient for now and the group was “only a phone call away” if any further steps are needed.

    The UAE minister sits on the JMMC, which is chaired by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

    Still, a surprise cannot be ruled out. The Saudi minister in July said OPEC+ would “continue the effort at surprising markets”.

    In April, several OPEC+ members announced cuts just ahead of a JMMC meeting that was expected to take no action.


    At its last policy meeting in June, OPEC+ agreed on a broad deal to limit supply into 2024 and Saudi Arabia pledged a voluntary production cut for July that it has since extended to include August.

    Analysts told Reuters last week they expected Saudi Arabia to extend the voluntary cut for another month to include September.


    National Australia Bank said in a report on Tuesday that it expected the Saudis to announce an extension of their voluntary cut at the committee meeting on Friday.