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On a general note, different agricultural programmes were introduced by successive administrations in Nigeria with the aim to provide food security for the citizens. But considering the challenges of policy flip – flops, lack of sustained support for the farmers, disregard for the sector in favour of crude oil, and insecurity

food security has declined since political independence on October 1,1960. Other factors that have exacerbated food insecurity in recent years include climate change leading to the flushing floods, seasonal drought and land degradation, in some parts of the country. Another critical issue is that of violent conflicts between armed herders and farmers. It is therefore, evident with the contribution of agriculture to the national economy dropping from 64 % to the GDP in 1960 to 46% in 2010 and down to 20.97% in 2024. According to the World Food Summit, food security exists when people have access to enough safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development, and an active and healthy life. By contrast, food insecurity refers to when the aforementioned conditions do not exist. Chronic food insecurity is when a person is unable to consume enough food over an extended period to maintain a normal, active and healthy life. Acute food insecurity is any type that threatens people’s lives or livelihoods. Latest figures from the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, or SOFI, report, show that 673 million people experienced hunger in 2024.

Yet, the right to food is expressly recognized in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights as part of the right to an adequate standard of living, and is enshrined in the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Of significance, is that the level of a country ‘s food security is one of the factors used to measure its economic development. As for Nigeria, the number of food-insecure citizens increased significantly, from 66.2 million in Q1, 2023, to 100 million in Q1, 2024 (WFP, 2024), with 18.6 million facing acute hunger and 43.7 million of them showing crisis-level. The import of this is that much more needs to be done than said about the different agricultural programs since the Sixties.

An appraisal of the different programs, their impact or not has become important to fashion the best way forward out of the food insecurity challenge.

It should be noted that the impact of the agricultural value chain of food production, processing, packaging, preservation, marketing for both local consumption and export plays a significant role on both the Gross Domestic Product, GDP and the Human Development Index, HDI.

Beginning with the administration of Tafawa Balewa (1960-1966) the Regional Agricultural Programmes (RAP) was characterized by focus on colonial cash crop production against food crops mainly for export.

They were set in place between the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the Regional Governments (RGs) in accordance with Nigeria’s Constitution of 1963. To achieve this aim, the Regional Ministries of Agriculture were established in 1962/63. The Western region became the major producer of cocoa and coffee, while rubber came from the Mid-West. The Eastern Region Oil Palm and Northern region Ground-nut and Cotton boosted the production of more cash crops, agricultural raw-materials for industries, export earnings and jobs opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

But the programme ‘s failure was because priority was not given to food crops. There was lack of unity. Issues of ethnicity and political differences led to disagreements that affected the programmes from becoming a success.

On its part, General Yakubu Gowon’s regime (1966-1975) came up with National Accelerated Food Production Programme (NAFPP) as an agricultural extension programme established in 1972, following the end of the Nigerian civil war. It was aimed to end the food crisis that engulfed the country at that trying time. Its failure was because the farmers who could not form co-operatives were left out.

Subsequently, Shehu Shagari’s Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) came on board. The programme, according to Elijah and Tenon relied on disbursement of credits and farm inputs through cooperative societies excluding most small-scale farmers.

The major reasons for its lack of impact included the sudden withdrawal of funding by the federal government. It also lacked farmers’ participation As for the acclaimed farmer, General Olusegun Obasanjo, (1976-1979), in May 1976, Obasanjo launched Operation Feed the Nation, a project to revitalise small-scale farming and which involved students being paid to farm during the holidays. It was launched in order to bring about increased food production across the entire nation through the active involvement and participation of everybody in every discipline.

But it did not succeed because of the indiscriminate use of land for farming activities since most armers were very young and inexperienced. Also, hired labour was the main source of labour employed by participants. There was absence of available markets, so livestock diseases caused havoc on farms of the novice farmers bringing the beautiful dream to its end.

With the return of democratic government, Alhaji Shehu Shagari (1979-1983) introduced the Green Revolution Programme (GRP) on June 3, as a replacement for OFN. ‘The programme depended on the ministry-based extension system and was instrumental to raising mass awareness on the problems of food confronting the nation.

The FGN ensured the success of the programme by providing agrochemicals, improved seeds/seedlings, irrigation system, machine, credit facilities, improved marketing and favourable pricing policy for the agricultural products and encouraged farmers to produce food, cash crops, and livestock.’

According to Goodluck Jonathan, ‘Green Revolution and Operation Feed the Nation failed because they were not properly articulated, agricultural programmes in Nigeria just followed the political class and disappeared.’ Coming to General Muhammadu Buhari (1983-1985) and his Back to Land (BL) programme was to revive the agriculture by encouraging Nigerians to go back to farm to reduce over dependence in oil.

But it failed with regards to poor quality of infrastructures provided by the directorate due to embezzlement/mismanagement of fund. ‘Lack of focus and accountability made the impact of the programme almost insignificant.’

Next came the IBB-driven Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in 1986 to achieve the objectives of its far-reaching reforms on diversification of exports and adjustment of production and consumption. SAP provided strategies on food crops, livestock, industrial raw materials, wildlife, forestry, fish production. It also provided policies on support services such as agricultural extension, technology development and transfer.

Its failure was traced to unskilled handling of water application through irrigation that degraded and depleted the soil of its productive capacity.

While the Family Support Programme (FSP) was initiated in 1994 the Family Economic Advancement Programme (FEAP) came in 1996 by General Abacha and his wife Mrs. Maryam Sani Abacha. The programme eventually culminated in the creation of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.

The programme focused ‘on areas like health, education, women in development, agriculture, child welfare and youth development. They also touched on the provision of shelter for the less privileged in the society from ongoing housing programme of government’. The sudden death of Gen. Abacha limited their impact on the women and the masses.

This topic will be an ongoing one for us to learn from the mistakes of the past agricultural programs and fashion the best way forward

Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the Church trajectory and that of the country has been intertwined.

The Church on many fronts has been a mirror of development, especially in regard to nation building. Something the political class might have to learn and relearn.

However, the proliferation of religious centres across the country in some way has not helped in deepening the narrative of the Church Movement in Nigeria. This is so because the proliferation of religious centres has failed to align with nation building.

For many religious leaders, the primary goal and calling into ministry is to touch the people within the four walls of the church.

But national development goes beyond that myopic thinking into a broader mindset of reaching people outside the Church.

In 1842, the church movement in Nigeria characterised with the arrival of the Protestant missionaries from the Church Missionary Society (CMS) and the Wesleyan Methodists in Badagry, Nigeria, to establish missions and spread Christianity.

This marked the beginning of a significant era of Christian evangelism, with the establishment of churches and schools that played a vital role in the growth and indigenisation of Christianity in Nigeria, particularly in the southern and western regions.

At independence in 1960, the Nigeria Church was largely dominated by missionaries from the ‘global north’. However, that narrative has given way to a growing number of indigenous churches, who are shifting the missionary trajectory from the ‘global south to north’.

The question has been what role has religious centres played since the colonial masters left Nigeria? Over the years, there has been a proliferation of churches and mosques that are run by indigenous people of Nigeria.

Today, even churches that were established by the colonial masters are now being run by Nigerians, pointing to the rule of the Church in nation building on the back of the church-state development narrative,

‘And you will agree with me that since 1842 that the Church Missionary Society in Nigeria came, which happened to be the first church, they came with education, they came with health care facilities,’ Stephen Adegbite, executive secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), said.

Adegbite said that the Church has done a lot in Nigeria, even before independence. According to him, many of those in the ruling class since independence attended missionary schools.

He added that the Church has been able to shape the moral of Nigerians through religious studies, and Bible knowledge, being taught in schools both at the primary and secondary level of education.

‘And that is why Nigerians are saying today, the Church is saying, it should not be removed from the curriculum of our education system,’ Adegbite said.

According to him, the Church provided infrastructural facilities from schools, hospitals, and also provided leadership in many areas of the country. ‘So when we look back today, we can say, the Lord has been able to help the church in shaping the Nigerian system since independence.’ However, Adegbite believes there is a need for the leadership of the Church to revisit the history of the Church by going back to the roots to learn from the founding fathers the technique of nation building beyond rhetoric. ‘It’s not to be a church that matters, but the attitude of people that go and attend churches; their lives must be changed. And they must be Christian. Nobody should be forced to be Christian. Don’t pretend to be Christian.’

Joseph Ojo, the presiding Archbishop of Calvary Kingdom Church (CKC) said the Nigerian narrative cannot be complete without the Church movement, which predated the country’s independence in 1960.

According to him, the ‘Pentecostal Movement’ of the post-independence era gave life to what many now refer to as the proliferation of churches in Nigeria. He said that the Nigerian story will not be complete without the church – same way the church cannot exist without Nigeria.

Emmanuel Udofia, the former primate of The African Church, said the post-independence proliferation of churches in Nigeria is in response to the commandment of Jesus Christ to his disciples, which says ‘go into the world and make disciples of me.’

‘We have new churches being established almost every week or month. The mandate Jesus Christ gave to us. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations,’ Udofia said.

According to him, the role of the Church is not to sit down at a particular place; rather, it is to go out and spread the gospel. ‘So in an attempt to do that, then there is bound to be many churches.’

Udofia is also of the view that having churches everywhere has helped in shaping and building the moral compass of the people within the vicinity where they operate. ‘And it’s instrumental to many churches that we have established everywhere. Although we have some challenges around us.

‘But, if the churches were not to be there; what would have happened? Because there are so many people who are involved in different types of crimes,’ Udofia said.

While the narrative is beginning to shift from building within, many of the Church leaders have understood the essence of reaching a greater audience outside the walls of the church.

Today, it is commonplace to see churches host conferences on political and economic development with themes that were hard sales during the early days of the church movement.

Similarly, the Church has fully embraced technology as a driver of the gospel message – adopting and adapting technology for impact, and not as a destructive or satanic tool of the world.

Today, Nigerian churches are building multi-purpose cathedral to serve both religious and empowerment needs of the worshipers. In many instances, these cathedrals are self-sustaining because of their multi-purpose nature.

The Obidient Movement has called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, the Department of State Services, DSS, and other security agencies to arrest and prosecute the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Adekunle Mustapha aka Sego.

It said that Sego should be arrested and prosecuted for threatening to kill anybody who votes against the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State in 2027.

Reacting to a video showing Sego issuing the threat, the movement said Sego’s action is part of desperate attempts engineered by the APC because the party does not have the voting strength nor popular support to win free and fair elections in Lagos State.

The statement signed by the Movement’s National Coordinator, Tanko Yunusa, read: ‘The attention of the Obidient Movement has been drawn to comments, well captured on video, by the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers Adekunle Mustapha aka Sego.

‘In summary, the said Sego, who masquerades as a Labour Union leader, threatened to kill anyone who votes against the APC in Lagos, during the next elections, scheduled for 2027.

‘The Obidient Movement recalls with grief and sadness, the violence unleashed by this same NURTW members and other thugs, during the 2023 elections, on Nigerian voters in Lagos, particularly members of the Obidient Movement and supporters of Mr. Peter Obi and the Labour Party, resulting in the recorded killing and maiming of so many. ‘There is no doubt whatsoever that these threats and acts of murder and brigandage are desperate attempts engineered by the APC, realising that they do not have the voting strength nor popular support to win any elections, free and fair in Lagos, as with generally across the country, having failed to deliver good governance arising from their questionable mandate in the 2023 elections. ‘Over the years, actions of murder, thuggery, political violence, extortion and other criminal acts have continued to be associated and even accepted as part of the operation of the NURTW in Lagos.

‘We are by this statement calling the attention of President Bola Tinubu, who bears statutory and historical responsibility for this development, the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Police, DSS, Military and all other security agencies to immediately effect the arrest, detention and prosecution of this NURTW Chairman, and all others who have been long involved in the perpetration of these threats, murders and politically related criminal acts.’

Yunusa also called the attention of the international community to Sego’s threats.

‘We are also putting the International Community on notice, of these crimes against humanity and threats to peace in Nigeria, and those legally responsible, by their actions and inactions,’ he added.

The Kogi State Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (Kogi L -PRES), has launched a one-week intensive training on Artificial Insemination (AI) for 30 participants, comprising animal scientists, veterinarians, and lead farmers from across the state.

The training is being hosted at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Abdulkabir Ononuoyiza Otaru, while speaking on the exercise on Monday in Lokoja, described artificial insemination in livestock as a technique for controlled breeding and genetic improvement, adding that the training is crucial for achieving the project’s goal of increasing productivity, commercialization, and resilience of the livestock value chain in Kogi State.

Otaru commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for his full support for the improvement of livestock productivity value chain in the state.

‘Professionals in livestock field, including veterinarians, animal scientists, and farmers are selected for further training on artificial insemination by trainers from NSPRI Zaria.

‘The training is crucial for project goals in Kogi State and supported by Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration. ‘The goal is to improve livestock productivity for food security and farmers’ livelihoods in Kogi State. Participants will train farmers clusters and stakeholders in livestock value chain across the state.

‘Full commitment to training by the participants is essential to justify government’s investment in the project.

‘The training is expected to equip the participants with the necessary skills to improve livestock productivity and contribute to the growth of the livestock industry in Kogi State’.

Abdulsalam Hadi, permanent secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Livestock Development, commended the governor for his commitment to improving livestock development in the state, noting that the training is a testament to the government’s efforts to support farmers and improve livestock productivity.

Shaibu Husseini Egwu and Isah Anate Jimoh, director of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Livestock Development, and director of Animal Husbandry, in their separate responses, stressed the importance of AI in animal improvement, highlighting its potential to increase milk and meat production, pointing out on the need to adopt new techniques to improve mass livestock productivity and meet the growing demand for livestock products.

Adeniyi Omoniyi Oloninisi, Animal Husbandry Officer, KOGI L-PRES project, and Tolu Omotugba, chairman, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), equally noted that AI will increase livestock productivity, reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, and improve the genetic quality of animals, as they commended the state government for the initiative, saying it will empower veterinarians to carry out AI procedures and prove livestock production in the state .

Musa Ibrahim, Onu of Ochaja, a livestock farmer, commended the L-PRES project for its impact on livestock farmers in the state through capacity building trainings, as he expressed gratitude to the governor for his support to the project and assured that the participants would take advantage of the training to broaden their knowledge on AI.

Remi Tinubu, first lady of Nigeria has celebrated the 15-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, the Guinness World Record (GWR) holder for the largest painting on canvas.

Kanyeyachukwu’s painting, which spans 12,304 square meters features a multi-coloured ribbon, representing the autism symbol surrounded by emojis.

The painting themed, ‘Impossibility is a Myth’ aimed at highlighting the spectrum disorder and the challenges that people like him face amid stigma.

According to the first lady, Kanye’s GWR achievement is proof that impossibility is a myth. ‘By painting the largest art canvas in the world, he has not only broken the Guinness World Record, but he has also broken barriers of perception.’

According to the first lady, who was represented by Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the minister of Women Affairs, the Eko Atlantic exhibition is a whole segment of Nigeria’s cultural vibrancy, technology innovation, and environmental consciousness.

She said that the exhibition reflects the real vision of President Tinubu, who believes deeply in the limitless potential of Nigerian youth to shape the future of the country and the world at large.

‘Their innovation complements Kanyeyachukwu’s artistry, both serving as a reminder that creativity and responsibility must work hand in hand to secure a better tomorrow for all.’

The first lady also urged the participants to draw inspiration from Kanyeyachukwu’s story as they celebrate art today, cultural technology, and sustainability.

‘Let us nurture our own talents and invest in the creative economy, for it is here that the true wealth and image of our nation resides,’ Tinubu said. Hannatu Musa Musawa, minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy in Nigeria, said the painting titled, ‘Impossibility is a Myth,’ defies limits, and shows the expansive possibilities that lie within every Nigerian child, regardless of age, disability, or background.

According to her, the title of the work could not have been more fitting, because it portrays the message that limitations are often in the mind, not in the heart and hands.

‘As Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, I see in this record not merely a personal achievement, but a national statement of who we are and who we can be,’ she said.

According to Musawa, the current administration is working towards elevating arts and culture beyond vehicles of entertainment into pillars of social development, economic growth and unity.

‘Indeed, Kanye’s success is a beacon for what is possible when policy, community support, family love, and personal dedication come together,’ Musawa said.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, said Kanyeyachukwu has accomplished what many would deem impossible at 15.

‘As a non-verbal teenager on the autism spectrum, he has found his voice through art, expressing himself in a way that is bold, beautiful and impactful,’ stated Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Idris Aregbe, SA on tourism, art and culture to governor Sanwo-Olu.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the remarkable canvas serves as a powerful reminder that limitations are offen just a product of the mind. ‘True ability shines through courage, perseverance, and vision.’

Chuck Nduka-Eze, the grand patron to Kanyeyachukwu, said Nigeria lack trained professionals with the right understand to address the challenges of autism.

‘So, one of the things we’re trying to address as a foundation is to train nurses and train medical staff to actually understand the challenge of autism, to be able to provide support, for those who have that challenge,’ he said.

He also disclosed that the foundation is trying to raise fund to directly assist families who have children with autism. They can’t even go out shopping because they have to look after a child 24 hours because they don’t have anybody who understands that child.’

Olubunmi Oni, the Head of Service (HoS) of Oyo State, in collaboration with her siblings, has awarded free scholarships to 45 students in honour of their late parents.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, Oni explained that the initiative was introduced to commemorate the 60th wedding anniversary of their late parents, Joshua Ogunkeyede and Rachel Ogunkeyede.

She noted that the scholarship scheme is aimed at supporting indigent students and ease their academic journey. Since its inception in 2024, the programme has benefitted 45 pupils across different levels of education.

According to Oni, the scholarship cuts across the six geopolitical zones of the country, and it is part of the legacy their parents left behind.

‘Our parents taught us to do good within our capacity to all men. We pray this will continue. It started in 2024, and we believe we will be able to do more for indigent students who apply,’ she said. The HoS added that the scholarship covers pupils in primary and secondary schools, as well as undergraduates in tertiary institutions across various disciplines. In some cases, brilliant students are provided with laptops, while indigent beneficiaries receive monthly stipends.

Oni further explained that the programme is both a celebration of their parents’ union 60 years ago and a continuation of their values. She recalled that Joshua Ogunkeyede passed on in 2022, while their mother, Rachel Ogunkeyede, died in 2014, describing them as humanitarians who instilled discipline and nurtured a culture of giving back to society.

She added that the initiative complements government efforts to ensure Nigerian children access quality education and become productive citizens.

Appealing to well-meaning individuals and organisations to support similar causes, Oni said:

‘There is no amount that is too small. We started this initiative after the passing of our parents. Earlier, we sponsored some students in our hometown church, Emmanuel Anglican Church, Esa-Oke, in 2024 to mark 10 years of our mother’s passing. We are comforted knowing that we are doing what they would love their names to be remembered

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has visited Oke Ode in Ifelodun Local Government to again commiserate with the community and the families who lost their loved ones to the recent attacks by kidnappers.

The Governor prayed for the repose of the souls, commended the security forces for their efforts, and reassured the community of bringing back peace in no distant time.

He also sent words of condolences and solidarity to all the communities caught in the breaches from Ifelodun to Irepodun, Isin, Ekiti, Edu, and Patigi.

‘We have come to commiserate with the community over the attacks. It is to also commend the security forces, forest guards, and vigilante for repelling them and restoring peace back to the community. ‘It’s been quite challenging. Everything is being put in place to mitigate its effects, and make sure we end such occurrences,’ he said.

The governor was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo; State Director of DSS; State Commandant for NSCDC, Umar Mohammed; Senior Special Assistant on Security, Muyideen Aliyu; and Chairman of Ifelodun, Femi Yusuf.

The governor got briefings from security officers and some stakeholders from Oke- Ode and neighbouring Igbaja, including the National President of Oke Ode Development Association, Abdulganiyu Ajala; Oyin Zubair, and the youth leader.

The governor had earlier issued a statement to commiserate with the communities affected, saying a lot more must be done to protect the people and their properties.

Tragedy struck in Kubwa, Abuja, Thursday night as armed assailants invaded the home of Ifeanyi Ogbu, a medical doctor, killed him and abducted his three children, who are still missing.

Residents said the attack occurred late on October 3, when the gunmen stormed Dr. Ogbu’s residence, shooting sporadically before forcing their way in. The doctor was reportedly shot at close range while attempting to protect his family. The assailants then whisked away his children to an unknown destination. The incident has thrown the community into mourning and heightened fears over rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It comes barely days after a violent armed robbery in Katampe, another Abuja district, where residents were robbed at gunpoint in their homes.

Kabiru Adamu, a security analysts said that the two incidents indicate a disturbing trend of escalating urban violence and growing sophistication among criminal gangs operating in the FCT’s suburbs. ‘What we’re seeing is a pattern of coordinated criminal operations targeting residential areas’, Adamu said.

As of Saturday, the police have not issued an official statement on the Kubwa killing and abduction, though residents have called for immediate deployment of more patrol teams and intelligence units to curb the wave of attacks. Adamu also noted that Abuja, long considered one of Nigeria’s safer urban areas, has in recent months witnessed a spike in kidnappings, home invasions, and other violent crimes developments that have raised concerns about the government’s ability to protect citizens even in the nation’s capital.

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Ogbu’s children remain unknown, with family members and neighbours appealing to authorities to intensify search and rescue efforts.

The Made in the North Festival and Trade Fair is set to return for its second edition, with organisers promising a bigger platform to showcase Northern Nigeria’s cultural heritage, creative talent, and commercial potential.

Muhammad Ashraf Adam, convener of the festival, disclosed in Abuja that this year’s edition is designed not only as a cultural celebration but also a solution-driven initiative to ease economic challenges by creating opportunities for trade, partnerships, and empowerment.

‘This is more than a festival, it is a mission, a vehicle for change that, if well supported, can transform the face of Northern Nigeria and contribute significantly to the national economy,’ he said.

According to Adam, the event, which blends tradition with innovation, will position the North as a hub for fashion, film, art, trade, tourism, and technology. It will feature cultural parades, Durbar, poetry slams, film screenings, and fashion showcases, alongside exhibitions, tech showcases, and capacity-building programmes.

Unlike its inaugural edition, this year’s festival has scaled up in logistics, partnerships, and community participation, with over a thousand creatives, brands, and groups expected to participate. A headline musical act and a major talent-scouting initiative are also lined up to spotlight new voices from the region. The festival has attracted support from both government and private sector stakeholders, with endorsements from the Vice President, the Deputy Senate President, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Economy, as well as cultural institutions such as the National Gallery of Art.

Organisers said the long-term vision is to establish the festival as a global cultural brand by 2030, exporting Northern talent and attracting international investors.

‘Out of a projected 230 million Nigerians, over 100 million are from the North. We are a continent within a country, and this festival is about harnessing that potential and projecting it globally,’ Adam added.