Category: Nigerian Tribune

She said the visit, which took place on a Saturday, was at the directive of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The Special Adviser to the Senate President on Diaspora and NGOs, Dr Jibril Tafida, made the clarification in a statement in Abuja.

He said a claim by an online publication that Mrs Akpabio had an ‘unholy access’ to the Senate chamber was false.

Tafida explained that the visit followed complaints by senators and staff about poor facilities and shoddy work done by contractors, adding that it was undertaken at the instance of the Senate President.

He dismissed claims that Mrs Akpabio came with ‘marabouts’ and persons of questionable character, saying the people who accompanied her were engineers and technicians.

According to him, the team comprised electrical, ICT, audio-visual and building maintenance experts who were brought in to assess the faults and determine the state of the facilities.

‘Relevant officials were aware of the visit and no security protocol was breached,’ he said.

Tafida added that Saturday was deliberately chosen for the inspection so as not to disrupt plenary or other legislative activities.

He described the media report as misinformation and speculative journalism aimed at creating controversy where there was none.

He urged the public to disregard the report and called on Naijanewsdirect and other platforms to check their facts before publishing stories that attack public officers and their families.

Tafida stated that Mrs Akpabio was known for her philanthropy and integrity, while the Senate President remained focused on his legislative duties and would not be distracted by unfounded allegations.

‘The National Assembly remains secure and well managed,’ he added.

The Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, has commended the quality and people-oriented representation being provided by lawmakers elected on the platform of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in Ibadan North, describing their performance as a reflection of the party’s ‘Nigerian-first’ ideology.

Olufade, while assessing the performance of the APM lawmakers representing Ibadan North at both the Oyo State House of Assembly and the National Assembly, praised Hon. Olufunke Comforter, representing Ibadan North Constituency I; Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel, representing Ibadan North Constituency II; and Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON, representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency.

According to the chairman, the three lawmakers have demonstrated that genuine political representation goes beyond rhetoric, publicity and the display of names and photographs on billboards, stressing that the real measure of representation is the positive difference made in the lives of constituents.

He said the APM lawmakers had consistently maintained what he described as their ‘social contract’ with the people through various empowerment programmes, social welfare interventions, infrastructure projects, provision of basic amenities and financial assistance to residents.

Olufade noted that these interventions had produced tangible results across communities in Ibadan North, adding that the lawmakers had continued to demonstrate commitment to the welfare and development of their constituents.

Highlighting some of the achievements of the lawmakers, the chairman cited the recent commissioning of six motorised boreholes, a bridge and a community gate by Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel across Ibadan North Constituency II.

He described the projects as practical interventions capable of directly improving the quality of life of residents, particularly in communities where access to basic infrastructure remains a major concern.

Olufade also commended Hon. Olufunke Comforter for her interventions in Ibadan North Constituency I, particularly the construction of an Amotekun security building in Akingbola Ward 5.

According to him, the project is aimed at strengthening community security and providing a more conducive operational environment for personnel of the Amotekun security outfit, thereby contributing to the protection of lives and property.

He further acknowledged the numerous empowerment initiatives and financial assistance provided by the lawmaker to constituents, describing them as evidence of a representation that remains connected to the needs of the people.

Speaking on the performance of Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle DON at the federal level, Olufade said the federal lawmaker had prioritised the welfare of residents of Ibadan North through several interventions.

He specifically mentioned the distribution of food palliatives on six consecutive occasions, describing the initiative as an important intervention at a time when many households are facing economic pressures.

The chairman also pointed to the construction of several pedestrian bridges connecting communities within the federal constituency, saying the projects had addressed critical mobility and accessibility challenges confronting residents.

He further highlighted the commencement of the construction of the 1.17-kilometre Atenda-Alawada Road, describing it as another significant intervention expected to improve connectivity, ease transportation and enhance access for residents and businesses within the constituency.

Olufade also revealed that the three APM lawmakers had facilitated the distribution of solar-powered streetlights to several communities across Ibadan North Federal Constituency, noting that the initiative would contribute to improved visibility, community safety and economic activities after dark.

The council chairman maintained that the collective interventions of the three lawmakers demonstrated what he described as the practical meaning of the APM ideology.

‘The ideology of the Allied Peoples’ Movement is truly Nigerian first. These lawmakers have shown that representation is about the people.

They have maintained the social contract they entered into with their constituents and have continued to fulfil it through empowerment, social welfare, infrastructure, basic amenities and financial interventions.’

Olufade contrasted this approach with what he described as a style of representation that places greater emphasis on visibility through billboards than on tangible constituency projects.

He particularly took a swipe at the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State and serving Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Barrister Sharafadeen Alli, saying that, in his assessment, the senator’s visibility had been more noticeable through billboards than through what he considered meaningful constituency impact.

The chairman said some members of the public had consequently resorted to referring to the senator as ‘Senator Billboards,’ a description he attributed to perceptions surrounding the senator’s public visibility.

Olufade, however, stressed that political representation should ultimately be judged by its impact on the people rather than the number of billboards erected.

‘Representation goes beyond the display of billboards. The best display should not be on billboards; it should be on the lives that have been meaningfully impacted,’ he said.

He argued that residents were capable of distinguishing between publicity and tangible service delivery, insisting that the people of Oyo State could not be swayed merely by political branding.

According to him, ‘Oyo State people are wise and they cannot be cajoled by Senator Billboards.’

Olufade urged political office holders and aspirants to focus more on delivering tangible benefits to the people, stressing that the ultimate legacy of any elected representative would be determined by the lives touched and communities transformed during their tenure.

He commended the three APM lawmakers for what he described as their commitment to grassroots development and urged them to sustain the momentum by continuing to place the welfare and aspirations of their constituents at the centre of their legislative responsibilities.

The chairman maintained that the interventions recorded across Ibadan North offered a practical demonstration that effective representation could translate legislative positions into real development outcomes for ordinary citizens.

Common Mistakes People Make

Let me warn you now, so you don’t fall into the same trap.

1. Copying Friends

Your friend’s investment is not your investment.

2. Chasing Quick Money

If it sounds too good, slow down.

3. Not Understanding What You Invest In

If you can’t explain it simply, don’t put your money there.

4. Putting Everything in One Place

Diversify – don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

As we say, *’What is good for goat is not always good for ram.’*

A Simple Way to Structure Your Investments

Let’s make it practical.

Think of your money in two parts:

Safe money (low risk)

Growth money (higher risk)

Now, based on your profile:

Conservative:** 70% safe, 30% growth

Moderate:** 50% safe, 50% growth

Aggressive:** 20% safe, 80% growth

Safe = bonds, treasury bills

Growth = stocks, equity funds

You don’t have to be perfect. Just start.

My Final Thoughts

In Part 1, we talked about controlling your spending.

In Part 2, we talked about growing your money.

Now in Part 3, you understand **how to grow it the right way for you**.

Because the truth is this:

The best investment is not the one making the most noise.

It is the one you can stay committed to – even when things are not perfect.

‘Don’t invest based on noise – invest based on your nature. The right investment is the one you can stay with, even when the market is shaking.’

Now that you understand your risk appetite, let me ask you a simple question:

What have you done with it?

Because knowing your risk level is one thing.

Using it is another thing entirely.

Let me tell you about Chinedu.

After reading about risk profiles, Chinedu proudly declared, ‘Coach, I am an aggressive investor.’

He liked the sound of it. It felt bold. Confident. Powerful.

So he went ahead and put all his money into stocks.

No plan. No structure. No balance.

Just vibes and confidence.

A few months later, the market dipped.

And suddenly, ‘aggressive investor’ turned into

‘Coach, I’m scared o.’

Now, here’s the truth:

Your risk appetite is not a title. It is a guide.

And if you don’t use it properly, you can still make costly mistakes.

Step 1: Match Your Risk to Your Goals

Before you invest, ask yourself:

What is this money for?

Because not all money should be treated the same way.

Money for rent next year is not the same as money for retirement

Money for school fees is not the same as money you won’t touch for 10 years

As we say, *’Person wey wan cross river no go use same cloth go farm.’*

Short-term money (0-2 years):

Keep it safe. Don’t take unnecessary risk.

Medium-term money (3-5 years):

Mix safety with some growth.

Long-term money (5+ years):

This is where you can take more risk and aim for higher returns.

Step 2: Build Your Investment Structure

Now that you know your risk level, it’s time to organize your money.

Think of your investment like building a house. You need structure.

Break your money into three buckets:

1. Safety Bucket

This is your foundation.

* Emergency savings

* Treasury Bills

* Bonds

This money protects you when life happens.

2. Growth Bucket

This is where your wealth increases.

Stocks

Equity funds

Business investments

This is where your money works hard.

3. Opportunity Bucket

This is for calculated risks.

New ventures

Higher-risk investments

But be careful – this should not carry all your money.

Step 3: Start Where You Are (Not Where You Wish You Were)

Many people delay investing because they think:

‘I need big money first.’

That’s not true.

You can start with what you have.

Even if it’s small.

Even if it feels insignificant.

Because *’na small small wey dey full basket.’*

Consistency beats size every time.

?50,000 invested monthly will do more for you than waiting five years to invest ?5 million once.

Step 4: Automate Your Discipline

Let’s be honest – willpower is not always reliable.

So remove the stress.

Set up:

* Automatic transfers to your investment account

* Standing orders for savings

* Monthly investment routines

Make it difficult to ‘forget’ your future.

–

Step 5: Review, Don’t Panic

Your investments will go up and down.

That is normal.

Don’t behave like Kunle from Part 3 – checking your phone every minute.

Instead:

* Review monthly or quarterly

* Adjust when necessary

* Stay focused on your long-term goal

Remember, investing is not a sprint. It is a marathon.

–

Step 6: Protect Yourself First

Before you go deep into investing, ask yourself:

Do I have:

* Emergency savings?

* Insurance (health, life where necessary)?

Because one unexpected event can wipe out your investments if you are not prepared.

Protection first. Growth second.

My Final Thoughts

Now you know your risk appetite.

But knowledge without action is just comfort.

Real financial growth starts when you:

* Align your money with your goals

* Build structure

* Stay consistent

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about being conservative, moderate, or aggressive.

It’s about being intentional.

Kogi-born political activist, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, has expressed confidence that the INEC National Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, will ensure fairness to all parts of Kogi State in the creation of electoral wards.

Okai stated this in a statement he personally signed on Saturday, explaining that his initial concerns were based on information that did not indicate that the ward creation process could be initiated through requests and appeals from other parts of the state.

He, therefore, urged other regions in Kogi State to submit their applications and make their requests known to the commission.

Okai said Amupitan’s handling of the recently concluded Assembly restoration process demonstrated what he described as ‘fairness to the various senatorial districts in the state’.

He called on the INEC chairman to see himself as one of the leaders of Kogi State, assuring him of the support of stakeholders across Kogi East, Kogi Central and Kogi West.

According to him, Amupitan’s conduct during the recent Osun State election also demonstrated professionalism.

Okai also cited the INEC chairman’s handling of the crisis involving the African Democratic Congress as another indication of his professional approach.

He called on like-minded individuals to support Amupitan in the successful discharge of his responsibilities as INEC chairman.

Okai said fairness and equal consideration for all parts of Kogi would strengthen confidence in the electoral process.

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo, Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, has extended hands of fellowship to all other aspirants that contested the party’s primary with him before his emergence to join him and the party to get victory in the governorship elections slated for February 2027.

Adegoke said he has not at any time been of the opinion that he can do it all alone, saying like the symbol of their party, the ADC, all hands must be joined and work together to win the elections next year.

Adegoke made this known while addressing the party leaders and members in Saki on Friday as part of his thank-You-Visit to Saki West; Saki East and Atisbo Federal Constituency.

The Oyo ADC governorship candidate revealed efforts he made after securing the party’s ticket to seek the cooperation of the fellow contestants, especially, Chief Bisi Ilaka, saying he called him on the phone asking him to join him in the task of winning the governorship race in Oyo State.

‘I want reconciliation so that we can move forward. Those who are angry should sheath their swords. They should let us work together, hand in hand like the symbol of our party.

‘Nobody can do it alone; we must work together to achieve victory. Let us talk to one another, and when we win, we will all enjoy the dividends of hard work.

‘I am saying this because when I won the governorship ticket, I didn’t just sit down as a candidate; I approached our leaders for reconciliation. I told them that we should work together, we should cooperate so that development will come to Oyo state.

‘ I am talking to people in our party and even in the other political parties to join hands with me as we go for the governorship elections in February next year,’ Adegoke said.

He also promised to repair minimum 10 township and inner roads in each of the 33 local government areas of Oyo State in his first 100 days in office.

Also speaking on the reconciliation, the ADC House of Representatives Candidate, Architect Bashiru Lawal, and the ADC Oyo North Senatorial Candidate, Dr Lanre Agoro, called for peace and unity within the party.

They spoke on the need to seek reconciliation, urging members and leaders not to engage in hostility but should seek peace with one another.

The duo also called on members to desist from attacking each other in the media, especially on social media, saying that in unity the party will secure victory in the forthcoming polls.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Oyo State ADC Chairman, Afees Jimoh, thanked the people of Saki for their support for the ADC.

He urged the ADC members and leaders in Saki to rally support for the party ahead of the next year’s general elections.

The ADC Chairman in Oyo State urged the supporters to begin a house-to-house campaign and called for mobilisation for all the candidates of the ADC in the forthcoming elections.

A coalition of northern civic groups has defended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), against what it described as attempts to scapegoat and politically misrepresent him over his recent interview on Channels Television.

The groups, under the aegis of Citizens Support for Good Governance (CSGG) and the Arewa Concerned Citizens Forum (ACCF), said Musa should be judged based on his decades of military service, professional record and commitment to national unity rather than what they described as narrow interpretations of his comments.

The position was contained in a joint statement issued in Kaduna and signed by the Convener of CSGG, Dr Olumide Olayinka Adeosun, and the President of ACCF, Comrade Hamis Danbaba Malumfashi.

The coalition said attempts to portray Musa as acting out of political ambition overlooked his long career in the Nigerian military, during which he held several critical command and operational positions.

Before his appointment to political leadership, Musa served as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East and was later appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Reacting to the controversial Channels Television interview, CSGG and ACCF acknowledged that the minister’s comments were frank, particularly his views on Nigeria’s security situation, the political environment and historical developments in Kaduna State.

During the interview, Musa criticised aspects of the administration of former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that certain policies contributed to societal division in the state.

He, however, commended the efforts of the incumbent governor, Senator Uba Sani, towards promoting reconciliation and social cohesion.

The coalition cautioned against interpreting Musa’s comments as a personal vendetta against El-Rufai, noting that the minister used the term ‘misguided’ in describing the governance approach and instead advocated political leadership that promotes unity rather than division.

It urged Nigerians to subject the claims made during the interview to available evidence instead of accepting or dismissing them based solely on the identity of the person who made them.

According to the statement, Musa was referring to publicly available interviews, speeches and videos in which El-Rufai himself discussed his administration’s security policies.

The groups therefore called on journalists and commentators to examine the original materials, verify the statements and consider their full context before reaching conclusions.

At the same time, CSGG and ACCF cautioned against treating allegations involving serious wrongdoing, including claims of deliberate involvement in killings, as established facts without appropriate investigation or formal judicial proceedings.

The coalition also recalled that when President Tinubu nominated Musa as Minister of Defence in December 2025, he explicitly acknowledged his extensive military experience and distinguished service at the highest levels of Nigeria’s defence architecture.

My children thinks I am going deaf because I keep tuning up the volume of the TV while asking them to speak louder. Kindly help me. I am a 65-year old retiree.

Abibat (by SMS)

Hearing loss is a common problem caused by loud noise, aging, disease, and genetic variations. About one-third of older adults have hearing loss, and the chance of developing hearing loss increases with age. People with hearing loss may find it hard to have conversations with friends and family. They may also have trouble understanding a doctor’s advice, responding to warnings, and hearing doorbells and alarms. Some people may not want to admit they have trouble hearing. Hearing problems that are ignored or untreated can get worse. If you have a hearing problem, see your doctor. Hearing aids, special training, certain medications, and surgery are some of the treatments that can help. The most important thing you can do if you think you have a hearing problem is to seek professional advice. Your family doctor may be able to diagnose and treat your hearing problem. Or your doctor may refer you to other experts, like an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) or an audiologist (health professional who can identify and measure hearing loss).

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, has commended troops of 12 Brigade for their operational successes, particularly the rescue of 21 abducted persons in Kogi State.

Mahmuda gave the commendation during his maiden operational tour of formations and units under the division, which took him to 12 Brigade, Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, from September 2 to 4, 2026.

The GOC, who was received by the Commander, 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, was briefed on the security situation and operational activities within the brigade’s Area of Responsibility.

He praised the commander and troops for the recent rescue of 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and six civilians who were abducted in Kogi State.

According to him, the troops’ sustained efforts had contributed significantly to keeping Kogi State and neighbouring areas safe and conducive to socio-economic activities, resulting in a sharp reduction in criminal activities.

Mahmuda stressed the strategic importance of Kogi State as a major corridor linking the eastern and southern parts of the country, urging the troops to sustain their operational tempo and ensure that the state remains peaceful.

The GOC also visited the headquarters of 21 Battalion in Ayingba, Dekina Local Government Area, where he was received by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Godiya Solomon Monde.

Addressing the troops, Mahmuda commended their resilience and dedication to duty, noting that their operational exploits had helped restore sanity to Kogi East and brought honour to the nation.

He charged them to continue denying criminal elements freedom of action while maintaining high levels of discipline and professionalism.

The GOC described discipline as the bedrock of the Nigerian Army and urged the troops to uphold the core values of the service in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

He, however, warned the personnel against substance abuse, misuse of social media and other forms of indiscipline capable of undermining military operations and the image of the Nigerian Army.

Mahmuda further emphasised the need for sustained operational readiness and effective collaboration with other security agencies and critical stakeholders to address security threats in the state and adjoining areas.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Yilwatda Nentawe, and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, have called on members of the newly inaugurated Tinubu Support Group (TSG) structures in the state to intensify grassroots mobilisation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections.

The call was made on Saturday during the inauguration of the national, state and local government structures of the Tinubu Support Group at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano.

The event attracted a mammoth crowd of APC supporters and members of various support groups from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with the stadium reportedly filled to capacity several hours before the commencement of the ceremony.

Nentawe, while welcoming former Kano State Governor, Senator Kabiru Gaya; Senator Rufa’i Sani Hanga, representing Kano Central Senatorial District; and other defectors from opposition parties, urged them to join hands with other APC members and work tirelessly to ensure victory for President Tinubu.

He expressed satisfaction with the massive turnout, saying the unprecedented crowd demonstrated growing support for Tinubu in Kano.

‘We are very happy with this unprecedented crowd. With this, we are very sure the coast is clear for President Tinubu to secure his second-term bid,’ he said.

James Abiodun Faleke, founder and convener of the Tinubu Support Group, who inaugurated the structures, charged the newly appointed officials to commence immediate grassroots mobilisation for Tinubu and other APC candidates.

Faleke said the group must take its activities to communities across the country and communicate the achievements of the Tinubu administration to voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

He described President Tinubu as a ‘marketable product,’ citing what he described as the achievements of the administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Faleke also urged members of the group to defend the Federal Government’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy, particularly against calls by opposition figures for its restoration.

He said subsidy removal was necessary to reset the Nigerian economy and challenged TSG members to explain the policy and its implications to Nigerians during their grassroots engagements.

According to him, the group began mobilising support for Tinubu’s presidential ambition as far back as 2020, when his emergence as president was still uncertain.

He therefore urged the newly inaugurated structures not to rely on the enthusiasm generated by the Kano rally but to sustain their mobilisation activities at the grassroots.

Governor Yusuf, in his remarks, said the massive turnout at the event was evidence of the growing acceptability of President Tinubu’s candidacy in Kano State.

The governor said the Tinubu administration had made significant progress and deserved another term to consolidate its programmes and policies.

He urged Kano residents to support Tinubu, as well as APC candidates contesting elections at the federal, state and local government levels.

Yusuf also highlighted federal projects and appointments involving Kano indigenes, saying the state had benefited from various programmes and infrastructure interventions of the Tinubu administration.

He specifically cited the Kano-Kaduna Expressway and other ongoing road projects as evidence of the Federal Government’s interventions in the state.

The governor called on supporters to take the mobilisation beyond political gatherings and into communities across Kano State.

The TSG inauguration was also marked by the defection of several prominent politicians formerly associated with opposition parties into the APC.

Among those received were former senators Rufa’i Sani Hanga and Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, as well as Mas’ud El-Jibrin Doguwa.

Others included Ali Datti Yako, Deputy Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano; Badaru Umar, former Chairman of Ungogo Local Government Area; Isyaku Ali Danja, former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly; and Yusuf Bello Danbatta, former PDP deputy governorship candidate.

Also joining the APC were Baraka Sani, former Special Adviser to the President; Abdullahi Zubairu Abiya, chairman of an NNPP faction; Abdulmajid Dauda Dandawaki, former NNPP senatorial candidate; and other political leaders and their supporters.

The mass defection, coming alongside the inauguration of TSG structures down to the local government level, signals intensifying political mobilisation in Kano ahead of the 2027 elections.

Faleke, however, cautioned the new officials against complacency, stressing that the real task begins after the inauguration.

He charged them to remain active at the grassroots and continuously mobilise voters for Tinubu and other APC candidates, expressing confidence that the newly established structures would deliver victory for the party in 2027.

The Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed Ibrahim, has said Africa’s agricultural investment challenge is not a shortage of capital, but the lack of investor confidence and credible institutions needed to channel available funds into the continent’s food systems.

Ibrahim stated this at the ongoing Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Kigali, Rwanda, where he set the tone for a panel discussion on ‘Activating Leaders to Unlock Investment in Food Systems.’

He said significant pools of capital are available globally, but investors require stronger leadership, reliable data, predictable markets and credible institutions before committing resources to Africa’s agricultural sector.

‘Capital exists. What is often missing is the confidence that allows capital to move,’ Ibrahim said.

According to him, strengthening investor confidence requires an agricultural ecosystem where farmers are identifiable, data is reliable, markets are predictable and institutions can deliver on their commitments.

He said NADF was increasingly repositioning public financing as a catalyst for attracting private-sector investment into agriculture rather than as a substitute for commercial capital.

‘At NADF, we increasingly believe that public capital should be catalytic rather than substitutive,’ he said.

Ibrahim explained that the Fund was exploring financing mechanisms, including blended finance, co-financing, on-lending and strategic partnerships with banks, insurance companies, processors and development partners to mobilise larger pools of investment into agriculture.

He said public resources should be deployed strategically to address risks and market failures that discourage private investors, thereby creating the conditions for commercial and development finance to enter the sector at scale.

The NADF boss also advocated a shift in how governments assess the effectiveness of public agricultural investments.

He argued that measuring success solely by the amount of government funds spent does not provide a complete picture of the impact of interventions.

‘Our success should not be measured only by how much government money we deploy. We should also ask: How much additional investment did that public intervention unlock?’ he said.

Ibrahim further stressed the need to place farmers at the centre of agricultural investment decisions, noting that they should be treated as economic actors rather than mere beneficiaries of government programmes. ‘Farmers are not simply beneficiaries. They are economic actors,’ he said.

He identified stronger market linkages, improved access to finance and a more enabling business environment as critical to making farmers and agricultural enterprises more productive, profitable and commercially viable.

According to him, NADF’s ambition is to contribute to the development of an agricultural sector that investors, financial institutions and development partners are increasingly willing and able to finance.

Ibrahim said achieving this would require decisive leadership, credible institutions, reliable agricultural data and predictable markets, alongside the strategic deployment of public capital to strengthen investor confidence.

He maintained that these elements were essential to unlocking financing at the scale required to transform Africa’s food systems and accelerate the continent’s agricultural development.