Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the Kampala Declaration (2026-2036) on Agriculture and Food Security.

This, he said, will enhance sustainable food production, drive agro-industrialisation, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost intra-African agricultural trade.

Kyari stated this during the Community of Practice Summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) with the theme ‘From Kampala to Abuja: Transforming Agrifood Systems in Nigeria,’ held in Abuja.

According to the Minister, the declaration’s implementation seeks to deepen agricultural investments, promote regional integration, foster inclusivity, advance research and development, encourage innovation, and strengthen governance structures across the sector.

‘The need to drive food system transformation cannot be overemphasized. We must move beyond business-as-usual approaches and embrace bold reforms that make our food systems more productive, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. This transformation is essential to ensure food security in the country,’ Kyari said.

He noted that the Federal Government has made significant progress through clear policy direction and collaboration with state governments in executing the Malabo Declaration, with the African Union’s Biennial Review showing notable improvement in Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem over the past decade.

Kyari revealed that the ministry has established an Agricultural Sector Working Group consisting of research institutions, private sector actors, development partners, non-governmental organizations, and civil society stakeholders.

He explained that the group serves as a governance mechanism to scale up best practices, monitor progress, identify gaps, and mobilise collective action toward achieving shared goals in the agricultural sector.

Highlighting key government initiatives, Kyari disclosed that the Federal Government has provided 2,000 tractors and related implements to enhance food production and has launched the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) in Kaduna, Cross River, and Ogun States, with more to follow.

He added that under the SAPZ project, the country has attracted $538.05 million in investments, leveraging private sector participation to establish industrial hubs and agricultural transformation centers. This initiative, he said, is expected to stimulate an additional $1 billion in investment by 2027.

The Minister also referenced the Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Programme (NiPHaST), unveiled at the recent Africa Food System Summit in Dakar, which targets the reduction of annual post-harvest losses estimated at ?3.5 trillion.

‘The outcome of this investment drive will create a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable food system – improving farmers’ income, reducing waste, strengthening value chains, and advancing national food sovereignty,’ he stated.

Kyari emphasised that achieving the objectives of the Kampala Declaration requires strong synergy between federal and state governments, urging Commissioners of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Rural Development to align efforts for effective policy implementation.

‘Our challenges require not only innovative solutions but also coordinated action and unwavering commitment at every level of government,’ he added, assuring that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting state-level initiatives in alignment with CAADP and national priorities.

Delivering her goodwill message, Deputy Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo, commended the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, GIZ, and other partners for organizing the summit.

She said the Kampala Declaration offers Africa an opportunity to realign agricultural goals and address challenges such as low productivity, climate shocks, and gender inequality.

Dankabo presented findings from ActionAid’s Non-State Actors Biennial Review Value Addition Toolkit (NSAs VABKIT), which identified critical gaps affecting smallholder women farmers, including limited access to credit (below 23%), agricultural insurance (4.77%), and processing facilities (18%).

She urged increased investment in women-led agribusinesses, agricultural extension services, and post-harvest infrastructure.

Dankabo also announced the launch of ActionAid’s Pots and Pans Campaign’ on October 1, 2025, aimed at raising awareness about hunger and poverty among Nigeria’s 133 million citizens living in multidimensional poverty.

The campaign encourages peaceful protest against hunger by banging empty pots and pans in public spaces, using hashtags such as #MyHungerStory, #PotsAndPansAction, and #EndHungerNow.

In his remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi,said CAADP implementation has transformed Nigeria’s agricultural landscape by aligning national policies with continental priorities and driving measurable progress.

Also speaking, Dr. Karen Yansen, Head of German Cooperation, described the Kampala Declaration as an evidence-based framework designed to strengthen governance systems through integrated monitoring, inclusivity, and equity.

Nigeria’s food system is undergoing a green transformation as agritech startup BevAgro introduces electric vehicles (EVs), solar-powered battery swap hubs, and pay-as-you-go financing to tackle one of the nation’s biggest agricultural challenges – food loss.

According to the World Bank, Nigeria loses over $7 billion worth of food annually before it reaches consumers, due to poor logistics, high fuel costs, and a lack of affordable transport. BevAgro is addressing this by creating a clean, cost-effective mobility solution that empowers farmers, traders, and delivery operators.

‘We turn food losses into profits by powering farmers, traders, and delivery riders with EVs financed seamlessly through every battery swap,’ said Ashaolu, Chief Operating Officer of BevAgro.

The company’s model, known as the ‘Agri-to-City Mobility Grid,’ connects rural farms to city markets using electric three-wheelers, cargo vans, and e-bikes. Over 150 EVs are already operational along key agricultural routes, supported by solar-powered hubs that enable quick battery swaps – cutting fuel costs and eliminating downtime.

Farmers and traders adopting BevAgro’s solution report lower transport costs, faster deliveries, and fresher produce reaching urban markets. ‘We’ve seen spoilage drop significantly,’ said a market trader in Oyo State. ‘With BevAgro’s EVs, I now spend less and sell more. It’s changing how we do business.’

To scale its operations, BevAgro recently secured a $1.7 million grant from a leading Development Finance Institution (DFI) and an additional $1.4 million loan from a local commercial bank to expand its solar swap hubs and smart-financing pool.

BevAgro’s proprietary platform integrates IoT-enabled batteries, smart repayment systems, and real-time data analytics to create a transparent, bankable ecosystem. Each battery swap triggers a micro-repayment, allowing users to gradually own their vehicles while maintaining cash flow.

‘This is more than transportation; it’s transformation,’ Ashaolu added. ‘Every swap, every kilometre, every farmer we empower moves us closer to a cleaner, more profitable food system.’

By replacing petrol-powered logistics with solar-driven mobility, BevAgro’s business model is turning waste into wealth, emissions into savings, and mobility into opportunity. Each swap hub is projected to reach profitability within 30 months, sustained by recurring energy revenue and predictable repayments.

‘Our mission is simple,’ Ashaolu said. ‘Feed families, power livelihoods, and protect the planet – one electric mile at a time.’

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has convicted Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman, a leader of Sudan’s notorious Janjaweed militia, for his role in atrocities committed during the genocide in the western region of Darfur more than 20 years ago.

It is the court’s first conviction for crimes in Darfur, where similar violence has flared again amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war.

Judges found that mass killings and sexual violence were part of a plan backed by Sudan’s former government to crush a rebellion by African ethnic groups in the western region. Abd-Al-Rahman, also known by the nom de guerre Ali Kushayb, was found guilty on 27 counts, carried out between August 2003 and April 2004. He remained silent as the verdict was read out by presiding judge, Joanna Korner.

People who fled the Zamzam camp for the internally displaced after it fell under RSF control, walk in a makeshift encampment in an open field near the town of Tawila in war-torn Sudan’s western Darfur region on April 13, 2025.

‘The accused was not only giving orders . but was personally involved in the beatings and later was physically present and giving orders for the execution of those detained,’ said Korner.

Abd-Al-Rahman, who claimed he was wrongly identified, will be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Born in 1949, Abd-Al-Rahman fled to the Central African Republic in February 2020 after Sudan’s new government announced it would cooperate with the ICC investigation. He later turned himself in, saying he was ‘desperate’ and feared he would be killed by authorities.

The conflict in Darfur lasted from 2003 to 2020, and is widely considered to be the 21st century’s first genocide. During that time the United Nations estimates that the conflict killed 300,000 people and forced 2.5 million from their homes.

Reading out the verdict, Korner recounted the horrific crimes committed by Abd-Al-Rahman, including gang rapes, abuse, and mass killings. Although the ICC has successfully prosecuted Abd-Al-Rahman, several arrest warrants remain outstanding against Sudanese officials, including one accusing former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir of genocide, which he denies. Bashir, who was ousted in a 2019 coup, is reportedly in military custody in northern Sudan.

During the trial, Karim Khan, the ICC chief prosecutor said Abd-Al-Rahman and the Janjaweed militia ‘rampaged’ through Darfur and ‘inflicted severe pain and suffering on women, children and men in villages that he left in his wake.’

The Janjaweed later evolved into the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since 2023. The RSF is accused by the United States, the U.N. and others of committing another genocide in Darfur, displacing thousands, triggering famine and driving the region toward a new humanitarian catastrophe.

?Amaju Melvin Pinnick, the Deputy Chair of the FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, has congratulated the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau; legal luminary Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN) and seasoned football executive Ayishat ‘Aisha’ Falode on their appointments to key FIFA Standing Committees.

?In a landmark development that solidifies Nigeria’s influence in global football governance, these appointments place Nigerian expertise at the heart of FIFA’s decision-making structure: Gusau joins the FIFA Men’s Club Competitions Committee. Mustapha has been appointed to the Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee while Falode takes a seat on the Media and Communications Committee.

??As the Deputy Chair of the committee that oversees the organization and management of all FIFA Men’s National Team Competitions, Pinnick commended the trio for their recognition, describing it as ‘a reflection of Nigeria’s strategic relevance and intellectual capital within the international football community.’

?He expressed particular admiration for Aisha Falode, noting her trailblazing achievements in sports journalism, women’s football administration and media leadership.

?’I am deeply honoured by my continued service within FIFA and humbled to work alongside Robert Harrison, Chair of the Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee,’ Pinnick said.?’I wholeheartedly congratulate President Gusau, Abdulhakeem Mustapha, SAN, and Aisha Falode on their well-deserved appointments. Together, we represent a new era of professionalism, integrity, and innovation for Nigerian football on the world stage.’

?Pinnick further praised each appointee for their individual contributions to the game:?’To President Gusau, your steady and unifying leadership continues to uplift Nigerian football.

?’Abdulhakeem Mustapha, SAN, your integrity and intellect will strengthen FIFA’s stand against discrimination and injustice in the sport.

?’Aisha Falode, your evolution from journalist to global football executive inspires countless women across Africa. I am proud to serve alongside you all as we advance Nigeria’s legacy within FIFA,’ he noted.

?Ayishat ‘Aisha’ Falode’s appointment is particularly historic, as she continues to break barriers for women in African football administration. ?The former Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) holds the distinction of being the first female member of CAF’s Media and Communications Committee. This trailblazing record, coupled with her tireless championing of visibility, professionalism, and equity in the sport, cements her place among Africa’s foremost voices in football governance. Her inclusion on FIFA’s Media and Communications Committee is no doubt a momentous step.

Digital banking platform, PalmPay,has bagged with the Consumer-Friendly Business of the Year 2025 Award at the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA’s) annual Consumer Service Week and Awards Ceremony, held at Adeyemi Bero Hall, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event organised by LASCOPA, celebrated businesses and organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to consumer rights, service excellence, and customer satisfaction.

PalmPay’s recognition underscores its dedication to delivering secure, reliable, and inclusive financial services to millions of Nigerians.

With a focus on transparency, innovation, and customer-centricity, PalmPay continues to empower consumers by offering secure transactions, fraud protection, convenient payment solutions, and exceptional customer support.

Commenting on the award, Senior Regulatory Compliance Specialist, PalmPay, Opara Onyinyechi, said: ‘We are deeply honoured to receive the Consumer-Friendly Business of the Year Award from LASCOPA. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to putting our customers at the heart of everything we do. At PalmPay, we will continue to champion trust, accessibility, and innovation in financial services, ensuring that every user experiences safe and seamless banking.’

The Consumer Service Week and Awards are part of a global initiative that highlights the importance of consumer protection and celebrates organisations that prioritise consumer welfare. By honouring PalmPay, LASCOPA have reinforced PalmPay’s role as a trusted partner in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

PalmPay is a leading digital banking platform driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved emerging markets. Through its secure, user-friendly, and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay empowers individuals and businesses with tools to manage and grow their money.

PalmPay offers a comprehensive range of products, including mobile payments, savings, and

Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license, the platform has grown to over 35 million app users and processes up to 15 million transactions daily. PalmPay has operations in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh.

The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has cautioned the party’s Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, to desist from making statements that could mislead the public and exacerbate divisions within the party.

Ologunagba reportedly stated that Anyanwu’s role as PDP’s National Secretary is limited to administrative duties, such as managing day-to-day activities, handling correspondence, and ensuring that directives are carried out.

Ologunagba’s comments were in response to a perceived misunderstanding of roles within the party, and he emphasised that Anyanwu could not summon meetings or issue statements without authorisation.

But in a statement yesterday by his media aide, Dr. Ikenna Onuoha, the National Secretary described Ologunagba’s claims as ‘ridiculous and ignorant’.

He emphasised the National Secretary’s critical role in the party’s operations.

Anyanwu noted that Ologunagba’s comments indicated his lack of understanding of the party’s constitution on the duties and functions of the National Secretary.

He said: ‘This statement, if indeed it came from a supposed party spokesperson, is an indication that he lacks the requisite knowledge of the provisions of the party’s constitution regarding the duties, functions, and programmes of the office of the National Secretary.

‘Debo Ologunagba, who ordinarily should be speaking for the party, failed to highlight the duties of Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the National Secretary of PDP in Section 36 (1) of the PDP Constitution 2017, as amended, simply because he was out for mischief-making.’

The statement said Anyanwu’s role is far more significant than what Ologunagba suggested, arguing that his actions were guided by the party’s constitution.

He urged Ologunagba to focus on constructive strategies to strengthen the party rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric.

The statement said that despite the provocation, Anyanwu would continue to act with maturity and wisdom, upholding his oath to ensure the party’s cohesion.

Katsina United head coach, Abdulazeez Audu, has assured fans that the team will return stronger this weekend when they host Remo Stars, following their narrow 1-0 defeat to Rangers International FC in Enugu.

Speaking after the loss yesterday, Audu admitted that the decisive goal came as a surprise and credited Rangers’ winger for his impressive run that led to the breakthrough.

‘Rangers’ goal caught us unawares, and we had to respond to the impressive run of their winger,’ Audu said.

‘We just have to go back home and make the needed changes before our next game.’

The Katsina United tactician also lamented logistical issues that affected his team’s performance, revealing that they struggled to manage the closing stages of the game due to a shortage of match balls.

‘Our complaint was about the absence of enough balls to play. We played the last 20 minutes with just one ball,’ he disclosed.

Looking ahead, Audu expressed optimism that his side will make the right adjustments to reclaim their winning form when they face Remo Stars in front of their home supporters.

‘We will go back and prepare for our home game with Remo Stars. We will try to make a few changes,’ he concluded.

The Obafemi Awolowo University’s African Pro-Humanity Technology Hub (APTH), in conjunction with the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has conferred the Friend of Humanity Award on Oloye Saheed Oladele, the Baàm?`k?´ of Ibadanland and Oyo APC guber aspirant.

The award ceremony took place at the African Centre for Excellence of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife.

Oloye Saheed Oladele was conferred with the prestigious award alongside other eminent Nigerians, which included the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede; and Professor Idris Bugaje.

The award was given to the recipients in recognition of their sterling service and outstanding contributions to humanity as educational achievers and trailblazers.

Oloye Oladele, in his reaction, thanked the organisers for extending the coveted award to him.

He said he felt honoured and privileged to receive the award with some distinguished Nigerians he admires.

He reiterated that each award conferred on him poses a challenge to him not to relent in his endeavours that continue to earn him accolades, and this award is not an exception.

Oloye Saheed Oladele was represented at the event by Dr Miftahu Abdulateef of the Physics Department in the university.

Football has long evolved beyond the pitch – it is now one of the most profitable industries in global sports. The world’s top clubs no longer compete solely for trophies but also for brand value, commercial deals, and global influence. These teams have built empires that extend far beyond the stadium, powered by strategic marketing, loyal fanbases, and consistent financial performance.

According to the 2025 Forbes list of the world’s most valuable football clubs, Spanish and English sides continue to dominate the global football landscape. The rankings are based on club valuations, annual revenues, and overall brand strength. Below is the definitive list of the top ten most valuable football clubs in the world, along with what sets them apart financially and competitively.

1. Real Madrid – $6.75 Billion

Revenue: $1.13 billion

Real Madrid remain the most valuable football club in the world, leading the list for the fourth consecutive year and ninth time in twelve years. The Spanish giants continue to benefit from a powerful global brand, strong commercial partnerships, and consistent on-field success.

2. Manchester United – $6.6 Billion

Revenue: $834 million

Manchester United maintain their place near the top through unmatched global recognition and commercial strength. Despite inconsistent performances in recent seasons, their fan loyalty and sponsorship network keep them financially dominant.

3. Barcelona – $5.65 Billion

Revenue: $821 million

Barcelona’s valuation remains strong thanks to their enduring brand appeal and rich footballing heritage. Their large fanbase, global merchandise sales, and media rights deals ensure their continued financial relevance.

4. Liverpool – $5.4 Billion

Revenue: $773 million

Liverpool’s steady growth under Jrgen Klopp has strengthened both their sporting and financial performance. Consistent appearances in major competitions and strategic investments in infrastructure support their high valuation.

5. Manchester City – $5.3 Billion

Revenue: $901 million

Backed by Abu Dhabi United Group, Manchester City combine financial strength with sporting dominance. Their modern football model – built on success, strategy, and sustainability – cements their place among the elite.

6. Bayern Munich – $5.1 Billion

Revenue: $827 million

Bayern Munich remain a benchmark for financial discipline and consistent success. The club’s global reach, fan engagement, and domestic dominance contribute to its strong market value.

7. Paris Saint-Germain – $4.6 Billion

Revenue: $870 million

PSG continue to rank among the top through a combination of global marketing, high-profile players, and major commercial partnerships. The club’s financial backing and strategic expansion have redefined French football’s international image.

8. Arsenal – $3.4 Billion

Revenue: $771 million

Arsenal’s value reflects their solid financial structure, loyal global following, and renewed competitiveness in recent seasons. With the Emirates Stadium and a young, exciting squad, the club is on a path of sustained growth.

9. Tottenham Hotspur – $3.3 Billion

Revenue: $666 million

Tottenham’s valuation benefits from their modern stadium and commercial activities. While major trophies have been elusive, their business operations remain among the most advanced in Europe.

10. Chelsea – $3.25 Billion

Revenue: $591 million

Following a period of ownership transition, Chelsea remain within the top ten due to their established global brand and marketing strength. The club’s focus on rebuilding both on and off the pitch continues to sustain its value.

A support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, the Progressive Network for Tinubu (PNT), has dismissed concerns that former President Goodluck Jonathan’s possible return to the presidential race could threaten President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Although Jonathan has not declared his intention to run, speculation has continued to mount that he may be considering a comeback to Aso Rock after losing his re-election bid to the late Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

Speaking on Tuesday during the inauguration of the group’s local council coordinators across the 18 local government areas of the state, PNT Director-General, Olumide Obadele, said Jonathan’s possible candidacy would neither sway voters nor undermine President Tinubu’s prospects.

Obadele added that Nigerians still recall the controversies that characterised Jonathan’s administration under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that the APC remains unconcerned about any talk of his return.

‘The APC or Tinubu is not jittery about Goodluck Jonathan, and I can tell you that – take it from me. I’m sure Jonathan will not run at the end of the day. The constitution of Nigeria is clear about it, and there is no point trying to twist it,’ he said.

Obadele noted that those urging Jonathan to contest were only out to ’embarrass and rubbish’ the former president.

‘I think if he wants to be a true elder statesman, he should stay away from that attempt because he’s going to be embarrassed and rubbished. I don’t know which party – PDP or ADC – would even field him. Most of these opposition parties are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU); they are on life support,’ he added.

According to Obadele, President Tinubu’s re-election bid was already a ‘done deal’, with several support groups showing strong solidarity with the ruling party ahead of the 2027 polls.

‘I don’t think any party in Nigeria today can come up and say it wants to run against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. For me, 2027 is a done deal. In 2023, they said a lot about Peter Obi, but it surprised them,’ he said.

He also emphasized that political dynamics have changed since the last election cycle, stressing that the duo of Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar are still confused on which platform to run in the 2027 election.

‘As I speak with you today, neither Obi nor Atiku knows under which party they will contest. Eight months is too short for anyone to make up their mind about running for president,’ Obadele stated.

The PNT Director-General explained that the group was focused on mobilizing non-voting citizens and increasing voter participation across Ondo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘Under PNT, we are moving from units to local governments to canvass support for President Tinubu. We have voter apathy here in Ondo State. If only 28.6% voted in the last election, that’s not good enough.

‘We are targeting the remaining 70% – the elites who stay home on election day. We want to enlighten and educate them about what Asiwaju is doing and why he deserves our support, especially here in Yorubaland,’ he stated.

Earlier, the coordinator of the APC Elders’ Movement, Otunba Agboola Kelly, commended the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his unwavering support and commitment to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Kelly described Tunji-Ojo as a ‘God-given and illustrious son of Ondo State’ whose efforts have significantly boosted pro-Tinubu mobilization activities across the state.

He added that the minister’s contributions had further strengthened the Ondo State APC Elders’ Movement for Tinubu 2027, which continues to expand in membership and influence.