Borno: Federal lawmaker distributes 12, 000 bags of fertiliser to constituents

By Peter Uwumarogie

Hon. Aliyu Betara, representing Biu/Bayo/Kwaya-Kusar/ Shani Federal Constituency in Borno has distributed 12, 000 bags of NPK fertiliser to farmers in his constituency.

The distribution of the free fertiliser was inaugurated in Kwaya-Kusar on Saturday and the commodity was distributed to farmers across the constituency.

Mr Yamta Gur, the leader of Betara Free Fertiliser Distribution Committee who performed the exercise on behalf of Betara said it was part of his annual support to farmers.

Gur said that the support reaffirmed the federal lawmaker’s unwavering commitment to improving agricultural productivity and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers throughout the constituency.

“This intervention is aimed at empowering smallholder farmers and boosting agricultural productivity during the 2026 rainy season.

“This reflects Mr Betara’s strong commitment to improving the livelihoods of his constituents through sustained support for agriculture and other sectors,” he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the fertiliser to ensure a successful farming season, emphasising that the intervention was designed to boost food production, strengthen food security, and improve household incomes.

Gur who is also the Coordinator of Political Affairs in the constituency, conveyed Betara’s assurance of greater dividends of democracy while reaffirming his dedication to people-centred representation and sustainable development across the constituency.

He said that the commodity was also distributed to clubs and associations as well as opposition political parties in Biu Local Government Area.

Some of the farmers and beneficiaries who spoke to our Correspondent expressed their appreciation to the lawmaker, describing the gesture as a timely and vital support for the rainy season.

They commended the lawmaker’s consistent concern for the welfare of ordinary people and his dedication to agricultural development and rural livelihood support.

Gombe Eyes Livestock-Led Economic Growth as Inuwa Yahaya Meets Minister

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has intensified efforts to position the state as a leading livestock investment destination after holding talks with the Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Idi Maiha, on strengthening collaboration to drive reforms in Nigeria’s livestock sector.

The meeting, held in Abuja, focused on deepening cooperation between Gombe and the Federal Government to attract investment, strengthen livestock value chains and fast-track projects aimed at transforming the sector into a major contributor to economic growth and job creation.

The Director-General of Press Affairs, Government House, Gombe, Ismaila, Uba, Misilli, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

The engagement comes as Gombe continues to align its development strategy with the Federal Government’s livestock reform agenda following the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Inuwa Yahaya said his administration remained committed to leveraging partnerships with the Federal Government, development partners and private investors to unlock the economic potential of the livestock industry.

“Gombe State is ready to continue working closely with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, development partners and private investors to deliver sustainable, investment-driven solutions that will strengthen the livestock economy, create wealth and expand opportunities for our citizens,” the governor said.

He described the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a landmark reform with the potential to modernise Nigeria’s livestock industry, boost exports and diversify the country’s economy.

“The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is one of the Federal Government’s most strategic economic reforms. It has the potential to reposition Nigeria as a major player in the global livestock industry,” he said.

To complement the Federal Government’s initiative, the Gombe State Government recently established the Ministry of Livestock Development to provide policy direction, coordinate programmes and facilitate investment in the sector.

A key component of the state’s strategy is the development of an 184-hectare Livestock and Agro-Industrial Hub under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).

According to the state government, the hub will feature an ultra-modern abattoir with the capacity to process 500 cattle, more than 2,000 sheep and goats, and over 10,000 poultry birds daily. It will also accommodate an International Livestock Market, an International Grains and Animal Feed Market, a Modern Timber Market and an Inland Dry Port to improve agricultural trade and logistics.

Other planned facilities include a modern poultry production hub, a veterinary hospital, a leather processing and manufacturing complex, and a waste-to-energy and organic fertiliser plant, as well as supporting infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water supply.

The government said the integrated project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, attract local and foreign investment, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the livestock value chain across the state and beyond.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya was accompanied to the meeting by the Gombe State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Hon. Sa’idu Baba Alkali.

The Federal Government created the Ministry of Livestock Development in 2024 as part of broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s livestock industry, improve productivity and encourage investment in animal production, processing and exports. Gombe is among the states seeking to leverage the reforms to expand agribusiness, stimulate industrialisation and diversify its economy beyond traditional revenue sources.

Gov. Fintiri to Receive Continental Award for Advancing Food Security

By  Auwal Ahmad Umar

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has been named the recipient of the Transformational Leadership in Food Security and Agricultural Resilience Award by the African Association of Insect Scientists (AAIS), in recognition of his contributions to agricultural development and food security.

Governor Fintiri is the only serving Nigerian governor selected for the continental honour, according to a statement issued on Tuesday in Yola by his Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou.

The statement said the award celebrates leaders whose policies and initiatives have significantly strengthened sustainable agriculture, improved food production and enhanced the resilience of farming communities across Africa.

It added that the presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 19 at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja.

According to the governor’s spokesman, Fintiri earned the recognition for implementing policies that have revitalised the agricultural sector, improved rural livelihoods and boosted food production, particularly in communities recovering from the effects of insurgency.

The statement noted that the administration has invested in rural infrastructure, expanded support for farmers and introduced programmes aimed at strengthening agricultural resilience and improving productivity across Adamawa State.

It further stated that these interventions have contributed to the state’s emergence as a growing hub for agricultural innovation and rural development.

The AAIS also acknowledged Adamawa’s increasing role in promoting sustainable farming practices, saying the state’s progress reflects a commitment to food security, environmental sustainability and agricultural resilience.

The African Association of Insect Scientists is a continental professional organisation that promotes the application of insect science to improve agricultural productivity, conserve biodiversity, protect the environment and strengthen food security throughout Africa.