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.

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.

Gombe Sets Up Multi-Stakeholder Committee to Oversee 2026 Fertiliser Distribution

The approval was conveyed in a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who said the committee would oversee the distribution process to ensure that subsidised fertiliser reaches genuine farmers in all parts of the state.

He said the initiative is part of the state government’s commitment to improving agricultural productivity, preventing diversion of farm inputs and strengthening food security through efficient implementation of its agricultural support programme.

According to the statement, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security will chair the committee, while members include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government; the Special Adviser on Agriculture; the Chairman of the Gombe State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture; and the Director of Agriculture.

To reinforce transparency and public participation, the committee also includes three representatives of civil society organisations—Mr Ibrahim Yusuf 3000, Professor Tahir Inuwa and Reverend Chris Godobe.

Other members are representatives of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Gombe State chapter, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and a representative of Persons with Disabilities.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, will serve as Secretary of the committee.

Professor Njodi said all appointments take effect from 27 July 2026.

The committee is expected to monitor the distribution of fertiliser across the state’s 11 local government areas, ensure compliance with government guidelines and promote fairness in the allocation process.

The establishment of the committee reflects the Inuwa Yahaya administration’s continued emphasis on transparency in the implementation of agricultural programmes. It also aligns with the government’s broader strategy of supporting farmers with timely access to farm inputs to boost crop yields, improve rural livelihoods and enhance food security.

Agriculture remains one of the key pillars of Gombe State’s economic development agenda, with the government in recent years expanding access to improved seeds, mechanisation services and subsidised fertiliser as part of efforts to increase food production and stimulate economic growth.