General News
Agric Ministry @ #NCSEnugu2014, Seeks IT Experts Support

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) has identified the information and communication (ICT) professionals as critical stakeholders in achieving the nation’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).
Speaking at a 3-Day national conference organized by Nigeria Computer Society in Enugu (NCS), Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, permanent secretary at FMARD, said the Ministry in the last three years has discovered Nigeria has huge potentials that will grow the economy via agriculture hence the need for ICT experts develop solutions that will spur the sector to a greater height.
Odusote said, “We have the land to cultivate and have food in abundance; we have water to grow fish that can feed the whole of West Africa and beyond.
“We have brains, especially young people that are leaving universities without employment. Thus, it is totally unacceptable that majority of our resources on foreign exchange will be utilized in importing food such as Rice, when we have Rice even in Enugu State, Ebonyi and other parts of the country.
“So, Mr President’s wisdom he started Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) being championed by Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and supported by myself, the Permanent Secretary. Our target is to create wealth, create future for our people. By 2015, we would have created 3.5 million jobs. Already, we have created 2.5 million jobs within the three years of ATA”.
Reacting to recent allegations of fertilizer distribution scam leveled against her and some senior officers of the Ministry, she said that ICT apparatuses deployed in the system would vindicate them.
She said, “Recently, there was an alleged fertilizer scam where some people said the Permanent Secretary and officials of the Ministry catered away fertilizer worth N2.4 billion, selling same to neighboring countries and smiling to the bank. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) actually invited me for some questions.
“Our joy is that it is not business as usual at the ministry. We are operating what we call Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES). Under GES, we created an electronic platform that enables farmers to register for even distribution of fertilizers.
“The process has been relieved out of the hands of government; not only that it is being managed by the private sector the e-platform has no human intervention. So, were able to overcome that challenges, because all fertilizer goes out through the Agro Dealers (AD).
“The AD would only have information on their phones; likewise the farmers get information on their phones. When they come to the centre they pay through Point of Sale (PoS). Nigerians will be amazed that even in the hinterlands where it is assumed there is no connectivity; the farmers get information and respond as necessary.
“For those that pay cash, government does not go to them for collections. We get information on our systems. We have a system that updates us on how much farmers have remitted. That will help us know how much government has to pay to the Agro Dealers. When we brought out our records and facts, no body could say anything.
“There are a lot we are doing applying Information Technology (IT). The Minister of Agric has shown much passion about seeing how IT and Agric can work together. For instance, we are partnering Columbian University on a revolutionary test for soil health. The farmers can actually take equipment right to the farm location and test the soil to determine the crop such soil is suitable for. So, the soil doctor is working.
“I am sure we are thinking towards IT for Agric development because the ICT industry has trained us in that direction, we need for collaborations. I want to encourage the young ones in the profession that please, lets begin to think outside the box. We need to do a lot more on the path of electronic application in various sectors.
“The path we want IT in Nigeria go is on local technological advancement. I am pleading with the young ones that the farmers who are using these applications will need access to connectivity. They need skill and infrastructure leverage on IT”.
She added that the trend entails developing IT across board, since all processes in agriculture can be automated.
The Permanent Secretary hinted that each new grounds broken in agriculture is an opportunity for IT to play a key role, yet, Nigeria is yet to optimize these opportunities.
“I therefore urge you, especially members of this great society-Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) to invest in IT-agricultural based ventures,” she said.
General News
Myitura Launches Women-Focused Healthcare Financing Solutions to Bridge Access Gap

In commemoration of Women’s Month, health-tech platform Myitura has released a new white paper addressing the critical gaps in healthcare financing for women in Nigeria.

Titled “Closing the Gap: Healthcare Financing for Women in Nigeria,” the report highlights how high out-of-pocket costs, limited insurance coverage, and socio-economic factors continue to prevent women from accessing timely healthcare.
According to the report, over 70% of healthcare expenses in Nigeria are paid out-of-pocket, disproportionately affecting women who often delay care due to financial and social constraints.
“When women can afford to take care of their health early, we don’t just save lives; we strengthen families, communities, and the economy,” said Chialuka Kelechi, MyItura’s Chief of Staff.
Key Insights from the White Paper:
- Preventable conditions often escalate due to delayed care
- Women are more likely to deprioritize their own health
- Affordable, structured healthcare financing can significantly improve outcomes
Introducing a Women’s Health Initiative
As part of its commitment, Myitura is launching affordable women-focused health packages (powered by Mediloan), starting at ₦58,180, designed to encourage preventive care and early detection.
The package provides access to:
- Fasting/Random Blood Sugar
- Urinalysis
- Electrolytes
- Urea
- Creatinine
- Pap Smear Submitted slides
- HIV I & II Rapid (Qualitative)
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Screening (Rapid)
- Hepatitis C Virus Screening (Rapid)
- Abdominopelvic Ultrasound
- Ongoing support via the Myitura platform
Access:
Women can access these packages by downloading the Myitura app, which makes healthcare more accessible and convenient.
Myitura is a health-tech platform focused on improving access to healthcare through financing, technology, and preventive care solutions.
General News
DBI Unveils Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Report Highlights Strategic Trends, Risks

DigitalSENSE Business Intelligence (DBI), powered by ITREALMS Media, has launched the Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Intelligence Report (Executive Edition), delivering vital insights for navigating Nigeria’s fast-paced digital landscape.

This executive summary spotlights trends, risks, and opportunities in telecommunications, fintech, digital infrastructure, policy shifts, and investment flows. It underscores digital transformation’s pivotal role in boosting economic growth, financial inclusion, and nationwide innovation.
DBI Publisher, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, emphasized its value for leaders: “This Executive Edition offers a sharp, strategic view of Nigeria’s digital economy during a pivotal moment. As the sector surges ahead, reliable intelligence is key to seizing opportunities and tackling risks.”
Key highlights include:
Broadband infrastructure expansion.
Surge in digital payments adoption.
Evolving regulations.
Investor pivot to sustainable, profitable ventures.
The report urges action on digital financial inclusion, infrastructure funding, skills training, and public sector digitization.
Freely accessible, the Executive Edition complements the premium Full Edition with in-depth analysis for executives and institutions. Stakeholders can request full access or briefings.
Media & Access Contacts:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.itrealms.com.ng
General News
NASENI Renewable Energy Industrial Park Underway as Construction Gains Momentum

The on-going construction works at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI’s Renewable Energy Industrial Park, Gora, Nasarawa State is gathering momentum as the project is envisioned to address the country’s energy needs.

NASENI’s Renewable Energy Industrial Park, Gora, Nasarawa State
The project occupying a 40-hectare park designed as a multi-energy hub will help curb capital flight and save foreign exchange expenditure by enabling local production of key renewable energy components such as solar panels, mounting racks, wind systems and biomass technologies.
Speaking during an inspection visit on the project site on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Special Adviser to the Executive Vice Chairman on Renewable Energy, Engr. Suyud Abdullahi Muhammad, who also serves as the Gora Project Manager, disclosed that the initiative is designed to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported renewable energy equipment.
“There will be a wind assembly plant, small hydro power equipment production, and solar panel manufacturing; Renewable energy goes beyond just solar, and this park reflects that broader vision,” he said.
Abdullahi noted that the project aligns with NASENI’s goal of reducing energy poverty in Nigeria, where over 80 million citizens remain off-grid, while many connected to the national grid continue to experience inadequate power supply.
The Special Adviser also emphasised on the project’s industrialisation potential, highlighting its role in job creation and value chain development. The park is expected to generate 2,000 direct jobs, with an additional 50,000 indirect employment opportunities across supporting industries when completed.
“This initiative will localise the renewable energy value chain. Instead of relying on imports, Nigeria will begin to produce and eventually export these technologies, starting with the West African market and scaling up to the rest of the continent,” he added.
On sustainability and long-term viability, he revealed that the project is being executed in collaboration with private sector players, academia and other stakeholders, in line with NASENI’s “3Cs” principle of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation.
The ongoing construction is being handled by about 35 contracting firms, each handling specific components at varying levels of execution such as Multipurpose Halls for industrial productions, Research and Development (R&D) Centre, Knowledge Park, Energy Centre, Workshops, Researchers Lodge, Studio Apartments, Clinic, Restaurant, Wellness Centre, Solar Farm, Drivers Lounge, Gate House, Internal roads and drainage system and Fencing.
The Gora Renewable Energy Industrial Energy Park is considered a key component of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening local manufacturing, enhancing energy security and positioning Nigeria as a renewable energy hub in Africa.
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