General News
HarvestPlus, Dominican Centre Partner on Empowerment of Agripreneurs
At a recent empowerment seminar organized by the Dominican Centre for Human Resources Development (DCHRD) to train potential investors in agricultural business, stakeholders came to a conclusion that agriculture remains the bastion of Nigeria’s economy.
Agriculture currently contributes 47 percent to the rebased gross domestic product (GDP) and employs close to 70 percent of our total population.
It accounts for 10 percent of our export earnings. Nigeria’s foreign direct investment (FDI) stands at $6.1 billion and her GDP keeps growing at 7.7 percent, thus making the country one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
One of the key messages to the over 150 enthusiastic participants at the seminar was that Nigeria’s future rests squarely on agriculture and those who undertake to invest in it.
The speakers dissected the agricultural sector and proffered solutions.
HarvestPlus Nigeria, in line with its objectives of promoting biofortified staple crops and foods to tackle hidden hunger, malnutrition and poverty as well as empowerment of Nigerians with requisite skills in Vitamin A cassava production, value addition and marketing, partnered the Dominican Centre to organize the three-day empowerment seminar/training for members of the church.
A statement by Abayomi Awelewa, communication officer, HarvestPlus Nigeria, disclosed that the seminar held at St Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, between Friday, and Sunday, January 16 – 18, 2015, DCHRD, the arm of St Dominic Catholic Church responsible for grooming investors in Agricultural business, tagged the three-day session as ‘Wealth creation through agriculture.’
Declaring the seminar/training open, Fr. Fortunatus Okeke, director, DCHRD, welcomed the participants to a new era in the history of Nigeria and urged them to utilize the opportunities presented by the training to empower themselves economically.
“The seminar is conceived to make a statement that despite the fact that Lagos doesn’t have much land space for agriculture, the state can become a hub for other opportunities in the agricultural value chain. Some of these opportunities include: job creation, poverty reduction, capacity building, and helping individual and corporations in creating profitable and successful businesses.”
Okeke further said that agriculture remains one of the most viable alternatives to oil and agricultural investors are the ones Government looks up to in helping to solve the problems of hunger, unemployment and dwindling fortune of the economy.
He urged the participants to learn from the practical experiences of the professionals from HarvestPlus Nigeria, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), The Dominican Centre, and the special guest of honour, Chief Audu Ogbeh, CEO, Efugo Farms, Makurdi, among others, who were at the training to inspire the investors.
Delivering the keynote address, Paul Ilona, HarvestPlus country manager, described agriculture as an orphan sector because of years of neglect by relevant stakeholders. “Nigeria used to be the powerhouse of agriculture in the world; one of the biggest exporters of palm oil, groundnut and cocoa, among other crops. Agriculture benefitted most institutions in Nigeria and created jobs. But the story is no longer the same. The country has gradually become a net food importer,” Ilona said.
He lauded ongoing effort by Government, institutions and individuals to revive the sector and urged a sustainable programme of action to ensure a speedy recovery of our lost years of agricultural glory.
“Food has no substitute because man just has to eat; and agriculture is the only means through which food is produced. The advanced countries like the United States of America, the Netherland, Australia, etc, began their journey to economic greatness with agriculture. In our country where the per capita income is a little above one dollar and over 100 million Nigerians live below a dollar per day, we have no choice but to turn towards agriculture as the only way out of poverty and economic doom,” Ilona further said.
HarvestPlus country manager also advised the participants to cease seeing agriculture as a social set up but to regard it as a business and run it applying all known business principles so as to sustain their profit and remain in business for long.
He encouraged them to educate themselves in agricultural business and identify the appropriate agricultural value chain they would like to invest in before making the decision to become farmers.
In his lecture entitled “Making agriculture a realistic enterprise in Nigeria,” Chief Audu Ogbeh, said agriculture, as a business, must be protected against foreign competition. Crops like cassava, tomatoes, rice, cotton, maize, and cocoa as well as fish have been identified by the government as those for which local and global demands keep increasing. Investing in growing these agricultural produce will go a long way to enhance the country’s economy and empower the farmers to eradicate poverty and eliminate hunger.
To achieve good and sustainable result, Ogbeh opined, Nigerian farmers need Government’s help through sound economic policies and technical support.
“This will enable them to compete with their counterparts in other parts of the world and earn good profit from their investment. Our Government must be firm in their policy and decision making and must ensure that whatever we can produce, we do not import, Ogbeh said.
He lauded the participants for choosing to invest in agriculture, urging them to see one another as members of the same community with similar interests.
He promised to continue to collaborate with the Dominican Centre and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the farmers’ dreams of successful agricultural businesses become a reality.
The training segment of the empowerment seminar focused on three key agricultural enterprises, which are: fingerling production, plantain/banana multiplication, and use of agro-chemicals in modern agriculture.
Other topics addressed by experts during the three days include: “Wealth creation through Agriculture,” “Best bet practices in cassava value chain,” “Strategic investments in the agricultural sector in Nigeria,” “Funding the SME: Hope for investors,” “Wealth creation through the cassava value chain,” “Youth empowerment through agriculture: Viable option for economic development,” “Economic politics of western Europe: Implications on Nigeria’s economy,” ”Leveraging on digital marketing in agro-business,” “Proper record-keeping, financial discipline and auditing in SME,” among others.
The seminar concluded by creating a new farmer’s cooperatives which, the organizers believe, will operate a shareholding system like public liability companies (PLCs) to guarantee success. The participants were further broken into syndicate groups for effective coordination.
“Unlike similar training seminars across Nigeria, the Dominican Centre and its strategic partners like the HarvestPlus, IITA, Chief Audu Ogbeh, etc, are being pro-active in the drive to ensure a sustainable economic development driven by agriculture. We are committed to the process and we’ll organize more of this seminar in various parts of the country beginning from this year,” Fr. Okeke said.
Exhibition of various farm produce and Vitamin A cassava food products was held within the premises of St Dominic Catholic Church, Yaba, throughout the duration of the empowerment seminar.
HarvestPlus leads a global effort to improve nutrition and public health by developing and deploying staple food crops that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
It works with diverse partners in more than 40 countries. HarvestPlus is part of the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH).
CGIAR is a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Its science is carried out by its 15 research centers in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.
The HarvestPlus program is coordinated by two of these centers, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
Okpi Bernard Adaafu, a legal practitioner, has dragged the federal government of Nigeria before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of a controversial health data sharing agreement between Nigeria and the United States of America.
The suit names the President of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Senate President of Nigeria, and the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives as defendants.
In the originating summons filed before the court, Adaafu is asking the court to determine whether the bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed between Nigeria and the United States violates the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens, particularly their rights to privacy and protection of personal data.
According to court documents, the agreement, signed on December 19, 2025, permits the collection and transfer of sensitive health information of Nigerians to the United States.
The data reportedly includes medical records, blood samples, pathogen testing information, and DNA or genetic sequencing data.
The plaintiff argued that while only a summarized version of the agreement has been made public, a related Specimen Sharing Agreement allegedly obliges Nigeria to provide biological samples and related data to the United States within five days of request and could remain in force for up to 25 years.
He contended that such an arrangement, if implemented, would violate the National Health Act 2014, which guarantees the confidentiality of patients’ medical records, as well as the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, regulating the processing and cross-border transfer of personal data.
The suit further argued that the agreement breaches Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which guarantees the privacy of citizens.
Adaafu also raised concerns about statements suggesting that the programme would provide substantial support to Christian faith-based healthcare institutions.
According to him, the inclusion or perceived emphasis on religious affiliation within a national healthcare framework is unnecessary, constitutionally questionable, and capable of triggering avoidable social tension in a multi-faith society such as Nigeria.
He argued that healthcare interventions funded through international cooperation must remain neutral, inclusive, and accessible to all Nigerians regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
Another issue raised in the suit is the alleged exclusion of the National Assembly of Nigeria from the process.
The plaintiff maintained that international agreements with significant national implications must undergo legislative scrutiny and approval before implementation.
Among the reliefs sought, Adaafu asked the court to issue an order prohibiting discriminatory agreements based on religion, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics.
He also requested a declaration that the agreement violates both the National Health Act 2014 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
In addition, the plaintiff is seeking an order suspending the implementation of the agreement, which is scheduled to commence on April 1, 2026.
Explaining the reason for filing the suit, Adaafu said he decided to approach the court because of the potential implications of the agreement on the privacy, sovereignty, and constitutional rights of more than 200 million Nigerians.
He noted that the issues raised in the suit deserve public awareness and national discourse, stressing that transparency and accountability are necessary in matters involving citizens’ sensitive medical and genetic information.
Nigeria’s leading instant noodle brand, Indomie, is backing a cross-country cycling journey by 15-year-old autism advocate Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo, who is embarking on a Guinness World Record-bound ride from Enugu to Lagos to raise awarenessabout autism and promote inclusion.
Tagged “Journey of Possibility, #RideWithKanye,” the expedition will see the young cyclist travel across several Nigerian cities as he advocates for greater understanding and support for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.
The initiative represents an official attempt to set a milestone with Guinness World Records as the youngest autistic individual to complete a cross-country cycling journey.
The ride is scheduled to conclude in Lagos on World Autism Awareness Day, reinforcing the global call for empathy, acceptance, and opportunity for people on the autism spectrum.
Speaking on the brand’s involvement, Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, said the initiative reflects Indomie’s enduring commitment to celebrating courageous Nigerian children and amplifying stories that inspire hope.
“At Indomie, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to dream boldly and achieve extraordinary things,” he said. “Kanyeyachukwu’s journey is a powerful reminder that determination and talent can transcend limitations. We are proud to support his mission to inspire understanding, acceptance, and hope for individuals living with autism.”
Kanyeyachukwu first captured national attention when he was recognised at the Indomie Heroes Awards, an initiative by Indomie that celebrates courageous Nigerian children who have demonstrated exceptional bravery, resilience, and impact in their communities.
Since receiving the recognition, he has continued to use advocacy, creativity, and public engagement to reshape perceptions about autism and inspire conversations around inclusion.
Through the “Journey of Possibility,” Kanyeyachukwu hopes to demonstrate that individuals on the autism spectrum possess extraordinary potential when given the opportunity and support to thrive.
As a key supporter of the initiative, Indomie will provide branded cycling kits and support materials for cyclists accompanying him throughout the route, alongside financial support and brand activations at designated stops along the journey.
These engagements will include community interactions aimed at educating the public, encouraging dialogue, and fostering broader participation in autism advocacy.
To ensure the young cyclist’s safety and well-being throughout the expedition, a dedicated safety, medical, and logistics team will accompany the ride.
Host communities along the route are also expected to organise welcome receptions and awareness activities as the team passes through their cities.
The journey will culminate in a celebratory reception in Lagos, bringing together supporters, advocates, community leaders, and partners to mark the completion of the ride and reinforce the call for greater awareness and inclusion for people on the autism spectrum.
Through initiatives like the Indomie Heroes Awards and its support for the “Journey of Possibility, #RideWithKanye,” Indomie continues to champion young Nigerians whose courage, determination, and achievements demonstrate the limitless possibilities that emerge when children are empowered to pursue their dreams.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed government backing for the Nigerian media’s evidence-led push against Big Tech’s anti-competitive practices, content scraping for AI, and economic pressures like high tariffs threatening press survival.
Tinubu
Speaking at an interfaith dinner with the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO) delegation at the State House on Friday, Tinubu called the press an “indispensable partner” in fostering economic stability, press freedom, and social cohesion.
He promised to tackle “digital cannibalisation” and review the tariff exemption list to zero-rate media essentials like newsprint, plates, chemicals, and broadcast equipment—currently hit with 5-10% duties—mirroring exemptions for educational materials.
“You have the government’s full support, because we know how important your work is to the sustenance of democracy,” Tinubu assured leaders including NPO President Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, Aremo Olusegun Osoba (Vanguard), Sam Amuka (THISDAY/ARISE), Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Dr John Momoh (Channels TV), and heads of NPAN, NGE, GOCOP, NUJ, and NTA.
NPAN Deputy President Frank Aigbogun, speaking for NPO, accused Big Tech firms like Meta and Google of breaching paywalls to train AI models, costing local media 70% of revenue—hundreds of millions of dollars—plus jobs. He urged directing the FCCPC to probe these issues.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris noted ongoing government engagement with Big Tech: “We will not allow anybody to come here, reap from our economy, and go away without giving back.” Vice President Kashim Shettima and senior aides attended.
The pledge follows NPO’s January letter highlighting existential threats from Big Tech to Nigerian media.
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