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BAYELSA GOVT TO EMPOWER SOILLESS FARMERS

The Bayelsa State government has announced plans to support trainees of its Soilless Farming Scheme to boost food production and food security in the state. Governor Douye Diri made this known on Wednesday when he received 180 soilless farming trainees at the Executive Council Chambers in Government House, Yenagoa. The Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, stated that the farmers were trained in Ogun State by the Bayelsa government in collaboration with Master Card. Governor Diri emphasized that his administration prioritizes food security, aiming to produce food not only for Bayelsans but also for other states. Daniel Alabrah stated that Governor Diri tasked the trainees not to disappoint the government, as they have a great role to play in technical farming in the state. The governor also announced the setup of a committee comprising the Commissioners for Agriculture, Finance, and Youth Development to ensure the trainees practice what they learned. Alabrah noted that Governor Diri urged the trainees to make good use of their training to become self-employed and train others. The governor applauded MasterCard and the Commissioner for Youth Development for facilitating the program. In a statement, Governor Diri said, “We know the importance of agriculture and food, and we want to produce food to feed Bayelsa people and even beyond. You are our next generation of technical farmers in our state.” Daniel Alabrah stated that the Commissioner for Youth Development, Alfred Kemepado, thanked the governor for approving the training of the youths. Kemepado expressed optimism that the application of the training would enhance the quest for food security in the state. One of the beneficiaries, Tari Adamawa, stated that they were trained in farming techniques that require the use of any available space. Adamawa said, as pioneers of soilless farming from Bayelsa, they are ready to put the knowledge acquired into practice to enhance food security in the state.

VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA REITERATES FG’S COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING LOCAL FARMERS

In a bid to address Nigeria’s food security challenges, Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting local farmers through targeted interventions. The government plans to intervene robustly to protect local producers, reduce production costs, and provide single-digit loans. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, stated that Vice President Shettima made this known during the steering committee meeting of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) at the Presidential Villa. “We need to support our local farmers. Give them single-digit loans. The Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit has metamorphosed into an incubator beyond being an advisory body,” VP Shettima stated. Nkwocha added that the Vice President emphasized the importance of strategic government intervention to reduce production costs and support local farmers. The Vice President cited South Korea’s transformation through strategic industrial investments as an example. “How South Korea, a former poor nation, was able to become the world’s number one steel producer. They gave hefty discounts and single-digit loans to the Daewoos, LGs, and Samsungs, who are now global leaders even in the semiconductor business,” VP Shettima explained. Stanley Nkwocha noted that the Vice President directed Governors Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to engage with a Brazilian delegation this Saturday to explore opportunities for collaboration on agriculture. Nkwocha stated that the meeting aims to promote food stability and support local farmers.

FOREIGN SECRETARY DAVID LAMMY ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR SUDAN HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has announced additional UK support for refugees fleeing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. During his visit to the Chad-Sudan border town of Adré, Lammy announced £20 million in additional funding to increase food production and provide lifesaving sexual and reproductive health services. This funding builds on the UK’s existing aid commitment of £226.5 million, which has provided emergency food assistance to nearly 800,000 displaced people, improved access to shelter, drinking water, emergency health care, and education. Lammy emphasized the urgent need for international action, stating, “Sudanese people are facing violence on an unimaginable scale. This is the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world… The international community must wake up and act urgently to avoid this horrific death toll escalating further.” The Foreign Secretary also announced plans to convene a meeting of Foreign Ministers to galvanize international efforts to work towards an end to the conflict and get aid to where it is needed most. “The UK will not let Sudan be forgotten. To do so would be unforgiveable,” Lammy said.