News
FG reaffirms commitment to farmer-driven policies on food security
By Olufunmi
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that farmers are actively involved in policy decisions aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening national food security.
KANO FOCUS reports that Mr. Eniola Akindele, Manager of Research, Data and Impact Assessment at the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), stated this on Tuesday in Kano while speaking at the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains for Growth Programme (AGROW) Agroecological Zonal Workshop.
Akindele said the current administration, through the PFSCU, was working to ensure that agricultural interventions are farmer-driven, market-focused and result-oriented, rather than imposed through top-down approaches.
He explained that the AGROW programme focuses on key value chains such as rice, wheat, tomato, sesame and sorghum, which are critical to Nigeria’s food security and economic growth.
According to him, AGROW is a 500 million dollar home-grown initiative led by Nigeria and co-created across the three tiers of government. He added that the programme is being developed in partnership with the private sector and development partners, with technical support from the World Bank.
Akindele noted that previous agricultural interventions were often constrained by fragmented public spending, blanket input subsidies, government-driven programmes, opaque and paper-based land administration systems, as well as multiple informal trade levies.
He said the AGROW model introduces a new approach centred on state-level agricultural support and financial assistance linked to market outcomes. The programme, he added, also targets improved public investments, institutionalised private sector engagement, transparent and secure land administration, and efficient and predictable interstate agricultural trade.
Akindele further explained that AGROW is built on three major components: strengthening private sector linkages with smallholder farmers, modernising on-farm production systems, and effective project coordination, monitoring and evaluation.
He outlined the eligibility criteria for states seeking to participate in AGROW, which include sustainable land-based investment processes, digital farmer registries, and increased transparency of fees and levies for interstate trade.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Bashir Sunusi, said the workshop aligned with the state government’s agenda to improve agricultural productivity.
Sunusi disclosed that the Kano State Government had recruited 1,038 agricultural extension workers, provided farming equipment including tractors and power tillers, and established three mechanisation centres in Gaya, Dambatta and Kadawa.
Reports indicated that participants at the workshop were drawn from Sudan Savannah agroecological states, including Sokoto, Katsina, Gombe, Kebbi, Bauchi and Kano.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
