Economy
Tinubu Government Signs $158m Financing Deal To Boost Agriculture In Northern Nigeria
Tinubu Government Signs $158m Financing Deal To Boost Agriculture In Northern Nigeria
Tinubu government signs $158m financing deal to boost agriculture in northern Nigeria. The federal government has signed a $158.15 million financing agreement to implement the value chain programme in northern Nigeria (VCN).
The deal, signed at the presidential villa on Wednesday, aims to transform agriculture across nine states, according to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, senior special assistant to the president on media relations (office of the vice president).
Nkwocha said the project is co-funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the federal government.
He said the nine northern states include Borno, Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Vice-President Kashim Shettima described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reducing poverty, restoring the dignity of farmers, and ensuring food security.
Shettima said the VCN will also help in sustainably reducing poverty, enhancing nutrition, and improving the resilience of rural and most vulnerable populations in the states.
“This is a declaration of faith in the north—not as a region of deficits, but as a place of abundance,” the vice-president said.
“What has brought us together today is an investment of $158.15 million, co-financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Federal Government of Nigeria, and other stakeholders.
“This reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to prioritising what matters most—people, productivity, and prosperity.”
‘VCN WILL SERVE AS PIPELINE FOR RAW MATERIALS TO SAPZs’
Shettima said the programme will serve as a pipeline of raw materials to the special agro-industrial processing zones (SAPZs) being established across the country, and help shift Nigeria from exporting raw produce to value-added goods.
The politician also emphasised the need for self-sufficiency in food amid global trade tensions, noting that the VCN will promote the commercial cultivation of crops such as wheat and maize and support investment in irrigation, processing, and storage.
“What makes this programme exceptional is that it targets the underserved: women, youth, persons with disabilities, and returnees,” Shettima added.
“For a nation that has long relied on food imports, the message is clear: we must grow what we eat and produce what we trade.
“The VCN answers this call. By making wheat, maize, and animal feed viable for commercial cultivation and investing in irrigation, processing, and storage facilities in states like Kebbi and Jigawa, we are not just securing food—we are laying the groundwork for agricultural exports that can rival our oil.
“From farmer registration to market access, from input distribution to yield analysis.
“In regions where migration and insecurity are fuelled by joblessness, the VCN provides vehicles for enterprise, income, and dignity.”

Food Security
On his part, Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food security, said the financing agreement represents a significant milestone in the efforts to transform the agricultural landscape in Nigeria under the ‘renewed hope agenda’ of the Tinubu administration.
He added that the participation of the nine states and the presence of other critical stakeholders underscore the commitment of the sub-nationals and the federal government in fostering inclusivity in agricultural development and economic empowerment.
The minister also expressed confidence that the VCN will deliver programmes and projects to improve agricultural productivity and the overall well-being of smallholder farmers, farmer groups, and women across the region.
Dede Ekoue, IFAD’s country director, said the project is expected to impact about 3.1 million household members and create more than 30,000 jobs.
In addition, it would support climate-smart agriculture, digital solutions, and improved post-harvest value chains, he said.
Economy
ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku
ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku
ADC is Nigeria’s only reliable political party, others brought insecurity, hunger, says Atiku. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubukar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the only reliable political party in the country, noting that others have brought insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment.
Speaking in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state, during the official opening of the ADC state secretariat, Abubakar said the party is ready for a 2027 victory but urged Nigerians to unite to rescue the nation.
He also asked Taraba residents to take part in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, adding that their participation is crucial to reversing Nigeria’s worsening hardship.
“I am in Taraba to inaugurate our new party office of the ADC, and I want you to hold the party with integrity,” Channels Television quoted Atiku as saying.
“Do not allow anybody to deceive you with any other party, because we have tasted other political parties, and they brought nothing but insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment. “The youths and women should know that we are doing this for them to have a better future, and I am holding on to their promise. “ADC will win Taraba state and win Nigeria as the only reliable political party.”

ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party
Abubakar, who formally joined the ADC on Monday—17 months before the 2027 general election—said his experience across political platforms convinced him that the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties lack the capacity to rescue the country.
He resigned from the PDP on July 16, citing “irreconcilable differences” within the opposition party as his reason for leaving.
Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development
Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development
Akwa Ibom governor pledges commitment to tourism, blue economy development… commends Editi Effiong for projecting State’s tourism potentials
As part of his effort to encourage tourism and enhance the State’s blue economy, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to encourage and reward young professionals who are willing to collaborate with his administration in promoting the positive image of the State through the ARISE Agenda.
The Governor made this known while fielding questions from Government House correspondents shortly after embarking on inspection of a locale of a movie, “The Black Book 2” (Old Scores), at Ishiet Beach/Market in Uruan Local Government Area.
He commended the movie Producer and Director, Mr. Editi Effiong, for his talent, vision, inspiration, and creative ability to project the tourism potentials and boost the economy of the State.
Governor Eno charged young Akwa Ibomites to shun divisive tendencies, be inspired, and emulate the creative effort of successful Akwa Ibom sons and daughters by joining hands to develop the tourism and blue economy of the State.
“The impression is amazing, seeing that we have one of our own trying to pull the world down here.
“I would love to thank and encourage him, and to let our young people see that Akwa Ibom has what it takes to drag the world’s attention.
“It depends on what you see. Someone can see this place and write one story about a swamp that has been abandoned and make all the noise. Another person sees this place and makes a great movie out of it that will market this place to the world and is able to attract the attention because of the work he has done here,” he said.
The State Chief Executive pledged his encouragement, support, and collaboration with Editi and other young Akwa Ibomites to enable them rise to the zenith of their calling.
“We are going to work with him. Editi is a young man I have known very well. This is one thing I say to our people in the diaspora, let’s partner. Come back home, whatever you see out there, bring it back here, and let’s work together.
“I think that is the story, and I am really impressed. If you know the number of people that have visited this State in the course of this film, the talents, and the caliber of artists that have been here, then this young man deserves an award and our support,” he added.

Ibom Deep SeaPort
On his part, the movie Producer and Director, Effiong, appreciated Governor Eno for his visionary leadership and passion for tourism development.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for creating a hospitable and tourism friendly ecosystem to enhance talent exploration through the provision of good road network and quality modern facilities which distinguished the State as one of the most treasured locations in the country.
Crime
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.
Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.
“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”

EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
The EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated November 24, and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.
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