Agriculture

FCTA Reiterates Commitment Toward Attainment Of Food Security

Published

5 years ago

May 16, 2020

…Sets guidelines for operations in the Agricultural sector

Joel Ajayi

With the relaxation of the lockdown amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat of the FCT Administration has reassured farmers of the Administration’s commitment to step up the provision of support towards the attainment of food security.

The Acting Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat Mr. Ibe Prospect Chukwuemeka stated this in Abuja when he issued the Safety Protocols for Agricultural activities in the FCT.

According to him, the measure is to mitigate the spread of the disease. “The Agricultural Sector as you know is key to our collective desire to attain food security and job creation. This is why the FCT Administration is putting in place these measures aimed at protecting our farmers as they go about their various Agricultural activities”. Ibe said

The FCT Administration under the leadership of Hon. Minister Muhammad Musa Bello and the Minister of State Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu he added are in discussions at various levels with the AfDB, Central Bank of Nigeria and other Corporate organisations towards the actualisation of the food secutity, wealth creation and empowerment of FCT residents, through the implementation of various initiatives that will propel the growth of the sector in the FCT as wel as other routine support programmes.

The operational guidelines covers 5 key sectors which includes: Abattoir and slaughter slabs; Veterinary Clinics; Livestock Markets; Fish processing Facilities and Agric Extension Services.

“The guildlines are, Strict Surveillance of all entry points into the FCT to ensure that meat brought into the FCT are duly certified by Veterinary officials to be safe for consumption.

“The use of infrared thermometers will be mandatory for all those entering the facilities.

“Protective items such as hand sanitizers and running water with antibacterial soap will be kept at the entry points into the facilities which must be used before access is allowed into any of the facilities.

“The use of face masks is to become mandatory.

“Veterinary health officials Butchers, Fish vendors as well as handlers of live birds cattle, goat and sheep will be required to use hand gloves and boots.

“The use of disinfectants for cleaning will be made more frequent in all the facilities especially the abattoirs

“Dealers of Agricultural inputs and food items will be encouraged to use transparent materials to cover them.

“In order to avoid congestion at the various facilities, social distancing measures will be adopted and enforced at all the facilities.

“Agric. Extension workers shall adopt social distancing measures in conducting their training progrrammes.”

Acting Secretary, therefore solicited for the understanding and support of the public, disclosed that a monitoring team has been put in place to ensure implementation and compliance.

Share on Facebook

Agriculture

Sakata Seeds Strengthens West Africa Team with Dr. Hadiza Yaro’s Appointment

Published

1 month ago

September 1, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The former Nigeria Country Manager of East-West Seed, Dr. Hadiza Yaro, has joined Sakata Seeds Nigeria–West Africa Office as Sales Manager for Nigeria and Anglo-West Africa.

In her new role, she will oversee the company’s operations across English-speaking countries in the region, including Togo and the Benin Republic.

Her responsibilities will include servicing existing clients, building new partnerships, and expanding Sakata’s footprint across the continent.

Dr. Yaro holds a PhD in Agronomy and has pursued further studies in Marketing and Food Security across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Announcing her appointment, Vicente Celada, Sakata’s West Africa Director, said: “I am absolutely certain Hadiza will be a great addition to Sakata’s projects in West Africa.”

Over the past decade, Dr. Yaro has established herself as a thought leader, practitioner, and policy advocate in agribusiness.

At East-West Seed, she played a pivotal role in growing the company’s presence in Nigeria while championing smallholder farmers, particularly in Northern Nigeria. She has presented research on the critical role of smallholder farmers in achieving national food security and self-sufficiency.

She also spearheaded several agribusiness fairs and expos that showcased the impact of seed quality on crop yields events that attracted significant media attention. In addition, she worked with governors and state agricultural ministries on strategies to empower smallholder farmers and increase local agricultural output.

A native of Zuru, Kebbi State, Dr. Yaro is widely recognized as an agronomist and agribusiness expert. She is expected to bring the same expertise and innovation to her new role at Sakata Seeds.

Sakata Seed is a global company engaged in the breeding, production, and sale of high-quality vegetable and flower seeds, along with gardening materials and agricultural products. With a strong focus on research and development, Sakata offers a diverse range of horticultural varieties and maintains an extensive international network of offices and research stations.

The company also undertakes related ventures, including landscaping and greenhouse construction, serving both wholesale and retail markets.

Share on Facebook