News

FG declares National emergency on food security

Published

2 months ago

April 15, 2025

…as IWMI Launches water management strategy

Mariam Sanni

The growing food security crisis in Nigeria as made the president of the federal republic of Nigeria ,President Bola Tinubu to declared a national emergency on food security at the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja on Monday.

Tinubu who was , represented by Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, relayed that addressing the continent’s agriculture challenges required urgent action, particularly expanding irrigation infrastructure and adopting innovative water management strategies.

“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential. This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward,” Tinubu said, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts across African nations to overcome the hurdles of inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and climate change.

Also at the conference the international Water Management Institute as launched it’s 2024-2030 Strategy, which , seeks to address water and agriculture challenges head-on, offering solutions aligned with the food security goals set by the Nigerian government. Dr. Mark Smith, Director General of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), introduced the institute’s new strategy, which focuses on four primary areas: watershed restoration, improved irrigation systems, water reuse, and farmer-led irrigation.

These initiatives, he noted, are integral to ensuring food security and resilience against climate shocks, particularly as African nations grapple with rapidly changing climates.

“The IWMI Strategy outlines an ambitious agenda for research and innovation in water security. We are committed to practical, inclusive, and climate-smart solutions to enhance agricultural sustainability,” Dr. Smith remarked. His comments were part of a broader conversation about the need to restore watersheds and improve the management of water resources to optimize agricultural productivity.

As part part of of it’s contribution during the conference, Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, highlighted the achievements made under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

The project, which has resulted in key infrastructure developments like the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes, has made notable progress in improving irrigation systems across Nigeria. Prof. Utsev also announced that the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, which will be implemented in partnership with the World Bank, will further advance these efforts.

“With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin the SPIN project, which will build on our past successes and further expand Nigeria’s irrigation potential,” Prof. Utsev said, emphasizing the need for continued investment in sustainable water management solutions.

In her remarks Dr. Funke Cofie, IWMI’s Africa Director for Research Impact, said that IWMI strategy, which complements Nigeria’s domestic initiatives, also promotes water reuse and farmer-led irrigation practices. She shared examples of successful projects, such as in Ethiopia, where watershed restoration techniques have significantly improved soil quality and increased groundwater recharge.

These interventions, she noted, have enabled farmers to expand irrigable land and improve crop yields, which is critical for ensuring food security in drought-prone regions.
“We are focused on empowering farmers and restoring ecosystems to make agriculture more resilient to climate change,” Dr. Cofie explained. This initiative aligns directly with the Nigerian government’s goal to create a more sustainable agricultural sector.

Addressing the impact of climate change on agriculture, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno State warned that unpredictable rainfall patterns and shrinking farming seasons were becoming major threats to food production. He called for more investment in irrigation and innovation, stressing that these measures should not be viewed as luxuries but essential tools for ensuring food security.

“Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury. Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few—we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture,” Gov. Zulum emphasized.

Dr. Marco Arcieri, President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), also weighed in on the need for strategic innovation in water management and agriculture.

He emphasized the importance of youth involvement in finding sustainable solutions to Africa’s water challenges, as young professionals will play a critical role in future-proofing agriculture against climate change.

“We’ve set tangible goals to confront Africa’s water challenges. This could be a turning point,” Dr. Arcieri stated, highlighting the growing urgency of addressing irrigation inefficiencies and water scarcity across the continent.

As the conference progresses until April 17, participants will engage in technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to various irrigation sites across Nigeria, fostering a deeper understanding of best practices and innovations that can transform Africa’s agricultural sector.

The partnership between the Nigerian government and the IWMI exemplifies the continent’s collective commitment to improving agricultural resilience and water management. With this newfound momentum, Africa is poised to make significant strides in its fight against food insecurity, climate change, and unsustainable water use.

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News

NTAC DG Celebrates President Tinubu’s Second Year as Nigeria’s President

Published

3 days ago

May 29, 2025

The Gleamer

…Highlights His Leadership Skills and Economic Achievements

Joel Ajayi
Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps,Rt.Hon.Yusuf Buba Yakub says President Tinubu has risen above global economic dynamics and confronted squarely other regional and countrywide downturns to place Nigeria on the path of self-redemption, effervescent hope and optimism for a glorious tomorrow.

The NTAC boss,who stated the above in a congratulatory message made available to press men today in Abuja in commemoration of the second year anniversary of the Tinubu Presidency,added that Nigerians were excited at how ingeniously President Tinubu was able to pull back an economy tottering on the brinks of collapse to one that has started repaying debts and raising external reserves of the country.
The rest of the piece read:

“Your Excellency,Mr.President and Father of the Nation, *Letter of Congratulations on Your Two Years of Impactful Leadership and Service to Nigeria

“Permit me to respectfully avail myself of this means and the auspicious occasion of your second anniversary in office as President and Commander-in-Chief,Federal Republic of Nigeria, to convey my humble congratulations on the reformative and transformational turnaround that you have injected into governance and national leadership in these last two years since assuming the Nigerian Presidency.

“Without an iota of doubt,Sir,you came in,you saw and you have conquered.In the immortal words of one of the greatest leaders of all time:” You Have Done What Napoleon Could Not Do!”

“I recall with the clarity of a former federal lawmaker,who with every sense of modesty was in a position to know at the time,how our national life was mired in loss of hope, uncertainty, deepening insecurity, ethno-regional tensions as well as sullen economic indices.

“It was, indeed,a tall order to find that man who could clean the Augean stable,which, in fairness to the immediate-past national leadership,arose as a result of several factors,most of which were global and , therefore, beyond their total control.

“Today,Your Excellency,Mr.President,you have not only risen above global economic dynamics but confronted squarely other regional and countrywide downturns to place our nation back on the path of self-redemption, effervescent hope and optimism for a glorious tomorrow!

“Today,Your Excellency,many Nigerians,in spite of what you often refer to as “current pangs of hardship for a better tomorrow”,are excited at how ingenious you have brought back an economy tottering on the brinks of collapse to one that has started repaying debts and raising our external reserves.Surely,this could not have been an accident of leadership,but the result of a well-intended and carefully executed fiscal policy that has delivered on its premeditated targets.

“Your Excellency,Mr.President,as we ruminate on the path through which you have led us through these past two years, Nigerians may not be very much aware of the many hours of sleep you lose to hold the nation together,to keep the economy on a sound footing,to restore the prices of goods and commodities to the pre-energy subsidy removal era,to ease tensions in regions with security challenges and to keep our workers happy,but every Nigerian knows that the nation has a leader that truly cares. We all can attest to this in your body language and poise each time you address the nation!

“Your Excellency,Mr.President,we may go on and on to chronicle the quantum leap your gracious leadership skills and initiated policies have foisted on the nation these past years,but those who do not travel abroad may not fully understand the extent of the positive turnaround that you have caused to happen in our individual and collective destinies across the globe in so short a time.Simply put,it suffices to just say here that the honour of our green passport has also been largely restored,thanks to Your Excellency,Mr.President’s Foreign Policy Initiatives and leadership ingenuity these past two years of purposeful leadership.

“Your Excellency,Mr.President,Sir,as you take a detour into the next half of your glorious first tenure,we,who you graciously appointed as some of your foot soldiers,join millions of your admirers, well-wishers and mentees across the world to wish you well and to pray that you daily continue to draw from the rich reservoir of wisdom, strength and good health deposited in you by the Almighty God Himself at creation to lead Nigeria and Africa in the right direction.

“For myself and my family,and on behalf of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC),which by the grace of God, your magnanimous appointment and continuous support I currently head,I congratulate you once again ,Your Excellency,Mr.President and Father of the Nation,and pray that you find more health, wisdom, inspiration and strength to continue to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda and maintain the path of realizing The Nigerian Dream in our lifetime,” the NTAC DG concluded.

Following the swearing-in ceremonies held at the Eagle Square,Abuja,on May 29,2023, President Tinubu took over the reins of leadership, succeeding his Party man and immediate-past President,Gen.Muhammadu Buhari,Retd.

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