News

FG declares National emergency on food security

Published

8 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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Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security

Published

40 mins ago

November 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.

The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.

Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.

These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.

In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.

“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”

The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).

– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.

– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.

– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.

– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.

Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.

“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”

The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.

About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.

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