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Nigeria, Vietnam Seal Strategic Pact to Boost Cashew Trade as Kogi Variety Earns Global Recognition
Cyril Ogar
Nigeria and Vietnam have entered into a landmark partnership aimed at transforming cashew production, processing, and trade between the two nations.
The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) and the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS), was signed during the 14th VINACAS Golden Cashew Rendezvous 2025 held in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The three-day event, held from October 26 to 28, commemorated VINACAS’ 35th anniversary and brought together global leaders and stakeholders in the cashew value chain.
Speaking at the signing, the National President of NCAN Dr. Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, said the MoU will to promote bilateral trade, technology transfer, and collaboration that will strengthen both nations’ competitiveness in the global cashew industry.
He expressed that, the recognition of Kogi cashew at the Hanoi conference reaffirmed Nigeria’s rising status in the global cashew industry.
Under the partnership, both countries will promote trade in raw and processed cashew, exchange processing technologies, encourage joint investments, and develop sustainable cashew farming practices.
Dr. Ajanaku described the partnership as a major milestone for the nation’s agricultural and non-oil export sector. He revealed that Nigeria exported $420 million worth of cashew to Vietnam in 2025 and expressed optimism that the collaboration would further improve production efficiency and expand market access for Nigerian products.
“This partnership will enhance value addition through modern processing technologies, promote diversification into cashew-based beverages and by-products, and create more jobs for rural communities,” Ajanaku said.
In a remarkable highlight, Kogi Cashew was specially recognized at the Hanoi conference as the most nutritious cashew in the world — a distinction that underscores Nigeria’s growing reputation in the global market. Ajanaku noted that the new partnership would leverage this recognition through continued innovation, research, and quality improvement.
He added that Vietnam’s machinery and technical expertise would play a crucial role in helping Nigeria expand its processing capacity and drive economic diversification.
Both associations agreed to set up a joint working committee to monitor the implementation of the MoU and report progress annually.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by senior Nigerian officials, representatives of financial institutions, and members of the organized private sector.
Among the Nigerian delegation were Muhammed Tukur Usman, Director, FDA-FMAS; Mr. Babagana Musti, representing NEXIM Bank; Jude Osilama and Evidence Iyamu, NCAN exporters; Mr. Victor Omofaiye, Director-General of the Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion, and Market Development Agency (KOSCEPA); Alh. Abu Muhammed Kabir, NCAN Financial Secretary; and Tchidi Okike Zacchaeus, a merchant farmer.
NCAN therefore emphasized that Nigeria remains one of Africa’s top cashew producers, contributing over 500,000 metric tonnes annually with exports mainly to Vietnam and India. With improved processing capacity, the association projects that Nigeria’s cashew export earnings could surpass $500 million annually, creating thousands of new jobs and strengthening the nation’s rural economy.
The new Nigeria–Vietnam cashew partnership marks a major step toward positioning both countries as global leaders in cashew trade and innovation.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
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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