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FG urges cassava stakeholders to facilitate more improved varieties

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The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Dr Ernest Umakhihe, has urged scientists and other stakeholders in the cassava value chain to improve on more varieties.

Umakhihe made the call at the Annual Meeting of NextGen Cassava Project in Abuja on Tuesday.

He was represented by Dr Raji Bamidele, Deputy Director, Roots and Tuber Division in the ministry.

Umakhihe said there was need for concerted efforts by stakeholders to facilitate how genetic improvement of cassava could realise its potential yield level in the country.

He said the interaction between the national cassava research scientists and specialists from other continents would contribute immensely in addressing the challenges facing the cassava sub-sector.

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He said the Buhari administration would continue to drive the economic diversification agenda from crude oil to agriculture.

“The sector has continued to gain prominence as shown in its continuous contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Between April and June, agriculture has contributed 23.2 per cent of the total GDP, in spite challenges such as flood, climate change and other natural disasters, insecurity, banditry and kidnapping among others,“he said.

Prof. Lateef Sanni, Head, National Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Abuja Station, said there was  need to improve genetically on cassava varieties to boost food sufficiency.

“We will continue to partner with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other partners and stakeholders in the cassava value chain for farmers to get the best seeds,“he said.

He, however, commended the Federal Government for hosting IITA in Abuja since 1991.

Dr Sunday Aladele, Register, National Variety Release Committee (NVRC), said the committee had registered over 706 varieties of 39 crops with including cassava inclusive.

“Cassava is one of the most important root crops which contribute significantly to the livelihood of millions of people in Sub Saharan Africa.

“It plays important roles for the supply of carbohydrates and vitamins, which in most cases serves as substitute,” he said.

Aladele said the meeting would help envision what is in the pipeline for future cassava improvement for food security and industrial uses.

He, however, appealed to other scientists to take a cue from the modern techniques being deployed by NextGen to fast track crop improvement.

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Rochas Okorocha arrested, released after one-hour Interrogation — Police

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Rochas Okorocha
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Former Imo State Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha, was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Monday night.

The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu, confirmed the development to Channels Television.

Okorocha, who was arrested at REIZ Continental Hotel in central Abuja, was, however, released on bail by the NPF following an hour of interrogation over allegations of criminal conspiracy, forgery and impersonation.

CSP Iniedu, who confirmed the arrest and subsequent release on bail to our correspondent, noted that the former governor was asked to return to the Force Headquarters on Tuesday for further interrogation as investigations into the allegations continue.

The arrest reportedly followed Okorocha’s failure to honour previous police invitations in connection with the ongoing investigation.

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He was initially invited to the Force Headquarters on September 2, but the appointment was rescheduled to September 8 at the request of his lawyers, a date he reportedly failed to honour.

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BREAKING: Soludo, Wike, Adeleke, others appointed member of APC Presidential Campaign Council

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Anambra Gov, Prof Chukwuma Soludo
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Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has been appointed a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council list released last night.

This is despite the fact that he is the National Leader of the opposition All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Similarly, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, the National Leader of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke of the opposition Accord Party (AP), are on the expanded and all-inclusive team headed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Other members include Presidential Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, and former House of Representatives member Patrick Obahiagbon.

Also named as members are former Osun APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, former National Legal Advisers Dr. Muiz Banire and Babatunde Ogala, Chief Ayiri Emami, Victor Giadom, Magnus Abe, and former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel.

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The list, according to a report by The Nation, reflects inter-party cooperation and harmony based on the shared vision of propelling the country to the horizon of progress.

The report quoted a statement by APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, as saying that the campaign council will be inaugurated tomorrow in Abuja.

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Mbah orders impartial Police Probe into Enugu political violence, vows accountability

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Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has called for a thorough and impartial police investigation into the recent violence surrounding a political gathering in the state, assuring that anyone found responsible will face the law regardless of political affiliation.

Mbah, in an address to the people of Enugu State, expressed concern over reports of violence, particularly a shooting incident that left a citizen injured.

The governor said his immediate concern was the welfare of those injured, residents who experienced fear during the incident, and families affected by the violence.

He assured the victims and affected residents that their safety and well-being remained a priority for his administration.

“I know how much our people value the peace and security we have worked so hard to establish in Enugu. Incidents such as these cause anxiety and deserve our full attention,” the governor said.

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Mbah stressed that every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, must be able to exercise their political rights without fear, intimidation or violence.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting lives, upholding the law and ensuring that justice was served without favour.

The governor also stated that, in view of the preliminary findings regarding the incident, he expected the police to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those responsible.

According to him, anyone found culpable would be held accountable through the appropriate legal process, irrespective of their political connections.

“The Enugu State Government has made its position clear regarding allegations of involvement in this violence,” Mbah stated, reaffirming his administration’s responsibility to maintain peace and security across the state.

The incident has raised concerns over political tolerance and the safety of citizens participating in political activities in Enugu State.

The governor’s call for an impartial investigation underscores the need for the relevant security agencies to establish the facts surrounding the shooting and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

He concluded his address by thanking the people of Enugu State and praying for God’s continued blessings upon the state.

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