
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has launched the 2026 wet farming season, initiating the sale and distribution of 200 truckloads of NPK fertilizer at a 50 percent subsidized rate. Additionally, 120,000 farmers will receive free agricultural inputs, including agrochemicals, knapsack sprayers, certified seeds, water pumps, bicycles, and post-harvest storage facilities. The intervention aims to boost food production, improve livelihoods, ensure food and nutrition security, create employment, and enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people. Governor Zulum emphasized that the program covers the entire agricultural value chain, from mechanization to market access, and includes initiatives targeting women and youth. He also announced a N500 million cash support package for vulnerable persons, women, and youths across five local government areas. The Governor warned beneficiaries against diverting or reselling the subsidized fertilizer, stressing its intended use for crop production. Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Bawu Musami, highlighted Borno's emergence as a leading agricultural state through sustained investments.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated on Wednesday that opposition parties would likely allege electoral manipulation if President Bola Tinubu secures re-election in 2027. Akpabio made these remarks while hosting members of the City Boy Movement, a pro-Tinubu support group, at the National Assembly in Abuja. As the Grand Patron of the movement, Akpabio encouraged the group to intensify grassroots mobilization for Tinubu's re-election campaign. He expressed confidence in Tinubu's second term victory, despite anticipated criticism from the opposition. Akpabio emphasized that the movement would ensure Tinubu has agents in every polling unit to prevent a recurrence of votes allegedly lost during the 2023 election. He urged members and Nigerian youths to remain focused, avoid cultism and drug abuse, and participate actively in politics to shape the country's future. Earlier, Francis Shoga, Director-General of the City Boy Movement, said their visit aimed to strengthen collaboration with the National Assembly ahead of nationwide mobilization efforts, seeking guidance and support for their programs and civic engagement among young Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his dedication to project delivery, stating that Wike "does not sleep until the job is done." The President's remarks were made during the commissioning of the newly constructed Collector Road C01 and its bridge in Abuja's Institution and Research District. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu highlighted that the ongoing transformation in Abuja reflects his administration's broader development agenda for Nigeria. He emphasized that infrastructure is crucial for economic prosperity, attracting investment, and creating jobs. Tinubu noted that the road project addressed traffic congestion concerns raised by the Body of Benchers during a Nigerian Law School Call to Bar ceremony. He also mentioned that the construction generated hundreds of jobs and eased movement for students, lecturers, and residents. Wike, in his remarks, stated that this was the 21st project commissioned in the FCT under the current administration and thanked Tinubu for providing resources and removing the FCT Administration from the Treasury Single Account, which he said improved project delivery. The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and the Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Richard Dauda, also spoke, highlighting the project's benefits for connectivity and adherence to the FCT Master Plan.
Must ReadThe National Association of Nigerian Students NANS has released a list of 39 tertiary institutions that have not yet refunded students who paid their tuition fees before receiving disbursements from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund NELFUND. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, stated that these institutions received tuition payments from NELFUND on behalf of eligible students but have not refunded those who had previously paid their fees. The publication of this list aims to promote transparency and accountability, ensuring affected students receive their refunds without further delay. NANS urged the listed institutions to expedite the refund process, emphasizing that students who paid their tuition before NELFUND disbursements should not face unnecessary financial burdens. The list includes institutions such as Adamawa State University, Kaduna State Polytechnic, University of Uyo, and University of Nigeria, among others.