
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO has begun distributing seedlings, livestock feed, and fertilizers to 210,000 conflict-affected farmers in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. The distribution, launched in Maiduguri, Borno State, aims to help 30,000 households produce their own food, generate income, and rebuild livelihoods. The intervention, supported by the governments of Norway, Switzerland, and Japan, includes 163 metric tonnes of improved seeds, 238 metric tonnes of NPK fertilizer, 375 metric tonnes of livestock feed, 118,000 poultry pullets, 3,000 goats, and 116 metric tonnes of Tom Brown. Dr. Hussein Gadain, FAO Nigeria Country Director, stated that the initiative also focuses on long-term solutions like irrigation cluster farms, solar-powered irrigation systems, and climate-smart agricultural practices. He highlighted that years of conflict have exacerbated challenges in the region, with 6.38 million people in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states projected to face severe food and nutrition insecurity during the June-August 2026 lean season. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by Secretary to the State Government Bukar Tijani, commended the FAO's intervention and encouraged farmers to plant, reaffirming the state's commitment to food security.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadSave the Children International has warned that approximately 36.2 million Nigerians across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to experience acute food and nutrition insecurity during the ongoing 2026 lean season. The organization highlighted that this worsening humanitarian crisis is driven by conflict, climate shocks, rising food prices, and dwindling global humanitarian funding. Duncan Harvey, Save the Children Nigeria Country Director, stated at the Humanitarian Xchange Abuja 2026 conference that 2 million people are projected to face emergency levels of food insecurity, with over 10,000 in Borno State potentially facing catastrophic conditions. Children and mothers are disproportionately affected, with over 758,000 people in Borno State alone expected to face emergency food insecurity and high malnutrition rates in areas like Mobbar, Nganzai, and Maiduguri. Harvey emphasized the need for stronger coordination among governments, humanitarian organizations, donors, academia, and the private sector to address these growing needs. Pawel Mania, Director of the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, stressed the importance of placing local organizations at the center of humanitarian response, as they possess crucial knowledge and are often the first responders during crises. He also noted Nigeria's significant engagement with the academy's digital learning platform, Kaya Connect, and the potential of AI to strengthen humanitarian action if local voices are incl
Must ReadThe Centre for Crisis Communication CCC has issued a warning that Nigeria's economic stability, national unity, and democratic governance are under threat from escalating insecurity, persistent inflation, food insecurity, disinformation, and growing ethno-religious divisions. This alert was presented in Abuja on Tuesday by the Centre's Chairman, retired Major General Chris Olukolade, during the release of its Second Quarter 2026 National Security and Stability Report. The report highlights a deterioration in Nigeria's security and information environment, particularly in June 2026, noting persistent terrorist attacks, mass kidnappings, violent banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and the resurgence of extremist elements. Olukolade also expressed concern over the unprecedented spread of fake news, manipulated multimedia content, and AI-generated disinformation, which he believes undermines public confidence in state institutions and aggravates social tensions. He warned against the weaponization of ethnic and religious identities by some politicians, especially as the 2027 general elections approach. The CCC recommended that the Federal Government and security agencies strengthen specialized training, improve rescue operations, and adopt intelligence-driven strategies. Olukolade also urged political leaders to promote national cohesion and called for responsible reporting from journalists and social media users. The Centre reiterated its support for the establishment of state poli
Must ReadThe Independent National Electoral Commission has launched a self-service online voter registration platform for eligible first-time voters, aiming to enhance accessibility and citizen participation. Mallam Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Nasarawa State, announced that the platform became operational on July 8 via the Commission鈥檚 Continuous Voter Registration portal. This new system allows first-time voters to complete their registration, including biometric capture, using personal devices without visiting an INEC office. It incorporates robust identity verification and backend integrity checks to maintain the accuracy of the National Register of Voters. However, individuals transferring voting points or replacing Permanent Voter Cards must still visit INEC registration centers. Additionally, the Commission has extended the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise. The third and final phase, initially set to conclude on July 10, will now end on July 26. This extension provides more opportunities for eligible Nigerians to register ahead of future electoral activities. The CVR exercise began on August 18, 2025, and has seen significant registrant numbers, including persons living with disabilities. Abubakar-Sadiq urged eligible residents to utilize both the extension and the new technology-driven platform, reaffirming INEC's commitment to a credible, inclusive, transparent, and accessible voter registration process.