🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
NALDA launches 5,000-hectare farm estate in Kwara to boost food security and employment
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The National Agricultural Land Development Authority NALDA has inaugurated a 5,000-hectare farm estate in Ora, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. This initiative aims to address food insecurity and rural unemployment, with projections to impact approximately 10,000 livelihoods directly and indirectly. The Executive Secretary of NALDA, Cornelius Adebayo, stated that the project is part of President Bola Tinubu's national strategy to enhance food production, create jobs, and mitigate insecurity through agriculture. The farm estate model clusters farmers in a secure and structured environment to improve productivity and address safety concerns. Each farmer will receive five hectares, and is expected to employ four to five workers, potentially creating 5,000 direct jobs. Including service providers, the initiative targets 10,000 beneficiaries. NALDA will provide mechanized support, starting with 10 tractors. Adebayo noted that the clustering model facilitates access to financing, monitoring, and coordination with security agencies. Similar farm estates are being developed in Ekiti, Bauchi, and Plateau states. The Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area, Femi Yusuf, described the project as transformative and urged resident participation, anticipating it will reduce insecurity by engaging youth. The Olora of Ora, Oba Aremu Ridwan, welcomed the development but requested the Federal Government prioritize rehabilitating access roads to the community for easier transpor
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
BreakingKuwait reported that Iran struck another of its power and water plants, leading to the deactivation of several power generation units. This marks the second such attack in as many days, with the first occurring on Friday. Kuwait's fire service stated that Saturday's attacks caused fires at two locations, injuring several firefighters and a worker. The country's national carrier rescheduled most flights due to the temporary suspension of air traffic at Kuwait International Airport, attributed to rocket and drone attacks. Concurrently, Bahrain's army announced its air defenses repelled a wave of Iranian attacks, with an AFP journalist in Manama reporting blasts after sirens. Bahrain's interior ministry confirmed five air-raid sirens since dawn, advising residents to seek shelter. The Iranian army previously stated it targeted a US-used air base in Bahrain in retaliation for American strikes, according to Iran's state broadcaster, specifying drones targeted aircraft shelters, parking areas, fuel storage tanks, and connecting bridges at Sheikh Isa Air Base.
The Jigawa State Government has adopted a digital revenue collection platform to automate collections in the informal sector, aiming to improve transparency, enhance accountability, and curb revenue leakages. Developed by eTranzact International Plc, the platform was unveiled during a stakeholders’ engagement and capacity-building program organized with the Jigawa Internal Revenue Service in Dutse. It is designed to digitize revenue collection across livestock markets, grain markets, haulage operations, and other informal sector activities, replacing manual processes with an automated electronic payment system. Over 90 revenue collectors, market leaders, and other key stakeholders received training on its operation. Gabriel Essien, Deputy General Manager and Group Head, Public Sector Division States at eTranzact International, stated that the platform provides real-time transaction monitoring, eliminates revenue leakages, and offers accurate data for informed decision-making. He explained that it integrates multiple digital payment channels, including mobile wallets and Point-of-Sale terminals, ensuring all payments are electronically tracked and remitted directly into designated government accounts. Nwabueze Ugwu, Regional Manager, Northwest, eTranzact International, noted that the solution provides end-to-end automation, enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening accountability. Dr. Nasir Sabo-Idris, Executive Chairman of the Jigawa Internal Revenue Service, said th
Must ReadDaniel Bwala, a presidential aide, stated on The Link Up Podcast that a rivalry between the Nigerian Army and the Air Force during former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration led to troops being denied air cover during operations. Bwala claimed that a disagreement between the Chief of Air Staff and Army leadership meant requests for air support were sometimes ignored, a situation he says has since been resolved. He made these comments while dismissing suggestions that the military was infiltrated by elements sympathetic to terrorist groups, though he conceded that isolated cases of infiltration could not be ruled out. Bwala also linked broader security concerns to foreign interference, alleging an international dimension to Nigeria's insurgency, including pro-Russian demonstrations in northern Nigeria. He referenced an unverified claim by US Congressman Scott Perry that the CIA had funded Boko Haram and ISIS. Additionally, Bwala rated the performance of the Tinubu administration highly, citing improvements in foreign reserves and revenue.