馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority highlights two years of development projects
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Deji Ashiru, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, has detailed the agency's achievements over the past two years, emphasizing the Federal Government鈥檚 commitment to agricultural development, water supply, youth empowerment, and rural transformation. Ashiru stated that the authority has installed over 400 solar-powered boreholes, providing clean water to thousands. In agriculture, 16 tractors have been deployed, with an additional 60 procured, and over 5,000 hectares of farmland cultivated. The authority also constructed over 100 modern greenhouse farms and procured another 200 to support climate-smart agriculture. For irrigation, 12 dams are under development, with four completed. Infrastructure improvements include sprinkler irrigation systems on over 50 hectares, 10 kilometers of access roads, and 25 kilometers of drainage. Youth and women empowerment initiatives have seen over 200 youths graduate from entrepreneurship programs and more than 1,000 youths and women receive vocational tools, industrial machines, and laptops. Over 200 farmers have benefited from capacity-building initiatives. The agency established a Songhai Model Farm, stocked over 20,000 fish fingerlings, and constructed modern poultry facilities. In energy development, the Ikere Gorge Dam was conceded for a proposed 250-megawatt hydropower project, and over 10,000 solar-powered street lights have been installed. Ashiru affirmed the authority's com
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Traders and consumers in Lagos are experiencing a significant rise in ginger prices, attributed to insecurity in major producing regions, reduced supplies, and increased transportation costs. Ginger, a widely used spice in Nigerian households for cooking, beverages, and traditional remedies, is primarily produced in Kaduna, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau States. However, supplies to Lagos markets have decreased, leading to steep price increases. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics indicates that Nigeria's ginger exports dropped by 74 percent in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, partly due to disease outbreaks affecting farms. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, noted that ginger farmers have lost over N12 billion to the epidemic since 2023. The Public Relations Officer of Oyingbo Market, Mr Ademola Oduyemi, stated that insecurity prevents farmers from accessing their lands, disrupting cultivation and harvesting. A paint bucket of ginger now sells for N40,000 to N46,000, with smaller quantities also seeing proportional price hikes. Traders like Mrs Florence Akinfolubi and Mr Abdullahi Musa confirm reduced supplies and increased transport costs, compounded by growing consumer demand. Consumers express frustration, with Mrs Janet Madueke noting a tiny piece of ginger now costs about N1,000, and Mrs Funmilayo Ogunleye and Mr Adewale Balogun reducing their purchases due to escalating costs. Residents a
The Federal Government has successfully conducted the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination for admission into Federal and State Technical Colleges. During this exercise, the Federal Ministry of Education piloted a computer-based test CBT, coordinated by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board. The examination was held nationwide and conducted smoothly across various centers. Mrs. Patricia Ogungbemi, Director of Technology and Science Education, representing the Minister of Education, monitored the exercise and encouraged candidates to pursue technical and vocational education for self-reliance, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment. She emphasized the opportunities for technical college graduates, including practical, industry-relevant skills and government initiatives for job creation. The pilot CBT session, conducted after the conventional examination, aimed to assess readiness for a future transition to a fully computer-based examination system, reflecting the Federal Government's commitment to digital transformation and quality technical education. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to digitalize entrance examinations in Nigeria, following similar reforms in other examination bodies.
Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh stated that Morocco could have beaten Brazil 3-1 if they had players similar to Nigeria's Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman in their squad. Oliseh shared this comment on his X handle after Morocco's 1-1 draw with Brazil in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage match. He described Morocco's performance as impressive, highlighting their tactical balance in both attack and defense. Oliseh noted that Brazil's result flattered them, attributing the respectable scoreline to their star players like Vinicius Jr and Raphinha. Morocco secured a point against the five-time world champions in the match where Vinicius won the Superior Player of the Match award.