Author: Adewale Kupoluyi

Plantain is more than just a staple in Nigerian homes, it is a nutrient-packed superfood loved for its versatility, affordability, and deeply comforting taste. Whether fried as dodo, boiled, roasted as bole, mashed into plantain porridge, or transformed into plantain flour, plantain remains one of the most nourishing foods you can add to your diet. For many African households, plantain is not merely food, it’s a tradition. It shows up at family celebrations, weekend breakfasts, and even as a quick street snack. But beyond its satisfying flavour and cultural significance, plantain is a nutritional powerhouse that promotes heart health, supports digestion,…

The Federal Government has launched the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YALTF), in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to expand opportunities for young Nigerians in agriculture and address barriers such as limited access to land, skills, and financing. The initiative was unveiled in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and IITA. Six million youths will benefit from the new agribusiness initiative. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the programme was designed to empower Nigerian youths to become key drivers of agricultural productivity,…

The Federal Government says it has deployed about N250 billion in agricultural credit and released 2.15 million bags of fertiliser to support farmers and boost food production across the country. The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, disclosed this during an interview, saying the intervention forms part of measures by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to address food security challenges and increase agricultural production. “The policies are very progressive, very functional, and very responsive”, he said. He added that the government began implementing emergency measures after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security in…

Fried rice is one of Nigeria’s most beloved celebration meals. Whether it’s Christmas, weddings, birthdays, or Sunday lunch, this colourful dish is almost always on the menu. With its vibrant mix of vegetables, spices, and protein, it has earned a reputation for being tasty, satisfying, and nutrient-packed. But many people still ask an important question: Is fried rice actually healthy, or is it just delicious comfort food? This article breaks down the ingredients, nutritional benefits, potential drawbacks, and how to make this meal a healthier choice for you and your family. What exactly is in fried rice? · Precooked white rice · Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas,…

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has cautioned farmers against early planting of crops to avoid drought, describing recent rainfall as ‘deceptive’. The Oyo State Meteorological Manager, Mr. Emmanuel Udoh gave the advice in Ibadan during a programme titled, ‘Dissemination of 2026 Weather Forecast in Oyo State’. Udoh, while providing advisories to guide farmers in the coming season, said that the 2026 onset of rain, which determines the start of planting, begins from April 15 to the end of April. “The variable we look at is when the soil moisture content is up to 50%, which is enough for crops to use for nutrition…

Groundnut soup, sometimes called peanut soup, is one of Nigeria’s most loved traditional meals. Popular across the South-South and North, this creamy, rich, and highly-nourishing soup is made from blended groundnuts cooked with meat, fish, vegetables, and aromatic spices. It’s not just delicious, it’s one of the most nutrient-dense traditional soups you can make at home, packed with protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins that support energy, heart health, and overall wellness. If you’ve ever wondered what makes peanut soup special, how it’s made, or why nutrition experts praise the soup as a “superfood”, this guide is for you. What exactly is groundnut soup? Groundnut soup is…

Farmers and agribusiness owners looking to expand their operations can access financing through the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF), a Federal Government initiative designed to improve credit flow to Nigeria’s agriculture sector. The scheme, managed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, provides guarantees on agricultural loans issued by banks. By reducing the lending risk for financial institutions, the programme encourages more banks to extend credit to farmers and agribusinesses seeking capital to grow their operations. Through the initiative, farmers can secure loans to increase production, invest in equipment, expand farmland, or scale other aspects of their agricultural businesses. The programme forms part…

Eka soup may not be as globally-famous as egusi or ogbono, but for those who know it, this humble dish is pure comfort. Simple, nourishing, and deeply traditional, eka soup is a lesser-known Nigerian soup that highlights the beauty of local ingredients and slow, intentional cooking. Often prepared in rural communities and family homes, eka soup reflects a time when meals were built around what nature provided, fresh leaves, seeds, and minimal seasoning, yet still delivered rich flavour and nourishment. What is eka soup? Eka soup is a traditional Nigerian soup made primarily from eka leaves (locally sourced leafy vegetables), palm oil,…

The latest Selected Food Price Watch, released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has indicated that food prices declined across key staples in January 2026, triggering mixed reactions among consumers, farmers and processors. Data from the statistics office showed that the average price of locally produced rice fell 10.94% year-on-year to ₦1,841.83 per kilogram, while brown beans plunged 48.65% to ₦1,262.43, onion and tomatoes also recorded annual declines of 17.87% and 5.25%, respectively, pointing to easing pressures in selected food categories. However, crayfish rose sharply by 39.07%, underscoring persistent volatility in protein prices. The report also highlighted sharp state and regional disparities, with…

The Abia State Government has advised farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices as the state is projected to experience above-normal rainfall in 2026. The warning follows the Seasonal Climate Prediction, released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. In a ‘2026 Climate Outlook and Farming Advisor’ issued, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, provided critical guidance to farmers across the state to ensure a productive farming season. According to NiMet, Abia State is expected to record annual rainfall between 1,800 millimeters and 2,200mm. The rainy season is forecast to begin between late March and early April and end between late October and…