Author: Adewale Kupoluyi

In an attempt to boost food security and strengthen agricultural productivity across the country, the Federal Government has announced plans to establish one mechanisation service centre in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made this known at the 25th International Conference and 45th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers, held at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation, Idofian, Kwara State.Kyari revealed that the proposed mechanisation service centres would serve as regional hubs for equipment training, repairs, and coordination, aimed at ensuring that modern farm machinery is accessible, functional, and properly maintained…

Introduction If you’ve ever tasted the rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying flavour of “white soup”, you already know why it’s one of Nigeria’s most beloved traditional dishes. Known as “Afia Efere” among the Efik and Ibibio people of Southern Nigeria, this soup stands out for its simplicity, natural ingredients, and nourishing qualities. Unlike many Nigerian soups that rely on palm oil for their deep red colour, “white soup” gets its name from its light, and oil-free appearance. It’s bursting with flavour, thanks to a unique blend of spices, meat, fish, and thickening agents like yam or cocoyam. Let’s discover what makes “white soup” special, how to prepare it step-by-step, and…

Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and some experts in forest management, have called on stakeholders to end deforestation for the sake of the country’s economy. Aiyedatiwa, who spoke at the 9th Forests and Forest Products Society Biennial Conference, held on the campus of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, with the themed “Healthy and Resilient Forests for a Buoyant Nigerian Economy”, said there is the need for concerted efforts to stop deforestation in the country. The governor, who acknowledged the economic importance of forests to the state, vowed that his administration would do everything possible to stop deforestation across the state. Represented…

Nigerian farmers have called on the Federal Government to deploy additional security personnel to protect their farms from bandit attacks, which is threatening their harvest season. Farmers, mostly in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states, made the clarion call in different locations. Speaking with reporters in Gusau, a cross-section of farmers said bandits have been imposing levies on rural communities, disrupting farming activities and preventing many farmers from harvesting their crops. The Sarkin Noman Mayanchi of Maru Local Government Area, Kabir Ibrahim, urged the government to address the insecurity by deploying more security operatives to rural areas. “We have recorded bumper harvests across…

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing agricultural transformation and food security in Nigeria through strategic partnership with the United Nations. The Director-General of IITA, Simeon Ehui, met with UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Fall in Abuja, to discuss how to strengthen collaboration on sustainable agriculture, youth agripreneurship, and food systems resilience. Ehui highlighted IITA’s achievements in addressing Africa’s agrifood systems challenges, particularly in soil health, seed systems, and plant health. He showcased innovations like the award-winning semi-autotrophic hydroponics technologyy, enhancing crop propagation and productivity. “For IITA, the biggest challenge remains scaling-taking proven technologies from the lab…

If you’ve ever attended a Nigerian party, walked through a local street market, or sat in a family living room during the holidays, you’ll know that snacks are an essential part of the culture. From the sweet and fluffy puff-puff to the crunchy chin-chin and the nutty goodness of kuli-kuli, Nigerian snacks are more than just food, they are memories, celebrations, and comfort in every bite. Why Nigerian snacks are so special Nigerian snacks stand out because they: · Bring people together – You’ll often find snacks being shared during festive events, school breaks, and after-church gatherings. · Are versatile – Whether…

The Federal Government has lamented that Nigeria’s food security and sustainability are being threatened by high post-harvest losses. The Director of the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Services (FDAES), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Mr. Olawumi Ayodele, stated this in Ibadan during a training session on cassava cultivation and processing best practices for farmers in Oyo State. The Director, who was represented by a Principal Agricultural Officer at the ministry, Mrs. Temitope Banjo, said that about 40% of Nigeria’s agricultural produce is lost after harvest due to poor handling and management practices. Ayodele identified the causes of these losses to…

Nigerian cuisines are famous for their bold flavours, vibrant colours, and hearty meals that bring families and communities together. While many people think Nigerian foods are meat-heavy, the truth is that a wide variety of plant-based dishes already exist in traditional diets. From beans to yams, leafy greens, and plantains, Nigerian food naturally provides an exciting selection of vegan-friendly meals.  Why plant-based Nigerian food worksPlant-based eating is more than just a global health trend, it’s deeply rooted in Nigerian tradition. Before meat became more accessible, many communities relied heavily on grains, legumes, and vegetables, as their primary sources of nourishment.Some reasons why plant-based Nigerian food is both delicious and…

As farmers continue to lament persisting insecurity, limited finance, and poor infrastructure, agricultural experts have called on the government to regulate commodity market intermediaries to curb hoarding. In this regard, the Federal Government disclosed that it would soon introduce a Guaranteed Minimum Price for agricultural produce for farmers and undertake large-scale offtake of farm harvests. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who announced this at a breakout session on “Catalysing Agricultural Transformation: Capital, Innovation and Growth”, at the ongoing Nigeria Economic Summit, said the measure aims to protect farmers and consumers amid price volatility. “We’re looking at how to balance the…

The Niger State Governor, Mahammed Bago, has reiterated that his administration remains committed to maintaining green initiatives and ensuring eco-friendly development under his New Niger Agenda. This commitment was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim. The governor made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, in his office in Abuja. The statement added that Bago held discussions with the minister, centred on collaboration to address environmental challenges, promote biosafety, and advance sustainable climate action across Nigeria. “Governor Bago also held deeper discussions with the minister, centred on deepening…