Author: Adewale Kupoluyi

The Federal Government has called on investors to collaborate with Nigeria in harnessing its agricultural potential while tackling the growing impact of climate change on food production and security. The appeal was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, through a statement signed by the Head, Department of Information, Ezeaja Ikemefuna. According to the statement, “The Federal Government has called on investors, financial institutions, and development partners to collaborate with Nigeria in its vision of building a resilient food system, climate-smart farming, and expanding sustainable agricultural production, as well as unlocking the enormous potential of Africa’s…

The Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa has raised serious concerns that existing cocoa pricing models are failing to protect farmers across Africa. In a statement made available, COFAAA Global President, Adeola Adegoke, said “These systems were designed to stabilise prices in cocoa-producing countries, but in practice, prices have been quickly adjusted to match international market fluctuations. “Instead of providing stability and protection, the current models are leaving farmers vulnerable to the volatility of the global cocoa market”. The organisation noted that despite the historic cocoa price boom in 2024, when international prices reached about US$12,000 per metric tonne, many farmers, particularly…

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported that food inflation rose in February to 12.12%, reversing from its first single-digit win in January, on the back of rising prices of food in markets. The NBS reported that this increase comes as a result of a renewed spike in food prices like cassava, beans, yams, and crayfish, basically food staples in the Nigerian diets. However, while food inflation rose, headline inflation eased further to 15.06% in the period, down from 15.10% in January, defying the usual trend of food inflation directly driving headline inflation. On a month-on-month basis, food inflation rose by 0.80%,…

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…