society
FOOD PRODUCTION: MINISTER LAUDS DANGOTE CEMENT OVER FARMERS’ EMPOWERMENT
FOOD PRODUCTION: MINISTER LAUDS DANGOTE CEMENT OVER FARMERS’ EMPOWERMENT
..As Ibese Plant donates farming inputs to host community farmers
Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Mr. Dele Alake has lauded the management of Dangote Cement, Ibese for its contributions to the development of its host communities saying its many social investments have succeeded in fostering economic development and social cohesion in the communities.
The Minister who spoke through the Mines and Environment Compliance Officer for the South West in the Ministry, Mr. Mathew Ochimana during the handover of farm inputs to Ibese Host Communities’ Farmers on the occasion of the 2025 Farmers Empowerment Programme said the Cement Company has through its Corporate Social Responsibility such as the empowerment programmes, stimulated local economies, created jobs, support local businesses and enhanced community infrastructure.
Mr. Ochimana urged the farmers to make the best use of the farm inputs to boost food production and warned them to avoid the temptation to sell them as doing so would defeat the essence of giving them the items and would also run counter-productive to efforts at boosting food production within the communities.
Welcoming the farmers earlier, the Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant Director, Ayyagari Subbaraidu, reiterated the company’s commitment to empowering the farmers as a critical segment of the population with farming inputs support in order to boost food production.
Said he; “We provide modern farm inputs to help farmers enhance their productivity, enabling them to consistently cultivate both subsistence and cash crops at commercial scale. These inputs are donated to support better yields and offer a more modern, efficient farming experience.”
Besides the empowerment programme for farmers themed “Planting to Profit: Good Agricultural Practices for Cassava and Maize”, the Plant Director said Dangote Cement is focused on creating positive impacts within its host communities by prioritising health, quality education, empowerment, and the provision of critical infrastructure to drive socio-economic development.
Subbaraidu noted that “with the support of our stakeholders, some of whom are also here, we have achieved remarkable milestones, demonstrating that every limestone mined and every bag of cement manufactured comes with proportionate social value addition and support to the host communities.
“In the course of implementing the current Community Development Agreement signed in 2022, 240 farmers across our host communities have been empowered through training, farm inputs, and tools, contributing to the cultivation of over 600 acres of farmland and significantly boosting the local economy.”
To cap Dangote Cement’s commitment to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the farmers for enhanced food security, and increased revenue across the agricultural value chain, Subbaraidu said that each of the beneficiaries will go home: with 3 bags of 50kg NPK fertilizer; 2 bags Urea fertilizer; 3 litres of Force-Up herbicide; 1 raincoat and 1 pair of rain boots.
“To all our community stakeholders, we say a big thank you for your invaluable collaboration in creating an enabling environment for our business to thrive. Indeed, it takes strong partnerships between the Plant and the communities to achieve socio-economic progress,” the Plant Director said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Olusola Akinbode, commended Dangote Cement for always rising to the occasion and he expressed satisfaction with the timely intervention and commitment of the company to community development.
He pointed out that the farmers’ empowerment programme is in tandem with the initiative of the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun’s drive to ensure food security in the state. “One of our targets is to ensure food sufficiency in the state; we did our own farmers’ empowerment in June and we distributed 11,000 cash crops, we are promising to up the number to at least 60,000 in 2026.
“Imagine if we have this and Dangote is supporting us with fertiliser, and other farm tools, very soon, Yewa will become a food basket to others.”
In his remark, the Chairman of Community Joint Consultative Committee (CJCC) Dayo Ogunyinka, expessed satisfaction that the programme in its fourth edition has been very impactful describing it as a perfect intervention towards food security and economic growth. He thanked the Dangote Cement for reaching out to the grassroot whom he described as the centre of community development.
One of the farmer beneficiaries, Iyabo Akintan from Ijako Orile host Community appreciated the company for always coming through for local farmers. She stated that “This will bring upliftment and a better farming experience with gains to the society.”
Another beneficiary, Olaleye Adekunle, described the gesture as “soothing and moral boosting” for farmers. “With the provision of fertilisers and other farm tools, working during rain and shine is now a possibility and we are really grateful that Dangote Cement, Ibese, has our interest at heart.”
The beneficiaries were later taken through a session to educate them on how to make the best use of the inputs for maximum farm yields.
Tinubu Seeks Nigerians Forgiveness During Ramadan, Calls for National Reconciliation
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“At State House Tafsir in Abuja, President urges unity, tolerance, and prayers for stability as he reaffirms commitment to tackling Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians for forgiveness over any perceived wrongdoing, urging citizens to embrace reconciliation and unity during the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking during a Ramadan Tafsir held at the State House in Abuja, the President said, “If I have sinned against you, forgive me as Nigerians,” stressing the importance of forgiveness, tolerance, and national cohesion.
Tinubu noted that Ramadan represents a period of spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and compassion, calling on Nigerians to use the season to promote peace and mutual understanding across religious and ethnic divides.
The President also encouraged citizens to pray for the nation’s stability and progress, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to addressing economic and security challenges facing the country.
The Ramadan Tafsir, an annual religious gathering attended by government officials, Islamic scholars, and dignitaries, forms part of activities marking the fasting period observed by Muslims worldwide.
You Against Crime Founder Tayo Folorunsho Praises Winners of Abuja Schools Festival.
Abuja, Nigeria – The maiden edition of the You Against Crime – Schools Festival 2026 Grand Finale has concluded, marking a significant milestone in youth engagement and crime prevention efforts across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The event, held at the University of Abuja, brought together 78 secondary schools from the six Area Councils of Abuja, with the top six schools competing in the Grand Finale.
*Winners Emerge*
Tudunwada School, Bwari took the top spot, followed closely by The Golden Crest Royal in second place, and Government Secondary School, Kuje in third.
*CULTURE, THE CURE FOR CRIME*
The festival’s theme, “Culture, The Cure for Crime,” highlighted the importance of values, identity, mentorship, and positive engagement in preventing crime and shaping responsible citizenship among young people.
*DISTINGUISHED GUEST SPEAKERS*
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Chairman, Amnesty International, praised the initiative, saying, “This festival is a beacon of hope for our young people, promoting values and principles that can shape a brighter future for Nigeria.”
Aisha Mohammed, Head of Enlightenment & Re-orientation, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, emphasized the importance of mentorship, stating, “Empowering young people with the right guidance and opportunities is key to preventing crime and building a stronger nation.”
*PARTNERSHIP AND SUPPORT*
The 2026 Grand Finale Edition was proudly sponsored by Civicx Technology Ltd Int’l, reinforcing a shared commitment to youth empowerment and crime prevention through cultural reorientation and innovation.
Tayo Folorunsho, Host & Founder, You Against Crime International, addressing the media and appealed to government agencies to support initiatives like this, targeting young minds early.
You Against Crime International is a movement advocating cultural change as a long-term solution to crime. The organization remains committed to advancing youth development, civic responsibility, and nation-building across Nigeria.
TICP Customs Launches Paperless Regime, Warns Against False Declarations
The Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has launched a roadmap for the full implementation of a paperless regime at the command.
Onyeka disclosed this during a press briefing in Lagos, stating that the command was fully prepared for seamless digital operations ahead of the nationwide rollout scheduled for the second quarter of the year.
He described the engagement as the first in a series of consultations aimed at sensitising stakeholders on the strategies, operational framework and expectations under the new regime.
The controller commended the media for its constructive reportage since his assumption of office and sought continued collaboration to ensure the success of the initiative.
Presenting the command’s performance report, Onyeka said the Tin Can Island Command generated ₦609 billion in revenue in 2025, describing it as the highest in the history of the command.
He added that revenue collection rose from ₦116 billion recorded in January of the previous year to ₦145 billion in the corresponding period last month, representing an increase of over ₦29.9 billion.
Onyeka stated that his vision was to make the command known for trade efficiency, explaining that under the paperless regime, containers would be released without physical contact between Customs officers and clearing agents, provided declarations were accurate.
He credited the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for providing the leadership and strategic direction driving modernisation efforts across Customs formations nationwide.
The controller urged stakeholders to avoid false declarations and engage directly with the command to resolve concerns, emphasising that transparency and dialogue were essential to achieving efficient port operations.
He assured that consignments with clear scanning results and proper documentation would be released promptly, while those flagged by the risk management system would undergo physical examination, adding that the command would continue to collaborate with other agencies to reduce cargo dwell time and enhance port efficiency.
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