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.
society
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.
At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.
Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.
The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.
During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.
Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.
Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.
society
Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.
“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.
The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.
The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.
According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.
The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.
It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.
The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.
The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.
The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.
society
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.
The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.
He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.
“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.
“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.
“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.
“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.
“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”
The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.
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