society
Nigeria leads West Africa in Organic Agriculture promotion – ECOWAS
Nigeria leads West Africa in Organic Agriculture promotion – ECOWAS
By Ebere Agozie
Mr Ernest Aubee, the Head of Agriculture Division of the ECOWAS Commission, Abuja says Nigeria is leading West Africa in the promotion of Organic Agriculture in the region.
Aubee said this during his closing remarks at the cocktail event on `Reporting Back Achievements of Ecological Organic Agriculture (EOA) Initiative activities in Nigeria for years 2014 – 2020 and Award presentation recently held in Abuja.
He said that the efforts of Nigeria in organic agriculture are commendable and indeed very timely, as this is coming at a time when people must pay closer attention to what they eat.
“What Nigeria is doing will benefit, not only Nigeria as a country, but also the other 14 ECOWAS member states and we hope other member states will take a cue from your strides so far.
Aubee, who is also the Chairman of the Regional Steering Committee of EOA in West Africa, said EOA has been given a pride of place in the ECOWAS Commission which will help drive the organic agriculture initiative for the benefit of the region.
“We must look at how best to mainstream organic agriculture into every sector of the economy to encourage and promote its sustainability in the region”.
He encouraged other ECOWAS member states to follow suit and start work immediately on how best to make sure that organic agriculture becomes part of their lives.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event had in attendance representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Trade, and Industry and Investments.
Also present were the Agriculture Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), NAFDAC, as well as partners of EOA Initiative in Nigeria.
Mr Isah Adamu, the Chairman of the National Steering Committee of EOA in Nigeria represented by Mrs Janet Igoh of the Farm Input Support Services Department of FMARD commended the partners of EOA in Nigeria for a job well done in promoting organic agriculture.
Earlier, Dr Olugbenga AdeOluwa, the Country Coordinator of EOA in Nigeria reported that the initiative has the support of the African Heads of States’ Decision EX.CL/Dec.621 (XVII) on Organic Farming in 2010 and Nigeria has been part of the EOA processes from 2011 till date.
Mr Oyewole Gbadamosi, the Project Manager, while reporting back the achievements said the goal is to mainstream EOA into national agricultural production systems by 2025 in order to improve the quality of life of African citizens.
“A database of organic agriculture research on crop and livestock was produced and distributed in strategic institutional libraries in Nigeria, aimed at bridging organic research gaps in the country.
“We have supported the production of the current revised version of Organic Agriculture Standard in Nigeria, and the Initiative has successfully supported one PhD degree programme while support of the another one is ongoing.
“We also supported eight Masters studies and publication of seven research articles in an international journal.
“The curriculum for a full programme on Organic Agriculture Technology (OAT) in the Colleges of Agriculture has been produced. The material is ready to be subjected to pre-critic and national validation workshops before absorption by the colleges, after approval from the National Board for Technical Education”.
The Project Manager also noted that intensive sensitisation on benefits of organic agriculture with production of a lot of information and educational materials on organic agriculture in English and different indigenous languages of the country were embarked upon.
“We have done a lot of intensive sensitisation on benefits of organic agriculture with production of a lot of information and educational materials on organic agriculture in English and different indigenous languages of the country with over 27 publications (print) addressing different parts of organic agriculture.
“We have also produced both print and video materials on organic livestock production (uploaded on YouTube https://youtu.be/EOrlsk4K0aE, https://youtu.be/F5IsrrbilH4 and https://youtu.be/0LX9GXhP7Qg) to increase organic livestock production in the country.
“We have equally produced audio visual jingles on benefits of Organic Agriculture in four languages; English, Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa to sensitise consumers in the country.
“Simple farm tools for weeding (flame burner) and tilling (auger) are presently being fabricated after participation in an exchange visit.
“Capacity of over 450 stakeholders was strengthened to undertake inspection under the Participatory Guarantee System of certification and general organic agricultural issues.
“We embarked on the training of over 250 extension officers in the 36 states and Abuja on Basics of Organic Agriculture, Concept of Innovation Platforms and how it operates and the operationalisation of organic agriculture innovation platforms for driving organic agriculture markets in Nigeria.
“The Initiative has supported the production of the first draft of the “Organic Agriculture Standard in West Africa”. This material has been submitted to the West Africa regional Secretariat for further inputs and other necessary action’.
According to the report, the EOA initiative in the country is currently supporting creation of organic markets in the ADP of Anambra State and MOUAU Extension Centre of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, as well as Organic Agriculture Innovation Centres in both.
“We are supporting the process of organic certification of small scale farmers in the country through Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) mode, and promoting strategic capacity building for staff of MDAs in Nigeria related to organic and ecological agriculture
“Our other initiatives include supporting the process of development of Organic Agriculture Bill in Nigeria since 2016; establishment of National Organic Agriculture Business Summit- an annual exhibition of organic agriculture produce, products and services in Nigeria since 2016, as well as OrganiCulture (a journal of organic agriculture business) for promotion of organic agriculture business development in the country.
“We have equally instituted national awards on organic agriculture.
“The multi-stakeholder national platform of EOA is getting widened, bringing in more stakeholders. This has resulted in different business networking activities in the country and not less than 49 organic farmer groups have developed as part of our networking activity.
“The opportunity to honour Switzerland government at the 2018 National Organic Agriculture Business Summit was also a great achievement. The representative of the Consular who is the Deputy Consular General of Switzerland in Nigeria: Mrs. Ngozi Anyanso was presented with the Organic Agriculture Standard in Nigeria (a private standard) at the summit.
“Evaluation of national investment by Nigerian government in organic agricultural related issues from 2012 – 2019 was published.
The investigation revealed that Nigerian Government invested in development of organic ginger value chain, training on site/soil specific fertilizer recommendations, input support to farmers (organic fertilizer subsidy), boosting the supply of organic ginger and organic fertilizers development”.
Participants of the event noted that in spite of the challenges faced by organic agriculture practitioners, the initiative has made some giant strides in moving the sector forward.
They, however, called for more involvement of stakeholders for the overall development of organic agriculture in the country.
Highlights of the event included the 2020 National Organic Agriculture Business Summit Award presentation to Mrs Ebere Agozie of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as the Organic Advocacy and Media Personality of the Year, 2020.
Other award recipients were Mrs Udeme Udoya of Ikot Ekpene Women Food Cash Crops Multipurpose Cooperative Society as the Organic Farmer Processor of the year, and Akwa Ibom State as the Organic State Government of the year.
society
“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”
“Sentenced to Death for Stealing a Fowl: The Shocking Case of Segun Olowookere Sparks National Outrage”
The Nigerian social media space was thrown into an uproar on Tuesday as news spread about Segun Olowookere, an only child, who was sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl in Osun State. The case, which dates back to 2010, has raised serious questions about justice, fairness, and the Nigerian judicial system.
Olowookere, now 31, was arrested alongside Sunday Morakinyo in Oyan, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, when he was just 17 years old. Accused of robbing a police officer of two fowls and eggs worth ₦20,000, the duo was convicted in 2014 by Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court.
The Arrest and Trial
According to Olowookere, his ordeal began when a group of minors, allegedly involved in theft, named him as their gang leader. Despite his denial, he was subjected to severe torture by police officers and detained without immediate legal recourse.
“The police demanded ₦30,000 for my bail, but my father could only raise ₦20,000. Before he could return with the full amount, I was transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Osogbo,” Olowookere recounted.
At trial, six witnesses testified against him. Although he pleaded not guilty and claimed innocence, the court relied heavily on a controversial confession reportedly obtained under duress. Justice Falola sentenced both Olowookere and Morakinyo to death for armed robbery, life imprisonment for robbery, and three years for theft.
Public Outcry and Calls for Justice
The harsh sentence, perceived as disproportionate to the crime, has ignited widespread criticism. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) condemned the ruling, arguing that the trial was unlawful since Olowookere was a minor at the time of the offence.
Falana stated, “The Osun State High Court lacked jurisdiction over the case. The matter should have been handled by the Family Court, which would not impose the death penalty on a child.”
Governor Adeleke’s Intervention
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered an investigation and initiated steps for a pardon. “I assure the public that this case is receiving urgent attention. Justice and fairness must prevail,” the governor announced on X.
Lingering Appeal and a Tarnished Legacy
The case is still pending appeal at the Court of Appeal, Akure, 13 years after it began. Meanwhile, Justice Falola, who presided over the trial, was recently retired by the National Judicial Council following a separate scandal involving professional misconduct.
The Human Toll
Olowookere, who has spent over a decade on death row, dreams of becoming a doctor. He has trained under medical practitioners at his custodial center and hopes to prove his innocence and contribute to society.
“I pray to God to set me free. I am not a criminal. I’ve never stolen anything in my life,” he said.
Morakinyo, his co-convict, was not as fortunate. Following years of torture, he has developed severe mental health issues and is now unrecognizable, according to Olowookere.
What’s Next?
As the public awaits the conclusion of the appeal process, Olowookere’s story has become a rallying point for advocacy against systemic injustice. Many Nigerians are calling for comprehensive judicial reforms to prevent such cases in the future.
The tragedy of Segun Olowookere is a grim reminder of the cracks in Nigeria’s justice system—cracks that have left a young man’s life hanging in the balance for over a decade.
Nigerian Man Returns ₦5 Million Mistakenly Sent to His Account Amid Economic Hardship
A Nigerian man, Ben Kingsley Nwashara, has become a symbol of integrity after returning ₦5 million mistakenly deposited into his bank account during a time of widespread economic hardship in the country.
Nwashara shared his experience on X (formerly Twitter) on December 20, posting a screenshot of the unexpected transaction alert. He expressed astonishment at receiving such a large amount during challenging financial times.
“Someone mistakenly sent me ₦5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) to my Fidelity Bank account. In this hard time? I’ve been getting calls from different persons because of this,” he wrote.
Determined to resolve the situation lawfully, Nwashara immediately contacted the police to report the incident, explaining his intent to protect himself from potential fraud accusations.
“I will be headed to the police station to make a statement. Let the bearer of the account come and confirm he or she sent it with evidence,” he added.
In a follow-up post, he shared evidence of his integrity—a receipt showing the successful return of the funds to Sliding Towers Global Limited, the original sender. Additionally, he documented his visit to the Ogui Police Station in Enugu to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Let it be on record that I’ve returned the sum of ₦5Million mistakenly sent to me by one Sliding Towers Global Limited. I’ve also made an entry at the Ogui Police Station, Enugu, to this effect,” Nwashara stated.
His actions have garnered widespread praise on social media, with many commending his honesty and strong moral compass, particularly during Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
“This is the kind of integrity we need in our society. He didn’t succumb to the temptation to keep the money despite the hardship,” one user wrote.
Ben Kingsley Nwashara’s exemplary behavior has sparked conversations about ethics and accountability, proving that integrity still thrives in unexpected situations.
news
Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
In a heartfelt message, The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has extended warm festive greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, and across Nigeria as the nation embarks on the joyous celebration of Christmas.
Recognizing the significance of this time of year, Olopade emphasized the essence of unity, love, and gratitude that the Christmas season embodies. He urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of compassion and generosity, which are particularly vital in fostering peace and harmony in communities.
“Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of love and kindness, which are fundamental to our social fabric,” said Olopade. “As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember those in need and extend a hand of support to one another.”
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, acknowledged the challenges that many have faced over the past year, including economic hardships and social unrest, yet he expressed optimism for the future. “In the spirit of Christmas, let us embrace hope and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Our unity and resilience can overcome any challenges we face.”
Olopade also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting peace and national unity, noting that the NSC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all Nigerians can participate in sports and recreational activities. He encouraged communities to engage in sports events during the festive period as a means to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness.
As part of his Christmas message, Olopade called on everyone to prioritize the welfare of others, particularly the less fortunate. He urged individuals and organizations to consider charitable acts that can uplift those in need during this season of giving.
In closing, Bar. Bukola Olopade wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy. He expressed hope that the spirit of the season would inspire a renewed commitment to community service and cooperation among citizens.
As the festivities continue, the Chairman’s message resonates with the values of compassion, unity, and hope, encouraging all to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
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