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African countries urged to invest more in climate information services

Michael Simire
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African countries urged to invest more in climate information services

African officials and policymakers have urged members of the African Union (AU) to invest more in weather and climate information services to be better prepared for climate shocks.

Moses Vilakati
Moses Vilakati, AU commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment

The call was made at the joint forum of the Intra-ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries) Climate Services and Related Applications Programme (ClimSA) as well as the Space for Early Warning in Africa (SEWA) at Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.

Moses Vilakati, AU commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment, said at the event that investing in climate services has a strong cost-benefit ratio, with potential returns far outweighing the initial investment.

The commissioner said African farmers, weather organisations, scientists, and policymakers require access to climate information held by weather prediction stations worldwide, enabling them to obtain timely, reliable, and user-tailored information.

According to the commissioner, the information could be obtained from national, regional, and multilateral agencies working on weather information and data analysis.

“Climate change is right at our doorstep. There are climate resources that we urgently need such as better satellite data services, to better protect our resources.

Jonas Sheelongo, deputy executive director of Namibia’s Transport Department at the Ministry of Works and Transport  says “We need to act through better and targeted strategies,”.

He noted that accelerating access to weather data strengthens national meteorological and hydrological services.

This involves modernising observation networks, empowering early warning systems, and building capacity at every level, from regional centers to rural communities.

“Africa stands at the front line of the climate crisis, but it also stands at the forefront of opportunity.

“Therefore, the theme of this event ‘Accelerating Access to Climate and Weather Services for Resilient African Economies and Communities’ is not just a call to action; it is a continental imperative,” he added.

Top policymakers from Africa, as well as representatives from the Southern African Development Community and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, gathered in Windhoek for the forum.

The forum, which is scheduled from June 23 to June 27, will discuss measures to improve access to climate services.

Heirs Energies partners Renaissance Africa Energy to boost oil, gas industry

Michael Simire
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Heirs Energies partners Renaissance Africa Energy to boost oil, gas industry

Heirs Energies Ltd. and Renaissance Africa Energy Company have reaffirmed their commitment to advance the nation’s oil and gas industry through collaboration and innovation.

Heirs Energies
Mr. Osa Igiehon, Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies, with Managing Director, Renaissance Africa Energy, Mr. Tony Attah

Mr. Osa Igiehon, Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies, made this known in a statement on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Lagos.

He described the alliance as a significant step toward strengthening local capacity and leadership in the energy sector.

According to Igiehon, the renewed commitment followed a high-level courtesy visit to the leadership of Renaissance Africa Energy, led by its Managing Director, Mr. Tony Attah.

“The visit marked the first formal engagement between the two companies since Renaissance’s successful acquisition and operational transition earlier this year,” he said.

Igiehon said discussions during the meeting focused on strategic alignment, mutual growth opportunities, and the critical role of indigenous companies in reshaping Nigeria’s energy landscape.

“We are pleased to engage with Renaissance’s leadership and commend them on a successful transition. As indigenous firms, we have a unique responsibility to drive the future of Nigeria’s energy industry.

“Our shared values and vision put us in a strong position to accelerate production, drive innovation, and deliver transformational outcomes.

“Our partnership has the potential to reshape Nigeria’s energy landscape. Together, we can strengthen local capacity, build resilient energy systems, and position Nigeria as a global energy leader,” Igiehon added.

Mr. Tony Attah, Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy, also expressed optimism about the partnership, describing the meeting as the start of a promising strategic relationship.

Attah said, “We are excited to connect with Heirs Energies and explore meaningful opportunities for collaboration.

“Our mission at Renaissance is to unlock value across the entire energy chain, and partnering with like-minded indigenous companies is essential to that goal.”

Attah reaffirmed the company’s commitment to driving transformational change by leveraging local expertise, boosting production, and promoting sustainability across Nigeria’s energy sector.

He added that the emerging alliance between the two companies reflects a broader shift toward indigenous-led growth in the oil and gas industry.

“Both companies bring complementary strengths and a shared commitment to accelerating production through innovation, building local capacity and expertise.

“It promotes sustainable practices that benefit Nigerian communities, and enhances global competitiveness,” Attah noted.

By Yunus Yusuf

Ondo to partner FUTA on wildlife conservation

Michael Simire
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Ondo to partner FUTA on wildlife conservation

The Ondo State Government says it will partner with the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), on the restoration and development of OSSE River Park to international standards for eco-tourists attraction.

FUTA
The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State

Chief Segun Odusanya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, stated this during a meeting with the Department of Forestry and Wood Technology and Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management of the institution.

Odusanya, who said that there was need to partner national and international organisations, explained that the state government welcomed technical and logistic support to enhance the park’s restoration and conservation.

“The OSSE River Park is the state’s only conservation park which provides a habitat for wild animals, but it requires attention due to human activities,” he said.

Also, Mr. Olushola Ibosiola, Director of Wildlife Conservation, Parks, and Ecotourism in the ministry, emphasised the importance of wildlife conservation and ecotourism, saying that the park covered 285.79 km²

According to him, the benefits of ecotourism include revenue generation, economic incentives, awareness, and research support.

Ibosiola, however, acknowledged the challenges of ensuring sustainable practices and balancing economic benefits with conservation goals.

Prof. Oluseyi Fabiyi and Prof. Adekunle Ogunjinmi, from the two departments in FUTA, expressed their willingness to collaborate with the government to harness the park’s potential.

The duo said the international bodies were willing to provide support for wildlife conservation and ecotourism development.

They promised to schedule a visit to assess the park’s condition and determine the level of intervention required.

By Muftau Ogunyemi

Stakeholders advocate climate justice education in schools

Michael Simire
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Stakeholders advocate climate justice education in schools

Stakeholders in the climate justice sector have called for the integration of climate justice into the Nigerian secondary school curriculum to empower young people and promote environmental sustainability.

Climate Justice
Participants at the CSDevNet national consultative workshop in Abuja

The call was made during a national consultative workshop on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Abuja, organised by the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), with the theme “Integrating Climate Justice into the Secondary School Curriculum”.

Dr Samson Ogallah, Head of the Climate Change Unit at the African Union, stressed the importance of embedding climate justice in education to ensure that future generations are equipped to confront climate-related challenges.

“Climate justice is rooted in the principle that the impacts of climate change are disproportionately felt by marginalised communities, those who have contributed the least to global emissions yet suffer the most,” he said.

He noted that in many African nations, including Nigeria, economies depend heavily on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, making the issue even more pressing.

Ogallah emphasised that education must go beyond climate science to include developing resilience, leadership, and a sense of justice among students.

“Integrating climate justice into the curriculum will empower our youth with critical knowledge and innovative skills. Geography lessons can focus on local ecosystems, while arts can be used to express visions for a sustainable future,” he added.

He also recommended the inclusion of case studies from communities affected by drought, flooding, and desertification to contextualise learning.

“Let us commit to this transformative effort. Through education, we can redefine the climate change narrative and create a more just and sustainable world,” he stated.

In his remarks, Mr. Atayi Babs, former National Network Coordinator of CSDevNet, said the initiative aimed to build the next generation of climate justice advocates through early engagement.

“To ensure sustainable activism, we must carry the next generation along. Involving children is the most effective succession plan,” Babs said.

He added that introducing climate justice into school curricula would deepen advocacy, particularly because Nigeria is one of the countries most affected by climate change.

Dr Onuche Unekwu, Senior Lecturer at the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, outlined the workshop as a timely step to sensitise secondary school students on the implications of climate change and how to mitigate its effects.

“What we need to do is introduce the concept now so they can begin to tackle the negative impacts and help sustain the planet,” he said.

By Abigael Joshua

Pollution: 14m tonnes of plastic obstruct world’s oceans annually – Minister

Michael Simire
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Pollution: 14m tonnes of plastic obstruct world’s oceans annually – Minister

The Federal Government says about 14 million tonnes of plastic annually obstruct the world’s oceans, threatening Nigeria’s biodiversity, and impacting vital marine ecosystems.

Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal
Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment

Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal, stated this on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at a training workshop for stakeholders on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme in Abuja.

The workshop was organised by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in collaboration with PROTEGO Project- The Prevention of Marine Litter in the Gulf of Guinea.

The minister was represented by the Director-General, National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Mr. Saleh Abubakar.

He said that the event was a testament to the collective resolve and shared vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous Nigeria.

“The PROTEGO project which was inaugurated in July 2024 and will span to June 2027, will be a driving force in reducing plastic waste leakage into our precious oceans in Nigeria and Ghana,” he said.

Lawal said this would foster circular economy strategies, enhancing waste management, and building critical capacities.

‘The urgency of our mission cannot be overstated, given Nigeria’s vulnerability as a country with over 850 kilometres of Atlantic coastline.

“Annually, approximately 14 million tonnes of plastic choke the world’s oceans, threatening our biodiversity, impacting our vital marine ecosystems, and diminishing the beauty of our coastlines.

 “This is a global challenge, but its solutions must be rooted locally, driven by innovation, and powered by unwavering commitment and collaboration by all stakeholders,” he said.

He said that EPR is not merely an environmental policy, but a fundamental paradigm shift that redefined responsibility, compelling producers to consider the entire lifecycle of their products.

“This is from design and manufacturing to consumption and, crucially, to post-consumer collection and recycling or end-of-life management.

“This mechanism is one of the cornerstones upon which a truly circular economy can be built,” he said.

The minister said that Nigeria had demonstrated clear foresight and leadership in embracing EPR.

“Our journey began with the foundational NESREA Act of 2007, which empowered NESREA as an agency of the Federal Government to enforce environmental standards, using appropriate measures, including the EPR principles.

“Indeed, we are on the verge of a major transformation,” he said.

He said that the National Guideline on EPR for the Packaging sector is set to take effect in 2025, along with a draft National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations of 2025.

“We will make EPR mandatory for all producers, importers, and brand owners in the packaging sector with a focus on problematic materials such as single-use plastics,” he said.

In a remark, Prof. Innocent Barikor, the Director-General of NESREA, said that the workshop was not only timely but strategic.

Barikor said the training was designed to deepen stakeholders’ collective understanding of EPR systems, equip them with practical tools to design, refine, and implement EPR programmes effectively.

He said that NESREA recognised that marine pollution and plastic waste remained pressing challenges that posed significant threats to the country’s ecosystems, public health, and economic sustainability.

“EPR has emerged globally as a proven and proactive policy instrument to address such challenges.

“It places the responsibility of post-consumer waste squarely where it belongs, on the producers.

“This model incentivises sustainable product design, fosters accountability, and ultimately reduces the burden on public waste management systems,” he said.

In a presentation, Mr. Gabriel Onyebuolise, Programme and Strategy Manager, WASTE Africa, Nigeria, said that the objective of the event was to reduce marine litter into the Gulf of Guinea as well as strengthen policies like the EPR.

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the PROTEGO Project, Prevention of Marine Litter in the Gulf of Guinea, are working together to reduce plastic waste leakage into the oceans of Nigeria and Ghana.

Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal, made this disclosure during the event in Abuja.

By Doris Esa

Govt moves to protect Nigeria’s coastlines

Michael Simire
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0
Govt moves to protect Nigeria’s coastlines

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to protect Nigeria’s coastlines through the development of a comprehensive Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Policy.

Akwa
Akwa Ibom State coastline

Mr. Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, stated this on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Abuja at a National Stakeholders Consultative Workshop on the policy framework.

Kambari, who was represented by Mr. Kunle Awojemila, Deputy Director, Department of Flood, Erosion Control and Coastal Management, said the policy was designed to ensure sustainable use and protection of the country’s coastal and marine resources.

“I express the Ministry’s full commitment to the policy development. We are determined to deliver an actionable framework that will safeguard our coastlines for present and future operations,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s coastal regions are not only ecologically important but also economically strategic, contributing greatly to livelihoods, commerce, and biodiversity.

“Unfortunately, these regions are under increasing pressure from climate change, rising sea levels, poor land-use practices, environmental degradation and frequent natural disasters,” he added.

Kambari called on policymakers, researchers, private sector stakeholders, and planners to treat the workshop as more than a dialogue forum, but as a platform for collective action.

“Let us ensure this policy is driven by evidence, inclusive planning, and prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable coastal communities,” he said.

In his remarks, Director of Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management in the ministry, Mr. Usman Bokani, expressed concern over the growing threats facing Nigeria’s coastal zones.

Bokani, represented by Mr. Abdullahi Atta, Assistant Director, Coastal Zone Management, said the ICZM policy represents a transformative shift towards a structured and inclusive strategy for managing the nation’s marine and coastal ecosystems.

“Erosion, flooding, pollution, and climate change are undermining infrastructure, ecosystems, and human health in coastal areas,” he said.

He emphasised that the development of the policy is important for ensuring the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s coastlines, enhancing economic resilience, and improving the quality of life in coastal communities.

“With collaborative efforts and informed decision-making, we can build a more resilient and productive coastal management system,” he added.

By Abigael Joshua

AGESI launches to drive Africa’s green transition from ambition to action

Michael Simire
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0
AGESI launches to drive Africa’s green transition from ambition to action

A coalition of African leaders from government, finance, academia, and international development have launched the Africa Green Economy and Sustainability Institute (AGESI), a new pan-African “do-tank” designed to catalyse the continent’s shift to a sustainable and prosperous future.

Dr Eugene Itua
Dr Eugene Itua, Executive Director, AGESI

The institute was unveiled during a high-level inaugural webinar themed “Setting the Stage for Africa’s Green Shift,” where speakers emphasised the need to move beyond policy discussions to the implementation of concrete, bankable projects.

The webinar was chaired by Emeritus Prof. Babajide Alo, AGESI Patron and Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos. Declaring the event open, he captured the spirit of the day: “We have moved from an era of awareness to one of necessary action… See this webinar not as a passive event, but as the beginning of a vital collaboration.”

AGESI was introduced as a direct response to the continent’s most pressing question.

“The ambition is undeniable, yet a single question echoes across our continent: How? How do we move from ambition to concrete action?” asked Dr. Eugene Itua, the Executive Director of AGESI. “Today, we do not just launch an institute; we light a beacon… We are not a think-tank; we are a do-tank, built to cut through bureaucratic inertia and focus on tangible, life-changing results.”

AGESI performs the analytical role of a think-tank, but its defining purpose and measure of success is its ability to act as a do-tank – translating that intelligence into tangible action, executed projects, and a measurable green shift for Africa.

The launch drew endorsements from key institutions. Ms. Ijeoma Ozulumba, Executive Director/CFO of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), noted her institution’s unique position as the only Nigerian entity accredited to the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

“AGESI was conceptualised to answer this question,” she stated, positioning the institute as a critical partner.

The Nigerian government offered its full support, with the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by Ms. Aisha Odetoro, Director of Environmental Assessment, declaring AGESI a “vital and necessary partner.” She added, “Where government sets the direction, AGESI can help build the road.”

Support from global partners was emphatic. Ms. Elsie Attafuah, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, noted that AGESI’s creation fulfills a key UNDP recommendation. This was echoed by Dr. Rose Mwebaza, Director at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), who celebrated AGESI as an institution capable of ensuring Africa’s voice is “our own” and derived from African realities. From the diaspora, Mark A.G. Brantley, Premier of Nevis, championed the need for South-South collaboration, stating, “The Caribbean stands with you as a committed partner.”

In a keynote address, Dr. Ibrahim Pam, Chairman of the World Bank Inspection Panel, warned that the greatest risk to Africa’s green transition is not finance but a “failure of governance.” He cautioned against a “green resource curse” and urged AGESI to champion Governance, Transparency, and Accountability as the “unshakable bedrock of integrity.”

The collaborative framework for AGESI’s mission became clear through remarks from its partners. Prof. Francis Bisong, representing Prof. Anthony Nyong, the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Director for Climate Change & Green Growth, framed the partnership in stark terms: “AGESI’s job is to be the catalyst… Our job at the African Development Bank is to finance the projects.”

This sentiment was matched by Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Chair of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, who committed the nation’s universities to serve as AGESI’s “core engine for innovation and human capital development.”

The dialogue was deepened by a “Davos-Style” expert panel moderated by Ms. Ozulumba. Ronald David Kayanja of the UN Information Centre urged AGESI to change the narrative about Africa’s capability. Amb. (Dr.) Safiya Nuhu stressed that inclusive governance must deliberately close gender gaps. Tomas Sales of the UNDP’s Africa Sustainable Finance Hub highlighted AGESI’s unique role as a neutral convener, while Mfon Ekong Usoro, a maritime governance expert, emphasised the link between the green and blue economies and the need for a domestic carbon market.

Dr. Othniel Yila of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub proposed national climate trust funds to empower communities. Finally, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of the Sterling One Foundation, outlined how AGESI could de-risk investments to unlock private sector capital.

With its formal launch, AGESI is now poised to begin the collaborative work of building Africa’s green future.

By Dr. Eugene Itua, Executive Director, AGESI

Osagie Okunbor bows out from Shell after 39 years of service

Michael Simire
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0
Osagie Okunbor bows out from Shell after 39 years of service

Shell Nigeria is celebrating Country Chair, Osagie Okunbor, who is retiring this month after 39 years of service. Stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, including government functionaries, regulators, and chief executives of indigenous and international oil companies are joining to honour Okunbor at the milestone ceremonies which began in Abuja on Tuesday, June 24, 2025).

Osagie Okunbor
Osagie Okunbor

The dignitaries highlighted Okunbor’s contributions to the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria especially Nigerian content and playing key roles in Shell’s investments in Deep-water and Integrated Gas in Nigeria. Executive Vice President Nigeria, Marno de Jong, will take on the additional responsibilities of Country Chair Nigeria.

Marno said: “Osagie is a respected leader in Shell and the broader industry whose wise counsel and insights have proved invaluable. Over a career that has lasted nearly 40 years, Okunbor has related with a wide range of stakeholders, from communities to industry leaders, with empathy and excellent relational skills. We will all miss his presence and wish him a most enjoyable retirement.”

Okunbor said: “It has been an honour of a lifetime serving my country on a global platform offered by Shell. The Shell values of Honesty, Integrity and Respect for people have been useful in my modest contributions.”

A graduate of University of Benin in Business Administration, Okunbor joined Shell in 1986 and has served in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brunei and the Netherlands. He became Managing Director of the defunct Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria in 2015.

His previous roles include Vice President, Infrastructure and Logistics in Nigeria, Vice President Human Resources, Sub-Saharan Africa and Senior Advisor, Upstream International Operated Business.

Okunbor has also been a key player in the Nigerian energy industry, serving as two-term Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Industry. He received the H.E. Dr Alirio Parra Lifetime Achievement Award in the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry in 2022, among several other honours.

BATN Foundation boosts rice farming in Ebonyi with continued support to smallholder farmers

Michael Simire
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0
BATN Foundation boosts rice farming in Ebonyi with continued support to smallholder farmers

In a significant stride toward transforming Nigeria’s rural agricultural landscape, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, inaugurated the second phase of its rice farming support programme in Ebonyi State. The event, centred on the distribution of vital farming inputs, highlights the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening food systems, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and empowering smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

BATN Foundation
BATN Foundation has distributed 1,000 kg of high-quality rice seeds, 6,000 kg of fertiliser, herbicides, pesticides, and other essential inputs to 200 farmers in Ebonyi State

In 2024, BATN Foundation made remarkable headway by supporting 400 smallholder rice farmers across four communities in the state — Eketube Enyigba (Abakaliki LGA), Ndiokeda (Izzi LGA), Ogwulangwu (Ohaozara LGA), and Nduikbi (Ebonyi LGA). These farmers received targeted capacity building through hands-on training, demonstration plots, and field days designed to promote improved agronomic practices.

Now, in 2025, the Foundation’s efforts are intensifying with a strategic intervention that saw the distribution of 1,000 kg of high-quality rice seeds, 6,000 kg of fertiliser, herbicides, pesticides, and other essential inputs to 200 farmers, selected from the initial cohort for this planting season. The support aims to cultivate at least 20 hectares of rice.

Looking ahead, BATN Foundation plans a third phase in 2026, envisaged as an enterprise development initiative. This phase aims to support 100 farmers with inputs to cultivate 100 hectares of rice, coupled with market linkage services to ensure sustainable income streams. Such steps are crucial in creating resilient farming communities capable of weathering climatic and market challenges.

Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATNF, emphasised the importance of grassroots empowerment.

“Our interventions are designed not only to provide immediate support but also to foster long-term resilience and self-sufficiency among smallholder farmers. We believe that with adequate resources, knowledge, and market access, these farmers can uplift their communities and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s food security,” he stated.

He further commended partnerships with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Agriculture and Ecofield Agrolink Enterprises, highlighting the collective effort required to sustain and scale such impactful interventions. Since 2002, BATNF has invested over ₦4 billion in rural agricultural development, positively impacting over 1.7 million farmers nationwide. The Foundation’s strategic focus continues to be on elevating smallholder farmers’ productivity while fostering sustainable practices that secure their livelihoods long-term.

Addressing the farmers directly, Odusanya expressed gratitude for their resilience and trust. “Your dedication and hard work are the backbone of Nigeria’s food security. We are proud to support your journey and look forward to celebrating your successes in this planting season and beyond,” he affirmed.

The ongoing partnership between BATNF and Ebonyi State exemplifies how collaborative efforts, targeted interventions, and strategic investments can drive agricultural transformation. As the foundation looks forward to expanding its programmes, the focus remains on nurturing smallholder farmers into catalysts of Nigeria’s sustainable development.

By Ajibola Adedoye

BATN Foundation partners with Odu’a Investment’s SWAgCo to transform smallholder farming

Michael Simire
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0
BATN Foundation partners with Odu’a Investment’s SWAgCo to transform smallholder farming

In what looks like a landmark move to bolster Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has entered into a strategic partnership with Southwest Agribusiness Company Limited (SWAgCo), a leading agribusiness investment arm of Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL).

BATN Foundation
BATN Foundation partners with SWAgCo

This collaboration aims to revolutionise smallholder farming by leveraging innovative investments and comprehensive support programmes designed to unlock the region’s full agricultural potential. The partnership signifies more than just capital as it embodies a shared vision to transform rural livelihoods, boost food security, and foster sustainable economic growth across Southwest Nigeria.

At its core is a commitment to empowering smallholder farmers through access to quality inputs, modern training, and market linkages.

“Our collaboration with SWAgCo is a massive step toward redefining how agriculture supports rural communities. Together, we are not only investing in crops but investing in the people, the backbone of Nigeria’s food production,” said Oludare Odusanya, General Manager of BATNF.

At the heart of this partnership is a groundbreaking ₦65 million Smallholder Maize Scheme in Ekiti State. The initiative targets 100 farmers and offers a comprehensive package: inputs such as quality seeds and fertilisers, capacity-building training, and robust market access to ensure these farmers can translate their efforts into sustainable income.

Odusanya stressed that this scheme exemplifies how strategic investments can ignite rural enterprise, foster job creation, and catalyse economic diversification especially in the Southwest region, a vital hub of Nigeria’s agricultural development.

On his part, Dr. Theo Adewale Onadeko, Chief Executive Officer of SWAgCo, said that the company’s recent launch of a ₦10 billion agribusiness drive highlights a shared commitment to industrialise agriculture and unlock the full potential of Southwest Nigeria. This initiative, he added, is more than just funding; it’s about cultivating a resilient and innovative agricultural ecosystem.

Commenting on the partnership with BATNF, he said: “Our partnership with BATNF aligns perfectly with our goal of transforming smallholder farming into a lucrative, sustainable enterprise. We are committed to supporting hardworking farmers who are vital to Nigeria’s food security and economic growth.”

The collaboration highlights a strategic alignment that combines Odu’a Investment’s regional influence, SWAgCo’s investment capacity, and BATNF’s track record of impactful community support. The collective aim is clear: to elevate smallholders, modernise agricultural practices, and make Nigeria’s agriculture sector more competitive and resilient.

By Ajibola Adedoye

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