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Obasanjo tasks IITA to ensure research results get to farmers

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Obasanjo tasks IITA to ensure research results get to farmers

Former  president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has congratulated the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan on its 50th anniversary and urged it to ensure its research findings get to farmers.

Olusegun Obasanjo
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Obasanjo gave the charge at the grand finale of the institute’s 50thanniversary celebration in Ibadan on Friday, November 24, 2017.

The programme had as its theme, “Towards Food and Nutrition Security for the Next Half Century: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies”.

Obasanjo noted that IITA’s research, especially on cassava, had enabled Nigeria to be the largest cassava producing country in Africa.

Obasanjo, who is also the Honorary International Ambassador of IITA, urged the institute to ensure that the research findings got to farmers as quick as possible no matter what the cost might be.

“A research product that does not get to the farmers is already wasted, so getting the products to them is as important as the research also,” he said.

Earlier, the IITA Director-General, Dr Nteranya Sanginga, said the major concern for development in Africa was leadership, saying ‘if we get it in leadership, we have gotten it in all’.

Sanginga noted that the conference leveraged on the potential of science for the transformation of agriculture toward increased food security and economic development for African countries.

He said that the conference was pertinent, particularly given the challenges of population growth and climate change.

“It’s estimated that the population of the world would reach nine billion by 2050, food availability in quantity, quality would be a major challenge for feeding this number of people.

“Climate Change with direct and indirect consequences places further challenge on this scenario,” the IITA director-general said.

He urged scientists to think about the future of agriculture in the next 50 years.

The Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Committee, Dr Kwesi Atta-Krah, said the conference provided opportunity for the exchange of ideas among experts on food and nutrition security futures-strategies and opportunities.

He added that it would help in mapping a roadmap for future research and delivery for IITA and partners.

Atta-Krah said that agriculture was central to the development of the African continent, currently contributing 40 per cent to 80 per cent to Gross Domestic Product in many countries.

“Agriculture has the potential to drive economic development and wealth creation. IITA positions itself as a key partner for the realisation of this vision for African agriculture,” he said.

In a message, Mrs Josefa Sacko, the Commissioner, Rural Economy and Agriculture, African Union Commission, said IITA had developed technologies that contributed to the development of agriculture in Africa.

She remarked that its research produced many improved varieties in most of the major staples in the continent, including banana/plantain, cassava, maize and yam which created wealth for farmers and value chain actors.

She congratulated the institute on its 50th anniversary and achievements and promised that the African Union Commission would continue to partner with them to ensure its goal.

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

IITA, at 50, moves to tackle food security issues in Africa

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IITA, at 50, moves to tackle food security issues in Africa

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, on Friday, November 24, 2017 assembled world-class scientists to proffer solutions to the challenges facing food security and nutrition in Africa.

Nteranya Sanginga
Dr Nteranya Sanginga, Director General of the IITA

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was part of the activities lined up to mark the IITA’s 50th anniversary.

The theme of the programme is “Towards Food and Nutrition Security for the Next Half Century: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies.’’

Dr Bruce Campbell, a scientist from Denmark, said that efforts to develop agriculture in Africa should entail the adoption of a comprehensive approach which comprised a number of closely linked elements.

Campbell is the Director, Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Research Programme on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Denmark.

He said that the contribution of the private sector to the development of agriculture in Africa was crucial.

He stressed that with continuing urbanisation, wealthier populations and changing consumer demands, the food and agriculture sector would be more dynamic with the involvement of the private sector.

Besides, Dr Ousmane Badiane, Director for Africa, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in the U.S., said that high costs of services and limited infrastructure had posed serious obstacles to enterprise growth in Africa.

He said that for instance, poor transport infrastructure limited the ability of firms to obtain sufficient raw inputs for processing, while unreliable electricity supply increased their costs significantly.

Badiane said that increased investments in transport infrastructure and power supply would clearly be required to lessen the challenges facing agro-processors.

Also, Dr Emile Frison, a member of International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food), underscored the need for governments to implement measures that would enable farms to diversify into agro-ecology.

He urged African governments to support the young people’s efforts to go into farming and adopt agro-ecological agriculture before they were locked into the cycles of industrial agriculture.

“More attention should also be paid to the role of informal markets, while policy measures must be put in place to empower emerging initiatives linking farmers to consumers,” he said.

NAN reports that highlights of the event, which was chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, include field visits to the research and delivery facilities of IITA.

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

Sokoto fertiliser targets 130 tonnes daily production in 2018

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Sokoto fertiliser targets 130 tonnes daily production in 2018

The Sokoto State Organic Fertiliser Company says it is targeting a daily production of 130 tonnes of fertiliser by 2018.

Aminu-Tambuwal
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State. He has inspected the progress of work done so far at the site of the fertiliser plant

Alhaji Aliyu Muhammad, the Manager of the company, said this while addressing members of Sokoto State House of Assembly Committee on Commerce and Industry, who came on an oversight visit to the factory.

“Our production capacity is presently at 70 per cent, which is 90 tonnes of organic fertiliser daily.

“We are, however, aiming at producing 130 tonnes of fertiliser everyday to reach the 100-per-cent production capacity by the year 2018.

“We are fully committed to achieving the target, as the competence of our staff is never in doubt and more workers will be employed to boost our production capacity.

“Our aim is to ensure that organic fertiliser is always available to all-season farmers in Sokoto State and neighbouring communities,” he said.

Muhammad also said that the company had been operating daily a work shift, using raw materials which were locally available in the state.

He emphasised that the raw materials included lime and gypsum, among other minerals.

Speaking, Assemblyman Tanimu Kyadawa (APC- Gada West), who is the Chairman of the House committee, commended the state government for establishing the fertiliser plant.

Kyadawa said that the services provided by the company would facilitate the government’s efforts to boost agricultural production in the state.

“This will surely improve farming activities in our state, while easing the farmers’ efforts to procure enough fertiliser to enhance their productivity,’’ he said.

Kyadawa also pledged the support of the state Assembly for the government’s plans to create job opportunities for the youth.

By Muhammad Nasir Bello

ERA flays Philip Morris’ tobacco ‘misinformation’ campaign

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ERA flays Philip Morris’ tobacco ‘misinformation’ campaign

The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has described as false and deceptive recent activities by Philip Morris International (PMI) to promote itself as a supporter of a “smoke-free world”.

Akinbode Oluwafemi
Akinbode Oluwafemi, Deputy Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN)

ERA/FoEN, in a reaction to the start of PMI-funded training of senior journalists in Naivasha, Kenya, with the theme: “Tobacco Harm Reduction: Towards a Smoke-free World”, said the tobacco corporation “un-repentantly continues to misinform the media and the general public using concepts that seem tailored to reducing tobacco harms but in reality undermined efforts by governments to implement effective tobacco control policies”.

In September 2017, PMI reportedly announced an annual support of $80 million for the establishment of a Foundation for a Smoke-free World over the next 12 years. That announcement was said to have been greeted with criticism by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and a host of non-governmental organisations across the globe. The WHO reportedly distanced itself from the initiative and asked governments to do same.

ERA/FoEN described the PMI Kenya training as “a continuation of PMI orchestrated mis-information campaign and an attempt to buy media influence and silence rising public support for effective tobacco control laws across Africa”.

ERA/FoEN Deputy Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said: “Governments in Africa and media practitioners should be alarmed that PMI, while increasing the production and marketing of its deadly wares on the continent, is now talking about tobacco harms reduction through its so-called trainings. It is totally objectionable.”

Oluwafemi pointed out that a very dangerous dimension to PMI “new tactic” is the muddling of public health policy issues in its quest to grab more lungs, stressing, “or else, how can it be imagined that a known producer of a lethal product is talking of helping governments achieve goal three of the Strategic Development Goals (SDGs) which promotes good health and well-being”?

“We can see through this deception. Again if PMI is interested in a smoke-free world all its needs to do is stop cigarette production and stop undermining regulations across our continent,” Oluwafemi added.

He advised that governments discontinue engagements with PMI that conflicts with the World Health Organisation – Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), and particularly strengthen the implementation of Article 5.3 which explicitly obligates Parties to act to protect their public health policies from the commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national law.

He maintained that there is a global consensus about how to reduce tobacco use which has nothing to do with lack of evidence requiring research, but has everything to do with PMI and other tobacco companies doggedly fighting strong policies proven to reduce tobacco use around the world such as higher tobacco taxes, graphic health warnings and bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship

“PMI should stop gambling with our lungs through its deceptive concept of a smoke-free world. There is no safe alternative to the manufacturing, sale and marketing of tobacco products. Attempting to confuse the media with its deceptive message is totally unacceptable,” he insisted.

UNEA-3 to feature Nigerian, Olumide Idowu

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UNEA-3 to feature Nigerian, Olumide Idowu

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has selected Nigerian youth campaigner, environmentalist and digital media expert, Olumide Idowu, to make a presentation on how youths in Africa are putting solutions to pollutions in Africa at the upcoming the Third Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the UN Environment Programme (UNEA-3).

Olumide-Idowu
Olumide Idowu

He will also be managing the social media and communications functions for civil societies at the event, scheduled to convene from December 4 to 6, 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya. The forum has “Towards a Pollution-Free Planet” as its theme.

The UNEA-3 will be preceded by the third meeting of the Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives to UNEP (OECPR 3), taking place from November 29 to December 1, 2017 in Kenya.

UNEA-3 aims to deliver a number of tangible commitments to end the pollution of air, land, waterways, and oceans, and to safely manage chemicals and waste, including a negotiated long-term programme of action against pollution that is linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The High-Level Segment of UNEA-3, which will take place from December 5 to 6, is also expected to endorse a political declaration on pollution, aimed at outlining policy measures for, inter alia, addressing pollution to protect human health while protecting the developmental aspirations of current and future generations.

The ministerial segment will debut the interactive “Leadership Dialogues,” aimed at providing participants with an opportunity for high-level engagement and discussion on how to achieve a pollution-free planet.

Other UNEA-3 outcomes will include voluntary commitments by governments, private sector entities and civil society organisations to address pollution, and the “#BeatPollution Pledge,” a collection of individual commitments to clean up the planet.

Discussions at UNEA-3 will draw on a background report by the UNEP Executive Director, titled “Towards a Pollution-Free Planet.” The report explores the latest evidence, as well as responses and gaps in addressing pollution challenges, and outlines opportunities that the 2030 Agenda presents to accelerate action on tackling pollution.

In addition to preparing draft decisions for UNEA-3, OECPR 3 will review progress reports on the implementation of various decisions and resolutions of previous UNEA sessions, including:

  • UN Environment’s contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;
  • support to the implementation of the Paris Agreement; sound management of chemicals and waste;
  • prevention, reduction and reuse of food waste; marine plastic litter and micro plastics;
  • illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products;
  • protection of the environment in areas affected by armed conflict; and
  • enhancing the work of UN Environment in facilitating cooperation, collaboration and synergies among biodiversity-related conventions. The meeting will also consider a progress report on the Sixth Edition of the Global Environment Outlook (GEO-6).

Other events taking in conjunction with UNEA-3 include:

  • the 17th Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum from November 27 to 28;
  • the Science, Policy and Business Forum from 2-3 December 2 to 3; and
  • the Sustainable Innovation Expo, from December 4 to 6, which will seek to complement the Leadership Dialogues by showcasing innovative solutions, as well as investment opportunities for addressing the world’s environmental challenges.

Idowu has over 10 years of experience working on social media, environment, climate change, monitoring & evaluation and sustainable development issues. He is a climate change policy expert and trainer with extensive experience in creating, facilitating and managing youth-led projects. He has represented Nigeria and Africa at over 10 high-level global governance meetings on sustainable development.

He is the co-founder of Climate Wednesday, a not-for-profit outfit which seeks to identify key climate-based issues affecting developments especially in Nigeria and Africa in general.

He presently serves as the senior communications officer for African Youth Initiative on Climate Change and a volunteer to Save the Children Nigeria on Advocacy and Campaign.

Is climate change not the same as global warming?

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Is climate change not the same as global warming?

Sincerely, these two terminologies – global warming and climate change –  top the list of the most interchangeably used word by environmental scientists and journalists and it often leaves “laymen” confused whether the terms represent same or similar concepts. Now that awareness towards environmental issues is surging, it is only good that we all understand what we are dealing with. Lets go!

WCCB
A view of the atrium in the World Conference Centre Bonn (WCCB) in Germany, venue of the 2017 UN Climate Change Conference (COP23)

Global Warming or Climate Change?

Firstly, what do you think is the difference between these two terms? I wish I could hear your  response before moving on but I’ll pass…

It is forgivable if you are one of those that use these two terms interchangeably. Hey dear, even world renowned environmental scientists and journalists do the same but… they do so with understanding.

Ok, let’s cut to the chase…

Both global warming and climate change are terms first used by climate scientist (you can call them climatologists) to describe a phenomenon of warmth on the surface of the earth. To do justice to this, I have selected some reputable sources to help out… Are you ready?

According to climate reality…

“You can call it global warming or climate change, but it’s the biggest crisis humanity has ever faced”.

Yes! You read it correctly! Its collateral effect is evident on everything humanity is all about…

So what is climate change, global warming and what is the difference between them?

According to climatewatch magazine…

“Global warming refers only to the Earth’s rising surface temperature, while

Climate change includes warming and the “side effects” of warming – like melting glaciers, heavier rainstorms, or more frequent drought. In other words, global warming is one symptom of the much larger problem of human-caused climate change”

Climate Reality put it this way…

“Global warming” applies to the long-term trend of rising average global temperatures.

“Climate change” is a broader term that reflects the fact that carbon pollution does more than just warm our planet. Carbon pollution is also changing rain and snow patterns and increasing the risk of intense storms and droughts.

Weather.com was brief about it…

Global warming refers to the rise in global average temperatures of the Earth over time and is considered human-caused.

Climate change includes warming and the impacts of warming.

If you have read carefully to this point, you would by now realise that climate change is somewhat broader than global warming.

In the 4.5 billion existence of the earth, it has always warmed and cooled, the difference this time is the rate at which the earth is warming which speaks volume about the actions of man!

Global warming is a phenomenon that arises as a result of increased earth temperature caused by increase in release of greenhouse gases by human action such as burning of fossil fuel while climate change encompasses every causes of warming, both human-caused and natural. This fairly explains why “climate change” is used more often than “global warming”.

The bottom line

Today’s global warming is an unprecedented type of climate change, and it is driving a cascade of side effects in our climate system. It’s these side effects, such as changes in sea level along heavily populated coastlines and the worldwide retreat of mountain glaciers that millions of people depend on for drinking water and agriculture, that are likely to have a much greater impact on society than temperature change alone.

So, what role do we play in all of this?

We shouldn’t be gullible to think climate change is a hoax, far from it!

Picture a very wealthy man who decided to kill the hen that lays the golden egg… OR a thirsty little boy in a desert who eventually found a a shallow put of water. He gulped enough and polluted the rest. If adequate understanding of our environment is lost on us, abuse will definitely linger. Despite my passion towards promoting awareness of environmental issues, one major challenge I have faced is defining what role I can play in alleviating the problem and helping others define theirs. But not anymore, there are various things we can do to curb climate change as individuals; it only requires that we raise our consciousness of how we treat the environment.

By Ogunjobi Oluwamuyiwa Felix (Teacher and an environmentalist; Port Harcourt, Nigeria)

Actualising SDGs: Meet some of Nigeria’s young actors

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Actualising SDGs: Meet some of Nigeria’s young actors

In this article by ‘Seyifunmi Adebote, some young Nigerians whose recent efforts have pushed the country several steps forward in the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are acknowledged, with the aim of inspiring more young people to act in a similar direction

Esther Agbarakwe
Esther Agbarakwe receiving an award recently

Drives for the actualisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria, as in other countries, lies greatly on young people; this is clearly proven by countries ranking top five on the SDGs list: Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Switzerland.

Summarily, the ultimate aim of the SDGs, which took precedence over the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015, is to end poverty, to protect the planet and to ensure prosperity for everyone. Each of the 17 outlined goals has specific targets and should be met by 2030. The level of knowledge among young people about the SDGs greatly influences the engagement rate and the resulting success.

Sadly, it seems a greater percentage of Nigerian youths do not have an in-depth understanding or are yet to key into the ideals of the SDGs. This, in turn, has pushed too much of the work to be done on the few ones who understand and work round the clock to actualise the SDGs. Though Nigeria is presently ranked 141 out of 149 countries, these young folks deserve credit.

Through the DEAN Initiative, Semiye Michael nicknamed Mr. SDG, has done so much to help young people have an understanding and work together towards the SDGs. Hamzat Lawal, the young brain behind Connected Development (CODE), has through his organisation increased transparency and local engagements.

Rose Keffas, working with the office of the Senior Special Assistance to the President on SDG, has channeled lots of energy in engaging and supporting events and projects geared towards the actualisation of the SDGs in Nigeria. Commending his various ways of creating sync between SDGs-inclined individuals, groups and organisations, Joshua Alade, the convener of Nigeria Youth SDGs Network, has made impacts.

The singular commitment of Olumide Idowu, co-founder of Climate Wednesday – a platform that promotes environmental issues; the vibes of Jennifer Uchendu, founder of Susty Vibes and co-founder of Ogoni Stories; the consistency of Esther Agbarakwe, Special Adviser to the Minister of Environment on strategic communication and stakeholders participation, also a co-founder of ClimateWednesday; the energy of Felix Abayomi, the team lead for Wildlife of Africa Conservation Initiative – all these put together have attracted the attention of the international community to appreciate the involvements of young Nigerians towards the SDGs.

Adam Alqali, Oyinye Gift, Wonne Afronelly, Ose Egbie, Daniel Nwaeze, Laz Ude, Dexter King, Muyiwa Felix, Tokoni Olobio, Precious Ajunwa, Ebenezar Wikina, Imran Buba, Adepeju Jayeoba, Tamara Possibi, Gideon Olanrewaju, Damola Morenikeji, and many other young hard workers silently driving the SDGs in Nigeria are making impact while being a huge inspiration to millions, beyond the African continent.

By Adebote Oluwaseyifunmi (environmentalist; Abuja, Nigeria; adeboteseyi@gmail.com)

Decentralising water governance: Solution to increased water-related conflicts

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Decentralising water governance: Solution to increased water-related conflicts

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number six is about ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

However, the noted increase of droughts, both in frequency and intensity blamed on climate change have resulted in increased incidences of water related conflicts due to high demand.

Some of the noted misunderstandings and conflicts range from, and are a result of water blockages in form of weirs for gardening, overgrazing, to river bank cultivation leading to silting, threatening the very existence of particular water bodies on which the communities depend for their domestic use, and in some cases, animal drinking points.

With this in mind, experts believe support and strengthening of the participation of local communities in water and sanitation management – a key strategy under SDG six, should be a matter of urgency. Therefore, as the global community raises water to the top of its agenda, countries are following suit.

“The new water Act empowers the community to have a greater say in the management of water resources in their catchment,” says Rowen Jani of the Water Resources Management Authority, an established national Agency charged with the responsibility of planning for, and ensure the sustainable and rational utilisation, management and development of water resources.

Jani, who is Manager for the Kafue River catchment, adds that climate change has added extra pressure and demand for water among different users, hence, “the Act’s insistency on community participation in the management of these resources.”

Until 2011, Zambia’s water governance system remained centralised such that there was little involvement of the local communities in the management of water resources in their localities.

But the reforms in the water sector, allowed for the 1949 Water Act to be replaced by the Water Resources Management Act No 21 of 2011 which provided for the establishment of WARMA.

It is this Act which provides for decentralisation of water resources management. And at the lowest community level, it provides for the establishment of Water Users Associations (WUAs) – non-profit organisations that are initiated, and managed by a group of primary water users and other interested water stakeholders, along one or more raw water sources (hydrological sub systems) regardless of the type of use.

“The objective of the WUAs is to ensure the management, development and protection of raw water sources and their ecosystems within designated boundaries,” explains David Banda, Community Engagement Officer at WARMA’s Kafue Catchment management office based in Mazabuka, Southern Zambia.

Other than understanding the actual problem and the urgency of solutions, WUAs present a platform for different water users (regardless of size) to come together to establish their water priorities and jointly agree on respective actions to ensure water is accessible in good quantity and quality, thereby preventing and reducing possible conflicts.

According to Emmanuel Mumba, Acting Director of Legal Services at WARMA, once the Statutory Instrument (SI) is issued, “some of the key functions of WUAs would be to promote the participation of the community in water resources management and ensure gender mainstreaming in decision making processes relating to the use of water; and investigate and deal with disputes relating to the use of water as may be prescribed.”

And the traditional leadership is elated by this policy reform which they believe would dramatically transform the management of water resources in their localities, which has been a historical preserve of the central government.

“I must commend government for this remarkable decision to undertake reforms in the water sector,” said Tyson Hamaamba, Ngambela for Chieftainess Choongo, during a community stakeholders’ meeting to prepare for the formation of WUAs for various water resources in Southern Zambia’s Kafue Catchment. “It is the first meeting of its kind where we are called as community members and traditional leadership to plan and get involved in the management of our water resources.”

With Agriculture dominating rural life, one of the hardest people with climate induced water challenges among community water users are smallholder farmers, and improving water security for this group has become a pre-occupation of most development actors as they aim to safeguard food and nutrition security.

And one such organisation is SNV – the Netherlands Development Organisation which is implementing a Water Smart Use project, supporting 1, 200 small-holder farmers in the Lower Kafue sub-catchment.

“The main objective is to strengthen local water resources management and enhance climate sensitive water use at farm level,” says Nina Mukubesa, Water Governance officer at SNV. “We aim to establish demonstration sites and train farmers in water harvesting, storage, and irrigation, as well as soil management and agroforestry, with a focus on water use efficiency for their crop production,” emphasising the importance of adaptation to the changing weather pattern.

Whereas the SI is yet to be issued, partners such as GIZ, the German Society for International Cooperation, stepped in to offer support to WARMA to undertake community stakeholder meetings in readiness for the formation of Water Users Associations.

Courtesy: PAMACC News Agency

N734m Barkin-Ladi irrigation scheme project a scam – Fiscal commission

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N734m Barkin-Ladi irrigation scheme project a scam – Fiscal commission

A project verification team from the Fiscal Responsibility Commission has described the N734 million Barkin-Ladi Irrigation Scheme project in Plateau as “a scam”.

Barkin-Ladi Irrigation Scheme
Site of the Barkin-Ladi Irrigation Scheme

Mr Sampson Eletuo, the Team Leader, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after inspecting work so far done on the project, declared that project execution was “less than 20 per cent”.

“The Project Engineer, Mr Garba Bello, a staff of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, has said that 95 per cent of the job has been completed.

“He has also told us that the project will be inaugurated in December, which is just next month.

“But, from what is on ground, less than 20 per cent of the job has been executed; there is no way the project can be inaugurated this year because both the irrigation and dam components are not ready,” Eletuo said.

He said that the work appeared to have been abandoned because the handlers were not at the site, while the contractor was not around to answer questions raised by the verification team.

“The information given to us was puzzling; the manager told us that the water for the dam was coming from the ground, which we found rather confounding.

“He also said that work was ongoing, but we did not see any machine, power generating plant or any equipment at the site.

“Our conclusion is that this project is managed by the worst engineers in the world. If I have my way, the engineer should be arrested. The project is a scam and money is being spent unnecessarily,” he said.

Eletuo accused Bello of “shielding” the contractor from the verification team so as to “play pranks”.

Reacting, Bello said that the opinion of the verification team was not a true reflection of work already carried out at the project site.

“I think the team’s assessment is based on the dam component of the project, which is only 20 per cent completed.

“I have taken them round the irrigation component and they have seen that it is more than 90 per cent completed,” he said.

He rejected suggestions that he had shielded the handlers from the team, saying that workers of the construction firm represented the principal handler who had traveled out of the country.

Bello said that “about N440 million” had so far been paid to the contractor, adding, however, that work so far done had exceeded that amount “by far”.

NAN quotes Bello as telling the team, during the inspection, that a 5,000 KVA power generating plant was already at the site, while nozzles to be used to pipe water for dry season farming had been installed.

He further said that three communities – Pomor, Bassa and Heipang – in Barkin-Ladi Local Government, would benefit from the irrigation scheme to be undertaken on 145 hectares of land.

Bello explained that the irrigation scheme would ease dry season farming, boost the production of Irish potatoes and assorted fruits, and also create jobs.

Mr Charles Abana, Deputy Team Leader, who also spoke on the project, said that the commission’s interest was to ensure that no project was abandoned after money had been paid.

“The Fiscal Responsibility Commission’s mandate is to visit project sites and verify work done so as to ensure that government money was not wasted. We want to ensure that monies meant for projects do not disappear into private pockets.

“A laudable project like this one should be pursued to its logical conclusion so that it will touch the lives of those it is expected to benefit,” he said.

Abana said that the team would compare what it had seen with how much had been paid to the handlers, before passing a verdict on the project.

NAN reports that the project was awarded in 2014 by former Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, who hails from Barkin-Ladi.

NIGCOMSAT committed to bringing satellite services to all Nigerians –MD

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NIGCOMSAT committed to bringing satellite services to all Nigerians –MD

The Managing Director, Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), Ms Abimbola Alale, has reiterated the company’s commitment toward ensuring that Nigerians reap the benefits of communication satellite.

NigcomSat-1R
The NigcomSat-1R

Alale, represented by Mr Raji Kolawole, the Executive Director, Engineering Services NIGCOMSAT, said this at the training of resellers and installers on Ka-VSAT in Abuja on Thursday, November 23, 2017.

Alale said that very soon, every Nigerian would have access to communication satellite services in their homes as against a few who presently enjoys the services.

“Our services had been rated very high by current users as second to none, it is therefore our humble appeal to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and the private sector to utilise the services offered by NIGCOMSAT.

“The services offered by NIGCOMSAT are geared toward ensuring reduction in capital flight and to engender the socio-economic development and growth of our nation.

“With the recent signing of a back-up agreement with Belintersat, operators of Belintersat-1, NigComSat IR is poised to offer excellent service and capture the communication satellite market available in Africa and beyond,’’ she said.

Alale said that NIGCOMSAT Ka band offers a VSATS Network cost effective solutions that reduces total cost of Ownership (TCO) and cheaper bandwidth pricing for subscribers in comparison to Ku and C-bad networks.

According to her, the training exercise is designed specifically for NIGCOMSAT V’SAT installers on its Ka band and it is meant to equip them with the best and emerging trends in the satellite communications industry.

She said that the training was envisaged to further deepen and strengthen the Federal Government’s broadband penetration plan.

“The installers will be adequately trained to handle all issues relating to configuration, deployment and management of the service,’’ Alale said.

While urging the participants to take the training seriously, the NIGCOMSAT boss said that they had been carefully selected out of the hundreds that applied to leverage on the opportunity to improve themselves.

Alale said that training was also part of NIGCOMSAT way of fulfilling its corporate social responsibility in achieving the goals and aspirations of President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda of reaching out to Nigerians no matter where they reside.

One of the participants, Mr  Gbenga Balogun said that  it was  a great opportunity for him to be involved in the training as it would be of great benefit to his company .

He said that the training would create job opportunities for Nigerians as most of them being trained would also train others.

Also speaking, Mr Gbolahan Kolawole expressed joy he was part of the training, adding that it would help those in the rural areas to access network from NIGCOMSAT Ka-VSAT.

By Constance Athekame

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