Category: Health and Environment

Farmers rejoice as OYSADA Concludes 5th Phase of N-CARES Farm Inputs Distribution.

By Adewale Owoade

The Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) has successfully completed the fifth phase of its statewide N-CARES agricultural inputs distribution program, reaching farmers in all 33 local government areas, including Ona-Ara, Egbeda, and Kajola.

Speaking during the concluding phase, OYSADA Director-General, Dr. Debo Akande, emphasised that the initiative is a strategic investment in the state’s future, aimed at securing food systems and empowering smallholder farmers.

“This is more than input distribution, it’s about securing our food systems. Every seed, every bag of fertiliser is a building block for sustainable agriculture. We want our farmers to see themselves as entrepreneurs who feed our people and fuel our economy,” Akande said.

In Ona-Ara Local Government, the Executive Chairman, Dr. Kolapo Temitope Glorious, praised the state government’s total support for grassroots farming.

“This is a timely boost for our farmers. With the cost of farm inputs skyrocketing, such support ensures that food production in Ona-Ara will not be compromised,” he said.

Beneficiary Mr. Akeem Ajibade, who cultivates maize and yam, expressed relief, He said, “Before now, I had delayed planting because I couldn’t afford fertiliser. Now I can proceed and expect a good harvest.”

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Adijat Ayinde, noted, “This support means my family can farm without borrowing money from local lenders who charge high interest.”

In Egbeda Local Government, Executive Chairman Hon. Oyedele Sikiru Sanda, represented by Mr. Taiwo Job, assured that the state’s agricultural support would remain consistent.

“This is not a one-off thing. The state’s agribusiness vision is long-term, and Egbeda will remain a priority in this agenda,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Owonikoko Kareem, said, “With these improved seeds, I’m certain of better yields than last year.”

Mrs. Funmilayo Oke, a vegetable and maize farmer, in her remarks added, “The herbicides alone will save me days of weeding and reduce my costs drastically.”

In Kajola Local Government, Executive Chairman Hon. Mustapha Akeem Olawale hailed the intervention as a revival of rural farming communities.

“Our farmers are resilient, but they need this kind of support to keep producing and to pass the farming culture to the next generation,” he said.

Beneficiary Mr. Sulaimon Adegoke shared: “I farm maize and cassava, but last year’s poor input access almost ruined me. This year will be different.”

Mrs. Kafayat Olaniyan added, “This is the first time I’m receiving government support directly. It feels like our efforts are finally being recognized.”

Atisbo Local Government also received the N-CARES team, as Chairman Hon. Wasiu Olumuyiwa Alade, represented by Secretary to the Local Government Hon. Oderinde Johnson Owolabi JP, applauded OYSADA for bringing the programme to Atisbo farmers. “Our farmers are hardworking, but the high cost of inputs has been discouraging. This intervention gives them the motivation to keep farming,” he said.

In Saki East Local Government, Chairman Hon. Prince Adedokun Emmanuel Olalekan said the programme was restoring confidence among farmers.

“With these inputs, our farmers can plant on time and get higher yields, which will boost both household income and local food supply,” he said.

Baale Agbe for Saki East, Chief Isaila Adegbiji, remarked: “This is the kind of support that sustains rural farming communities for generations.”

In Oorelope Local Government, Vice Chairman Hon. Wasiu Babatunde Adewale, representing Executive Chairman Hon. Alabi Joseph Adekunle.

The council chairman in his address said, “We will ensure these inputs reach genuine farmers who will use them effectively to feed the community.”

Baale Agbe, Chief Oladuni Isaiah Adeola, said: “Government support like this renews our hope in farming as a profitable livelihood.” Iyalode Agbe, Mrs. Bamidele Adijat, added: “I can now expand my farmland without fear of debt.”

In Irepo Local Government, Executive Chairman Hon. Olayiwola Tunde Taoheed said the support was timely for the planting season. “This is how we build food security, empowering our farmers at the right time,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Secretary to the Local Government Muhammed Jamiu Adulbakky and Chief of Staff Prince Jelil Adewale Arowoduye thanked the state for prioritizing rural farmers.

In Olorunsogo Local Government, Chairman Hon. Kazeem Olayanju, represented by Secretary to the Local Government Mr. James Gbadebo Aremu, said: “Olorunsogo has vast farmlands, and with these inputs, we will see higher productivity this season.”

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Director of Agriculture Mr. Adesupo Emmanuel Olusola noted the government’s commitment to agriculture. Soybean farmer Ogunkeye Ayodele Monshud said: “This will help me increase yield and meet market demand.”

In Ogo Oluwa Local Government, Chairman Hon. Oluwaseun Ojo urged farmers to make the best use of the distributed items.

He further said, “When we invest in farmers, we invest in the future of our communities,” he said.

Hon. Oyekale Idowu, speaking for the beneficiaries, said: “We’ve been waiting for this kind of support; it will go a long way in improving our output.” Farmer Ojewusi Simeon added: “This intervention came at the perfect time.”

In Surulere Local Government, Chairman Hon. Isaiah Adegbite said the programme would help stabilize food prices.

He said, “When farmers can produce more, everybody benefits, from the farm to the market,” he said.

Cassava farmer Chief James Olawale expressed gratitude, he sa “I can now process more cassava without worrying about high input costs.”

AFAN Chairman of the LGA, Ojeleye Amos, added, “This support will improve yields and strengthen our association’s capacity.”

In Oriire Local Government, Executive Chairman Hon. Alabi Olateju Aremu described the programme as “a direct investment in the survival of rural farming.”

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Ayantoyinbo Ayandosun Kehinde, Head of Local Government Mr. Williams Jare Idowu, and Director of Administration and General Services praised OYSADA’s commitment to all LGAs. “We are seeing first-hand the impact of government investment in agriculture,” Kehinde said.

Across all participating LGAs, farmers received NPK fertilizers, improved maize seeds, soybean seeds, herbicides, and NoduMax legume inoculants worth millions of naira.

Each beneficiary received at least N100,000 worth of farm inputs, boosting their productivity and food security.

Flowerbud News/ The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken delivery of substandard and falsified goods seized by the Nigeria Customs Service at Onne Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by NAFDAC’s resident media consultant, Mr Olusayo Akintola.

According to the statement, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, received the items on Saturday.

The consignment included 11 containers of various unregistered or banned pharmaceutical products and four containers of unwholesome tomato paste.

The handover was conducted by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service as part of ongoing institutional collaboration between the two agencies.

Among the seized items were 1.3 million bottles of codeine syrup, a highly controlled prescription medicine, and 12.6 million tablets of tramadol, a highly addictive painkiller.

Also listed were 9.3 million tablets of substandard and falsified branded diclofenac, a prescription drug used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Additionally, 280 packs of falsified Hyergra (sildenafil citrate), used in managing erectile dysfunction, and four containers of unregistered tomato paste were also confiscated.

The street value of the 16 seized containers is estimated at N20.5 billion.

Adeyeye commended the Comptroller-General and the Nigeria Customs team for their role in combating the importation of illicit, substandard, and unwholesome products.

She warned importers and their collaborators, both local and international, to desist from engaging in such illegal activities.

“Substandard, fake food and drug products will not be allowed access to our people under my watch,” she said, adding that threats and intimidation aimed at discouraging the agency’s staff would not succeed.

She called on Nigerians to support NAFDAC by reporting any suspected cases of the manufacture, importation, distribution, or sale of fake and substandard products through NAFDAC’s offices or official social media channels.

Adeyeye also highlighted the dangers of consuming such products, which included acute food poisoning, gastrointestinal illness, nutritional deficiencies, chronic organ damage, and increased cancer risk.

She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency cooperation and evolving new strategies to safeguard public health.

NAN

By Ahmed Abba

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), has intensified afforestation efforts in the 11 frontline states in continuation of activities marking its 10th anniversary in reversing desertification and restoring degraded lands in the North.

The Director General/CEO of the NAGGW, Saleh Abubakar, MFR, made this known on Sunday at Maimalari community in Yusufari Local Government Area of Yobe while inaugurating a large-scale tree planting campaign.

He said the benefiting states include: Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara, with each state expected to receive no fewer than 800,000 seedlings.

“We are here to introduce a new and modern method of tree planting for you to adopt and apply in your farms and homes in order to combat desertification,” he said.

He explained that the agency would provide five million improved varieties of date palm and another five million assorted seedlings for distribution across the 11 frontline states threatened by desert encroachment.

He urged the communities to take ownership of the trees and ensure their survival beyond the planting stage.

“Each date palm tree can yield up to 100kg of fruits annually. This project is not just about protecting the environment, but also empowering communities economically,” he added.

In his remarks, Gov, Mai Mala of Yobe commended the agency’s efforts and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting environmental restoration.

Buni, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa said the issue of desertification needed more commitment and action.

He described the collaboration between Yobe and the NAGGW as a decade-long partnership that has yielded visible results in land reclamation and sustainable land use.

Also speaking, the Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, described the campaign as timely, pointing out that communities in northern Yobe were severely affected by advancing sand dunes from the Sahara desert.

“The Sahara is fast approaching. The only way to stop this desert encroachment is by planting trees,” the royal father said.

He urged members of the community to take responsibility for the trees planted in their areas, especially by ensuring adequate watering after the rainy season using boreholes.

The emir warned against the felling of trees, stressing that such acts would be met with strict sanctions.

“If you cannot plant, do not cut. Anyone who cuts down trees will face the law.

“In my emirate, we prosecute offenders, and I recommend the same for other communities,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NAGGW was established as Nigeria’s response to the African Union’s Great Green Wall initiative, aimed at halting the southward expansion of the Sahara through afforestation, land rehabilitation, and community mobilisation. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Flowerbud News/ The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday urged governments, institutions, and communities to create enabling environments that protect and promote breastfeeding.

The agency emphasised that supporting breastfeeding was essential, describing it as a cornerstone of public health and sustainable development.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director of the North West Zone, Mr Dadi Nantim-Mullah in Kaduna as part of activities to mark World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2025.

He emphasised that breastfeeding was not only a vital source of nutrition for infants but also a powerful tool for reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and fostering economic resilience.

“Commemorating World Breastfeeding Week 2025 under the theme ‘Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Systems’, NAFDAC Kaduna proudly joins the global community in observing this important annual event from August 1 to 7.”

According to him, the theme highlights the urgent need to integrate breastfeeding support into sustainable health, social, and economic systems.

“To mark the occasion, NAFDAC Kaduna will host a series of activities including: community sensitisation campaigns in churches and mosques across Kaduna metropolis to raise awareness on the benefits of breastfeeding.

“Media engagements to amplify key messages and encourage public participation.

“Stakeholder outreach and social media advocacy to emphasise the importance of building sustainable systems that support breastfeeding.

“Breastfeeding is a shared responsibility.

“By prioritising it within sustainable systems, we ensure every child gets the best start in life and every mother receives the support she needs,” Nantim-Mullah said.

He called on development partners, stakeholders, and the general public to join NAFDAC in celebrating and advocating for breastfeeding.

“Together, we can build a healthier and more equitable future for mothers and children,” he added.

NAN

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), says it will hold a high profile celebration on July 29 to mark its 10th anniversary.

The Director-General (D-G) of the agency, Mr Sale Abubakar, made this known on Friday in Dutse during a courtesy visit to Gov. Umar Namadi.

Abubakar said the agency, has over the years led national efforts in combating desertification, restoring degraded lands and improving livelihoods in the 11 frontline states of Northern Nigeria.

He explained that through extensive afforrestation, water harvesting, and community engagement programmes, the agency made measurable contributions to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

The director-general added that Jigawa was among the 11 frontline states of the the agency’s operation and due to its strategic importance.

Abubakar stated, “Aside the normal GGW activities, projects like the Action Against Desertification (AAD) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), were all executed in the state.

“The agency will be bold to state that, Jigawa has the highest GGW activities and other international funding support.

“Hennce the reason to select it as the venue for this year’s GGW Day which coincides with the 10th Anniversary of the agency.

“To commemorate a decade of dedicated service and raise national awareness, the agency is planning a high-profile celebration to be hosted in Dutse on 29th July, 2025.”

According to him, the event will serve as a moment of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to the goals of the African Union-led Great Green Wall Initiative (GGWI).

Abubakar added that the previous GGW Day was celebrated in Abuja with Vice-President Kashim Shettima in attendance, among other top-notch personalities.

He added that the event would feature activities like National Green Wall Summit and a fund raising to complement the Federal Government’s effort.

According to him, other activities lined up include public tree planting campaigns, environmental awareness programmes, cultural and stakeholders engagement, as well as awards to recognise partners and contributors.

“We are extolling your remarkable commitment to national development and CSR particularly in supporting social impactful causes.

“Therefore, your usual cooperation in championing the cause of mitigating climate change menace in your state and beyond, the agency decided to host this year’s event in Dutse.

“This is to appreciate your unwavering commitment to environmental concerns.

Responding, the Governor commended the agency for its laudable programmes that helped the state safeguard its environment and restored degraded soil in many parts of the state.

Namadi assured of his administration’s readiness to host the summit as well as ensure its success in all ramifications.

“I want to assure that Jigawa is happy to host this year’s summit and we are ready to ensure the success of the summit in all ramifications.

“You will find us cooperative and supportive.

“As a New World, on behalf of the people and government of Jigawa, I want to sincerely thank you for choosing the state for this year’s summit,” the governor added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Flowerbud News/ The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians about the recall of certain multivitamins and iron supplements in the U.S.

NAFDAC, via its official Twitter handle, stated that the affected vitamin brand is labelled as CINCINNATI (WKRC).

The agency noted that the supplements were sold across the U.S., including by major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon.

The recall was prompted by a “risk of serious injury or death” from poisoning, especially among young children, due to improper packaging.

NAFDAC cited a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, which revealed that 60,000 units were affected by the recall.

The recalled products include Daily Prenatal Multi, Ultamins Women’s Multivitamin, and Ultamins Women’s 50+ Multivitamin.

It was discovered that the products lacked child-resistant packaging, making them dangerous if accessed by young children.

“Without child-resistant packaging, children are at risk of fatal poisoning if they ingest these supplements.

“Even a few tablets of iron supplements can cause vomiting, stomach pain, low blood pressure, or liver damage in young children,” NAFDAC warned.

In severe cases, NAFDAC said, symptoms may escalate rapidly and could become life-threatening.

All zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to monitor and remove the CINCINNATI (WKRC) products from circulation.

Distributors, retailers, healthcare providers, and caregivers are urged to remain vigilant to prevent the use or sale of the recalled items.

NAFDAC advised that any suspected cases of substandard or falsified medicines be reported to the nearest office or via 0800-162-3322, or sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.

NAN