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Bauchi Gov Inaugurates N4.2bn Farmers’ Capacity Building Project

Published

4 years ago

June 7, 2022

Editor

Our Reporter, Bauchi

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State on Monday inaugurated a N4.2 billion capacity building project for small holder farmers in the state.

INFO DAILY reports that the training was a collaboration between the state government and Africa Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa Development (AUDA-NEPAD).

Mohammed said at the inauguration ceremony in Bauchi that the state government would contribute a counterpart of N2 billion out of the N4.2 billion.

The governor, who was represented by Mr Ibrahim Kashim, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said that the programme was expected to run for a period of 10 years.

He said that the N4.2 billion was budgeted for the first year of implementation.

“It is my pleasure to be part of this momentous and auspicious occasion of the flag off of a giant agricultural project of the African Union Development Agency tagged innovative strengthening of small holder farmers capabilities towards productive land restoration amid COVID-19 in Nigeria.

“Considering the fact that the majority of our people have agriculture as their economic mainstay, it is only natural that necessary support is given to crop production and animal husbandry.

“This project is in line with the agricultural blueprint of our government.

“It is against this backdrop that our government without hesitation, accepted to partner with AUDA-NEPAD by signing a counterpart fund with a commitment of funds to the tune of N2 billion,” Mohammed said.

Earlier, the state Coordinator and Focal Person of AUDA-NEPAD, Mrs Esther Ahmed, said AUDA-NEPAD is a socio-economic flagship programme of the African Union which was geared toward eradication of poverty and promotion of sustainable growth and development.

She said that it was also aimed at integrate Africa and the world at large as well as to accelerate the empowerment of women.

Ahmed said that a total of 5,400 beneficiaries would benefit in the first year of the project, with 2,895 males representing 53.61 per cent and 2,505 females representing 46.39 per cent and 10 per cent of the total beneficiaries for Persons with Disabilities.

“The programme is focused on some selected activities that will be implemented on strong agricultural footing towards sustainable development in the medium and long-term.

“These activities include; drip irrigation farming system and other irrigation facilities, and greenhouse construction.

“Others include; livestock production/husbandry farming which will mostly involve women and People with Disability, agricultural equipment and infrastructure, post-harvest storage and processing, capacity building of farmers and other stakeholders.

“The state government has earmarked 2,400 hectares of land for the project to the three senatorial districts of the State,” she said.

Related Topics:Bala Mohammed Bauchi govt

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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

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Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

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N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

6 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.