₦airaland Forum

“Yes, it is a step in the right direction. We cannot say it is enough, but I think it has never been like this before. So, if someone is coming out with a proposal like that, it’s good,” Ogah said.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has proposed spending N180bn on Federal Universities of Agriculture and research institutes in the 2025 proposed budget.

Of this amount, N54.38bn is allocated specifically to Federal Universities of Agriculture, as part of the ministry’s total N636bn allocation.

The allocations were disclosed in the newly released 2025 Appropriation Bill by the Budget Office of the Federation on December 18, 2024.

President Bola Tinubu presented the N49.70tn budget, titled “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” to a joint session of the National Assembly on 17 December, 2024.

The proposed N54.38bn allocation to universities represents 8.4 per cent of the ministry’s total budget.

The breakdown includes: Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, N13.77bn; Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, N14.17bn; Federal University of Agriculture, Zuru, Kebbi State, N3.98bn;

Federal University of Agriculture, Bassam-Biri, Bayelsa State, N2.96bn; and Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, Adamawa State, N3.58bn

Additionally, the ministry has allocated N126.03bn to over 40 research institutes.

Some notable allocations include:

Agricultural Research and Management Institute, Ilorin: N2.17bn; National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi: N4.29bn; National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State: N6.44bn; National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike: N6.86bn.

Others are National Institute for Oil Palm Research, Benin: N5.08bn; National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan: N4.34bn; Federal College of Agriculture, Akure: N2.30bn; Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service: N5.47bn and Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research: N5.09bn.

The full list of allocations spans institutions involved in agricultural mechanisation, freshwater fisheries, veterinary health, and cooperative development, underscoring the government’s emphasis on research-driven solutions for food security and economic growth.

A lecturer at the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (formerly University of Agriculture, Makurdi), Dr. Moses Ogah described the proposed allocation as a positive development but stressed the need for strategic implementation.

“Yes, it is a step in the right direction. We cannot say it is enough, but I think it has never been like this before. So, if someone is coming out with a proposal like that, it’s good,” Ogah said.

He highlighted the universities’ potential to tackle food security challenges, reduce food costs, and support national development.

“The essence of establishing the University of Agriculture is to engage in food production so that food can be sold to the populace at subsidized rates. Unfortunately, we are not living up to the expectations and mission of these institutions,” he noted.

Ogah urged the government to provide infrastructure like hatcheries, processing plants, and livestock facilities.

An agricultural economist and researcher at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Tobi Awolope also shared his thoughts on the proposed N54.38bn allocation.
Regarding the proposed N54bn for universities in the 2025 budget, there are several expectations from universities, especially those in the agricultural ecosystem, given the increasing importance of the agricultural sector for national development.

“Agricultural universities should prioritize research that addresses pressing issues such as food security, climate change, and sustainable farming practices. The funds could support the establishment of modern laboratories, field research centers, and partnerships with local farmers and agribusinesses for real-world application of research outcomes,” she added.

Awolope noted that “Universities should use part of the funds to improve infrastructure, especially in agricultural faculties. This could include building or upgrading lecture halls, research farms, greenhouses, and demonstration centers that align with current global agricultural standards.”

“The key expectation is that these funds would contribute to transforming agricultural universities into innovation hubs that play an active role in driving the nation’s agricultural transformation agenda,” Awolope emphasised.

President Tinubu emphasised his administration’s commitment to security and infrastructure in his budget speech, stating, “This budget will ensure we secure peace and rebuild prosperity.”

The proposed budget is based on economic assumptions, including a projected inflation rate decline from 34.6 per cent to 15 per cent and an exchange rate adjustment from N1,700 to N1,500 per dollar.

Experts believe these strategic investments in education and research institutes could enhance food security, foster innovation, and promote sustainable economic growth in Nigeria

madridguy:
The real reason the guy was arrested is because the guy dey instigate violence against the police. He said people should start attacking the police.

VDM posted the video.

Offering to help the Tiktoker, Seaking after he was arrested by the operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian lawyer, Inibehe Effiong tweeted: "Anyone with useful information about his family or the police station he was taken to should kindly contact me."

The lad raged in Yoruba and Pidgin English as he said:

“The Inspector General of Police said if anyone insults others, such a person should be arrested. It won’t be well with Bola Tinubu. He won’t have peace of mind wherever he is.”

“Next is Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor with the black eye. It won’t be well with you, and you won’t have peace wherever you are.”

“You’re spoiling the country and not being held accountable. None of you politicians will know peace. It won’t be well for all of you who brought Nigeria to this state. You shall experience loss.”


He claimed to have been declared wanted and said he was receiving frequent calls from the authorities.

In defiance, he challenged the police, saying:

“They said they’re looking for me and have declared me wanted on their platform. Senseless set of people.”

“People like Yahaya Bello, who are destroying the country, are free, yet you declare me wanted. Those stealing money are untouched, but you’re after me.”

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have reportedly arrested a popular Nigerian TikToker, Seaking, for criticizing President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Seaking was arrested on Saturday shortly after he made a video where he criticized President Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, and Egbetokun.

The TikToker had made a video where he referenced a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, who described insulting people online as a criminal offence.

SaharaReporters had reported that Adejobi said that hurling insults at someone online is not merely a form of criticism or freedom of expression, but rather an act of cyberbullying, which it described as a criminal offence.

The Force spokesperson said this in the wake of a recent case involving a viral post by activist Olamide Abiodun Thomas.

Thomas, who was protesting the police’s use of tear gas during the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS protests in Abuja, recorded a video following which she was accused of insulting the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, as well as Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi.

Reacting to Adejobi’s statement, Seaking made a video where he expressed outrage at the statement, questioning why the police would prioritize cracking down on critics instead of pursuing criminals.

In a video making the rounds on social media, Seaking was shown being questioned by some security officers at a yet-to-be-identified location.

Reacting to Seaking’s arrest report, human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, who had challenged Adejobi to provide constitutional provisions to justify that hurling insults at someone online is a crime, condemned the action of the police.

Calling for information on his whereabouts, Inibehe said, “Anyone with useful information about his family or the police station he was taken to should kindly contact me.”

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, on Friday, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to an uninterrupted power supply with the commissioning of 63MBA, 142/33KV mobile substations at Sapade community and the University of Ibadan in Ogun and Oyo states, respectively.

The project was executed by the FGN Power Company, in collaboration with Siemens Energy.
Adelabu, while commissioning the two projects, said it aligns with the FG’s vision to modernise the country’s power sector and improve the quality of life of the citizens.

The minister said, “The commissioning of these mobile substations is a testament to our commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable power to all Nigerians.

“These mobile substations, along with other equipment undergoing installation under the pilot phase of the Presidential Power Initiative, represent a strategic deployment aimed at improving the transmission capacity constraints by over 1300MW across the nation.”

In his address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FGN Power Company, Kenny Anuwe said, “We are delighted to commission these state-of-the-art mobile substations. This achievement underscores our dedication to providing innovative solutions to Nigeria’s power challenges. By strategically deploying these mobile substations, we are addressing critical infrastructure gaps and enhancing the overall power system’s capacity and reliability.

“We are committed to continuing our efforts to deliver reliable and affordable power to all Nigerians. This particular substation, located at the University of Ibadan, holds special significance. It will not only improve the power supply to the university but also the surrounding communities.

By providing a more stable and efficient power supply, we are empowering students, faculty, and staff to excel in their academic and research endeavours,” among others.

He stated that five mobile substations have been successfully deployed at Ajah, Jebba, Kwanar Dangora, University of Ibadan and Saapade, thereby adding 252 MW to the grid.

“Overall, these efforts have resulted in a substantial 821.6 MW increase to the national grid’s transmission capacity,” he said.

In his remarks, the MD/CEO, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Francis Agoha assured the residents of the company’s commitment to uninterrupted power supply.
Agoha, who said the projects would enhance the growth of businesses in the area, added
that the projects would further boost electricity transmission in the affected areas.

jmoore:
You are actually the olodo here.

Reform means improvement. There is no condition in the dictionary that all reforms must come with TPAIN.

nedu666:
How can reforms which reduced turnover of business and increased inventory holding time due to low patronage be beneficial to the business community.

The chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, has commended the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu, saying, it’s a difficult step taken in the right direction. Mr Rabiu made this point on Friday when he visited the president in Lagos.

Nigeria is witnessing its worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, caused by the removal of petrol subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.
Mr Tinubu, who came to power about 18 months ago, removed a decades-old petrol subsidy and devalued the currency, sending inflation soaring to 34.60 per cent in November.
Mr Rabiu acknowledged that the reforms are painful but said they were necessary.

“Although we all know that some of the reforms undertaken by His Excellency are still biting, and these reforms, as far as the business community is concerned, were necessary.
“It’s true that some of them are quite painful, but we needed these reforms, especially the foreign exchange unification.”

Aside from the subsidy removal, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) implemented the unification of all segments of the forex exchange (FX) market as part of efforts to engender transparency in the markets and boost investors’ confidence.
Although the policy has been widely applauded as well-intentioned and necessary, it has put additional pressure on the local currency and manufacturers, with ripple effects on prices.

Mr Rabiu also commended the unification of the forex exchange.

“You will remember that the exchange rate at N500 and then outside it was N800. That was not acceptable. So that has actually been unified and initially it was quite difficult, we saw the exchange rate at a point hit maybe almost N2000, now it’s finding its balance, we are at about N1,500 – N1,550 naira and I’m sure we’ll see the rate come down even further.”

“So I believe that some of these reforms… yes, initially, they were a bit of a challenge, but things are getting much better now, and I’m quite confident and optimistic that things will definitely get better in Nigeria. Mr President is doing a lot, the government is really doing so much to ensure that there is stability within the economy and other sectors of the economy,” Mr Rabiu said.

Like Mr Rabiu, recently, the International Monetary Fund welcomed reforms that are being implemented by Mr Tinubu’s government, and it forecast faster economic growth in the West African nation and other key economies on the continent.

Mr Rabiu also commended the infrastructural reforms undertaken by the Tinubu Administration.

“We can see what is going on as regards our infrastructure, a lot roads works are going on and I believe, given a bit of time, things will definitely get better. We need to be a bit patient, these reforms do take time.

“This government has only been in power for 18 months and they have another 24 months or so, I think we need to give them time and I’m sure things will definitely get better.”

Recalled that the street lights on the bridge were reportedly vandalised shortly after its inauguration virtually by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023

After several months of consistent darkness and loneliness at the Second Niger Bridge, the Federal Government has reinstalled solar-powered lights and CCTV cameras as well as security posts on the multi-billion naira bridge connecting the western and eastern parts of the country.

Our correspondent who went around the bridge between Wednesday and Thursday evening observed that the solar-powered lights were fully functional and the full stretch of the bridge from the Delta State axis to the Obosi, Anambra State axis, well-illuminated and also provided a beautiful ambience to communities around the facility.

Recalled that the street lights on the bridge were reportedly vandalised shortly after its inauguration virtually by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023.

As a result of the vandalism, the whole stretch of the bridge was thrown into darkness thereby subjecting commuters making use of the bridge at night to dangers for many months as well as resulting in scanty movement there.

It was gathered that the solar-powered lights and CCTV as well as the security post were installed simultaneously a week ago in order to encourage commuters and travellers coming home for the Yuletide to make use of the bridge and also ease traffic gridlock usually occasioned at the old Niger Bridge during the festive season.

Most of the motorists who spoke to our correspondent on Friday, expressed delight at the development while observing that the facilities have enhanced security and vehicular movements, at the bridge, especially at night.

One of the road users, a commercial transport operator, who identified himself as Uche Ifiowu, said, “This is a good development by the Federal Government and it came at the festive period when there is always an increase in vehicular movements.

He said, “We just suddenly noticed that everywhere is illuminated on the bridge and this has really encouraged drivers to make use of the road as the fear of insecurity on the bridge has been reduced. For many months, everywhere on the bridge was in total darkness at night due to the absence of street lights, and it created fear and made only a very few drivers ply the road then.

“But since the solar-powered lights started shining, security is enhanced. It has become a different story, my driving experience on the bridge last night was very pleasurable. We urge our brothers and sisters coming home for the festive season to make use of the bridge, it is safe and we commend the Federal Government for this.”

Also speaking, the Vice-Chairman, Anambra Drivers Welfare Union, Ebuka Nzeobi, commended the Federal Government for the development, adding that it has enhanced not only vehicular movements on the axis but also economic and commercial activities.

“Some people have started opening restaurants; commercial and economic activities are coming alive in the area, especially at the interchange, and if they continue to provide the needed facilities, it would soon make the Idemili and Ogbaru axis of Anambra State, become the hub of business in no distant time.

“The testimonies from our drivers showed they are happy at the situation, as this has certainly eased movement and also enhanced their economy. Before now, the fear of driving there was heightened, especially at night and it made the bridge to be under-utilised, but since the solar-powered lights and other things came, it has become a different situation.

When contacted on the development on Friday, Uchenna Orji, the Special Adviser (Media), to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said the Federal Government provided the streetlights, CCTV and other critical facilities simultaneously at the bridge to enhance security and ease of movement.
Orji urged the community which the assets were domiciled under to take ownership of them and guard against criminal elements coming near it to vandalise it, adding that the Federal Government installed the CCTV to checkmate criminal activities on the bridge.

He said, “Eyes have not seen and ears have not heard of the beautiful intentions the Federal Government is planning to improve the economic potential of this country through critical infrastructure.

“The President, being a man that has been in the private sector and a tested democrat, now being a President, he is planning on comprehensive economic recovery and one of the aspects under the road map of his economic recovery is to ensure that all our road infrastructure are revamped.

“Now, what the FG is planning to do is for every road that is reconstructed or rehabilitated, especially those economic roads, is to have solar-powered lights, CCTV, viewing centre and security post.

“For a major road like the Second Niger Bridge, these have been provided so that there would not be issue of insecurity. The solar-powered lights have been installed and the CCTV, so that if there is any crime being committed, within a few seconds, it will be reported and the security agencies will track it immediately.

“So, this has started happening, not only on the Second Niger Bridge; it is on all the corridors of our economic roads. Mr President is a visionary leader, Nigerians only need to be patient.

“All the facilities such as solar-powered lights, CCTV, security post and other things needed for a smooth and safe journey are been provided simultaneously, not only at the Second Niger Bridge but at all critical and economic roads that this administration is reconstructing and rehabilitating.

“When this administration came on board and for the first time, it introduced what is called stakeholders engagement and it is to guard these facilities against vandalism. It is to ensure that every stakeholder from the community where this infrastructure is domiciled is expected to see it as their own and guard against it being vandalised.

“Of course, the FG has provided security around the corridors to protect the critical assets, it is now left for the community to own those facilities and ensure that criminals do not come near them.”

LifeQuest:
Is Tinubu being briefed properly before making all these appointments? Too many noticeable gaps!

The Federal Government has announced a 50 per cent slash in interstate transport fares for the Yuletide season to reduce travel expenses for Nigerians travelling to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

The Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, Olujimi Oyetomi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

“To commence the 2024 Yuletide road transportation, passengers will board buses to their destinations for only 50% of fares, as declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read.

The initiative, announced by President Bola Tinubu, is part of a broader effort to provide transportation palliatives for Nigerians celebrating Christmas and New Year.

The signing ceremony was led by the Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Adeleye Adeoye.

The MOU was signed between the Federal Government and key transport stakeholders, including; the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, the Association of Luxurious Bus Owners of Nigeria and God is Good Motors.

Under the arrangement, passengers departing from Abuja and Lagos (Oshodi) to various destinations across the country will pay only half the usual fare.

The apex northern sociocultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed delight over the renaming of the University of Abuja by the federal government after former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Retd).

ACF described the gesture as befitting and worthy honour coming on the heels of the elder statesman’s 90th Birthday anniversary, adding that “it is also a Christmas gift of sorts from the FGN to the amiable and charismatic General!”

The apex northern group said it “received news of the decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to rename the University of Abuja after General Yakubu Gowon, PhD, GCFR, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, during the years, 1967 – 1975.”

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba said it is more pleasing that the honour was bestowed on the ACF’s Grand Patron.

More than this, ACF noted that General Gowon “is a nationalist of quintessential extraordinaire, an icon of Nigeria’s struggles for national unity, a man of great humility, a symbol of military professionalism, revered hero who gave his all to Keep Nigeria One, even as his (and our) particular dreams remain very much a work-in-progress.”

ACF further described the gesture honouring such a deserving national hero while he is still alive to savour the recognition as most commendable.

The Forum called on the National Assembly to accelerate passage of the necessary legislation to concretise the renaming.

Finally, the ACF congratulates the former Head of State, his family and friends on the honour, and also extends same felicitation to the University of Abuja Community and Nigeria at large.

mrvitalis:
So they released him now because of the rumor?

ikaboy:
may such affliction behold you , so you can understand the importance of propaganda in achieving results. You think is oly the govt that knows how to apply propaganda in governance.

ikaboy:
What's left of that baba?? we should be grateful to Thisday otherwise the man would have died in their custody.