Nigeria News (Standard)
BOA MD Partners Women Affairs Ministry to Unlock ₦1.7trn Agriculture Potential for 30 Million Women Farmers
Ayodeji Sotinrin leads Bank of Agriculture team to Abuja, urges targeted financing for women to drive $1 trillion economy goal
Ayodeji Sotinrin leads Bank of Agriculture team to Abuja, urges targeted financing for women to drive $1 trillion economy goal
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), Ayodeji Oludare Sotinrin, has called for increased investment in Nigeria’s over 30 million women farmers as part of efforts to build the nation’s projected $1 trillion economy. Sotinrin made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit by the BOA management team to the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Sotinrin stated that women account for nearly half of Nigeria’s agricultural workforce, stressing their critical role in national food security and poverty reduction. He emphasised that empowering women through access to finance and support services is key to unlocking opportunities across the agricultural value chain. The meeting signalled a new partnership between BOA and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs aimed at providing targeted loans and investment products specifically designed for women farmers.
The BOA chief explained that supporting women in agriculture would not only enhance household incomes but also contribute significantly to achieving government’s economic diversification agenda. He noted that with proper financing, women can expand production, adopt modern farming techniques, and participate more actively in agribusiness ventures. “Our engagement with the Ministry is geared towards removing barriers for female farmers so they can contribute fully to Nigeria’s economic growth,” Sotinrin said.
Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely given current challenges around food inflation and rising unemployment. She assured the BOA management of her ministry’s readiness to collaborate on projects that will boost capacity-building, land access, and market linkages for women across all six geopolitical zones.
The two agencies are expected to develop joint programmes targeting improved financial inclusion for rural women farmers in the coming months. Stakeholders say such interventions could help drive Nigeria closer to its $1 trillion economy target while addressing long-standing gender gaps within the agriculture sector.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Pastor Urges Men in Warri to Embrace Romance in Marriages
Cleric advises husbands to show affection and support at local event, highlights importance of emotional connection
Cleric advises husbands to show affection and support at local event, highlights importance of emotional connection
A pastor in Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday called on men to adopt more romantic approaches in their marriages, stressing that genuine affection strengthens family bonds. Speaking at a local gathering attended by residents and community leaders, the cleric advised husbands to go beyond traditional roles and prioritise emotional connection with their wives.
The pastor, whose name was not disclosed at the event, encouraged men to express love openly and support their partners through both words and actions. He noted that many marriages in Nigeria suffer due to lack of communication and mutual understanding, adding that romance is not limited to material gifts but also includes respect, listening, and sharing daily experiences.
This advice comes at a time when relationship experts across the country have raised concerns about increasing marital disputes linked to emotional neglect. With shifting societal expectations and economic pressures affecting family life, religious leaders are playing a growing role in promoting healthy relationships within Nigerian homes.
The pastor’s remarks were well received by attendees, some of whom shared personal testimonies about the positive impact of affection and communication in their own marriages. Community elder Chief Monday Igho said such guidance is timely for young couples facing modern challenges. “We need more of these teachings so our sons will know how to treat their wives better,” Igho stated during the session.
Organisers say they plan to hold similar sessions across Delta State to further educate men on building stronger families through love and understanding.
Nigeria News (Standard)
US Embassy in Abuja Outlines Steps for Americans Replacing Lost Passports in Nigeria
Mission urges prompt action as US citizens in Lagos and Abuja advised to obtain police reports for lost documents
Mission urges prompt action as US citizens in Lagos and Abuja advised to obtain police reports for lost documents
The United States Mission has issued a fresh advisory to American citizens residing in Nigeria, detailing the procedures for replacing lost or stolen passports in Abuja and Lagos. The guidance, released on Monday by officials from both the US Embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos, comes amid increased travel activity and concerns over document security.
According to the mission, affected US citizens are expected to promptly report incidents of passport loss or theft and begin the replacement process through official channels. The advisory states that while applicants are encouraged to obtain a police report from the station closest to where the incident occurred, this step may not be compulsory for every case.
To initiate the replacement, applicants must book an in-person appointment at either the embassy in Abuja or the consulate in Lagos. Requirements include completing Form DS-11 (application for a US passport) and Form DS-64 (report of lost or stolen passport). Additionally, applicants will be required to present proof of US citizenship, a valid form of identification, and a recent passport photograph that meets US specifications.
Officials stressed that timely reporting is essential to avoid disruptions to travel plans. The mission also reminded US citizens that failure to follow the outlined procedures could delay their ability to return home or continue travel. No comment was available from Nigerian immigration authorities as at press time regarding collaboration on these cases.
The advisory comes at a time when international travel has seen an uptick among dual nationals and expatriates living within Nigeria’s major urban centres. The embassy reiterated its commitment to providing consular assistance, stating that affected individuals should consult its official website for appointment bookings and further instructions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Senate Swears In Four New Lawmakers in Abuja
Oath-taking ceremony brings fresh representation to Nigeria’s upper chamber; new senators join legislative business immediately
Oath-taking ceremony brings fresh representation to Nigeria’s upper chamber; new senators join legislative business immediately
Four newly elected senators were officially sworn in on Wednesday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, marking their formal entry into the Senate. The lawmakers took their oaths of office during plenary, following established legislative protocols.
The ceremony was conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who administered the oath and welcomed the new members into the chamber. After the swearing-in, the senators were assigned seats and introduced to ongoing legislative matters for immediate participation.
The induction of the four lawmakers comes at a time when Nigerians are paying close attention to parliamentary developments, especially as several senatorial seats have changed hands due to court decisions or by-elections. Their arrival is expected to impact committee assignments and voting dynamics within the upper chamber, with observers noting that such changes often reflect broader political shifts at both state and national levels.
Welcoming the new senators, Senate President Akpabio urged them to prioritise national interest and contribute actively to debates and oversight functions. He emphasised that every constituency deserved effective representation. There were no immediate statements from opposition parties regarding the swearing-in; however, other lawmakers congratulated their colleagues on joining the red chamber.
With their induction complete, the four senators are now expected to participate fully in legislative business, including upcoming debates on key national issues. Their presence increases the Senate’s capacity for decision-making as attention turns to pressing matters such as budget reviews and constitutional amendments.
Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/890337-four-new-senators-take-oath-of-office.html
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