Nigeria News (Standard)
AATF Trains 500 Cassava Processors in Oyo to Boost 20% Wheat Flour Substitution Policy
Programme aims to cut wheat import bill and create rural jobs as government pushes cassava value chain expansion
Programme aims to cut wheat import bill and create rural jobs as government pushes cassava value chain expansion
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), working with master bakers, has trained over 500 cassava processors in Fasola, Oyo State, as part of renewed efforts to implement Nigeria’s policy of substituting up to 20 per cent of wheat flour with high-quality cassava flour in bread production. The training session took place recently in the South-West state, gathering processors from across the region.
Participants received practical instruction on producing a range of cassava-based baked goods, including white bread, coconut bread, fruit bread and various pastries. According to organisers, the initiative is intended to empower local processors and bakers with the technical know-how needed to meet growing demand for cassava flour blends in the bakery industry.
Nigeria’s 20 per cent cassava flour substitution policy was introduced under former President Goodluck Jonathan as a strategy to reduce dependence on imported wheat and strengthen local agriculture. Stakeholders have argued that successful implementation will not only lower Nigeria’s annual wheat import bill—which runs into hundreds of millions of naira—but also drive agro-industrial growth, generate jobs in rural areas and boost value addition along the cassava value chain.
Officials from AATF explained during the event that supporting processors with updated skills is critical for realising government’s vision. “By equipping these processors, we are directly supporting federal policy while empowering communities,” one organiser said at the training. Master bakers involved added that wider adoption could make bread more affordable for Nigerians by reducing costs tied to imported wheat.
With Nigeria still among Africa’s top consumers of wheat-based products, experts say expanding local sourcing is vital for food security and economic diversification. Government has indicated plans to further scale such capacity-building programmes nationwide as it seeks greater self-sufficiency in staple foods.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FCT Minister Wike Declines to Drink at Abuja Karu Water Project Commissioning as Shettima Leads Ceremony
Viral video sparks debate as Vice President Shettima drinks from newly commissioned supply while Wike abstains
Viral video sparks debate as Vice President Shettima drinks from newly commissioned supply while Wike abstains
A viral incident at the commissioning of the Karu Water Supply Network in Abuja on Monday drew attention after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, refused to drink water from the new facility, while Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, took a symbolic sip. The event took place in Karu area, marking the completion of a major infrastructure project aimed at providing potable water to Karu, Jikwoyi, Kurudu, Orozo and neighbouring communities within Abuja Municipal Area Council.
According to videos circulating on social media, Shettima was seen drinking from a glass filled with water drawn directly from the newly completed supply network. The act was intended as a demonstration of confidence in the quality of the water now available to residents. However, Wike, standing beside the vice president during this symbolic gesture, did not drink from his own glass—a moment that quickly became a subject of intense discussion online and among residents.
The Karu Water Supply Network is one of the flagship projects under President Tinubu’s administration in the FCT and is designed to address long-standing challenges around access to safe and reliable drinking water for fast-growing satellite communities on Abuja’s outskirts. Many residents in these areas have historically depended on unsafe or unreliable sources for their daily water needs. At the event, Vice President Shettima stated: “We are here not just to cut a ribbon, but to breathe life into a fundamental human right that has eluded this bustling community for far too long.” He emphasised that improved access to clean water would directly benefit public health and enhance living standards for thousands.
Minister Wike also commended the completion of the project, noting during his remarks that it would improve daily life for many residents who had previously faced difficulties accessing clean water. He recalled promising during the flag-off ceremony that government would deliver on its commitment: “By June next year, we will return here to commission this project and the people of Karu, Orozo, Kurudu and neighbouring communities will have access to clean drinking water,” he said at that earlier event.
Despite official optimism about the project’s impact, it was Wike’s refusal to take part in the ceremonial tasting that dominated social media reactions. One user remarked: ‘A public servant questioning a public infrastructure made by his office… How do you trust who does not trust his work.’ As at press time, neither Wike nor officials of FCT Administration have issued any statement explaining his decision or responding to speculation. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti High Court Sentences Two to Death for Kidnapping NYSC Staff
Chief Judge Lekan Ogunmoye delivers judgment as third accused discharged over insufficient evidence in Ado-Ekiti case
Chief Judge Lekan Ogunmoye delivers judgment as third accused discharged over insufficient evidence in Ado-Ekiti case
An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday sentenced two men, Ibrahim Abubakar and Abdullahi Abubakar, to death by hanging after finding them guilty of kidnapping a staff member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in April 2022. The judgment was delivered at High Court I, Fajuyi, by the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye.
According to court proceedings, the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested the convicts following the abduction of Omoboade Adesina, a female NYSC staff member, on 22 April 2022 in Ekiti State. The suspects were arraigned under suit number HAD/124C/2022. After thorough trial and examination of evidence presented by prosecutors, the court found Ibrahim Abubakar and Abdullahi Abubakar culpable for kidnapping. However, a third defendant, Usman Abubakar, was discharged and acquitted after the court ruled there was not enough evidence linking him to the crime.
Kidnapping has become a pressing security concern across Nigeria, with rising incidents affecting both urban and rural communities. The conviction comes amid mounting pressure on security agencies and judicial authorities in Ekiti State and other parts of the South-West to address cases of abductions targeting public servants, students, and local residents. The prosecution relied on investigative work carried out by the DSS to secure the convictions.
Delivering his verdict, Justice Ogunmoye pronounced capital punishment on the two convicted men. He stated that “the prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt,” leading to their sentencing by hanging while acquitting the third accused due to lack of sufficient evidence. No immediate comment was available from defence counsel following the ruling.
With this development, legal analysts say courts in Ekiti State are sending a strong signal that kidnapping cases will be met with severe penalties when proven. Security agencies have been urged to intensify operations and continue close collaboration with judicial authorities to ensure perpetrators face justice under Nigerian law.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/kidnappers-sentenced-to-death-in-ekiti/
Nigeria News (Standard)
EFCC Witness Tells Abuja Court NSTIF Contractors Met All Conditions in ₦2.2bn Fraud Case
Testimony comes as former Labour Minister Ngige faces scrutiny over procurement practices at Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund
Testimony comes as former Labour Minister Ngige faces scrutiny over procurement practices at Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund
A prosecution witness has told an Abuja court that contractors engaged by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSTIF) fulfilled all requirements in the controversial ₦2.2 billion contract fraud case involving former Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige. The testimony was given on Thursday during ongoing proceedings in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the witness, whose evidence forms part of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) investigation, the contractors complied with all stipulated guidelines and procurement conditions before their contracts were awarded by NSTIF. The EFCC has alleged irregularities in contract awards during Ngige’s tenure as minister, prompting a high-profile trial that has drawn attention to procurement practices within federal agencies.
The case is significant as it highlights persistent concerns about transparency and accountability in public sector contracting in Nigeria, especially regarding major federal institutions like NSTIF. The anti-graft agency’s probe into the alleged fraud is part of wider efforts to address corruption and recover public funds misappropriated through inflated or improperly awarded contracts.
During Thursday’s hearing, the EFCC’s witness maintained under cross-examination that due process was observed by the contractors, noting that all relevant documents and performance guarantees were provided as required by law. However, defence lawyers have insisted there were no grounds for the fraud allegations, arguing that due diligence was followed throughout the process.
The court adjourned further hearing to a later date for continuation of trial. The outcome is expected to shape ongoing discourse about contract awards and anti-corruption measures in federal ministries, departments and agencies across Nigeria.
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