Nigeria News (Standard)
Abuja Stakeholders Urge Increased Government Funding for Smallholder Farmers Amidst Rising Input Costs
Experts at FCT agroecology dialogue call for urgent intervention as young farmers struggle with high expenses and poor yields
Experts at FCT agroecology dialogue call for urgent intervention as young farmers struggle with high expenses and poor yields
Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have called on government to boost support for smallholder farmers in Abuja, following fresh concerns over rising input costs and falling food prices. The appeal was made on Thursday during a high-level dialogue organised by YouthHubAfrica and ActionAid Nigeria, under the FCT Multi-Stakeholder Agroecology Network and Market Systems.
Participants at the event noted that many small-scale farmers, especially youths, are currently battling increasing challenges related to climate change, soil infertility, high cost of fertiliser and seeds, as well as limited access to reliable markets. These issues have been worsened by declining farm gate prices for staple foods, leaving many unable to recoup their investments after harvest.
Peter Ogah, Programme Officer at YouthHubAfrica, highlighted the situation facing young farmers in Abuja and neighbouring states. According to Ogah, inadequate funding has remained a major stumbling block for youth participation in agriculture. “Most times it is civil societies and international organisations that are providing support. The cost of production is so high that many youths do not even recover half of what they put in,” he said during the session.
Goodness Ofido, an agri-tech expert present at the dialogue, stressed that while awareness campaigns are important, access to adequate financing is crucial if more young people are to succeed in farming. Ofido argued that without concrete financial interventions from government and private sector stakeholders, current efforts to promote sustainable farming practices will have limited impact.
With food inflation hitting record highs nationwide according to recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports, participants warned that continued neglect of smallholder farmers could worsen food insecurity across the North-Central zone and beyond. The forum called on federal and FCT authorities to expand agricultural grants, improve extension services, and prioritise market access for local producers.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Filmmaker Basil Romanco Returns to Lagos After Seven Years Abroad, Launches Independent Arthouse Film Project
Romanco cites personal hardship and creative ambition as reasons for return; project targets Nigeria’s growing alternative cinema scene
Romanco cites personal hardship and creative ambition as reasons for return; project targets Nigeria’s growing alternative cinema scene
Nigerian filmmaker and writer Basil Romanco has returned to Lagos after spending seven years abroad, where he faced homelessness, financial struggles, and various personal setbacks while pursuing his creative career. Romanco, who left Nigeria in search of opportunities in the film industry, announced on Tuesday his plans to launch a new independent arthouse film project in Lagos.
The announcement marks Romanco’s first major public move since coming back to Nigeria. According to details shared by the filmmaker, the decision to return was driven by a desire to contribute directly to the country’s creative landscape after navigating significant challenges overseas. His new project aims to tap into Nigeria’s emerging alternative cinema movement, which has seen increased interest from young filmmakers and audiences seeking stories outside mainstream Nollywood.
Romanco’s experiences abroad reflect broader issues facing many Nigerian creatives who travel in search of international exposure but encounter unexpected difficulties such as lack of stable housing and limited access to funding. His return comes at a time when the local film industry is gradually opening up to more experimental storytelling and independent productions.
While Romanco has not yet disclosed full details about the upcoming arthouse project, he emphasised that it will focus on themes relevant to contemporary Nigerian society and offer opportunities for local talent. The director said he intends to collaborate with fellow creatives who have been overlooked by the traditional industry structure.
Industry stakeholders say Romanco’s move could help inspire other returning creatives and stimulate growth within Nigeria’s independent film sector. The filmmaker is expected to release more information about his project in the coming weeks as pre-production activities commence.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Building Collapse Kills Eight, Emergency Agency Confirms
LASEMA officials recover bodies from rubble as rescue operations continue in densely populated Lagos neighbourhood
LASEMA officials recover bodies from rubble as rescue operations continue in densely populated Lagos neighbourhood
Eight persons have been confirmed dead after a building collapsed in Lagos on Thursday, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). The incident occurred in a densely populated area of the city, with emergency responders deployed to the scene shortly after the structure gave way.
Rescue teams from LASEMA and other agencies arrived at the location to pull survivors and casualties from the debris. As at press time, eight bodies had been recovered from beneath the rubble. Efforts were ongoing to search for more victims who might still be trapped, while injured persons were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Building collapses remain a major concern in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, due to rapid urbanisation and recurring issues of substandard construction materials and regulatory lapses. This latest incident has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of building codes and better oversight by relevant authorities.
LASEMA said its operatives responded swiftly following distress calls from residents. The agency urged Lagosians to remain calm and cooperate with rescue personnel as operations continued. No statement had been issued by state government officials as at Thursday evening regarding possible causes or responsibility for the collapse.
Emergency workers are expected to continue combing the site until all trapped individuals are accounted for. Stakeholders in Lagos’ construction sector have repeatedly called for regular inspections and stricter penalties for violators of building regulations to prevent future tragedies.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Police, Chinese Consulate Strengthen Maritime Security for Foreign Businesses
Commissioner Agbaminoja, Chinese envoy Yan Yuqing meet in Lagos to boost safety at Nigerian ports amid rising investment
Commissioner Agbaminoja, Chinese envoy Yan Yuqing meet in Lagos to boost safety at Nigerian ports amid rising investment
The Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police Western Command, Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja, met with the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Yan Yuqing, on Tuesday to reinforce security collaboration for foreign businesses operating within Nigeria’s maritime sector. The meeting took place at the Chinese Consulate in Lagos as both parties discussed strategies to address persistent security concerns around the ports and maritime corridors.
According to police sources, Agbaminoja’s courtesy visit focused on deepening engagement between law enforcement and the Chinese business community, which has a growing presence in Nigeria’s shipping and logistics industry. The discussion covered port security challenges, safety of vessels, and measures to ensure protection of critical maritime infrastructure that hosts substantial foreign investment.
The initiative comes at a time when maritime insecurity remains a concern for both local and international stakeholders. Nigeria’s ports in Lagos serve as vital entry points for goods and industrial equipment from China and other countries. In recent years, incidents such as theft, piracy attempts, and unauthorised access have prompted calls for greater police presence and technology-driven surveillance at port facilities.
Commissioner Agbaminoja said the Nigeria Police Force was committed to working closely with diplomatic partners to provide an enabling environment for businesses. “We are open to continuous dialogue with all foreign missions to enhance safety across our maritime corridors,” he stated during the meeting. The Consul General, Yan Yuqing, expressed support for joint efforts aimed at safeguarding Chinese nationals and assets. She emphasised that mutual cooperation would contribute to economic stability and encourage further investment.
Both parties agreed to sustain regular communication channels and explore new approaches including information sharing on emerging threats. As at press time, further meetings are planned involving relevant agencies such as the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to review progress on implementation of agreed security measures.
Filmmaker Basil Romanco Returns to Lagos After Seven Years Abroad, Launches Independent Arthouse Film Project
Lagos Building Collapse Kills Eight, Emergency Agency Confirms
Lagos Police, Chinese Consulate Strengthen Maritime Security for Foreign Businesses
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