Nigeria News (Standard)
AATF Trains 500 Oyo Cassava Processors, Targets 1,000 for Bread Flour Substitution Drive
Move supports Nigeria’s 20% cassava flour bread policy as project expands training to boost local value chain
Move supports Nigeria’s 20% cassava flour bread policy as project expands training to boost local value chain
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) has stepped up its Cassava Mechanisation and Agro-Processing Project in Oyo State, training over 500 processors as at June and announcing plans to reach a total of 1,000 participants. The capacity-building sessions, held in partnership with master bakers and key stakeholders, aim to deepen the use of cassava flour in bread production in line with government’s 20 percent substitution policy.
During a recent training session in Fasola, Oyo State, AATF Project Coordinator Samuel Ogunleye said the initiative was focused on equipping local processors with technical skills to produce high-quality cassava flour suitable for bread and other baked goods. Ogunleye stated that enhancing processors’ capacity is central to the project’s goal of meeting increasing demand from the baking industry while reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported wheat.
Nigeria’s cassava bread initiative seeks to encourage more inclusion of locally sourced cassava flour in bread making—a move expected to save foreign exchange and boost incomes for farmers and processors. Since the project began, more than 500 individuals have completed AATF’s technical training programme, which covers best practices in processing, quality control, and product diversification for cassava-based foods.
“Processor training remains one of the critical components of our intervention,” Ogunleye said at the event. He explained that by supporting local value addition, AATF is helping Nigeria implement its substitution policy effectively while empowering agribusinesses across the Southwest. Industry stakeholders present at the session welcomed the expanded scope of the programme but called for further support from government to ensure sustainability and market access for processed cassava products.
With plans underway to train an additional 500 processors before year end, AATF says it will continue working closely with bakers’ associations and agro-allied partners. The foundation expects that scaling up skilled processing will not only reduce wheat imports but also create new jobs along Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Secures Release of Six Nigerians Detained in Côte d’Ivoire, Says Official
Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms intervention led to freedom for citizens held since early June, families express relief
Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms intervention led to freedom for citizens held since early June, families express relief
The Federal Government has secured the release of six Nigerian citizens who were detained in Côte d’Ivoire, according to an official statement issued on Saturday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Nigerians regained their freedom following direct intervention by government authorities.
According to the ministry, the six individuals were held in Ivorian custody after being detained earlier this month. The circumstances leading to their arrest were not disclosed, but officials stated that swift diplomatic engagement with Ivorian counterparts ensured their safe release. “The government acted promptly upon learning of their detention and worked closely with Côte d’Ivoire authorities to resolve the matter amicably,” a ministry official said.
This development comes at a time when concerns over the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad have been on the rise. The Foreign Affairs Ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens worldwide and urged all nationals travelling or residing outside the country to comply with local laws and report any challenges to the nearest Nigerian mission.
Family members of those released expressed gratitude to the federal government for its efforts. No details were provided regarding their current location or plans for their return to Nigeria. The ministry did not disclose further information about why the Nigerians were detained, but assured that all necessary consular assistance would continue to be provided.
With this intervention, the government has again emphasised its determination to safeguard Nigerians wherever they may be. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would continue monitoring developments involving citizens overseas and work with foreign governments to ensure their rights and welfare are upheld.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Onyali Backs Anambra’s Miracle Ezechukwu for Medal Push at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
Ex-Olympian urges Athletics Federation of Nigeria to give young sprinter a chance after U-18 gold in Abeokuta
Ex-Olympian urges Athletics Federation of Nigeria to give young sprinter a chance after U-18 gold in Abeokuta
Former African sprint champion and Olympian, Mary Onyali, has thrown her weight behind home-based athlete Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu as a strong medal contender for Nigeria at the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Onyali made the call on Wednesday, urging the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to provide Ezechukwu with an opportunity to represent the country on the global stage.
Ezechukwu, who was among those invited to the national camp by AFN, rose to prominence after an outstanding performance at the last National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in 2025. She clinched gold in the girls’ 100m U-18 final at the third combined African U18/U20 Championships, clocking 11.88 seconds and leading a clean sweep for Team Nigeria. Rosemary Nwankwo, also from Anambra State and captain of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) Team at the festival, finished second with 11.96 seconds while Miriam Jegede took bronze with 12.20 seconds.
Both Miracle Ezechukwu and Rosemary Nwankwo hail from Anambra State and share roots in Mbaukwu village—the same community that produced Onyali herself. The duo began their athletics careers together in 2019 as part of Team Anambra at that year’s National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State, marking their entry into national sports.
Onyali noted that Ezechukwu’s steady progress is a testament to Nigeria’s grassroots sports development efforts. “Miracle has shown she can compete at top level if given proper support,” Onyali said while speaking about her expectations for Glasgow. The AFN has yet to announce its final squad selection but is expected to focus on homegrown talents who have excelled locally and internationally.
Ezechukwu currently represents N-Youth Sports Academy in Abuja and has been part of Team Nigeria’s international relay squads, including recent appearances at the World Relays in Botswana. With her current form and track record, stakeholders say she could be a key addition to Nigeria’s medal hopes when athletics events begin in Glasgow later this year.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/let-our-miracle-flow-in-glasgow-onyali/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigeria Arrests Seven Boko Haram, ISWAP Commanders Returning From Hajj, Minister Confirms
Defence ministry says suspects were apprehended upon arrival in Abuja; authorities intensify efforts against terrorism
Defence ministry says suspects were apprehended upon arrival in Abuja; authorities intensify efforts against terrorism
Seven suspected commanders of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been arrested by Nigerian security agencies upon their return from the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The arrests took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Saturday, according to the Minister of Defence.
The suspects were reportedly tracked and detained as soon as they landed in the Federal Capital Territory. Security operatives acted on intelligence that linked the individuals to high-profile terrorist activities in the North-East, leading to their immediate apprehension for further investigation.
This development comes as Nigeria continues to battle persistent insecurity in the North-East and Lake Chad Basin region, where both Boko Haram and ISWAP have carried out attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and public infrastructure. The arrest of alleged senior commanders is seen as a significant step in government’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Minister of Defence stated that the operation was part of enhanced intelligence-sharing among agencies to prevent terrorist groups from regrouping or using international travel for covert movements. He added that authorities are committed to holding all sponsors and operatives accountable under Nigerian law. No further details about the suspects’ identities or charges were released at the time of reporting.
Officials have assured that thorough investigations are underway and any person found complicit will face prosecution. The federal government has called for continued vigilance from citizens and pledged to sustain efforts aimed at restoring peace and security across affected regions.
Nigeria arrests seven notorious terrorists returning from Hajj
Ex-Super Eagles Star Casts Doubt on NFF’s Ability to Sustain Eric Chelle’s $100,000 Salary
No Reported Score as List of ‘It Girls’ at 2026 FIFA World Cup Goes Viral — But Where Are the Super Eagles’ Stars?
FG Secures Release of Six Nigerians Detained in Côte d’Ivoire, Says Official
Why Lionel Messi Will Be Rested as Argentina Face Jordan Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Fans Tip Dembele for Second Ballon d’Or After World Cup Hat-Trick, Say He Doesn’t Even Need Mbappe
Top Weekend Betting Picks for Nigerian Punters — Where to Find the Best Odds Right Now
Cape Verde Coach Dares Messi and Argentina With ‘Nothing Is Impossible’ Message Ahead of Showdown
Dembele Steals the Show as Cape Verde Make World Cup History and Senegal Edge Closer to Knockouts
Onyali Backs Anambra’s Miracle Ezechukwu for Medal Push at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
Nigeria Arrests Seven Boko Haram, ISWAP Commanders Returning From Hajj, Minister Confirms
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
Lagos Residents Spend Over ₦50bn on US Visa Applications Amid Tighter Entry Rules
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
