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Cassava: Edo, IITA explore areas of possible collaboration
EDO State Government and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) today agreed to join forces to bring about transformational change in cassava, as the oil-rich state embarks on reforms to diversify its economy.
The state governor, Godwin Obaseki revealed his administration’s plan to work with IITA after he gave a speech at the international conference on Water-Energy-Food Systems (WEFS) in Sub-Saharan Africa that is being organized by the Pennsylvania State University in collaboration with IITA and the University of Ibadan, in IITA-Ibadan campus, 26-27 June.
In a meeting with IITA Director General, Dr Nteranya Sanginga; Governor Obaseki said his administration’s vision was to establish a cassava production zone of at least 50,000 hectares where cassava will be produced and processed with the active participation of smallholder farmers and the private sector.
Though the focus will be on cassava, the state is looking beyond cassava to other crops that Edo state has comparative advantage.
“We would want IITA to give us a plan that is actionable,” Governor Obaseki said.
Grown by over 3.3 million farmers in Nigeria, cassava has transformed from a food security crop to a cash crop in Nigeria, as most industrial companies are seeking after the root crop as a source of raw material in confectionary, brewery and pharmaceuticals.
IITA to hold training on Novel Techniques for Weed Management in Cassava Farming Systems
Dr Sanginga said the use of cassava today transcend gari—a grated and roasted form of cassava that is a source of food to millions of people in Africa.
“Today, companies are coming to IITA and asking us how we can support them in setting cassava farm as a source of raw material,” Dr Sanginga said.
Located in the oil-rich delta of Nigeria, Edo state is endowed in both agriculture and oil resources. However, like other parts of Nigeria, the state is confronted with unemployed youths as employment opportunities in the government thins out.
Governor Obaseki said his plan is to create wealth, food security, and jobs from agriculture and to put the state on the path of prosperity.
He said that his state’s approach to agriculture was to treat it as a business that would bring economic and sustainable development to the state.
Earlier at the conference on Water-Energy-Food Systems (WEFS) in Sub-Saharan Africa, both Dr Sanginga and Governor Obaseki recognized the imperatives of the theme, as they spoke in the context of limited/dwindling natural resources and a growing population and a changing climate.
The two leaders agreed it was time to pay greater attention to the nexus between water, energy and food systems so that the advancement of one component does not affect the other negatively.
The conference organizers said the objective of the meeting was to build an alliance of partners committed to developing a significant Water-Energy-Food Nexus initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa. And to develop partnerships between institutions or individuals interested in immediate collaboration around specific Nexus research, education or outreach projects.
US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest blow to the continent’s beleaguered car industry.
“The company has incurred significant losses in recent years,” Ford said in a statement, blaming “the industry shift to electrified vehicles and new competition”.
The move will affect 2,900 jobs in Germany, 800 in the UK and 300 in western Europe by the end of 2027, a Ford spokesman told AFP.
“It is critical to take difficult but decisive action to ensure Ford’s future competitiveness in Europe,” said Dave Johnston, Ford’s European vice-president in the statement.
The company also said it was adjusting the production of its Explorer and Capri models, resulting in reduced hours at its Cologne plant in the first quarter of 2025.
Europe’s car industry has been plunged into crisis by high manufacturing costs, a stuttering switch to electric vehicles and increased competition in key market China.
Germany’s Volkswagen has been among those hardest hit, announcing in September that it was considering the unprecedented move of closing some factories in Germany.
“The European automotive industry is in a very demanding and serious situation,” Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said at the time.
Ford had already announced in February 2023 that it was planning to cut 3,800 jobs in Europe, including 2,300 in Germany and 1,300 in Britain.
The company said then it was planning to reduce the number of models developed for Europe, concentrate on the profitable van segment and speed up the transition to electric vehicles.
Ford currently has around 28,000 employees in Europe with 15,000 in Germany, according to the company’s works council.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and the removal of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Ifoema Nwokike.
The council, chaired by Ambassador Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe, comprised five other members: Hafiz Oladejo, Augustine Onyedebelu, Engr. Amioleran Osahon, and Rtd. Gen. Funsho Oyeneyin.
A statement released on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the council was dissolved following reports of procedural violations in appointing the vice-chancellor.
According to the statement, the council had allegedly appointed an unqualified candidate, disregarding due process, which triggered tensions between the university’s Senate and the council.
The Federal Government expressed dismay over the council’s actions, emphasizing the need for adherence to the university’s governing laws in decision-making.
“The council’s disregard for established rules necessitated the government’s intervention to restore order to the 33-year-old institution,” the statement noted.
In a related development, President Tinubu also approved the dismissal of Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
Salami was accused of suspending the university’s Vice-Chancellor without following the prescribed procedures, a move the Federal Ministry of Education had previously directed him to reverse.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, Salami reportedly refused to comply and resorted to issuing threats and abusive remarks towards the Ministry’s officials, including the Permanent Secretary.
The Federal Government reiterated that the primary role of university councils is to ensure the smooth operation of academic activities, strictly adhering to the laws establishing each institution.
Tinubu warned university councils against engaging in actions that could destabilize their institutions, as his administration remains committed to enhancing the nation’s education system.
The Ekiti State Government has reached an agreement with labour leaders in the state, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage approved by the Federal Government.
Addressing journalists at a brief ceremony in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Head of Service (HoS), Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, announced that the payment would commence immediately.
She lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritizing the welfare of workers despite the state’s limited resources.
“This development demonstrates the governor’s commitment to improving the livelihood of our workers,” Dr. Olomojobi stated, highlighting the proactive measures taken by the administration to ensure prompt implementation.
In their remarks, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Olatunde Kolapo, expressed their appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for fulfilling his promises to workers.
They confirmed that the new minimum wage would apply to all cadres, including employees in ministries, parastatals, agencies, and pensioners.
The Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC), Comrade Femi Ajoloko, described the implementation as a fair and commendable adjustment.
“This decision reflects the governor’s magnanimity and his dedication to fostering a productive workforce in Ekiti State,” he said.
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