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Sally Mbanefo Canvasses Agriculture Based Economic Revolution For Nigeria

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FOUNDER, Sally Mbanefo Foundation and former Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo, has emphasized the need for Nigeria to go back into agriculture, saying, “we need a green revolution for Nigeria to move forward.”
Mbanefo, who described Agriculture as “going back to basics” said this in her remarks and unveiling of the Agrillonaire – Youth-Oriented Agricbusiness quarterly, at the opening ceremony of the sixth edition of Agrikexpo and NABG Conference 2017, on Monday, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
She recalled that before the oil boom, through agriculture, Nigeria was the fourth largest economy in the developing world and major exporters of cash crops, cocoa, palm oil and groundnuts, among others.
Her words: “Our soil has been raped and oil is a curse to our dear nation! We extract oil from the s-oil; but do we add value to the soil by cultivating and reviving its dignity? Our decline began with oil boom.
“Over two third of the Nigeria’s population are youth. Nigeria is known as Africa’s giant, economically and demographically with the highest population – over 170 million people. But this giant is hungry.
“We complain about devaluation and crash in oil; yet every devaluation brings opportunities. Opportunities are abound in Nigeria. Please, dear youth, do not waste these opportunities. Take responsibility for Nigeria’s greatness. Start by helping to feed the nation. Be the generation that ends poverty in the country.”
Mbanefo enjoined the government to encourage the youth, saying “48% of the labour force in Nigeria are youth (between the ages of 15 and 30); 17.53% of the Nigerian youth are not educated, while female youth are the least educated, yet the quality of the education is in question; 79% of the youth are not computer literate; while 4.3% of the youth studied Agriculture.”
While calling on the government and the private sector to create more jobs for the youth, Mbanefo noted that “Unemployment affects the country – economically, socially and politically. Job creation is key to reducing unemployment because youth suffer the most.
“Youth employment programmes need to be sustainable and have a long term action plans, taking into account, talent and vocation to build passion.”
While saying that many youth are discouraged to explore agriculture due to lack of access to land, and only a very few of them inherited land; poor mobility and proximity of the lands to the market; lack of access to technology and finance, and slow mechanization.
Mbanefo, while noting referencing a recent survey, which showed that agriculture is the largest employer of labour in Nigeria, described good access to agriculture market as key to encouraging more people, especially the youth, into farming, while encouraging farmers to diversify, saying, “seasonal crop production discourage many farmers, especially the youth. During the low season for crops, try livestock, poultry and fish farming.”
She disclosed that her NGO, Sally Mbanefo Foundation is partnering with the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) while calling for investment in human capital. She noted that “My foundation has been working with the youth since 2007 and is ready to partner with organisations to further encourage the youth and empower them.”
Discussing the ways to encourage more participation in agriculture, especially the youth, Mbanefo said technology becomes key here, “to drive storage, processing and packaging.
While saying the growing hospitality industry, in Nigeria and other part of the world, created increased demand in agriculture, Mbanefo suggested the movement of agriculture to rural cities, and enjoined the government and the financial institutions in the country to give farmers access to micro credits with affordable interest rate.
She then encouraged the Nigerian youth to have passion, integrity, imbibe a culture of discipline, hard work, determination, perseverance and delayed gratification, to enable them succeed in life, giving the Group Chief Executive Officer of Dangote as an example.
However, the President, Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG), Alhaji Sani Dangote, earlier in his opening address described the conference as an opportunity for farmers and stakeholders in the Nigerian Agricultural industry to compare note, to propel agriculture growth in Nigeria and Africa, by encourage youth and women to get more actively involved in Agriculture.
Dangote, who described agriculture as wealth sustainable sector commended the participation of youths and private organisations in Agriculture in Nigeria.

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Oseni celebrates Oyo APC Publicist,  Sadare, extols loyalty, commitment to progressive cause

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a loyal progressive, effective communicator and committed party stalwart whose contributions have continued to strengthen the party in the state.

Oseni, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said Sadare has remained a consistent and dependable voice of the party, discharging his responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress.

He noted that the Oyo APC spokesman has distinguished himself through responsible public communication, constructive engagement and an enduring commitment to promoting the party’s vision, values and programmes.

According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Sadare’s humility, calm disposition and ability to articulate the party’s position with clarity have earned him the respect of party leaders, members and stakeholders, while also contributing to the unity and stability of the APC in Oyo State.

“Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare is a committed progressive whose loyalty and dedication to our great party have remained steadfast over the years. He has served with uncommon diligence and has continued to project the ideals of the APC with dignity, courage and sincerity,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker added that the publicist’s birthday presents another opportunity to celebrate a man whose service has gone beyond official responsibility, noting that his contributions to strengthening internal cohesion and fostering constructive engagement within the party deserve commendation.

“As you mark another year today, I join your family, friends, political associates and the entire progressive family in celebrating God’s faithfulness in your life. Your commitment to duty, humility and sense of responsibility continue to inspire many within our party.”
Oseni prayed for greater accomplishments for the celebrant, asking Almighty Allah to bless him with good health, wisdom and renewed strength to continue serving the party and humanity.

“I pray that Almighty Allah grants you many more years in sound health, abundant grace and greater accomplishments. May He continue to guide your steps, enlarge your coast and reward your selfless service to our great party, Oyo State and our nation. Happy birthday, and many happy returns.”
The statement added that Oseni wished Sadare a memorable celebration and expressed confidence that his wealth of experience, dedication and leadership would continue to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the APC and the advancement of progressive politics in Oyo State.

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Oyo lawmaker, Oseni empowers Agbeni traders with ₦50m grant, rallies support for Tinubu

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, on Friday strengthened his grassroots engagement with traders by presenting a ₦50 million business grant to members of the Agbeni Amunigun Traders Association in Ibadan.

The empowerment package is expected to benefit traders across the market, which cuts across Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Local Government Areas of Oyo State.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also donated ₦5 million towards the completion of the association’s secretariat. He further pledged to install solar-powered streetlights within the market to improve security and make the business environment more conducive.

Speaking during an interactive meeting with the association’s leaders, executives and representatives of its 15 zones, the lawmaker described traders as key drivers of the local economy, saying they deserved continuous support to grow their businesses and improve their standard of living.

He also appealed to the traders to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the economic reforms introduced by the administration would deliver lasting benefits for the country.

“The decisions taken by President Tinubu were difficult, but they were necessary. Today, fuel queues are gone, states and local governments receive higher allocations, and more resources are available for infrastructure, education, healthcare and other development projects, including the regular payment of salaries,” he said.

Oseni highlighted ongoing road rehabilitation projects, interventions in the health sector, agricultural support initiatives and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as some of the programmes making a difference under the current administration.

He noted that the student loan scheme had opened up access to higher education for many young Nigerians, while other economic reforms were laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, Oseni promised that if elected to represent Oyo South in the Senate in 2027, he would facilitate an interest-free revolving loan scheme for traders. He said the programme would be jointly managed by the market leadership and a reputable microfinance bank to ensure genuine traders had access to affordable credit.

“I will continue to support policies and programmes that help small and medium-scale businesses thrive because traders remain the engine of our economy. My goal is to create opportunities that will help your businesses expand and improve the welfare of your families,” he said, assuring the association that the requests presented to him would receive prompt attention.

Earlier, the Babaloja of the market, Alhaji Abdul-Latifu Abdulganiyu; the Baale, Alhaji Muniru Oladayo; the General Chairman of the market, Alhaji Nureni Lawal; the Iyaloja’s representative, Alhaja Basirat Owolanwa; and the youth representative, Alhaji Adeyinka Basiru, praised Oseni for his consistent support for traders and other community-based empowerment programmes.

The market leaders unanimously endorsed his senatorial ambition and pledged to mobilise support for his 2027 bid, saying his record of empowerment, constituency projects and community development had earned him the confidence of the people.

 

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‎Oseni mourns C&S Movement Church Spiritual Head Alogbo, hails legacy of faith, service

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The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the national Assembly and All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Abass Oseni, has mourned the death of the Spiritual Father and Spiritual Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide (Ayo Ni O), His Most Eminence, Prophet Emmanuel Alogbo, describing his passing as a great loss to Christendom and Nigeria.

‎Prophet Alogbo died at the age of 93 after decades of devoted service to God, the church and humanity, leaving behind a legacy of faith, humility and exemplary spiritual leadership.

‎Contained in  a condolence message issued on Thursday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) sympathised with the leadership and members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, as well as the family of the late cleric, praying that God would comfort them in this difficult period.

The federal lawmaker described the late prophet as a revered servant of God whose ministry was marked by integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Christian faith.

‎He noted that Prophet Alogbo dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel, promoting peace and mentoring generations of believers, saying his impact would continue to resonate far beyond the walls of the church.

‎Oseni said, “The passing of His Most Eminence, Prophet Emmanuel Alogbo, is a profound loss to the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, the Christian community and our nation. He lived an exemplary life of faith, humility, sacrifice and selfless service to God and humanity.

‎”Although we mourn his departure, we also celebrate a life that was wholly dedicated to God’s service. His teachings, exemplary character and unwavering devotion to humanity will continue to inspire generations to come,” Oseni said.

‎He urged members of the church and Christians across the country to honour the late spiritual leader by upholding the virtues of love, peace, righteousness and selfless service, which he consistently preached throughout his lifetime.

Oseni prayed that God would grant the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, the Alogbo family and the entire Christian community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while asking God to fill the vacuum his demise has left behind within the church.

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