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Sudan, IITA sign MoU on cassava transformation

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The Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr Nteranya Sanginga said today that a collaboration between IITA and Sudan will put smiles on the faces of farmers in the northern African country.

This was contained in an address to a presidential delegation from Sudan, that spent 5 days in Nigeria and visited IITA to familiarize, exchange ideas, and explore areas for collaboration with IITA on cassava transformation.

The collaboration between Sudan and IITA aims at cutting the importation of wheat and saving the country’s foreign exchange. The collaboration is also part of a broader decision that would facilitate the introduction of improved cassava varieties to Sudan.

 Dr Sanginga said, “We are ready to expand into Sudan with a strengthened diversified portfolio to contribute to improved livelihood and income for small-scale farmers in the country.”

Leading the 6-person delegation, Professor Ahmed Mohamed Suliman, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Khartoum, said the country desired to become a cassava growing nation for the sole purpose of converting the root crop to cassava flour that would replace wheat in baking.

According to him, Khartoum plans to replicate the cassava bread model in Nigeria that was developed by IITA and partners. He said that when implemented, Sudan will be able to fill the wheat shortfall that is currently being experienced.

“Our Presidency is very much interested in supporting the inclusion of High Quality Cassava Flour in bread and other forms of confectioneries as part of efforts to improve food security and the livelihoods of farmers in the country. On that note, I would initiate an immediate development of a MoU with IITA to serve as a guide to common interest between the two institutions,” Prof Suliman added.

The visit of the delegation culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Dr Abuelgasim Elzein, Head, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, University of Khartoum, said that even though the Republic of Sudan was not a cassava producing country, as soon as the cassava breeding program is replicated into our farming system, agriculture will take a new dimension.

Other members of the delegation were Dr Elhadi Ali Ibrahim Elkhalil, Prof Awadalla Abdalla Abdelmula, Dr Abdalla Ibrahim Yousif, and Hala Ahmed Elamin.

Dr Alfred Dixon, IITA Director for Development & Delivery noted that cassava as the third-largest crop in the tropics, is a major staple food in sub-Saharan Africa, providing a basic staple for over half a billion people.

He added that Khartoum’s interest in cassava was a decision in the right direction as cassava is one of the most drought-tolerant crops, capable of growing on marginal soils.

Dr Dixon added that with the help of cassava experts from IITA, good agronomic and weed management practices, “Sudan in no distant time will be known for cassava production.”

Highlights of the 5-day visit included presentations by key IITA staff: Frederick Schreurs, CEO Business Incubation Platform; Ismail Rabbi, IITA Molecular Geneticist / Breeder; Festus Okunlola, IITA Youth Agriprenuer (IYA); Iheanacho Okike, IITA Cassava Peel Technologist; and Thierno Diallo, IITA Machine Fabricator. The delegates also had the opportunity to undergo hands on training at the IITA Food and Nutrition Science Laboratory on how to bake bread, croissant, chin-chin, Tidbits, using cassava flour.

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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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