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Zero Hunger: IITA to offer solution to weed menace

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Researchers working on the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture-managed Cassava Weed Management Project (IITA-CWMP) on Friday assured that findings from the 5-year project will respond and address the problems of weeds especially in cassava farming systems.

The challenge of weeds on Nigeria’s agricultural productivity, as gathered was brought to the fore at the meeting of the Nigeria Zero Hunger Forum (NZHF) held in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria.

According to the Director General of IITA, Dr Nteranya Sanginga, cassava featuring as one of the top priority crops in most states of Nigeria, the IITA-CWMP would provide innovations to help the government to tackle the weed menace.

“We want to see increases in yield in Nigeria, and our innovation in cassava weed management will help states with cassava as a priority crop to tackle weeds—a major constraint to cassava transformation,” he said.

Last year, Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, in listing the challenges facing agricultural development, noted that weeds were the most notorious constraint limiting agriculture development. Worse still, the adulteration of herbicides is not helping matters and is undermining efforts by resource-poor farmers to raise their productivity.

Expressing concerns over the issue, stakeholders unanimously issued a communique calling on the Federal Government to step up the regulation on use and distribution of herbicides and input market.

They worried that the uncontrolled influx of adulterated herbicides in the Nigerian market was jeopardizing the gains made so far in transforming agriculture and efforts to attain zero hunger.

The goal to attain zero hunger is a commitment Nigeria has made since the declaration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015.

Taking the SDGs forward, Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has initiated and is leading efforts to help the country to achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) with the creation of the Nigeria Zero Hunger Forum initiative.

The former president, with the support of IITA, the World Food Program (WFP), and the African Development Bank (AfDB), has created a forum comprising six pilot states that are desiring to hit the target of zero hunger by 2025.

The Deputy Director General, Partnership for Delivery, Dr Kenton Dashiell, said IITA’s participation in NHZF would help Nigeria to tap the institute’s capacity in science and innovation to address hunger in the country.

Dr Alfred Dixon, Project Leader, IITA-CWMP noted that once the problem of weeds is addressed, farmers would have a boom in harvest.

The meeting in Ebonyi, which attracted about 500 persons from both the public and private sectors, was the second after the initial one in Benue state.

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Rep Oseni Bids Farewell to Oyo Political Stalwart, Adeojo

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A member of the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has paid glowing tribute to the late elder statesman and political icon, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, describing his passing as the end of an era in Oyo State politics.

The lawmaker, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, extolled Adeojo’s lifelong commitment to the advancement of democracy and community development in the state and beyond.

In a statement released through his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, on Friday, in Ibadan, Oseni, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)  expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noting that Adeojo’s legacy of selfless service, mentorship, and unwavering patriotism will continue to inspire generations of political leaders in the region.

“Alhaji Yekini Adeojo was not only a political leader but also a symbol of courage and unwavering loyalty to the good of Oyo State. His contributions to the socio-political growth of our dear state, especially during the formative years of the Fourth Republic, remain indelible,” he said.

The lawmaker stated that the elder statesman was always full of wisdom and generously offered guidance to younger politicians irrespective of party affiliation.

“His doors were always open. He believed in giving others a sense of belonging. We have lost a father figure,” he added.

The APC chieftain, Oseni, who shares the same Ido Local Government Area as the late Adeojo, extended his condolences to the deceased’s immediate family, the Ibadan community, and the broader political circle in Oyo State, urging them to find solace in his impactful legacy.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of Adeojo’s soul and fortitude for the family to bear the irreparable loss.

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Ibadan Businessman, PDP Chieftain, Adeojo, Passes On

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Renowned Ibadan-born businessman and prominent political figure, Chief Yekini Adeojo, has passed away.

Chief Adeojo, a respected elder statesman and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died in the early hours of Friday.

Although the precise circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear as of the time of filing this report, sources indicate that he will be laid to rest later today in accordance with Islamic rites.

Adeojo was a founding member of the PDP and served as the party’s Deputy National Chairman (South). Over the years, he was a key player in Oyo State’s political landscape and had vied for the governorship seat on multiple occasions.

Beyond his political exploits, Chief Adeojo was also a respected voice within the community, known for his philanthropic gestures and deep-rooted influence in both business and religious circles.

He held the traditional title of Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland, a position that amplified his standing among the Muslim faithful.

He is survived by children, among whom is Hon. Sheriff Adeojo, the current Chairman of Ido Local Government Area in Oyo State.

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Rep Oseni Fetes Agbaje on His  Birthday

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The House of Representative member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has felicitated with Barrister Akeem Agbaje, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on his birthday.

Oseni, who also chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, described the celebrant as a man of integrity and an accomplished legal practitioner whose contributions to politics and governance in the state remain exemplary.

He commended the APC stalwart for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and party development, adding that his leadership qualities and dedication to service had earned him respect across political and professional circles.

“Barrister Akeem Agbaje is a brother and friend whose wisdom, integrity, and passion for public service stand out. He has remained one of the pillars of support for our great party and has consistently championed policies that uplift the people,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker lauded Agbaje’s efforts in mentoring young professionals and supporting initiatives that promote education and youth development, noting that his impact extended beyond politics.

Oseni prayed for his continued success, good health, and prosperity.

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