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FG commences sensitization on implementation of Bio-ethanol project in Northwest

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FG commences sensitization on implementation of Bio-ethanol project in Northwest

 

The Federal Government on Tuesday in Kano commenced sensitisation of cassava stakeholders in Northwest on strategic implementation of the bio-ethanol project.

 

In his address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mr Nebolisa Anako, said that the aspiration of the federal government was to bring about higher GDP growth and to significantly reduce unemployment by creating meaningful opportunities for the youth.

 

Represented by the Director, Finance and Accounts, Alhaji Muhammed Kabir, he said that the Bio-economy Policy aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth and development by creating a Bio-based economy that would contribute to job creation, poverty reduction, and increased access to food and energy.

 

According to him, this will be achieved through the development of cassava Bio-economy, as well as other Bio-resources.

 

The Permanent Secretary lauded the efforts of Federal Ministries, Department and Agencies for their collaboration and enduring partnership in developing the Bio-economy Policy, adding that, it was a Ministerial deliverable, that was captured in the National Development Plan of 2021 – 2025.

 

He said that the framework would employ a Triple-Helix Knowledge Transfer Partnership in its implementation.

 

“This includes the Academia, Research and Development Institutes, farmers, the Private Sector and Government MDAs, as well as Civil Society, Development Partners and Development Finance Institutions.

 

“It is pertinent to look at the Bio-economy response and how it can contribute to the deceleration of the rising food insecurity.

 

”The country, at this time, needs an approach that will increase food production, youth employment, and increased growth through the provision of industrial feedstock and exportable products to boost our economy.

 

“To achieve this, one strategic pathway is to develop the Cassava Bio-ethanol Value Chain. This becomes even more imperative, given the recent removal of subsidy on Petroleum products, re-evaluation of the Naira through the merging of official and non-official exchange windows,” he said.

 

According to him, the objective of the Cassava Bio-ethanol Value Chain is to demonstrate the efficacy of private sector-led approach in promoting investment in renewable Biomass, create wealth, provide jobs, reduce poverty and improve food security.

 

The State Commissioner for finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Jibrin, who represented Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf, restated the state government’s commitment to develop the project.

 

He said that a program of this nature, would benefit a large population of the state.

 

The consultant of the project, Prof. Ken Ife, said that the workshop would highlight the inaugural focus on the Cassava bio-ethanol value chain, which would stimulate industrial growth, and enhance food production and availability, across the nation.

 

He underscored the need to engage universities with a view to producing young bio-entrepreneurs and extension service agents, for the country to boost agricultural productivity.

 

Ife said that there was an urgent need to create new initiatives, aimed at addressing youth unemployment in the country.

 

Mr Felix Okonkwo, Director of Macro Economic Analysis of the Ministry, said that the objective behind the initiative was to reinforce government’s commitment to achieving key national goals.

 

He said that the objectives included, enhancing food nutrition, promoting agriculture, ensuring food security, and working towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

Some of the participants who spoke to our correspondent commended the federal government for the project and promised to share the knowledge with orders.

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Food Safety: NOA, NAFDAC, SON Collaborate in Kano to Combat Hazardous Chemicals in Food

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The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kano has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of using harmful chemicals for food preservation.

The rally took place at Na’ibawa Fruits, Dawanau Grains, and Yankaba Vegetable Markets in Kano metropolis.

In his address, the Kano State Director of NOA, Alh. Rabi’u Ado, emphasized that the initiative was aimed at safeguarding public health and promoting proper standards in the food business.

The Assistant Director of the Kano office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), who represented State Coordinator Dr. Danladi Abba, warned traders against the use of calcium carbide and other dangerous chemicals in food preservation.

He noted that such chemicals could cause cancer and harm vital organs, assuring that NAFDAC would take strict action against offenders.

Representing the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Oliver Panyi Abraham assured the public that the agency would ensure chemicals were used only for their intended purposes, strictly following safety guidelines.

Also speaking at the event, the President of the Dawanau Market Development Association, Alh. Muttaka Isa, and the Secretary of the Nigerian Fruits Sellers Association, Kano branch, Alh. Adam Mohd, pledged their support for NOA, NAFDAC, and SON in the fight against harmful practices in the state.

Meanwhile, the Health Educator of Kumbotso Local Government, Malam Nasir, urged fruit traders to uphold hygienic practices, maintain cleanliness in their environment, and avoid open defecation near the market.

 

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FG trains laboratory technicians , technologists on soil health card scheme

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The Federal Government has commenced training for laboratory technicians and technologists on the use of Soil Health Card (SHC) modules in a bid to enhance soil management practices across the country.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday in Kano, the Director, Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, Mr Oshadiya Olanipekin, said the objective of the sensitization was to train technologists and technicians on the mode of operation of the soil health card scheme.

He noted that the training was aimed at equipping laboratory personnel with the necessary skills to assess soil health and give recommendations to farmers.

Olanipekun added that the training covered various aspects of soil health analysis, including conducting soil tests, interpreting results, and providing farmers with recommendations based on the findings.

The Director also highlighted the importance of the SHC initiative in supporting farmers with accurate soil data.

“Soil health is crucial for sustainable agriculture. By ensuring that laboratory technicians and technologists are well-trained on the use of SHC modules, we are taking a vital step toward improving soil quality and enhancing food security in Nigeria,” he said.

According to him, the engagement with some of the stakeholders would also contribute to developing a comprehensive soil health card scheme for Nigerian farmers.

Olanipekun urged the participants to ensure the effective implementation of the SHC system, noting that it will not only benefit farmers but also contribute to the long-term health of Nigeria’s agricultural land.

He urged farmers in Kano and the country as a whole to take their soil samples to laboratories in order to reduce farming cost and improve agricultural productivity.

Earlier, Managing Director of Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) Dr Faruk Kurawa,emphasized the significance of accurate soil testing.

“Proper soil analysis and timely recommendations can greatly improve crop yields and help prevent land degradation,” he explained.

Kurawa added that the widespread adoption of the SHC program would lead to improved agricultural practices and greater food security for Nigeria.

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FG trains laboratory technicians , technologists on Soil Health Card Modules

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Federal Government has commenced training for laboratory technicians and technologists on the use of Soil Health Card (SHC) modules in a bid to enhance soil management practices across the country.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday in Kano, the Director, Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, Mr Oshadiya Olanipekin, said the objective of the sensitization was to train technologists and technicians on the mode of operation of the soil health card scheme.
He noted that the training was aimed at equipping laboratory personnel with the necessary skills to assess soil health and give recommendations to farmers.
Olanipekun added that the training covered various aspects of soil health analysis, including conducting soil tests, interpreting results, and providing farmers with recommendations based on the findings.
The Director also highlighted the importance of the SHC initiative in supporting farmers with accurate soil data.
“Soil health is crucial for sustainable agriculture. By ensuring that laboratory technicians and technologists are well-trained on the use of SHC modules, we are taking a vital step toward improving soil quality and enhancing food security in Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the engagement with some of the stakeholders would also contribute to developing a comprehensive soil health card scheme for Nigerian farmers.
Olanipekun urged the participants to ensure the effective implementation of the SHC system, noting that it will not only benefit farmers but also contribute to the long-term health of Nigeria’s agricultural land.
He urged farmers in Kano and the country as a whole to take their soil samples to laboratories in order to reduce farming cost and improve agricultural productivity.
Earlier, Managing Director of Kano Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KNARDA) Dr Faruk Kurawa,emphasized the significance of accurate soil testing.
 “Proper soil analysis and timely recommendations can greatly improve crop yields and help prevent land degradation,” he explained.
Kurawa added that the widespread adoption of the SHC program would lead to improved agricultural practices and greater food security for Nigeria.
Some of the participants who spoke to our correspondent expressed their appreciation for the training, with many highlighting its practical relevance to their daily work.(

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