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Brentford Holds Arsenal In Premier League Contest

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Brentford Holds Arsenal In Premier League Contest

Arsenal missed the chance to restore its six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Brentford, at the Gtech Community Stadium in London, England.

Brentford could not take advantage of a nervy Arsenal start, with goalkeeper David Raya forced to make a sharp save from Igor Thiago.

The visitors were better after the break and went ahead when Brentford were unable to clear their lines, Piero Hincapie’s cross turned in by Madueke past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Arsenal’s Noni Madueke scores great header.

Arsenal could have been out of sight when Declan Rice laid the ball on a plate for Viktor Gyokeres, but he was denied by Micheal Kayode’s last-ditch tackle.

Brentford levelled 10 minutes later when Kayode’s long throw was flicked to the back post,where Lewis-Potter sent a header into the top corner.

Brentford Keane Lewis-Potter equalises.

Striker Igor Thiago could have snatched victory late on for Brentford, but Cristhian Mosquera made a superb tackle.

Brentford goalkeeper Kelleher then denied Gabriel Martinelli one-on-one in a breathless end to the game.

The result lifted Arsenal on to 57 points from 26 games, four (4) ahead of Manchester City, after their 3-0 victory at Fulham kept the pressure on.

Manager Mikel Arteta insists his side’s approach would not change.

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta.

“We have to do our job and we are going to have to come to all these places, the same as the rest of the teams, and we know how tough it is,” Arteta said.

“You have to be at your best every game and have the luck that you need as well in games to conquer the three points each week.”

Brentford are seventh on 40 points, four behind fifth-placed Chelsea and remain on course to qualify for European football for the first time.

Team Nigeria Set For African Junior Fencing Championships

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Team Nigeria Set For African Junior Fencing Championships

Nigerian teenage fencing sensation, Inkosi Brou, will lead a four-man contingent to the 2026 African Junior Fencing Championships from February 16th – 20th in Dakar, Senegal.

Brou, 18, is Nigeria’s first global fencing medallist. He won silver at the 2024 World Tournoi Satellite Cup and is ranked 13th globally in the men’s sabre category. He also also secured bronze at the 2025 African Junior Championships.

Joining him in Dakar are Mahathir Idongesit (men’s épée), Sara Idongesit (women’s épée) and Adebodunrin Thomas (women’s épée).

The quartet will compete in individual and team events, with Brou featuring in men’s sabre and Mahathir in men’s épée. Sara and Thomas will represent Nigeria in the women’s épée individual and team competitions.

National coach, Ibrahim Alogba expressed confidence in the team’s chances, describing the event as key preparation for the Commonwealth Championships in Lagos this August.

“We are excited that our fencers will compete against Africa’s best juniors,” he said. “Our aim is to surpass last year’s bronze medal finish in Angola.”

“With the exposure gained from recent competitions, including the Fencing World Cup in Egypt, we believe our athletes are better prepared.” 

Nigeria Fencing Federation President, Adeyinka Samuel, praised parents and guardians for supporting the athletes’ international outings. He reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to developing young talents and called for greater investment in fencing.

Samuel stressed that Nigeria has the potential to qualify fencers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The Dakar championships will feature leading nations including Senegal, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia and Kenya.

Archery, Polo, Camel Racing Ignite 2026 Argungu Festival

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Archery, Polo, Camel Racing Ignite 2026 Argungu Festival

The 61st edition of the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival (AIFF) burst into life with a colourful display of traditional sports, including archery, catapulting, camel racing, local wrestling and polo drawing wide attention from within and outside Nigeria.

Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, was delighted as he witnessed the exciting cultural events at the historic Fishing Village in Argungu. The Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, also expressed joy over the vibrant turnout and rich cultural showcase.

Competitions in archery, catapulting, donkey and camel racing were keenly contested, with participants displaying remarkable skill and endurance.

 

The arena also attracted tourists, cultural enthusiasts, journalists, content creators and bloggers from local, national and international media, further affirming AIFF as a global cultural destination.

Traditional rulers led by the Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ismail Muhammad Mera, graced the occasion alongside other Emirs from across Nigeria and neighbouring Niger Republic, underscoring the festival’s growing international stature.

Winners emerged in various categories and were rewarded with trophies, cash prizes and consolation gifts.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Archery and Catapulting Sub-Committee and Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Usman Abubakar Zuru, commended the State Government for its unwavering support in making the festival a success.

He described the festival as a powerful platform for preserving Kebbi State’s rich cultural heritage, promoting unity and peaceful coexistence, and passing indigenous traditions to future generations.

He noted that the competitions were carefully planned, with top talents selected from across the state and beyond, assuring spectators of thrilling and well-coordinated events throughout the festival.

Earlier activities marking the 61st AIFF included an Investor Forum in Birnin Kebbi, where Kebbi State’s vast economic potential and investment opportunities were showcased, alongside a Quiz and Debate competition held at the Presidential Banquet Hall.

Other first day activities included local wrestling and polo events, with participants drawn from across the state, the federation and neighbouring countries.

In Abuja, a colourful motor rally involving over 30 vehicles was also flagged off as part of activities heralding the globally celebrated festival.

The Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival remains one of Africa’s foremost cultural events, celebrating heritage, tourism, unity and economic growth.

Ex-Army Spokesman Highlights Murtala Mohammed’s Sweeping Reforms, Enduring Legacy

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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Ex-Army Spokesman Highlights Murtala Mohammed’s Sweeping Reforms, Enduring Legacy

Former Army Public Relations Director, Brigadier General Sani Usman (Retired), has highlighted the sweeping reforms introduced during General Murtala Mohammed’s brief rule from 1975 until his assassination in 1976, noting their enduring influence on Nigeria’s governance and military unity.

In a telephone interview with Voice of Nigeria, Brigadier Usman recalled that General Murtala Mohammed’s administration embarked on bold reforms aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s civil service for greater efficiency and accountability.

“Among the most notable measures was the dismissal of over ten thousand public officials in a bid to combat corruption, alongside the creation of new states to strengthen national cohesion,” he said.

These reforms, though impactful, were not without criticism, particularly the civil service purge, which drew mixed reactions from the public.

Brigadier Usman emphasised that while the reforms were dramatic, their enforcement became less pronounced as national stability became the immediate priority.

He explained that balancing reform with unity was crucial, especially in a diverse country where tribal and regional interests often shape governance.

“The administration’s actions reflected a determination to instil discipline and order, even if some measures were controversial,” he said.

Former Army Public Relations Director, Brigadier General Sani Usman (Retired)

Reflecting on the aftermath of Murtala Mohammed’s assassination in 1976, Usman noted that the military acted swiftly to preserve Nigeria’s unity and prevent fragmentation.

With General Olusegun Obasanjo succeeding Mohammed, the emphasis shifted from reform to stability.

Usman described this approach not as politics in the conventional sense, but as “military in governance,” underscoring how the armed forces decisively moved to safeguard national cohesion during a turbulent period in Nigeria’s history.

He spoke on the enduring legacy of General Murtala Mohammed, emphasising how he has been remembered both officially and among ordinary Nigerians.

“His contributions to the nation were immense, setting the tone for reform, patriotism, and decisive leadership,” Usman said.

Officially, Mohammed’s name is immortalised in key national symbols, such as the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos, alongside military and national references that portray him as a figure of courage and integrity.

“The family has also played a role in preserving his memory through various initiatives,” Usman added.

Also Read: Defence, Interior Ministers Meet To Strengthen Nigeria’s Security

He highlighted that Mohammed’s leadership style was marked by boldness, incorruptibility, and a deep commitment to Nigeria’s progress, qualities that made him stand out as one of the most courageous leaders in the country’s history. His short but impactful tenure left a lasting impression on governance and military reforms, inspiring generations of leaders and citizens alike.

However, Usman lamented that the remembrance of Mohammed among ordinary Nigerians has not been as strong as it should be. He noted that the removal of history from the educational curriculum has contributed to a decline in awareness among younger generations.

“As a result, many young Nigerians today are unfamiliar with Mohammed’s contributions and the values he embodied. This gap in historical knowledge weakens the collective memory of one of Nigeria’s most iconic leaders,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Usman affirmed that many Nigerians still hold Mohammed in high regard.

“His reputation as a fearless, incorruptible, and patriotic leader continues to resonate with those who lived through his era and those who have learned about him through stories and memorials,” he said.

“For Usman, Mohammed’s legacy remains a beacon of courage and integrity, reminding Nigerians of the kind of leadership that can inspire unity and progress in the nation,” he added.

Nigeria Champions Youth, Women’s Empowerment In Agriculture

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Nigeria Champions Youth, Women’s Empowerment In Agriculture

Nigeria is leading the charge for strategic investment in youth and women in agriculture as the 49th Session of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Governing Council concludes in Rome, Italy.

Addressing participants at the biennial event, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the critical role of youth and women in agriculture in unlocking economic opportunities, driving innovation, and fostering inclusive growth, ultimately strengthening food systems and reducing hunger and poverty globally.

The meeting highlighted the vital role of youth in driving job creation, innovation, and inclusive growth worldwide.

The session themed: “From Farm to Market: Investing in Young Entrepreneurs” opened with the election of Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, as Chairperson of IFAD’s Governing Council (GC).

Having previously served as Vice Chair, his election reflects the confidence of Member States in the nation’s constructive engagement and leadership in advancing global food security.

Read Also: IFAD Appoints Nigeria’s Agric Minister as Council Chairman

IFAD Reaffirms Support for Youth in Nigeria’s Food Systems

Senator Kyari expressed profound appreciation to Member States for the trust reposed in him, reaffirming his commitment to serve with humility, diligence, and an unwavering focus on rural women and men worldwide.

He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his clear mandate placing food security at the center of national priorities, noting that Nigeria’s stewardship at IFAD aligns with the President’s directive to strengthen agricultural productivity, expand opportunities for youth and women, and build resilient systems capable of withstanding climate and market disruptions.

The Minister commended the strong work of the IFAD Nigeria Country Office, led by Country Director Ms. Dede Ekoue and her team, for their dedication in translating global commitments into measurable impacts for rural communities across the country—particularly in strengthening value chains, empowering youth and women, and building resilience among smallholder farmers.

As the conference closed, Nigeria reaffirmed its resolve to champion multilateral cooperation in confronting hunger and poverty, demonstrating that the nation remains a responsible and forward-looking voice on the global stage.

President Tinubu to Inaugurate Key FCT Projects – Minister

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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President Tinubu to Inaugurate Key FCT Projects – Minister

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Tinubu will inaugurate several key projects in the FCT to mark his third year in office.

Wike made the statement on Thursday after inspecting ongoing projects across the Federal Capital City (FCC), noting that many of the developments would boost economic activities in the area.

Among the projects inspected is a dual carriageway connecting the Central Business District to Wuse District along the Transit Way N2 Corridor. He expressed optimism that the project would be completed by June.

He also reviewed the construction of a 3km dual-carriageway access road to Mabushi Bus Terminal in Cadastral Zone B06, Phase II of the FCC, praising the pace and quality of work.

“This will be among the projects inaugurated to celebrate President Tinubu’s third year in office,” he said.

Also Read: FCT Approves Emergency Infrastructure Projects

Other projects include the full-scale development of Arterial Road N1, from Wuye District to Ring Road II, and the ongoing reconstruction of the 17-kilometre Old Keffi Road, from Dei Dei to Life Camp Junction.

Wike described the Wuye–Ring Road II project, executed by Arab Contractors, as a major development expected to be completed by the end of the year. He noted that 14 of the 17 kilometres of the Old Keffi Road have been completed, linking Dei Dei, Saburi, Gwagwa, and Idu Karimo with Life Camp.

“You can see how populated this area is, and this links to Obafemi Awolowo (N5) at Life Camp Junction. You can attest to the fact that we have really opened up the FCT,” he said.

“Mr President is doing quite a lot in the FCT, and I’m so happy we are allowed to contribute our own quota. By and large, I can tell you that I’m very happy with the scope of work, and we will do our part to make sure that the work moves faster,” Wike added.

The Minister explained that the projects are funded through the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), not the Federation Account, which is insufficient to cover workers’ salaries.

“That’s why we are very aggressive in the drive for IGR, and to the glory of God, we’ve been doing quite well,” he said.

NGX Equities Sustain Bullish Trend with 0.25% Gain

Oluwasola Akintonde
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NGX Equities Sustain Bullish Trend with 0.25% Gain

The Nigerian equities market had at the close of trading activities on Thursday, sustained its bullish momentum, with the benchmark index rising 0.25%.

Precisely, the market capitalisation rose from yesterday’s N114,377 trillion Naira to close today at N114,660 trillion Naira, gaining N283 billion Naira or 0.25%.

The All Share Index also increased by 0.25% or 441.27 basis points to close at 178,625.63 basis points from Wednesday’s 178,184.36 basis points.

The year-to-date (YTD) return rose to 14.79% from 14.50%.

Gains in SEPLAT ENERGY PLC (+10.00%), PRESCO PLC (+4.71%), and MTN NIGERIA COMMUNICATIONS PLC (+0.46%) offset losses in DANGOTE CEMENT PLC (-1.84%), ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED(-8.72%), and LAFARGE AFRICA PLC (-1.61%), keeping the market in positive side.

Trading activity for today’s session declined as the volume and value dropped by 25.64% and 16.44%, respectively, even as the total volume traded settled at 698.34 million units, valued at NGN28.44 billion, and exchanged in 50,886 deals.

ACCESS HOLDINGS PLC was the most traded stock by volume at 52.05 million units, while GUARANTY TRUST HOLDING COMPANY PLC was the most traded stock by value at N4.34 billion.

World Athletics Appoint First Nigerian Referee For Relays

Omolara Blessing
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World Athletics Appoint First Nigerian Referee For Relays

Nigeria’s growing influence in global athletics administration has received a major boost, following the appointment of Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd), as an International Referee for the World Athletics Relays, tagged Gaborone 2026.

The historic appointment makes Nesiama the first Nigerian to be entrusted with a refereeing role at the World Athletics Relays, one of the most prestigious competitions on the World Athletics calendar. The event is scheduled from May 2nd – 3rd in Botswana.

His engagement was confirmed in a formal communication from the Local Organising Committee of the Gaborone 2026 World Athletics Relays.

The confirmation was in recognition of his “expertise” and the confidence World Athletics places in his ability to uphold fairness, professionalism and technical excellence. For many within the athletics fraternity, the appointment comes as no surprise.

READ MORE : AFN Selects Asaba Camp Ahead Of 2026 Athletics Season

A highly respected authority in athletics officiating and competition management, Nesiama served as Referee at the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana. He played a pivotal role in delivering seamless technical operations at one of Africa’s biggest multi-sport events.

In addition to officiating, he was also appointed as a World Athletics certified lecturer to train Ghanaian technical officials ahead of the Games, further underlining the international trust in his competence and depth of knowledge.

Nesiama is a former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and currently serves as the Chairman of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Technical and Development Commission, where he continues to influence policy direction and technical growth in Nigerian sports.

He is also a respected member of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Technical and Competitions Commission, contributing to the development and standardisation of athletics competitions across the continent.

Over the years, he has built an impressive résumé that transcends borders.

He has functioned as a Sports Management Consultant, Competition Director, Technical Delegate, World Athletics certified Lecturer, and Silver Level Referee, officiating at numerous national and international championships.

As a prelude to his assignment at the World Relays, Nesiama has also been invited to officiate at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, scheduled to take place a week before the World Relays.

The meet serves as a key test event ahead of the global competition, further demonstrating the confidence placed in his expertise. His latest appointment not only underscores his individual excellence, but also marks a significant milestone for Nigerian athletics administration.

It signals growing international recognition of Nigerian technical officials and their capacity to operate at the highest levels of global sport.

FCT Bus Terminals to Operate After FEC Approval – Minister

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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FCT Bus Terminals to Operate After FEC Approval – Minister

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that the three bus and taxi terminals constructed by the FCT Administration (FCTA) will commence operations once the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for their management is approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Wike gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing road projects in Abuja on Thursday.

Recall that the FCT Administration began the construction of three bus terminals in 2024, one each in Kugbo, Mabushi, and the Central Business District (CBD), at a total cost of N51 billion.

The Kugbo and Mabushi terminals were completed and inaugurated in June 2025 to celebrate President Tinubu’s second year in office, while the CBD terminal is at the final stage of completion. However, the completed terminals have remained non-operational since their inauguration.

The Minister explained that the terminals have not yet begun operations because qualified operators must be approved by the FEC, noting that the contract exceeds ministerial approval.

He said the procurement process had successfully passed through the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

“After building the terminals, we said we are not going to allow the Transport Secretariat to run them. They will be handled by private individuals who have the competence,” Wike said.

“It’s not as easy as we thought. It requires FEC’s approval, but I am confident that in the next FEC meeting, the contracts will be presented for approval. So, we believe in the next FEC meeting it will be approved and once that is done, then we will hit the road,” he added.

Wike had disclosed during the inauguration of the completed terminals that additional terminals would be constructed in Gwagwalada, Bwari, and Kuje.

He explained that the bus and taxi terminals mark a significant milestone in FCTA’s efforts to modernise transportation infrastructure in the territory.

Wike added that the FCTA is also addressing the issue of indiscriminate parking on the roads.

“The terminals will provide a safe and organised space for vehicles to park, thereby reducing congestion on the roads,” he said.

Also Read: Bus Terminals Construction: President Tinubu Hails FCT Minister

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Planet Project Ltd, Mr Biodun Otunola, explained that the Kugbo and Mabushi terminals were designed to process more than 10,000 passengers each day.

Otunola added that the terminals were also designed to accommodate 120 buses and taxis daily for both intercity and intra-city travel.

He noted that the CBD terminal under construction is different, being primarily designed for intra-city operations.

On job opportunities, Otunola said that each of the three terminals would employ at least 100 people.

“People will work in the security department, ticketing, facility management, control room, electrical, mechanical, maintenance, and bus control. It’s very huge. It’s like running a mini airport,” he said.

He added that based on needs assessment, the FCT would ultimately require at least 12 bus and taxi terminals to cover significant parts of the territory.

“We will need one in Gwagwalada, one in Kuje, one in Gwarinpa, and Lugbe, including the city centre in places like Area 1, Area 3 in Garki, Wuse, and other strategic locations,” he said.

Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Transforming Cassava Sector

Oluwasola Akintonde
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0
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Transforming Cassava Sector

The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s cassava sector into a major industrial and renewable energy driver.

This was reaffirmed as it convened a two-day capacity building workshop for stakeholders on the Cassava Bioethanol Value Chain Development Project in the North West Geo-Political Zone.

The workshop, which held on 11th and 12th February 2026 at Saffar Guest Inn Limited, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State brought together key stakeholders across the Triple-Helix framework, Government, Academia/Research Institutions, and the private sector in collaboration with technical partner Bassay Global Tech & Services Limited.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, who was represented by the Director of Economic Growth, Mr. Auwal Muhammad, described the initiative as a strategic pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “This workshop is more than a training session,” he stated. “It is a strategic gathering designed to ensure that Nigeria no longer just grows cassava to eat, but grows cassava to power our nation.”

Driving industrial growth through Bio- ethanol, Nigeria remains the world’s largest producer of cassava, yet much of its potential has remained untapped. The Cassava Bioethanol Value Chain Development Project seeks to reposition cassava—often referred to as “white gold”—as a catalyst for industrialization and energy transition.

By blending bioethanol with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), the initiative aims to: reduce reliance on imported fuel, save trillions of naira in foreign exchange, stabilize the naira, promote cleaner, renewable energy alternatives, build a diversified, bio-based economy beyond oil dependency

The Minister emphasized that the initiative targets over 14 million smallholder farmers, enabling them to transition from subsistence farming into active participants in an industrial value chain.

Under the National Bio-Economy Policy, the Ministry is promoting a circular economy approach that goes beyond ethanol production.

The value chain includes high-quality cassava stems and starch, carbon dioxide capture during fermentation, and animal feed derived from distillery grains. “This is not just about building factories,” the Minister noted. “It is about building a future where Nigeria becomes a global hub for bio-resources“ he said.

Strategic Initiative

The Director Agriculture Division of the Economic Growth Department, Mr. Olaifa, described the project as a strategic initiative positioned at the intersection of industrialization, energy transition, and rural empowerment.

He acknowledged the vital role of private sector collaboration, particularly with Bassay Global Tech & Services Limited, stressing that such partnerships were essential for translating policy into commercial and industrial success.

The workshop aims to: equip stakeholders with technical competencies for high-yield cassava production and efficient processing, foster collaboration between aggregators, processors, and off-takers to reduce post-harvest losses, currently estimated at nearly 40%, standardize production processes to meet global ethanol specifications for fuel and industrial applications.

Cassava Industrialization

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Muhammad Magaji, and represented by Moh’d Umar Birnin Magaji, the association commended the Federal Government for prioritising cassava industrialisation.

The message described the initiative as a transformative opportunity for farmers, noting that cassava’s potential extends beyond food security to renewable energy production and economic prosperity.

Agriculture, he emphasised, remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, and initiatives such as the Cassava Bioethanol Value Chain Development Project provide farmers with a pathway to greater value addition, income growth, and long-term sustainability, thereby ensuring value for national investment.

As the coordinating ministry, the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning reiterated its commitment to ensuring that every naira invested in the project translates into measurable returns—particularly in youth employment, rural empowerment, industrial expansion, and national food security.

Synergy

The workshop concluded with a renewed call for synergy among farmers, processors, regulators, researchers, investors, and development partners to drive implementation from dialogue to industrial output.

The Cassava Bioethanol Value Chain Development Project is a Federal Government initiative under the National Bio-Economy Policy designed to harness Nigeria’s cassava production strength to drive renewable energy production, reduce fuel import dependence, promote industrial growth, and empower millions of smallholder farmers through value-chain integration.

 

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