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Sultan Saad Attends Muslim Leaders’ Summit in Oxford

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His Eminence Sultan Saad Abubakar has joined Muslim World Leaders today at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in Oxford England for a two-day summit in Oxford England which also market the 40th anniversary of the creation of the Centre.

The event which included an Annual General Meeting of the Centre’s Board of Trustees was declared open on Thursday by the Centre’s Grand Patron King Charles ||| in a well attended ceremony which included former President of Turkey Abdullah Gul, Saudi Prince Turki Al Faisal and Sultan Nazrin San all of whom are Board of Trustees members along with Sultan Saad.

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies has among it’s cardinal objectives the goal of promoting interfaith dialogue, inter-civilizational understanding, Islamic finance, environment issues, fellowships, scholarship and the growth of Muslim youths in Britain.

His Eminence Sultan Saad Abubakar in his remarks after the meeting enjoined citizens of the world in general and Africa in particular to embrace peace and dialogue all the time for us to engender social harmony and peaceful co-existence as our guiding principlesince Islam remains a religion of peace.

The Sultan was accompanied on the trip to England by his Sarkin Fada Alh Kabir Aminu Tafida.

Member of the Sultan’s delegation, Dr Danladi Bako OON signed the press statement.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Adamawa Launches 2025 Malaria Campaign For Children

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The Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, has launched the 2025 Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) campaign aimed at reaching over 1.2 million children across the state’s 21 local government areas.

Farauta, who was represented by Dr. Amos Edgar, Chief of Staff to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, made the announcement during the campaign inauguration held on Friday in Yola.

She emphasised the state government’s commitment to reducing the burden of malaria, especially among children under five, through sustained preventive measures.

READ MORE:BOSCHMA Set To Roll Out Formal Health Sector In Borno

She described malaria as a persistent public health threat, especially for children under the age of five.

She said the campaign was more than a medical exercise, but a bold expression of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and future of children and communities across the state.

Farauta noted that the SMC initiative involved administering safe and effective antimalarial drugs to children aged 3 to 59 months.

“The SMC campaign is a proven strategy for reducing the burden of malaria during the rainy season, when the risk of transmission is highest.

“It involves the administration of safe and effective antimalarial drugs to children aged 3 to 59 months, every month during the malaria transmission season.

“This year’s campaign is aimed at drastically reducing the number of malaria-related illnesses and deaths, minimising hospital admissions, improving school attendance and overall child well-being.

We believe that a healthy population is the bedrock of a prosperous society,” Farauta added.

According to her, the state government prioritised healthcare in its development agenda by increasing budgetary allocation to the health sector, expanding primary healthcare infrastructure, and strengthening healthcare workers.

She commended development partners including Malaria Consortium, WHO, UNICEF, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), and other donor agencies for their sustained support in the fight against malaria.

The Deputy Gov. also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community influencers to mobilise caregivers and ensure children receive all four doses of the SMC medication.

In his remarks, Mr Felix Tangwami, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, said Nigeria accounts for about 27 per cent of global malaria deaths, with Adamawa being particularly vulnerable due to its ecological and seasonal patterns.

Tangwami explained that the SMC campaign, involving the monthly administration of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine plus Amodiaquine (SPAQ), would be carried out over four cycles during the transmission season.

“Evidence shows that when correctly implemented, SMC can reduce malaria cases by up to 75 per cent.

“It is safe, cost-effective, and has significantly lowered hospitalizations and deaths among children,” he said.

He revealed that commodities worth over N4.8 billion have been procured for the 2025 campaign, with over 6,000 trained community drug distributors and health workers deployed for door-to-door delivery.

We have established strong pharmacovigilance systems, real-time data reporting, and supervisory mechanisms to ensure safety, effectiveness, and full coverage,” he added.

Tangwami highlighted the state’s achievements in malaria control, including the distribution of over three million Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs).

“Establishment of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) centers at PHCs, provision of free Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs), and inter-sectoral efforts to tackle mosquito breeding,” he said.

Also speaking, Ms Chidimka Okolo, of Catholic Relief Services said the fight against malaria requires collective effort, urging all stakeholders to play their part.

Prof. Mahmud Kumo, the Programme Manager, Society for Family Health (SFH), commended the Adamawa government for emerging as a leading state in malaria control nationwide.

Foundation Partners India’s Agrictech To Drive Climate-Smart Agriculture

AdunGreen Foundation, a Nigeria’s leading grassroots development platform has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with eKrishiKendra, a pioneering Indian agri-tech enterprise.

At the signing ceremony held virtually, the President of AdunGreen Foundation, Dr. Yusuf Adebola said the partnership was designed to scale climate-smart agriculture, digital extension, and circular farming practices across Nigeria, with a strong focus on crops, livestock, aquaculture, and youth empowerment.

According to him “This partnership signals a turning point in how we empower farmers, through technology, shared learning, and community-driven sustainability.”

Organisations Strength

Adebola explained that the cross-continental collaboration draws on the strengths of both organisations: AdunGreen’s deep-rooted community networks, organic input innovation, and integrated farm estates; as well as eKrishiKendra’s expertise in digital extension systems, agronomic training, farmer platforms, and data-driven soil health management.

READ ALSO:African young farmers missing out on AgriTech innovations

The MoU according to him outlines cooperation in the joint development of digital training modules, co-creation of model demo farms and climate-resilient plots, collaboration on bio-organic input research and development, capacity-building for youth and women-led farmer cooperatives among others.

He said the partnership is a shared commitment to growing hope, building resilience, and redefining resilient systems for the better food and nutrition security.

Focus of Livestock

A technical partner of AdunGreen Foundation, Mr. Tajudeen Olaribigbe stressed that one of the ideas is the focus on Livestock and Aquaculture for Nutrition Security.

He said, “The scope of collaboration goes beyond crop production. The partners will implement targeted actions in livestock and aquaculture, recognizing their critical role in improving household protein access, income diversification, and climate adaptation.

“Livestock and fish farming are vital to Nigeria’s food basket. This partnership offers practical solutions from waste-fed aquaculture to organic livestock feed to ensure that our farming systems are resilient and regenerative.”

Global Synergies

In his remarks, the Founder of eKrishiKendra, Dr. Naima Shaikh, said that the collaboration with AdunGreen is towards empowering Nigerian smallholders with scalable innovations.”

“Our shared vision of community-driven agriculture and sustainable development makes this partnership truly transformative.

He added that through the joint grant opportunities, resource sharing, and multi-stakeholder engagement, the MoU sets the foundation for long-term cooperation aimed at reducing rural poverty, increasing productivity, and reversing environmental degradation.

Green Vision

AdunGreen has activated numerous initiatives in the past, which include ‘Let the Earth Breathe campaign, and its flagship FarmAcademy, which seeks to train 3 million young farmers through urban farming, recycling, and eco-conscious production systems.

Additionally, the collaboration will explore early warning meteorological systems, soil data integration, and financing models, tailored to smallholders.

Initial field projects are expected to begin in Kwara State, anchored on the 400-hectare Adun Integrated Farm Estate in Akewushola Village, a circular model farm combining crops, livestock, biogas, organic fertilizer, and feed production.

NUJ revives school press clubs for future Journalists

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has announced the revival and strengthening of press clubs in secondary schools across Abuja to nurture the next generation of ethical and professional journalists.

Revealing this during an interactive session at Government Secondary School (GSS), Garki, NUJ FCT Vice Chairman Comrade Yahaya Ndambabo, who represented the council, stressed that fostering strong journalism foundations must begin in schools.

He said, “Our goal is to promote professionalism from the grassroots by empowering students with journalistic skills and values early.”

Marking a significant step, the union has slated Thursday, 24th July 2025, as the official launch date for the Press Club Revival Project, beginning with two pilot schools.

Yahaya said this is part of the effort to bring up future generations to promote ethical journalism.

Representing GSS Garki’s leadership, Matron of the Press Club, Mrs. Udofia Emauwa Unyime, warmly welcomed the initiative, calling it a “timely and visionary effort” that will ignite students’ passion for journalism.

This initiative forms a cornerstone of the 2025 NUJ FCT Press Week, which will feature activities championing press freedom, media development, and civic responsibility, aiming to build an inclusive, grassroots journalism culture across the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.

This year’s Press Week theme is “Journalism in a changing world: Press freedom, media, democracy and society.

Nigeria Can Generate 4million Tonnes of Green Ammonia Annually – Centre Reveals

The West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), says with right investments and frameworks, Nigeria can generate four million tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2060.

Ammonia is an inorganic chemical compound of nitrogen and hydrogen used in making fertilisers.

Its Executive Director, Prof. Emmanuel Ramde, stated this at the Nigeria4H2 Project Results Workshop and End of Project Stakeholders’ Interaction, on Friday in Abuja.

The Nigeria4H2 project us being implemented in collaboration between the WASCAL, the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Afe Babalola University and Federal University of Technology, Minna, among others.

It seeks to assess the technical, infrastructural, regulatory and investment landscape to harness Nigeria’s green hydrogen potential to power transportation, produce electricity and manufacture fertilisers based on green ammonia in Nigeria.

Ramde said this would enhance support for farmers, reduce dependence on imported fertilisers, strengthen national food security, and create thousands of green jobs across the value chain.

“Renewable energy plays a critical role in the energy transition for Africa, and Nigera has green hydrogen and renewable energy potential such as solar, wind and hydro power. In producing green hydrogen, it can play two roles – in the energy sector to power transportation and produce electricity, and in the agricultural sector, to produce fertiliser to boost food security in the region,” he said.

READ ALSO:Group Seeks Partnership With Anambra Government On Organic Fertilizer Production

He underscored the need to integrate green hydrogen into agricultural policy by positioning green ammonia as a core component of nigeria’s fertiliser strategy to boost productivity and sustainability.

“We are proud to report that, under three forward looking production scenarios developed within the framework of this project, Nigeria has the potential to unlock its potentials.

“Nigeria has the potential not only to meet a significant share of its domestic fertiliser demand through green ammonia but also to establish itself as a global player in the emerging green economy.

“The scenarios indicate that with the right investments, clear regulatory frameworks, and adequate infrastructure, Nigeria could generate over four million tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2060 to produce fertiliser.

“But realising this potential will require action such as developing a national green hydrogen strategy by establishing clear targets, incentives, and regulatory frameworks to guide public and private investment in green hydrogen and ammonia.

“There is need to foster public-private partnerships to leverage international expertise and financing, accelerating technology transfer and local capacity building,” he said.

He expressed WASCAL’ s readiness to support Nigeria and governments across West Africa with technical advice and helps to develop policies to promote green energy.

He thanked the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) for its financial and technical support, without which the study would not have been possible.

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), called for tax incentives for hydrogen investors, public-private sectors partner on pilot projects, to fast track local content promotion in hydrogen tech training, research, and innovation by academia and NGOs.

Abdullahi said the NIGERIA4H2 project, titled: “A Critical Analysis of the Potentials, Infrastructure, and Enabling Framework Conditions for Green Hydrogen in Fertiliser Production in Nigeria,” fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Represented by Mr Ibrahim Sulu, Director, Renewable Energy, ECN, Abdullahi said the Nigeria’s National Energy Policy, first approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2003, recognised hydrogen as a high-potential, environmentally friendly energy carrier.

He said the policy advocated for its integration into the national energy mix, alongside research, innovation, and capacity development to advance its applications.

“Today, developed and emerging economies are racing to diversify their energy portfolios with low-carbon sources, particularly hydrogen – classified by color codes such as green, blue, and white.

“Given these global trends, the time is ripe for Nigeria to establish a robust National Hydrogen Policy to serve as the foundational pillar for accelerating Nigeria’s Green Hydrogen Strategy,” he said.

Expert Cautions Against Excessive Application of Chemical Fertilisers 

An agronomist, Dr Rashida Bala, has cautioned farmers against continuous misuse of chemical fertilisers without proper knowledge of the soil types, to avoid long-term damage to the farmlands.

She said this in an interview with the Newsmen on Friday in Bauchi.

Bala urged farmers to begin a gradual transition from chemical to organic fertilisers.

She warned that chemical fertilisers, when washed into water sources by rain, it contaminate the environment, endanger livestock and communities.

READ ALSO:Kwara Government Distributes Improved Seeds, Fertilizers To Farmers

The crop scientist said that integrating organic inputs was key to sustaining soil fertility and producing healthy food for consumption.

“Many farmers opt for chemical fertilisers due to their quick results, but these substances pose serious health risks to humans, animals, and degrade the soil over time,” she said.

According to Bala, transition to organic farming requires patience, as it provides long-term health benefits to human and the environment.

She urged government at all levels, to train farmers the techniques to enable them to convert waste and fruit residues into organic fertilisers.

This, she said, would reduce reliance on harmful chemicals, and empower farmers to produce safe farm inputs.

Bala enjoined farmers to study the nutritional needs of their crops, and embrace the use of locally-sourced organic alternatives.

“Such alternatives offer a more sustainable approach to increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring food safety,”  she added.

Tega Mofe-Damijo Makes Acting Debut Alongside Father in ‘Revelations’

Renowned Nigerian actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) is set to appear alongside his son, Oghenetega Mofe-Damijo (Tega), in the forthcoming film Revelations, due for release on 15 August 2025.

The film marks Tega’s professional acting debut and centres on the emotional journey of a Nigerian-American couple confronting infertility and cultural expectations. The production brings together father and son on screen for the first time in a story that explores deeply personal and societal themes.

Reflecting on his involvement, Tega described the opportunity to perform with his father as “a dream come true”, adding that he was both excited and humbled by the experience.

Revelations has already attracted international praise, securing several awards at the Utah International Film Festival. RMD was honoured with the Best Actor award, while Tega received an Honourable Mention in the Best Supporting Actor category an impressive recognition for a debut performance.

With critical acclaim and the compelling dynamic of a real-life father-son duo, Revelations is set to make a strong impression on audiences both within and outside Nigeria.

Cross River Government Task Experts On Agricultural Transformation 

Cross River Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Mr Johnson Ebokpo, has tasked agriculture experts to explore new technologies, share data, co-design interventions to transform agriculture in the South-South region.

He made the remark at the 14th Steering Committee meeting of the South-South Agro-Ecological Zone of the Research Extension, Farmer Input Linkage System (REFILS) in Calabar on Friday.

The summit, themed: “Strengthening stakeholder linkages for improved food security,” brought together researchers, extension officers, farmer organisations, input suppliers, development partners, and government officials across the zone.

The agriculture experts converged to brainstorm on ways to address Nigeria’s growing food insecurity.

Declaring the meeting open, Ebokpo underscored the importance of the REFILS platform in bridging the gap between innovation and implementation in the agricultural sector.

READ ALSO:Research Institutes Partner Women Farmers to Boost Agriculture, Tackle Pests

According to Ebokpo, it was the first time in over a decade that Cross River was hosting the all important agricultural meeting.

While stressing the need for a coordinated approach, he noted that even the best interventions would fail if stakeholder linkages were weak or fragmented.

“I urge all participants to explore new technologies, share data, co-design interventions, and forge partnerships that will drive agricultural transformation across the zone,” he said.

The commissioner, however, enumerated some of the agricultural interventions in Cross River which included the distribution of 77 motorbikes to strengthen extension services across the state.

Others were the procurement and distribution of 3.5 million sprouted oil palm nuts from Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), cocoa rehabilitation efforts, Project Grow among other initiatives.

Similarly, Mr Bassey Emogor, Programme Manager, Cross River Agricultural Development Programme (CRADP), commended stakeholders for their dedication to agricultural progress in the South-South and Nigeria at large.

He added that the forum served as a platform for them to deliberate on critical issues facing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and to collectively explore innovative solutions for sustainable development.

On his part, Dr Olusegun Solomon, Zonal Coordinator for the South-South Zone of NIFOR, decried the poor participation of states in the zone due to lack of funding.

“For this very important meeting, only three of six South-South states are represented, Akwa Ibom and Delta are conspicuously absent. There is no way you can have food security without bringing together research institutions, farmers, and input agencies; the linkage we are talking about is critical,” he said.

He called on South-South governors to prioritise funding for agricultural development programmes, especially the ADPs which, he described, as vital vehicles for delivering innovations to farmers.

Sultan Calls for Peace and Dialogue at Oxford Summit

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The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sultan Saad Abubakar, has emphasised the importance of peace and dialogue in fostering social harmony and peaceful coexistence during a two-day summit at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies in Oxford, England.

The summit, which marked the centre’s 40th anniversary, brought together esteemed Muslim world leaders, including King Charles III, former Turkish President Abdullah Gul, and Saudi Prince Turki Al Faisal. Sultan Saad, a member of the centre’s Board of Trustees, urged citizens of the world, particularly in Africa, to adopt peace and dialogue as guiding principles.

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies aims to promote interfaith dialogue, inter-civilisational understanding, Islamic finance, environmental issues, fellowships, scholarships, and the growth of Muslim youths in Britain. Sultan Saad’s remarks reinforced Islam’s reputation as a religion of peace.

The Sultan was accompanied to the event by his Sarkin Fada, Alhaji Kabir Aminu Tafida, and Dr. Danladi Bako OON, a member of the Sultan’s delegation. The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation among nations.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Mutual Understanding Builds Strong Marriages  -Malagi

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has urged newly wedded couples to embrace mutual understanding as the foundation for a peaceful and lasting union.

He made this appeal during a high-profile wedding ceremony held on Friday at the Minna Central Mosque, in the Niger State North Central Nigeria.

The wedding, which attracted dignitaries from across the country, was between the son of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouq Yahaya (rtd), Al’ameen Farouq and the daughter of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, Khadeja Dada.

The ceremony was officiated by the second Imam of Minna central mosque Habibu Abubakar Mai Basira, who led the prayers and conducted the Islamic rites.

Representing the Minister at the event, the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, delivered Malagi’s message to the couple.

He emphasised that the strength of any marriage lies not in wealth or social status, but in the ability of both partners to understand, respect, and support each other throughout life’s journey.

Marriage is not just a union, but a commitment to peace, patience, and understanding,” Malagi.

When couples uphold mutual respect and communication, they build a home filled with joy and lasting harmony, ” he said.

Also speaking at the event, former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, stood in for the groom Al’ameen Farouq and formally sought the hand of the bride, Khadeija Dada, in marriage from the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago. A dowry of two hundred thousand naira was paid in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Lateefah Ibrahim