• Hot Source
• Hot News
• October 4, 2025
• 32 views

High-level Stakeholders to Explore Inclusive Growth, Investment Opportunities As Nigeria Hosts Africa Agriculture Dialogue

High-level Stakeholders to Explore Inclusive Growth, Investment Opportunities As Nigeria Hosts Africa Agriculture Dialogue

Bennett Oghifo

For the first time in its history, the prestigious Africa Agriculture Dialogue (AAD) will be held on African soil, with Nigeria announced as the host nation.

The AAD Governing Board confirmed that the high-level dialogue will take place at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja from October 7-8, 2025, under the theme, ‘Unlocking Finance for Agricultural Transformation in Africa’.

This landmark event marks a significant shift, bringing the dialogue’s focus on unlocking finance for agricultural transformation directly to the continent.

Since its inception, the Africa Agriculture Dialogue has been a vital platform for shaping policy, advancing Africa’s agricultural transformation by developing actionable ideas, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, and driving collective accountability.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari said, “Nigeria is delighted to be hosting the first-ever 2025 edition of the Dialogue in Abuja, a platform dedicated to unlocking finance for agricultural transformation across Africa. This inaugural gathering underscores our commitment to advancing Africa-led solutions and ensuring African perspectives take centre stage in shaping the global food and agriculture agenda. We are confident that the outcomes from Abuja will not only chart pathways for sustainable growth but also reinforce Africa’s position as a compelling destination for agricultural and agro allied investments.”

At a virtual press conference yesterday, Idris Ajimobi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, and Richard-Mark Mbaram, Special Adviser to the Minister of Livestock Development, told journalists “The AAD 2025 will highlight Nigeria’s leadership in agricultural and livestock transformation. This initiative demonstrates how agriculture can serve as a foundation for inclusive growth in Africa.

“The AAD 2025 dialogue aims to achieve the following strategic objectives: Amplify African voices in shaping global agricultural discourse; Develop a forward-looking continental investment narrative that aligns with national strategies and regional ambitions; Strengthen partnerships and mobilise resources for agricultural transformation; and Set the stage for Africa’s presence at global platforms later in the year.”

They said the AAD 2025 will bring together high-level stakeholders to explore inclusive growth, innovation, and investment opportunities across Africa’s agricultural sector.

The dialogue, they said, will convene a diverse group of influential stakeholders, including senior government officials, business leaders in agri-food value chains, representatives of development and financial institutions, global philanthropies, farmers and entrepreneurs, innovators, as well as students and experts in natural resource management and investment.

The Africa Agriculture Dialogue is a leading continental platform dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and investment in Africa’s agricultural transformation. It convenes government leaders, private sector actors, financial institutions, development partners, and civil society to advance shared strategies for food systems resilience and sustainability.

According to Ajomobi, “Lack of financing is a challenge that is experienced throughout the sector, so I feel this discussion and dialogue session is a fantastic opportunity for us to discuss our challenges and see what opportunities are available.”

Richard-Mark Mbaram said, “The Africa Agriculture Dialogue 2025 is an event that takes place prior to the World Food Prize every year, and basically sets out to capture narratives and conversational issues that relate to Africa and project them on the world stage.”

The World Food Prize, he said, is the Nobel of Agriculture. “It is a gathering of all stakeholders in the agricultural sector worldwide.”

​  

Bennett Oghifo For the first time in its history, the prestigious Africa Agriculture Dialogue (AAD) will be held on African soil, with Nigeria announced as the host nation. The AAD

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• October 4, 2025
• 35 views

NFVCB, NCC to Partner Against Digital Piracy, Unlicensed Streaming 

NFVCB, NCC to Partner Against Digital Piracy, Unlicensed Streaming 

Charles Ajunwa

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has opened talks with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to tackle the rising menace of digital piracy and the operation of unlicensed streaming platforms in Nigeria.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the NCC headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Director/CEO of NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, commended the Commission for its regulatory achievements in Nigeria’s communications sector and stressed the urgent need for stronger collaboration between the two agencies.

In a statement by Director, Corporate Affairs, Ogbonna Onwumere, Husseini noted that while the NFVCB regulates films and video works through censorship, classification, and licensing, the rapid expansion of digital platforms has created new threats to Nigeria’s creative economy.

“One of the most disturbing trends today is the piracy of Nigerian films on encrypted platforms such as Telegram. This criminal activity robs our stakeholders of their earnings, discourages quality content creation, and undermines national security,” Husseini said.

The NFVCB boss also expressed concern that some telecommunication operators now operate streaming services without securing the required licenses for exhibition and distribution of films from the NFVCB.

He stressed that such practices expose Nigerians to unclassified and unregulated content with cultural and security risks.

To address these issues, Husseini urged the NCC to collaborate with the Nigerian Copyright Commission, and the NFVCB to combat piracy on encrypted platforms.

He also sought the assistance of the commission to request telecom operators to obtain NFVCB’S distribution and exhibition licenses before streaming films. The ED also urged the commission to set up a joint technical committee to harmonize regulatory oversight.

Responding on behalf of the NCC, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Barr. Rimini Makama, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman, welcomed the NFVCB delegation and assured them of NCC’s commitment to partnership. She revealed that both agencies would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fast-track interventions when infractions occur.

Makama further briefed the delegation about NCC’s existing framework on Child Online Protection and pledged to investigate reports of unlicensed streaming by Telecommunications companies and piracy on Telegram, describing the latter as “a form of cybercrime.”

Dr. Husseini emphasised that Nigeria’s film industry is both a cultural treasure and an economic driver. “Protecting it is in our collective national interest,” he said, adding that the NFVCB-NCC partnership would ensure a safer digital ecosystem and a fair marketplace for creative talents.

​  

Charles Ajunwa The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has opened talks with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to tackle the rising menace of digital piracy and the operation

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• October 4, 2025
• 33 views

Charles Orie Commends Tinubu, Says President’s Visit to Imo Affirmation State is Safe

Charles Orie Commends Tinubu, Says President’s Visit to Imo Affirmation State is Safe

Charles Ajunwa 

Former Managing Director/CEO of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Charles Orie, has commended President Bola Tinubu for visiting Imo State, saying that the President’s visit is affirmation that Imo is safe.

In a statement he personally signed, Orie said “It gives me immense joy and honour to warmly welcome you to our dear state, Imo. Your visit at this time is yet another affirmation to the world that Imo is safe, open for business, and fully aligned with the renewed progress and vision of your administration.

“I also wish to specially salute our Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his remarkable achievements over the past six years. His unwavering commitment to the people and his steadfast pursuit of development have truly repositioned Imo State for growth and stability.”

The philanthropist further said that, “Governor Uzodimma has laid out strategic plans and consistently implemented policies to ensure that Ndi Imo enjoy the dividends of democracy. I am proud to acknowledge that he has remained faithful to those plans and has delivered with distinction.

“Our great party, the APC, has continued to reposition Nigeria’s economy under your leadership, and we are already witnessing growth across various sectors of national life.

“Your administration has set the tone for renewed hope through bold reforms in energy and petroleum, infrastructural expansion, investment in agriculture, and deliberate policies stimulating industrialisation. We are equally witnessing remarkable strides in the digital economy, job creation for our youth, and empowerment initiatives that continue to strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises nationwide.

“These gains, though accompanied by understandable challenges, are laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth, prosperity, and a brighter future for all Nigerians.

“As you embark on this important visit, I pray for its success and for God’s guidance upon all your engagements here in Imo State. May your journey back home be safe, and may your leadership continue to bring unity, peace, and prosperity to our nation.”

​  

Charles Ajunwa  Former Managing Director/CEO of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Charles Orie, has commended President Bola Tinubu for visiting Imo State, saying that the President’s visit is

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• October 4, 2025
• 37 views

Senator Abbo Denies Raping Minor, Says He Was Never in Police Custody

Senator Abbo Denies Raping Minor, Says He Was Never in Police Custody

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Former lawmaker representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo, has refuted reports linking him to the rape of a 13-year-old secondary school pupil, insisting that he has not been arrested or detained by the police over the matter.

The embattled senator, who spoke to journalists  yesterday, described the allegation as “baseless, unfounded and mischievous,” dismissing reports that he was in police custody.

He said, “I was at my Katampe Extension residence in Abuja throughout Thursday and never at any police station, let alone in custody.”

He alleged that the story was the handiwork of his political detractors bent on tarnishing his image.

He further disclosed that he had earlier reported a case of attempted extortion to the police.

The case, he said, involved a woman who allegedly demanded N5 million from him. 

According to him, both parties were invited for questioning at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), but he was surprised to see a different narrative trending in the media weeks after.

The rape allegation surfaced online on Thursday, with reports claiming that Abbo assaulted a minor on June 29, 2025, at his Abuja residence. 

The family of the alleged victim, according to the report, accused the senator of trying to suppress the case by offering money to the girl’s father.

The victims parents, the report added, also alleged that Senator Aishatu Binani, the 2023 Adamawa governorship candidate, visited them to dissuade further action.

This latest controversy adds to a series of scandals that have trailed Abbo’s political career. 

In 2019, he was caught on camera assaulting a woman in an Abuja sex toy shop, a viral incident that drew nationwide outrage. 

He had also previously been accused of attempting to blackmail a married woman with an alleged sex tape.

Despite the controversies, Abbo maintained that the latest allegation was politically motivated and vowed to defend his name.

​  

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Former lawmaker representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo, has refuted reports linking him to the rape of a 13-year-old secondary school pupil, insisting that