By Our Agric Reporter

In a move aimed at transforming agricultural education and promoting climate resilience, the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, has begun discussions with the Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture (CCSA) of Cosmopolitan University Abuja on a strategic partnership that will engage 2,000 students in a six-month Climate-Smart Agriculture Internship Programme.

The proposed collaboration is designed to advance sustainable agriculture, strengthen climate adaptation strategies, and introduce digital innovations into farming practices across Gombe State and beyond.

The partnership proposal was unveiled during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Cosmopolitan University Abuja and the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority to the College in Dadin Kowa.

Under the initiative, participating students will be trained and deployed for agricultural data collection, research, field assessments, and ICT-driven agricultural activities. The programme will also involve data analysis and the dissemination of research findings to farmers, agricultural stakeholders, and policymakers.

Outstanding participants are expected to be considered for engagement as Digital Agriculture System Agents, where they will support irrigation management, agricultural extension services, and market linkage opportunities for farmers.

Speaking during the visit, the Team Lead of the Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture, Cosmopolitan University Abuja, Professor Badaru Yahaya Usman, said the Federal College of Horticulture was selected because of its strategic location, available facilities, and proven capacity to implement climate-related agricultural programmes.

He disclosed that the first batch of interns would receive starter packs and have access to scholarship opportunities aimed at supporting their academic and professional development.

Professor Badaru emphasized the need for modernizing agricultural education through the adoption of emerging technologies, noting that the future of agriculture depends on innovation and data-driven decision-making.

“There are already many universities of agriculture across the country; however, there is a growing need to upgrade agricultural education through emerging technologies,” he said.

He explained that modern agricultural practices are increasingly shifting from conventional soil testing methods to advanced satellite-based technologies capable of collecting and analyzing agricultural data with greater speed and accuracy.

According to him, the proposed partnership seeks to facilitate knowledge exchange among the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, and Cosmopolitan University Abuja. The collaboration will also support the development of the Centre for Climate-Smart Agriculture as a future faculty initiative within the university.

Professor Badaru further stated that the programme is expected to improve the capacity of local farmers through training, access to modern agricultural techniques, and climate-smart farming solutions.

The visiting delegation included Professor Badaru Yahaya Usman and members of his team from Cosmopolitan University Abuja, Dr. Abubakar Mohammed Sani, Area Manager of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority and Sarkin Shanu Yamaltu, as well as Alhaji Idris Isah, Hakimin Hinna and Gurkuman Yamaltu.

Responding, the Acting Provost of the Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin Kowa, Dr. Umar A. Umar, commended the delegation for what he described as a well-articulated and impactful proposal.

He assured the visitors of the institution’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote agricultural development and directly benefit surrounding communities.

Dr. Umar revealed that within his tenure, the College had already established partnerships with no fewer than seven agro-based organizations, yielding significant benefits for residents of the host community.

“It will be of little value to have an institution situated within a community if the people do not directly benefit from its presence,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Deputy Provost of the College, Dr. Isiaka Ibrahim, welcomed the delegation and praised traditional rulers for mobilizing local farmers to participate in the programme.

He noted that their involvement demonstrates a strong commitment to community development and the welfare of farmers.

Other members of the College management team were present during the meeting.

The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen collaboration among educational institutions and agricultural stakeholders, promote climate-smart agricultural practices, and equip students and farmers with the skills needed to address emerging challenges in the sector.

With growing concerns over climate change and food security, stakeholders believe the initiative could serve as a model for integrating technology, research, and community engagement to drive agricultural transformation in Nigeria.

By Our Correspondent

The Chairman of the Gombe State Farmers/Herders Settlement and Dispute Prevention Committee, Dr. Barnabas Malle, has directed chairmen of the eleven local government areas particularly those sharing borders with other states to intensify efforts in blocking herders’ entry points until the end of January 2026 to ensure a peaceful and successful harvest season.

Dr. Malle, who is also the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Cooperatives, gave the directive during a meeting with committee members held at the ministry’s conference hall. The meeting was convened to review last year’s achievements and to strategize towards ensuring a hitch-free harvest this year.

The commissioner emphasized that inter-local government movement of herders remains restricted, while the ban on night grazing between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. is still in full force. He also cautioned farmers against harvesting or transporting crops during the same night hours, stressing that such measures are aimed at preventing unnecessary conflicts and ensuring safety across the state’s farming communities.

Dr. Malle urged both farmers and herders to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, advising them instead to report any grievances or disputes to the nearest authorities for prompt and lawful resolution.

While expressing appreciation to Governor Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his unwavering commitment to policies that promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, the committee chairman called for the continued support of traditional rulers and security agencies to ensure the success of this year’s exercise.

In their separate remarks, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Bello (Rtd), and the State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Modibbo Yaya, commended the committee’s efforts and the cooperation received from both farmers and herders. They pledged to strengthen their collaboration to sustain peace and protect the gains recorded in previous farming seasons.

The state’s proactive stance aims to prevent the perennial farmers, herders conflicts and safeguard agricultural productivity as the harvest season peaks.

By Our Correspondent

A Magistrate Court sitting in Zone 6, Abuja, has ordered the remand of Arc. Kabir Ibrahim, a former president of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), at the Keffi Correctional Centre on charges of impersonation, criminal intimidation, and incitement.

In his ruling, Magistrate Ekpeyong held that Ibrahim had exceeded his lawful tenure but refused to relinquish office, despite the election of Dr. Farouk Rabiu Mudi as AFAN’s national president in 2021. The court noted that Ibrahim had lost at both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, yet continued to parade himself as president, in contravention of Sections 132, 397, and 114 of the Penal Code.

“Your persistent acts of impersonation and intimidation are unlawful and capable of causing public disorder within AFAN and beyond,” the judge declared.

Unable to meet his bail conditions, Ibrahim was remanded in custody pending trial.

Reacting to the judgment, Dr. Mudi accused Ibrahim of sabotaging AFAN’s programmes and frustrating investment opportunities in the agricultural sector. He alleged that Ibrahim wrote letters to the Nigeria Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and Tingo Mobile, actions which, according to him, undermined farmers’ access to loans and foreign investment.

“These deliberate acts deprived millions of farmers of opportunities meant to boost food security and strengthen the agricultural value chain,” Mudi said.

Meanwhile, police confirmed the arrest of another associate, Chief Okafor, who allegedly styled himself as AFAN vice president. Security agencies are still tracking other alleged accomplices across the country.

The case has been adjourned for continuation of hearing.