By Editor Daily Fact

The Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (UBRBDA) has launched the distribution of free fertiliser and other agricultural inputs to farmers across Gombe, Yobe and Borno states in a move aimed at boosting food production and improving the livelihoods of rural farming communities.

The intervention, spearheaded by the Managing Director of the Authority, Dr. Mahmud Sunusi Muhammad, is expected to benefit about 5,000 farmers in 87 communities within the Upper Benue River Basin catchment areas before the end of the 2026 rainy season.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held in Bajoga, Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, the Area Manager of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, Dadin Kowa Area Office, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Bello (Sarkin Shanun Yamaltu), said the distribution marks the first phase of the programme designed to identify genuine farmers for the intervention.

He described the fertiliser as high-quality and effective, urging beneficiaries to use it responsibly to improve crop yields and contribute to increased agricultural productivity.

According to him, the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s agricultural support programme under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, implemented through the Managing Director of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority, Dr. Mahmud Sunusi Muhammad.

“The Authority remains committed to supporting farmers and ensuring that agricultural inputs reach those who need them most to enhance food production and strengthen food security,” he said.

In addition to fertiliser, the Authority distributed Bagco sacks for storing agricultural produce and fishing nets to fishermen operating within communities served by the river basin.

Dr. Bello disclosed that the intervention would cover upstream and downstream water users across Gombe, Yobe and Borno states, with the goal of reaching approximately 5,000 beneficiaries before the close of the current farming season.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Malam Danjuma Sani Ashaka, Alhaji Gado Malleri, Adamu Chindo, Abubakar Isah, Alhaji Usman Mai Agogo, Dallatu Kinafa, Alhaji Garba Umar Tabacco and Muhammad Bello Ashaka (Katukan Ashaka), commended the Federal Government and the management of the Authority for the timely intervention.

They said the free fertiliser, fishing nets and Bagco sacks would help reduce production costs, improve farming and fishing activities, and increase food production across the benefiting communities.

The beneficiaries pledged to make judicious use of the inputs and expressed optimism that the intervention would contribute significantly to agricultural development and economic growth in the region.

By Our Correspondent

The 17th edition of the Holy Qur’an Recitation Competition organized by JIBWIS National Headquarters, Jos, Unguwa Uku Branch, Gombe Local Government Area, has successfully concluded, with organizers, community leaders, and Islamic scholars calling for sustained support towards nurturing young Qur’an reciters.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the representative of the organizing committee, Alhaji Abubakar Balde Fika, expressed appreciation to members of the community for their financial and moral support, which contributed to the successful conduct of the competition. He appealed for continued assistance to enable intensive training of contestants who will represent Unguwa Uku at the forthcoming Gombe Local Government Qur’an recitation competition.

Chairman of the panel of judges, Mallam Musa Muhammad Kwairanga, commended the judges for carrying out a transparent and credible selection process. He also praised the students for their commitment, discipline, and determination throughout the stages of the competition, including participation, recitation, and completion. He expressed optimism that future editions would record even better performances.

The competition coordinator, Hafiz Dr. Hamza Dauda Abubakar, applauded community leaders, members of the organizing committee, volunteers, and parents for their unity, dedication, and active participation. He disclosed that 96 students took part in the competition, while only two contestants were unable to participate. He urged the community to immediately begin preparations and training for contestants who will represent the area at the local government level.

Representing the Gombe Local Government Coordinator, Hafiz Shu’aib Alhassan, Mallam Adamu Salihu encouraged participants to remain patient, hardworking, and committed to Qur’anic studies. He stressed that persistence would attract greater support from parents and teachers.

The District Head of Kurba, Alhaji Abubakar Isa Kurba, who served as the chairman of the occasion, called on the public to continue supporting Qur’anic education, describing it as one of the greatest acts of charity capable of bringing blessings in both this world and the hereafter. He prayed for Allah’s blessings upon everyone who contributed to the success of the programme.

Special guest and representative of the Chairman of Islamic Teachers in Gombe, Ustaz Hudu Abdul-Aziz, said the primary objective of the competition is to instill Islamic values in children through the Holy Qur’an, attract Allah’s mercy, and protect society from His wrath.

In a goodwill message, the Chairman of Islamic Teachers in Gombe Local Government, Ustaz Dauda Abubakar, congratulated the contestants, community leaders, organizers, and parents. He appealed to parents, teachers, and government authorities to provide more educational opportunities and support for Qur’anic education, noting that such efforts would contribute to peace, security, and protection from various social challenges.

Among the outstanding performers was Hafiza Salma Zaidu Isa Waziri, who excelled in the categories of Sixty Hizb (complete Qur’an), Tafsir, Tajwid, Writing, Riwayat, and Dhamaki, scoring 79.6 percent.

Delivering the vote of thanks, M. Husaini Adamu expressed gratitude to all participants, donors, guests, and supporters, praying for Allah to reward everyone who contributed to the success of the event.

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.