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.

By Our Correspondent

Propcom+ has begun a three-day training for journalists from various media houses in Nigeria to build their capabilities on reporting Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA).

The training which is being held in Adamawa State is aimed at increasing public understanding of the impact of climate change on agriculture as well as educating them about strategies for adapting to climate change, mitigating its effects, and ensuring food security.

Dr. Adiya Ode, Country Representative and Political Director for Propcom+, while delivering her opening remarks during the media training said the exercise was to equip the journalists with storytelling techniques to create impactful campaigns and raise awareness about climate resilience and food security.

Ode said that the initiative was part of Propcom+ program aimed at empowering smallholder farmers, building resilience, increasing productivity and boosting farmers’ income in the face of climate change.

She described journalists as partners in Propcom+’s strategy to stimulate action, inform the government, and influence public policy related to climate-smart agriculture.

During his presentation, Mr Adam Alqali, one of the facilitators, urged participants to champion CSA towards tackling impact of climate change on agriculture.

Alqali said that the training would equip participating journalists with storytelling techniques to raise awareness about CSA.

He said that the knowledge-sharing event would ensure that information about practical CSA solutions was disseminated more effectively to the public and to farmers in vulnerable communities.

He urged the journalists to adopt solution-driven approach to highlighting issues of CSA.

Our correspondent reports that no fewer than 21 journalists from various media houses from Nigeria are participating in the training which is expected to end on Thursday with a field engagement.

Propcom+ is an eight-year (2023-2030) UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)-funded program working to transform Nigeria’s rural and agricultural sector by supporting climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.

The initiative aims to benefit people, climate, and nature by empowering over 3.79 million rural farmers—50% women—to adapt to climate change, boost productivity, and protect natural ecosystems, with the goal of improving incomes and fostering inclusive economic growth.