By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State Government has entered into a landmark N2.5 billion agreement with the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) to cultivate rice, soya beans, maize, and sesame during the upcoming dry season.
The agreement was formalised at the NADF Office, Bank of Agriculture Headquarters in Abuja. Governor Umaru Bago and Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, signed on behalf of Niger State, while the Executive Secretary of NADF, Muhammad Ibrahim, and the agency's Legal Counsel signed for the organisation.
This long-term collaborative agreement aims to develop 100,000 hectares of land across the state for the cultivation of various crops, with both the Niger State Government and NADF contributing N2.5 billion each.
Niger Foods will provide all necessary incentives and mechanised farming equipment for the project, which is expected to empower approximately 49,000 smallholder farmers.
Governor Bago described the agreement as historic and reiterated the state's commitment to harnessing its resources to achieve the goal of feeding the nation. He emphasised that the state is on course to meet this target.
He expressed optimism about the partnership with NADF, highlighting the state government's readiness to fulfil the agreed requirements, which will ultimately bring prosperity to the state.
The Executive Secretary of NADF, Muhammad Ibrahim, commended Governor Bago for his significant strides in the agricultural sector. He noted that Niger State's agricultural potential was a key reason for the partnership through Niger Foods.
Ibrahim also revealed that, in line with NADF's mandate to coordinate international donor funding for agriculture, the agency has secured a multi-million-dollar agreement with a French investment agency specialising in technology transfer. This agency has already committed N100 million to conduct feasibility studies in the state.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Tears and emotions filled the plenary of the Niger State House of Assembly during the valedictory session held in honour of the late member representing Munya Constituency, Hon. Dr. Commander Joseph Haruna Shekwoduza (rtd).
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, was overcome with emotion as he commenced the day's proceedings. Unable to continue, he handed over to the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Afiniki Eunice Dauda (Gurara Constituency), who bravely suppressed her own tears to carry on.
The motion for the valedictory session was moved by the Majority Leader, Idris Musa Vatsa (Lapai Constituency), and seconded by Andrew Doma (Shiroro Constituency). Hon. Afiniki, despite her emotions, managed to proceed with the session.
Hon. Andrew Doma, in his valedictory remarks, was also overtaken by emotion and wept uncontrollably. Members, in their separate remarks, spoke of the humility and straightforwardness of the late Shekwoduza, noting that his death has left a significant void.
Speaker Sarkindaji, regaining his composure, thanked members and dignitaries who attended the session. He commended Hon. Afiniki for her efforts during Shekwoduza's illness and after his passing. He emphasised the unity of the assembly, free from any sentiments.
He urged the family of Hon. Shekwoduza to use his death as a point of unity rather than division. A minute of silence and prayers from both Christian and Muslim faiths were offered for the repose of his soul.
Hon. Shekwoduza passed away on September 13 and was buried in his hometown, Chibani, in Munya Local Government Area of the state.