By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State Agricultural and Mechanisation Development Authority (NAMDA) has firmly denied allegations of mischief and deceit made by the Small and Medium Scale Farmers Association (SMSFA) in Niger State.
In a recent press statement issued in Minna, the SMSFA accused NAMDA of engaging in deceitful practices in collaboration with Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Limited. However, NAMDA's Managing Director, Muhammad Alibaba, and the management of Niger Foods have jointly refuted these claims, labelling them as misinformation and misleading.
According to the statement, NAMDA has partnered with Niger Foods to enhance agricultural productivity and support farmers in the state by providing inputs and stipends. Small-scale farmers were advised to form cooperative societies to participate in the program, and many of these societies have already begun receiving their inputs, with more distributions expected in the coming days.
The statement further clarified that the medium-scale farmers who made the allegations had failed to meet the program's requirements by refusing to have their properties valued. Instead, they opted for a refund of their equities, which NAMDA agreed to honor. "It is essential to note that NAMDA never initiated or requested the refund of equities; this was solely the decision of the medium-scale farmers," the statement emphasised.
NAMDA reiterated its commitment to supporting farmers and alleviating their challenges in line with the agricultural policy of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago. The agency urged the public to disregard the SMSFA's press release, stating that it does not accurately represent the situation.
Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Limited also addressed the allegations, stating that it has no direct agreement with the SMSFA. The organisation clarified that its programs are designed for smallholder farmers and that the only medium- to large-scale farmers' programs currently running are in Mashegu, Mariga, and Wushishi local government areas, all guaranteed by the respective local authorities.
Niger Foods further disclosed that it provides inputs only to validated farmers and does not require collateral, as it is not a licensed financial institution. The validation process is ongoing to ensure that only legitimate farmers benefit from the program.

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Malam Muhammad Baba Ibrahim, emphasized the critical importance of investing in children's education, likening it to investing in the future. He highlighted that today's children will become active members of society in the future.
Addressing education stakeholders during a school enrollment campaign tour to Borgu, Agwara, Kontagora, and Mariga local government areas, the Chairman underscored the new policy making basic education not only compulsory but also inclusive. He assured that no child would be left behind, regardless of their physical condition.
Malam Ibrahim explained that education relies on a tripod: the government (including managers and school administrators), parents, and children. He stressed that a mutual understanding between the government and parents is essential to mold children's minds towards productive activities.
He further stated that education is so vital that everyone must contribute to its development. He warned that failing to provide the right education to children would lead to future problems.
The Chairman revealed that there are over 3,000 basic schools under NSUBEB, many of which require attention. He assured that while they aim to give all schools a facelift, they will proceed carefully to ensure the work stands the test of time.
Malam Ibrahim also mentioned that the state government is committed to repositioning basic education but needs the support of parents and other stakeholders. He urged community members to take ownership of educational facilities and ensure their maintenance.
He announced that the Governor has approved a gap analysis of teachers under the board to fill vacancies with qualified teachers. Future recruitment will be community-based to ensure teachers are recruited from their residential areas for effective monitoring.
Acknowledging challenges in the education sector, particularly at the basic level, Malam Ibrahim insisted that these challenges should not deter efforts to improve education, as inaction would have grave consequences.
He called for the support of all stakeholders, noting that efforts are already underway to improve teachers' welfare and make the teaching profession more respected and attractive.
Hajiya Maimunat Tahir Ibrahim, the State Coordinator of the Adolescence Girl Initiative for Learning Empowerment (AGILE), highlighted the project's partnership between the government and the World Bank to support girl child education. She explained that the project aims to ensure girls receive at least a senior secondary education, providing school bags, sandals, writing materials, and cash support to less privileged girls' parents.
She also mentioned that the AGILE project will upgrade over 500 secondary schools in the state, urging parents to seize this golden opportunity to educate their daughters.