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IMO OTHER STATES TO BENEFIT AS FG SETS UP INTER-AGENCY TECHNICAL COMMITTEE TO DRIVE SPECIAL AGRO-INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING ZONES PROGRAMME.

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By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
10- OCT- 2025

The Federal Government has officially inaugurated the Federal Inter-Agency Technical Committee for the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative — a strategic programme aimed at revolutionising Nigeria’s agricultural and rural economies.

The inauguration ceremony, which took place on Friday in Abuja, marked a renewed commitment by the government to promote agro-industrialisation, strengthen food security, generate employment, and attract sustainable private sector investments into rural communities.

Speaking during the event, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, described the committee as the “engine room” for the effective implementation of the SAPZ programme. He noted that the initiative was conceived to unlock the country’s agricultural potential through an integrated cluster development model that connects farmers, processors, markets, and industries.

Dr. Ogunbiyi explained that the committee’s responsibilities include offering technical direction for the programme’s implementation, ensuring inter-agency synergy, facilitating stakeholder collaboration, identifying operational gaps, and providing strategic recommendations to enhance project outcomes.

He further assured that the ministry would continue to provide leadership and an enabling policy environment to guarantee the success of the SAPZ scheme, stressing that, “Together, we can make the SAPZ programme a benchmark for agricultural transformation and sustainable national development.”

Also speaking, Dr. Kabir Yusuf, National Project Coordinator of SAPZ, highlighted the programme’s achievements and ongoing efforts to diversify the economy through agriculture while reducing the nation’s food import dependence. He revealed that the first phase of the SAPZ implementation covers Kano, Imo, Kaduna, Cross River, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to him, the SAPZ project serves as a multi-sectoral platform designed to attract private capital into value-added agro-processing ventures that will enhance food production, create jobs, improve exports, reduce poverty, and expand agriculture’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP.

In her remarks, Mrs. Iluromi Olubunmi, Director of the Federal Department of Development Partnership Projects, described the inauguration as a major milestone in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural industrialisation agenda.

She said, “The SAPZ initiative is strategically positioned to unleash the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural value chains. By aligning policies, promoting inter-agency cooperation, and attracting private investments, this programme will drive job creation, food security, and rural prosperity across the nation.”

The formation of the committee represents a decisive step by the Federal Government toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and ensuring that the sector becomes a robust driver of inclusive economic growth.

 

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ISWAP Terrorists Ambush Army Convoy, Reportedly Abduct Commander, K!ll Soldiers

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Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants have reportedly ambushed a Nigerian military convoy, k!lling several soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in northeastern Nigeria.

HumAngle reports that the insurgents reportedly abducted a serving Brigade Commander along with other military personnel.

The insurgents were said to be armed and highly organised, targeting the convoy in what appears to be a coordinated strike, leaving a trail of casualties and panic in the region.

If confirmed, this would mark the first time an extremist group in Nigeria has successfully captured a serving General directly from the frontline.

The Nigerian Army has yet to release an official statement on the attack or confirm the fate of the abducted officer at the time of filing this report.

Recall that Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, had recently condemned the renewed wave of terrorist attacks in parts of his constituency, describing the situation as “deeply worrisome” and unacceptable.

The lawmaker, in a statement on Thursday, said four farmers were gruesomely murdered by Boko Haram insurgents while working on their farmlands in Kwam village, near the Dille community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area.

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Obiano breaks silence amid rumours of death

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A former governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, has said he is alive and in good health.

Obiano took to his Facebook page to debunk rumours about his death that circulated on social media on Friday.

The statement read: “My beloved Ndi Anambra, friends, and well-wishers, I woke to hear of a rumor making the rounds about my wellbeing.

“Let me assure you personally: I am alive, hale, hearty, and in excellent health. By the special grace of God, I am doing very well.

“It is unfortunate that some individuals still find joy in spreading falsehood simply for reasons yet to be established. But we will continue to rise above such mischief.

“To everyone who reached out with calls, messages, and prayers, I sincerely appreciate your concern. Your love and goodwill mean more than words can express.

“Please disregard the rumour entirely. We remain focused, grateful, and guided by God’s grace. Daalu nu, and may God bless you all.”

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NIGERIAN BREWERIES CONSIDERS REOPENING IMO PRODUCTION PLANT AS NEW CASSAVA PROJECT TAKES OFF.

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By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
14- NOV- 2025

Nigerian Breweries Plc has indicated interest in reviving its long-abandoned brewery facility in Awo-Omamma, Imo State, following renewed economic activities sparked by the commissioning of a new cassava processing plant in the community.

During the official handover of the two-ton-per-day processing facility, the Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Thibaut Boidin, highlighted the company’s long-term vision for the area. He explained that the newly delivered cassava plant—constructed and donated by the company—was part of a broader corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at stimulating local productivity, creating jobs, and strengthening community livelihoods. According to him, the project has the potential to generate over ₦500 million annually while positioning Awo-Omamma as a rising centre for cassava-based enterprise.

Boidin expressed confidence in the increasing socio-economic stability of Imo State, noting that sustained progress could pave the way for fresh capital inflows, refurbishment of the dormant brewery, and eventual resumption of production of popular beverage brands—bringing back employment and commercial vibrancy to the area.

Reacting to the development, the Imo State Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Investment, Barrister Rex Anunobi, commended Nigerian Breweries for its commitment to community development. He reiterated the state government’s readiness to partner with the company to resolve previous challenges that hindered the brewery’s operations. Anunobi also outlined ongoing reforms—including improved road access, friendlier business policies, and reduced tax burdens—designed to attract investors and strengthen the state’s industrial base.

He reaffirmed that Imo State remains open for business and encouraged Nigerian Breweries to take advantage of the evolving investment climate to fully restore brewery operations in Awo-Omamma.

 

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