News

Tuta Absoluta Ravages 300 Hectares Of Farmland In Kano

Published

2 years ago

April 26, 2023

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) yesterday said it is desperately looking for funding to tackle the current outbreak of the deadly tomato disease, known as Tuta Absoluta, which had already ravaged over 300 hectares of farmland in Kano alone.

Other states affected by the outbreak include Katsina, Kaduna, and Gombe with the possibility of further spread.

Speaking at a media briefing organised by the Nigeria Agri-Business Group (NABG) in partnership with the Dutch-funded HortNigeria Programme, Director, Horticulture, FMARD, Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, estimated the cost of the Tuta Absoluta in Kano alone at about N1.3 billion.

He said amid the current fiscal challenges, the ministry was making efforts to leverage the Tomato Levy Fund in order to respond to the crisis.

Lordbanjou also said the Ministry of Agriculture is currently in talks with the Federal Ministry of Finance to access the levy.

The FMARD director also berated tomato processors in the country for reneging in the backward integration initiative of the federal government.

According to him, the local processors were expected to uptake 50 per cent of locally grown tomatoes as their raw input adding that most of them still imported 100 per cent of raw tomato into the country, stressing that the government is currently looking into the situation.

The President, Nigeria Agri-Business Group (NABG), Chief Emmanuel Ijewere, said the losses incurred from the pest attacks had been unimaginable, pointing out that climate change had enhanced the rate at which plant pests move around the fields as a warm environment helps them to spread wider.

He said though the disease may be restricted to a number of states for now, “they don’t need a visa to go to any other state as long as the conditions are right” adding that the devastation is usually total.

He recalled that many years ago, the country had witnessed the tuta absoluta attack which was devastating.

“And they are attacking us at a time our economy is so weak,” he said.

Ijewere, said to avoid a repeat of the devastation caused by the tomato disease to smallholder farmers particularly as seen in 2016, it was imperative for key stakeholders to collaborate and harness resources needed to address the issues early and reduce the negative consequences that will be felt across the value chain- from the farmer to consumer.

Director-General, NABG, Mr. Manzo Maigari, added that farmers in affected states will have the benefit of demonstration of strategies for containment and prevention by technical officers in the field.

On his part, Executive Director, National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Dr. Mohammed Attanda, said in response to the current outbreak, the institute has developed sustainable environmentally friendly Integrated Management Packages which include biopesticide to effectively kill the egg and the damaging larvae of Tuta and Tuta Trap Tray which kill adult Tuta.

He said the institute had successfully demonstrated and trained farmers on the use of the technologies in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa and Plateau states as well as engaged in enlightenment programmes through the mass media in affected states.

Represented by his aide, Mr. Abiola Oladigbolu, the NIHORT boss recommended that FMARD should incorporate NIHORT sustainable tuta integrated management package for tomato production in the national tomato policy to stem the tide of the occurrence.

Among other things, he said tomato farmers should endeavour to use NIHORT Tuta integrated management package rather than the current reliance and indiscriminate application of synthetic pesticides.

On his part, National Secretary of National Tomato Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Alhaji Sani Danladi, said farmers are already counting their losses occasioned by the pest attack.

Essentially, Tuta Absoluta, moth family specie, is a destructive pest that destroyed many tomato farms in Nigeria in 2015.

The loss of yields led to scarcity and an increase in the cost of tomatoes a daily vegetable staple for most Nigerian families leading households to use less nutritious alternatives.

News

Kano-Based Civil Society Organizations Back Suspension of Live Radio Political Programme

Published

3 hours ago

May 14, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

A coalition of 107 Civil Society Kano-Based Civil Society Organizations Back Suspension of coalition of 107 Civil Society Kano-Based Civil Society Organizations Back Suspension of Live Radio Political Programme (CSOs Radio Political Programme (CSOs) in Kano State has thrown their weight behind the recent decision by media executives in Kano State to suspend live radio political broadcasting due to widespread criticism over unethical and unprofessional practices that are responsible for escalating political tensions in the state.

“We commend the leadership of the Media Executive Forum for taking the courageous and principled step to suspend live political programme broadcasting, which has deviated from responsible journalism and ethical broadcasting standards on numerous occasions.”

The CSOs noted that the suspended live political programme had become a platform for unverified claims, personal attacks, and provocative language that is tantamount to inciting division and disrupting public peace, especially in Kano’s already delicate political climate.

“Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy,” the statement continued, “but it must be in tune with responsibility, truth, and respect for the rule of law. When media platforms are used recklessly, they become tools of division rather than instruments of enlightenment.

The CSOs called on other media houses in Kano and beyond to review their editorial policies and ensure that their platforms do not serve as vehicles for misinformation, political manipulation, or hate speech.

We urge the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and all relevant stakeholders to support ethical broadcasting and to prioritize capacity building for media practitioners. Let us work together and advocate for regulation to safeguard the role of the media as a pillar of democracy and peace

Long Live Kano Civil Society !!!
Long Live Kano State Government !!!
Long Live Nigeria !!!

Signed:

Hassan Ibrahim Gama Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma
08035878417 08035246944
Co- signatories:
S/N
Name
Organization

1
Farouk Umar
Citizens for Development and Education (CDE)

2
Peter Hassan Tijani

Network for Empowerment and Development Initiative (NEDIN)

3
Yahaya A. Yahaya
National association of persons with physical disabilities Kano Chapter (NAPWPD)

4
Hassan Ibrahim Gama.
Masses First International Organization -MFI

5
Wali Ado Rano
Voice of the Hopeful Enlightenment and Development
Initiative (VOHEDI)

6
Abdulrahman Abdu

Youth Empowerment and Human Development Initiative (YEHDI)

7
Dr. Kabir Hamisu Kura.
Community Development Initiative

8
Rakiya Abba Tahula
Interfaith Peace Foundation

9
Dr. Ramatu Garba
Support for Women and Teenage Children (SWATCH)

10
Maimuna Umar Sheriff
Centre for Gender Base Violence Advocacy

11
Samuel Eneojo,
Merit Kano

12
Bashir Suleiman Baba
Rural – Urban Slums Development Initiative (RUSDI)

13
Abubakar Jaddah
Society for Women and Child Health Initiative (SWACHI)

14
Saratu I. Maigida

Lifeline Initiative For Widows Empowerment and Economic Development (LIWEED)

15
Ali Suleiman
Friends of the Community Organization (FOCO)

16
Halima Titi Bello
Women Gender Developers (WOGEND)

17
Dr. Yahaya Danjuma
International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS)

18
Safayanu Bichi
Kano Budget Working Group

19
Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma
Community Rights Initiative of Nigeria (CORIN)

20
Abdulrahman Uba Daushe
Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN)

21
Rakiya Ladi Musa
Ansar Women Development

22
Sabo Bello Madaki
Kiru Community Development Association

23
Sunusi Hashimu

Society for Child Support and Economic Empowerment (SOCSEE)

24
Samaila Namadi Ahmad
Yadfulde kiru local government Association and development

25
Asaju KolawoleKola
Kola and Funke Care Foundation

26
Adeniyi Simeon Ayodeji
Green Pasture and Home Initiative (GPHI)

27
Bashir A Bashir
Diamond Youth For Community Development

28
Salisu Gambo Ditol
Youth mobilization by media

29
Fatima Umar
Adolescents Girls, Children and Research Project – GCRp

30
Dr. Tanimu Adam Ibrahim
Gwarzo Initiative Forum

31
Ola Taiwo

Mari-Care Foundation for Widows, Single Parents, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Nigeria. (MARI-CARE)

32
Suleiman Idris
Northern Youth Assembly

33
Sa’adatu Shehu Uba
Apnan Foundation

34
Mohammed Hussaini
Nigerian Democracy Working Group

35
Hauwa Mohammed
Women Democracy Monitors

36
Fatima Ibrahim
Women Advocacy for Inclusive Democracy.

37
Rabi Alhassan
Movement for Women in Democracy.

38
Maijidfa Yahaya.
Eyes on Democracy

39
Aishatu Isah Sa’id
Youth and Women in Governance

40
Amb Dr Abdulrahman Kitilly Hudu ( PhD)
Empowerment for Vulnerable Women and Children International (EVWACH International)

41
Gharzali Ibrahim Ungogo
Ummatee Centre for the Promotion of Public Education, Accountability and Social Safety (Ummatee-C4PASS) –

42
Rabi Yusuf Gezawa MON
Center For Empowerment Of Older Persons And The Vulnerable (CEOPAV)- Formally know as GADIAC

43
Zainab Muhammad Bello
Accelerated Learning and Life Long Development Initiatives (ALALDI)

44
Dr. Auwalu Halilu
Non-formal Development for Education and Health Initiatives ( NDEHI)

45
Prof Muhammad Bello Shitu

Inclusive Community Education and Development Association ( ICEADA)

46
Ismail Kanye
KABO Local Government Development Forum

47
Bello Karaye
Karaye Initiative Forum

48
Sani Bello Madaki
Kiru Community Development Association

49
Hassan Musa Yaro
Cardinal and Development Support Initiative

50
Saadatu Hashim
Concerned Mothers Association of Kano

51
Khadija Mahmoud
ChangeAagent for Empowerment in Community Development

52
Tijjani Baraya
Social Awareness and Community Development Initiative (SACDI Nigeria)

53
FOUNDER/CEO

Human Rights Watch And Youths Empowerment Foundation, Nigeria.

54
Ruth Stephen
Touch And Care Foundation,

55
Abdulmumini Bin Yusuf
Association Of Adult And Non Formal Education (AANE)

56
Maimuna Shu’aibu
Muna Helping Hand Foundation

57
Amb. Idris Tahir Yakubu

Upward Youth Accountability, Peace And Human Rights Initiative (YAPHI)

58
Musa Abdullahi
Emagency Peace Security Committee (EPSC)

59
Ibrahim Adam
Nigeria Peace, Unity And Progress (NPUP)

60
Ibrahim Mustapha
Arewa Health Trust Initiative

61
Ramatu Tijjani
Health and development Initiative

62
Aisha Halliru
Halliru Memorial Youth Development and Empowerment initiative (AYDI)

63
Yusuf Muhammad Anas
Dawaki Youth Network for Better Tomorrow Initiatives

64
Abdurrashid Salisu Baba
Tsakuwa Mu Farka Development Association

65
Umaima Muhammad.
Aminci Multipurpose Development Association.

66
Hassan Jibril
Gano Development Association

67
Nusaibatu Muhammad
Iyayen Giji Development Association.

68
Adamu Balarabe Sarbi
Sarbi Development Association

69
Abdurrazak Ayuba usaini
Minjbir East Community Development Association(Mecda)

70
Zubairu Bala
Kwarkiya Youth Mobilization Forum

71
Ismaila Abdullahi
Gidan Kankara City Community

72
Audu Saidu
Mu Tallafi Juna Kadawa (B)
Gwale Local Government

73
Umar Iliyasu Madobi
Madobi Youth Development Forum

74
Nura Lambu
Tofa Youth Development Forum

75
Shehu Isah
Gajida Youth Development Associations

76
Abdulaziz Habibu Bello
Yanoko Youth Development Association

77
Suleiman Lawan
Gulu Community Development Association

78
Ubale Yusuf
Kofar Gabas Development Association

79
Dalhatu Jibrin Dalhatu
Karaye Initiative Forum

80
Abubakar Auwal Ahmad

Diso Self Help Group ( DISHEG)
Gwale Local Government

81
Murtala Muhd Rabiu

Hannu Dayawa Youth development Association Bachirawa – Ungogo Local Govt

82
Habibu Barau Ruwantsa
Ruwantsa Youth Development Association, Dambatta

83
Sulaiman Yusuf Maitama
Dambatta Reporters

84
Kabiru Balarabe Dambatta
Dambatta Academic Forum

85
Auwal Idris Dorayi
Center for Peace and Environmental Justice CEPEJ

86
Garba Lawan
Rano Development Association

87
Adamu Umar
Rano Youth Enlightenment Forum

88
Auwal Ayuba
Toranke Educational care & support Association.

89
Aminu Sa’ad
Consolidated Ajingi Development Association.

89
Saminu Yusha’u Chula
Chula Area Development Association.

90
Abdullahi Madaki
Kunkurawa Youth Development

91
Sunusi Garba Shehu Gajale

Kafin maiyaki Community Development Association (KACODA), Kiru Local Government Area.

92
Ahmad Tahir
Doguwa Tailoring association.

93
Abdulrazaq Ado Zango
Kano Initiatives Of Persons With Special Needs (KIPSN)

94
Maryam Muhammad
Anniswan Women Health Initiative

95
Nworisa Michael
Stand For Peace Initiative

96
Hadiza Bala Fagge
Women Widows And Orphans Development Initiative (WWODI)

97
Aliyu Salihu
Spaces for Societal and Sustainable Development Initiative (3SDI)

98
Farida Ahmed Tahir
Mata Iyayen Al’umma Foundation

99
Dr. Mustapha Mukhatar
Danbatta Development Forum (DDF)

100
Aliyu Salihu
Spaces for Societal and Sustainable Development Initiative (3SDI)

101
Sani Shuaib Rogo
Rogo Concern Citizens

102
Dr. Tanimu Adam Ibrahim
Gwarzo Initiative Forum

103
Abbas Abdullahi
Beyond Border Alliance

104
Khadija Shehu Muhammed
Save the Future Initiative (SAFI)

105
Abubakar Abdulkadir
One Voice Development Initiative (OVID)

106
Comfort Omownmi Williams
Green Pastures

107
Abdulrahman Abdu
Youth Empowerment And Human Development Initiative (YEHDI)

News

BIKOBA Hails Sule Lamido on Launch of Autobiography, “Being True to Myself”

Published

3 hours ago

May 14, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

The Birnin Kudu Old Boys Association (BIKOBA) has extended warm congratulations to His Excellency, Dr. Sule Lamido, CON, on the official launch of his autobiography, Being True to Myself, describing it as a landmark contribution to Nigeria’s political and democratic discourse.

In a statement issued on behalf of the National Executive Council and the entire membership of BIKOBA, the association’s president, Alhaji Ja’afar Usman Muhammad (Turakin Gaya), and the National publicity secretary Mahmud Ibrahim Kwari praised Dr. Lamido for what he called a “momentous unveiling” of a deeply reflective and historically valuable work. “This milestone is not only a personal achievement but a significant contribution to Nigeria’s political history and democratic development,” Muhammad said.

The group hailed Dr. Lamido, a distinguished alumnus of Government Unity College, Birnin Kudu, as a symbol of the institution’s legacy of excellence. “Your legacy of integrity, patriotism, and dedication continues to inspire all of us who proudly share the bond of Birnin Kudu,” Muhammad added.

BIKOBA noted that Dr. Lamido’s memoir, which chronicles his public service journey — including his tenures as Governor of Jigawa State and Minister of Foreign Affairs — offers invaluable lessons for the country’s current and future leaders. “Your candid reflections and life experiences as chronicled in the book serve as a compass for current and future generations, illuminating the values of courage, conviction, and public service,” the statement read.

“Your accomplishments reflect the enduring excellence and character our alma mater instills,” Muhammad emphasized, noting the pride BIKOBA takes in having one of its own contribute so significantly to Nigeria’s historical and intellectual archives.

The association , expressed hope that the autobiography will continue to “ignite purpose, shape perspectives, and inspire leaders across generations.”

News

Power Shift in Kano: Ganduje Family Bows to Emir Sanusi as Nephew Gets Turbaned

Published

1 day ago

May 13, 2025

Nigerian Tracker

Ganduje and Emir Sanusi ,Photo Credit BBC Hausa

In a dramatic political twist that may redefine Kano’s traditional power matrix, former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has thrown his weight behind Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the monarch turbaned Ganduje’s nephew, Alhaji Jamilu Sani Umar, as the new Village Head of Ganduje.

This development signals a major shift in political allegiance, coming from a family that once stood at the heart of Emir Sanusi’s 2020 dethronement.

The former village head, Alhaji Sani Ganduje — who was removed from office — had openly challenged the Kano Emirate over the legitimacy of his removal, deepening the rift between the Gandujes and Sanusi’s loyalists.

However, following the recent reinstatement of Emir Sanusi II by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, political equations in Kano have shifted rapidly.

In what many see as a move to realign with the prevailing tide, Dr. Ganduje reportedly convened a strategic meeting with his extended family and directed full support for the new appointment.

Rather than sending a delegate, the entire Ganduje family physically accompanied Jamilu to the Emir’s palace, a powerful public gesture of submission and allegiance to Sanusi’s throne.

Political analysts interpret this as Ganduje’s calculated pivot — recognizing Emir Sanusi’s regained influence and perhaps seeking to reposition himself within Kano’s changing political terrain.

The move also draws a clear contrast with the dethroned Emir Aminu Ado Bayero, who enjoyed close ties with Ganduje during his administration but is now increasingly sidelined.

By endorsing the turbaning and realigning his family under Sanusi’s leadership, Ganduje appears to be reading the political handwriting on the wall — that Emir Sanusi’s return is not just ceremonial, but a restoration of deep-rooted traditional authority with growing political resonance.

As Kano continues to balance tradition and politics, the Ganduje family’s public allegiance to Emir Sanusi may be the clearest indication yet that the old guard is adapting to a new power order.