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FAO Emphasizes Urgency of Land Restoration in Nigeria for Sustainable Development

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The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has emphasized the importance of land restoration efforts in achieving sustainable development and food security in Nigeria.

The organisation emphasized that land degradation and desertification are pressing issues that require immediate attention and action

FAO Country Representative in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Koffy Dominique stated this at the opening of Collect Earth Training and Biophysical Data Collections for Africa’s Great Green Wall, ACReSAL and Africa Open DEAL held at the Centre for Dryland Agriculture.

He emphasized that land degradation and desertification are pressing issues that require immediate attention and action.

Dominique emphasized that land degradation and desertification are pressing issues that require immediate attention and action.

Citing statistics and research, he pointed out that land degradation affects not only the environment but also the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly in Africa,’’ Agbesor said.

Koffy Dominique represented by Focal Point for the FAO’s ACReSAL Project, Mr. Precious Agbesor went on to underscore the importance of monitoring and evaluation in ensuring the success of land restoration initiatives.

He stressed that without proper monitoring and evaluation, it is difficult to assess progress, identify areas of improvement, and make necessary adjustments. He encouraged participants to think critically about the importance of data collection, analysis, and reporting in informing decision-making.

Agbesor encouraged participants to make the most of this unique opportunity to participate in the hands-on “Collect Earth Advanced Training and Mapathon for Africa’s Great Green Wall” program. He emphasized that this was a chance to gain valuable skills and knowledge in using digital mapping technology to address land degradation issues. He also highlighted that this was a critical step towards achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goal of revitalizing Africa’s ecosystems.

In a remark, Associate Professor Murtala Badamosi, the Coordinator of the Centre for Dry Land Agriculture at Bayero University of Kano, Nigeria, expressed delight at hosting the ACReSAL Collect Earth training at the Centre.

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Badamosi emphasized the commitment of the Centre to the ACReSAL agenda, highlighting the importance of monitoring and evaluation in ensuring the success of land restoration efforts.

He noted that monitoring and evaluation were critical components of any project, as they allowed for assessing progress, identifying areas for improvement, and making informed decisions.

Badamosi emphasized that land restoration was an urgent issue that required immediate attention. He noted that the degradation of land was having devastating effects on the environment, ecosystems, and human communities.

He urged participants to take their responsibilities seriously and to utilize the technical knowledge and resources provided during the training to make a positive impact in their communities.

The CDA Director also highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving land restoration goals.

He acknowledged the role of international organizations like FAO in supporting national efforts towards sustainable land management. He emphasized that partnerships were crucial in sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources to achieve common goals.

On his part, the Kano State ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim expressed commitment and support to the success of the training, emphasizing the significance of the Collect Earth Advanced Training for the pioneers of monitoring and evaluation processes in their respective states.

Dr. Hashim noted that the training was a crucial step towards ensuring the sustainability of the ACReSAL Land Restoration project.

He noted that the project would not only benefit the environment but also contribute significantly to the economic growth and development of Kano State.

He praised the participants for their dedication and commitment to their work, noting that they would be playing a vital role in implementing the project’s objectives.

The Project Coordinator acknowledged the efforts of the FAO team in organizing the training, emphasizing that the collaboration between ACReSAL and FAO would be crucial in achieving the project’s goals.

ACReSAL National Project Coordinator, Mr Umar Abdulhamid said that this partnership between Nigeria and the FAO would be a valuable asset, hoping that the Federal Government representatives would translate this collaboration into tangible implementation results.

The Director General, National Agency for the Great Green Wall (GWW) , Dr. Yusuf Maina-Bukar underscored the importance of sustaining the monitoring and evaluation aspect of land restoration projects.

He stressed that effective monitoring would enable accurate tracking of progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that project goals were being met and that this was not only essential for achieving tangible results but also for building trust and credibility among stakeholders.

The Director General, National Agency for the Great Green Wall (GWW) , Dr. Yusuf Maina-Bukar underscored the importance of sustaining the monitoring and evaluation aspect of land restoration projects.

He stressed that effective monitoring would enable accurate tracking of progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that project goals were being met and that this was not only essential for achieving tangible results but also for building trust and credibility among stakeholders.

 Reports indicate  that certificates were presented to participants after the week-long training session.

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President Tinubu Arrives in Abu Dhabi for 2026 Sustainability Summit

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January 12, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday evening to participate in the 2026 edition of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), a major international forum focused on accelerating global climate action and sustainable development.

The President’s aircraft landed at the Presidential Wing of Zayed International Airport, where he was welcomed by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan; UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi; Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; and officials from the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Abu Dhabi.

President Tinubu’s arrival marks his continued engagement on the global stage, following a working stop in Europe where he held talks with President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Emmanuel Macron of France. Discussions during those meetings centered on deepening bilateral cooperation, advancing economic partnerships, and addressing pressing regional and global challenges.

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Shortly after his arrival, the President was greeted at his hotel by members of his delegation, including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Muhammed Muhammed.

This year’s ADSW is themed “The Nexus of Next, All Systems Go.” The summit brings together world leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to shape strategies for a sustainable and inclusive global future. Key focus areas include clean energy transition, climate adaptation, green infrastructure, and financing mechanisms for developing economies.

President Tinubu is expected to deliver remarks during high-level plenaries and engage in bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit. Nigeria’s agenda will emphasize energy access, climate resilience, sustainable industrialization, and attracting climate-aligned investments to support the nation’s development goals.

The visit underscores Nigeria’s proactive role in international climate diplomacy and reflects the strengthening partnership between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, particularly in renewable energy, sustainable trade, and green economic cooperation. It also signals Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the interests of the Global South in the global sustainability dialogue.

The 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week officially opens on Monday, with President Tinubu scheduled to join other heads of state and global stakeholders in charting actionable pathways toward a net-zero future.

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Political Re-alignment Efforts in Kano Intensify as Governor Yusuf Meets Kwankwaso and Tinubu

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January 11, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A series of high-stakes meetings aimed at reshaping the political landscape in Kano State and at the national level unfolded this week, centering on Governor Abba Yusuf and his political mentor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to Daily Nigerian, governor Yusuf held a late-night meeting with Kwankwaso at the latter’s Miller Road residence in Kano on Tuesday, sources familiar with the matter confirmed the development to the newspaper. The governor, accompanied by an intermediary known as Sarkin Gobir, reportedly arrived in a private vehicle around midnight. The meeting, which lasted over an hour, appears to have concluded without the governor achieving his primary objective.

Shortly thereafter, on Friday, Governor Yusuf traveled to France for a scheduled meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

According to sources within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who spoke anonymously to the Daily Nigerian, Governor Yusuf’s mission was to make a final appeal to Kwankwaso to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and join the APC. This move is believed to have been encouraged by President Tinubu, who is reportedly keen on bringing Kwankwaso into the ruling party’s fold.

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A day after the private meeting, Kwankwaso addressed a gathering of supporters at his home, making his position clear. “People used to say in Nigeria that everyone has a price tag. If you are looking for who has no price tag, come to Rabiu Kwankwaso,” he declared. He cited public dissatisfaction with the APC’s handling of national security and the economy as reasons for his steadfastness.

Political Calculus and Backlash

The governor’s planned defection has reportedly encountered significant resistance. While a number of NNPP legislators and local government chairmen are set to join him in moving to the APC, the vast majority of the party’s grassroots base—the Kwankwasiyya movement—remains loyal to Kwankwaso.

“APC leaders are keenly observing what is happening in Kano. The Kwankwasiyya supporters have made a bold and clear statement that they are with Kwankwaso,” a political insider noted. “If Abba joins APC, Kwankwaso’s candidate may likely get a sympathy vote.”

This grassroots backlash is understood to be a key factor driving the continued push to convince Kwankwaso himself to switch parties, thereby potentially bringing his supporters with him.

Next Steps

Sources further revealed to Daily Nigerian that Governor Yusuf will brief President Tinubu in France on the outcome of his Kano meeting. The governor’s formal announcement of his defection to the APC is expected only after further consultations with the party’s top leadership in Kano.

Notably, key Kano APC figures—including former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and state party chairman Abdullahi Abbas—have returned to Nigeria ahead of these anticipated consultations.

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BUA’s Rabiu Pledges Over $1 Million to Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON Victory in Semi-final, Final

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January 11, 2026

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BUA’s Rabiu Pledges Over $1 Million to Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON Victory in Semi-final, Final

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Nigerian industrialist and Chairman of BUA Group, AbdulSamad Rabiu, has pledged a major financial incentive to the Super Eagles following their 2025 AFCON quarter-final victory over Algeria. The announcement, made via his official Facebook account, aims to spur the team to greater heights as they advance in the tournament.

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Rabiu has committed a performance-based reward package for the upcoming critical matches. For a semi-final win against hosts Morocco, the team will receive $500,000, plus an additional $50,000 for every goal scored. Should Nigeria reach and win the final, the reward escalates to $1,000,000, with a further $100,000 bonus per goal.

In his message, Rabiu stated: “Congratulations to our Super Eagles players on a brilliant victory against Algeria! You have lifted the spirit of the nation, and we proudly cheer you on as you prepare for the semi-finals.” He added his wishes for “continued success as you carry Nigeria forward.”

The Super Eagles, buoyed by a 2-0 win against Algeria, now prepare for a highly anticipated semi-final clash in Morocco. Rabiu’s substantial pledge serves as a significant motivational boost as the squad continues its pursuit of the AFCON title.

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