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FG, Edo Government Launch Agricultural Empowerment Programme to Boost Food Production
By Peace Osemeka
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has launched an agricultural empowerment programme aimed at increasing food production, strengthening food security and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the state.
The programme, launched on July 20, 2026, brought together government officials, agricultural experts, farmers, students and cooperative societies.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. He said the initiative would provide farmers with improved seedlings, fertilizers, mechanized farming equipment, irrigation facilities and access to affordable loans to boost agricultural productivity and reduce hunger.
The Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Amb. Dr. Jerry Uwangue, who represented the state governor, said the programme would also provide training in modern farming techniques, climate-smart agriculture, pest control and proper crop management. He added that extension officers would regularly visit farming communities to educate farmers on improved agricultural practices.
Agricultural experts at the launch encouraged farmers to embrace mechanized farming, improved irrigation systems and better storage methods to reduce post-harvest losses and improve crop yields.
Several farmers welcomed the initiative, noting that the rising cost of farm inputs had made farming increasingly challenging. One beneficiary said the provision of improved seeds, fertilizers and financial support would enable him to expand his farm and increase food production during the planting season.
Women and youth groups also commended the programme, describing it as an opportunity to encourage greater participation in agriculture. They urged the government to ensure that the support reaches genuine farmers and is sustained beyond the current farming season.
The event featured exhibitions of agricultural products, including rice, cassava, maize, vegetables, poultry, fish and processed food items. Modern farm machinery was also displayed, while financial institutions introduced loan schemes designed to support farmers and agribusiness owners.
Stakeholders concluded that sustained investment in agriculture would create employment opportunities, promote rural development, strengthen the nation’s economy and enhance long-term food security.
The programme concluded with the distribution of farm inputs to selected beneficiaries, marking the official commencement of the agricultural empowerment initiative across Edo State.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord as the winner of Saturday’s Osun governorship election.
The Returning Officer for the governorship election, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, declared Adeleke the winner after polling a total of 511,067 votes.
Ogunwole stated that a total of 1,005,800 votes were cast during the election, with 985,079 being valid votes and 20,721 being rejected votes.
He said out of the valid votes, Accord party scored the highest number of votes.
“I, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, hereby certify that I am the returning officer for the 2026 Osun governorship election held on Aug. 15, and declare that Ademola Jackson Adeleke of the Accord Party, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner,” Ogunwole said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adeleke scored 511,067 votes to defeat his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressive Congress (APC) who garnered 444,815 votes.
The candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, came a distant third with 17,180 votes.
Adeleke, in total,won in 19 local government areas while Oyebamiji won in 11 local government areas.
He is expected to be sworn-in for another four year term on Nov. 27
By Chidinma Okeibunor
A 300-level student of the Department of English and Literary Studies at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka was on Wednesday apprehended after she was allegedly caught with seven stolen mobile phones and a wig while writing a carryover course in the Faculty of Arts.
The incident occurred during the ongoing 2025/2026 second semester examinations at the university’s Faculty of Arts, when the student, whose name is yet to be officially released, was reportedly found in possession of the items.
According to an eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity, the exact details of how she was caught remain unclear. However, upon a search, seven phones and a wig were allegedly recovered from her.
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“She came to write [a] carryover [course] and when she was caught; students immediately brought out their phones to record her,” the witness said.
Campus security and faculty officials were said to have been alerted immediately, and the suspect was taken in for questioning.
As of the time of filing this report, the university management was yet to release an official statement on the matter. Efforts to reach the Head of Department and the Dean of Faculty of Arts proved abortive.
The incident has sparked reactions among students on campus, with many calling for tighter security during examinations.
Media Conversation reports that DELSU maintains a strong stance against stealing and other inappropriate behaviours among students.
If found guilty, the suspect could face multiple sanctions ranging from rustication to expulsion.
In a video shared on TikTok under the handle @dge_redoii, the lady, who appeared distressed and was speaking from what she said was a hospital, recounted that the incident occurred on the day she went out to get kegs for her business in Ugele.
By Christabel Adigbo
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Delta State University, Abraka Branch, has elected new executives to run the affairs of the Union for the next two years.
The elections which took place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at the Large Lecture Theatre of the Faculty of Education, Site III of the University saw the emergence of Comrade Paul Oshagwu Opone as the Branch Chairman for a second term after polling 90% of the total votes.
Other elected executives were Comrade Emmanuel Oghenekparobor Emama who emerged as Vice Chairman after polling 100% of the total votes, Comrade Festus Omosor who emerged as Secretary after polling 97% of the total votes, Comrade Frank Oris Ebiaghan who emerged as Treasurer after polling 99% of the total votes, as well as Comrade Nicholas Onyemechi Alumona who emerged as Financial Secretary after polling 97% of the total votes.
The remaining elected executives were Comrade Paul Otujevwe Ogbe who emerged as Investment Secretary after polling 99% of the total votes, Comrade Abigail Oghenekevwe Ohwo who emerged as Internal Auditor after polling 94% of the total votes and Comrade Onome Norah Ekoko who emerged as Welfare Officer after polling 100% of the votes.
READ ALSO: Normalcy Returns To Campus As Striking Staff Suspend Action
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Professor Emmanuel Mitaire Tarurhor, while speaking prior to the elections told members of Congress that the electoral process had been fair and transparent acknowledging the peaceful conduct of members throughout the process.
Professor Tarurhor, then read out the guidelines of the voting exercise.
Also, Coordinator of Benin Zone of ASUU, Comrade Monday Igbafen, who led the ASUU National Delegation, appreciated ASUU-DELSU members for the manner the electoral process went as they was no petition against the process or any aspirant.
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Comrade Igbafen thereafter informed Congress that their role as national delegation was to monitor the elections and report to ASUU’s national secretariat the outcome of the elections.
Speaking after the elections on behalf of the elected executives, the newly elected Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Oshagwu Opone, expressed appreciation to members of Congress for the peaceful elections.
He also told Congress members that his second tenure would consolidate on the gains of his first tenure.
Comrade Opone in conclusion pledged to continue to work for the welfare of members and promote the ideals of ASUU.
In another development, the management of Delta State University, Abraka has approved an extension of the sales of 2026/2027 Post-UTME and Direct Entry screening forms.
The university also extended the deadline for change of course on the university portal.
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