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Nigerian Woman Gives Birth to Baby Girl on Qatar Airways Flight to Brazil

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Nigerian Woman Gives Birth to Baby Girl on Qatar Airways Flight to Brazil

DOHA, Qatar — A Nigerian woman gave birth to a baby girl aboard a Qatar Airways flight from Lagos to Brazil on Saturday, the airline confirmed. The mother, identified on social media as Oyindamola Akinyera, shared her experience in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

Akinyera was traveling with her husband, David, on what she described as their “honeymoon and baby-moon” trip. Despite being cleared for air travel by her doctor, she unexpectedly went into labor during the connecting flight from Doha to Brazil.

“A few hours into the flight and I start having what I thought were regular pregnancy backaches,” Akinyera wrote. Initially dismissing the discomfort as travel-related, she attempted to sleep through it.

As the flight progressed over the Atlantic Ocean, Akinyera’s condition rapidly changed. “Next thing, I take one big push and I pee instead—or so I thought. My water had broken. I didn’t even realize I was in labor,” she recounted.

The Qatar Airways cabin crew quickly responded to the situation, setting up an impromptu birthing station at the entrance of the plane. A fellow passenger, identified only as Dr. Carolina, volunteered her services as an obstetrician.

“Dr. Carolina checks me, tells me I’m fully dilated, and the baby is ready to come. At this point, we’re in Brazilian airspace and about 40 minutes from landing,” Akinyera explained.

With her husband by her side praying and offering encouragement, Akinyera gave birth to a baby girl approximately 20 minutes before the flight landed in Brazil. Both mother and child were immediately taken to a hospital upon arrival, where they were reported to be in good health.

This incident highlights the challenges and risks associated with air travel during pregnancy. While many airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks gestation with medical clearance, unexpected births can still occur.

Qatar Airways, like most international carriers, has protocols in place for in-flight medical emergencies, including births. Cabin crew receive training to handle such situations, often relying on the assistance of medical professionals who may be among the passengers.

The successful delivery underscores the importance of preparedness and quick thinking in emergency situations. The collaboration between the cabin crew, the volunteer doctor, and the parents ensured a positive outcome in what could have been a dangerous situation.

While in-flight births are rare, they do occur occasionally. In such cases, the child’s citizenship can become a complex issue, potentially determined by factors such as the parents’ nationalities, the country where the plane is registered, and the airspace in which the birth occurred.

Akinyera expressed gratitude for the support she received during the unexpected delivery. “I had a supernatural birth, and it’s all thanks to God Almighty,” she wrote, praising the Qatar Airways crew for their assistance.

Zambia Faces Health Crisis as Contaminated Maize Kills 400 Dogs, Threatens Human Health

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Zambia Faces Health Crisis as Contaminated Maize Kills 400 Dogs, Threatens Human Health

LUSAKA, Zambia  — Zambia’s Health Minister Elijah Muchima announced Tuesday that an “alarming number” of approximately 400 dogs have died over the past month after consuming contaminated maize, raising serious concerns about potential risks to human health.

Muchima revealed that about half of the 25 samples taken from milling companies contained dangerously high levels of aflatoxins, a poisonous substance produced by fungi. The World Health Organization (WHO) has linked aflatoxins to liver cancer in humans.

“These test results are of great concern due to the several health implications for [the] population,” Muchima said during a press briefing. Maize is a staple food in Zambia, providing about 60% of the population’s daily calorie intake, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The investigation into the nation’s maize supply was prompted by a report from Diamond TV, a Zambian broadcaster, which uncovered dozens of dog deaths from aflatoxin poisoning. Authorities subsequently sampled products from 10 milling companies that produce both maize-based dog food and maize meal for human consumption.

While no human deaths have been reported, sources at the Zambia National Public Health Institute say they are currently assessing the potential impact on the general public. The health ministry has recalled “affected batches” of maize meal and issued seizure notices to implicated companies, though specific brands were not named.

Muchima attributed the heightened aflatoxin levels to climate change and the recent drought that affected much of southern Africa. An estimated one million subsistence farmers in Zambia experienced crop damage, leading to critically low maize supplies.

The crisis has sparked public concern and political debate. Sunday Chanda, an opposition member of parliament, shared on social media platform X: “I’m a victim too. I lost over 6 big dogs over a period of 1 week. Listen, the bad [maize] meal is still out there being consumed!”

Andrew Chintala, president of the Millers Association of Zambia, stated that the industry is working to resolve the issue and ensure public safety. “We are still investigating the source of this contaminated grain and have heightened our surveillance of the product on the market,” Chintala said, noting that this is the first time the country has experienced such high aflatoxin levels.

The government has expanded surveillance efforts nationwide and increased sampling to address the crisis. However, the lack of specific information about affected brands has led to public frustration, with some Zambians demanding more transparency about the products they are feeding their families.

A bbc story

Uganda’s Defense Chief Hosts Russian Military Delegation, Strengthening Ties

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Uganda’s Defense Chief Hosts Russian Military Delegation, Strengthening Ties

ENTEBBE, Uganda — General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of Uganda, welcomed a high-level Russian military delegation to the Special Forces Command (SFC) headquarters in Entebbe on Thursday, underscoring strengthening ties between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Russian Armed Forces.

The Russian delegation, sent by the Russian Minister of Defense, was tasked with exploring and enhancing strategic cooperation between the two nations’ armed forces. Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the business arm of the UPDF, also attended the meeting.

This high-profile engagement follows Gen. Muhoozi’s recent visit to Moscow, where he led a Ugandan military delegation to discuss similar issues. The CDF’s office stated that the meeting aimed to strengthen mutual defense interests and explore new areas of collaboration.

Gen. Muhoozi has been actively fostering military ties with Russia, having recently met with Maj. Gen. Sergey Marchuk, who has been assigned to Uganda to oversee military cooperation. These discussions have centered on enhancing operational and strategic collaboration between the two nations.

The diplomatic relationship between Russia and Uganda, established on October 13, 1962, has spanned over six decades. Uganda hosts a representative office of Rostec, Russia’s state-owned corporation, which also supports Rosoboronexport’s interests in the country.

Russia has recently committed to establishing Uganda as a regional hub for the development, upgrading, and maintenance of Russian military equipment and technology. Uganda has been a significant customer of Russian military hardware, including war jets, helicopters, artillery, and reconnaissance equipment.

Highlighting this partnership, President Yoweri Museveni recently inaugurated the first-ever overhauled and upgraded Russian Type helicopter in sub-Saharan Africa at the Pro Heli Plant International Services in Nakasongola Air Base, central Uganda.

In May 2023, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the deepening cooperation between Kampala and Moscow in several strategic areas, including the development of satellites, remote sensing technologies, and land and space infrastructure for both military and civilian applications.

This meeting between Gen. Muhoozi and the Russian delegation signifies a new chapter in Uganda’s defense relationships, promising enhanced collaboration in military and technological advancements. As Uganda continues to bolster its defense capabilities, the strengthening of ties with Russia represents a critical aspect of its strategic military planning and regional influence.

The growing partnership comes amid a complex geopolitical landscape, with Western nations closely monitoring Russia’s expanding influence in Africa. Uganda’s deepening military ties with Russia could have implications for its relationships with other international partners and its role in regional security dynamics.

As this cooperation develops, questions arise about the long-term impact on Uganda’s military capabilities, its strategic positioning in East Africa, and the potential economic and political implications of closer alignment with Russia in the defense sector.

South Africa’s ‘Favorite Teacher’ William Smith Dies at 85

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South Africa’s ‘Favorite Teacher’ William Smith Dies at 85

JOHANNESBURG  — William Smith, a beloved South African educator known as the country’s “favorite teacher,” died Wednesday at the age of 85 after a brief battle with cancer, his family announced.

Smith, renowned for his innovative approach to teaching mathematics and science, gained national fame through his educational programs on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which reached millions of students across the country.

President Cyril Ramaphosa lauded Smith as “an education and cultural icon to our nation,” highlighting his significant contributions to South African education. “William Smith’s passion for his curriculum and for the success of those he taught in classrooms, at matric camps and on TV benefited millions of young South Africans even before our transition to democracy,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.

Smith’s groundbreaking 1990s television program, “Learning Channel,” is credited with making high-quality mathematics and science education freely available to disadvantaged pupils across South Africa. The presidency described the program as “essentially an open South African school teaching physical science, mathematics, biology and English.”

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Throughout his career, Smith received numerous accolades, including the national “Teacher of the Year” award and a place on the list of the Top 100 Great South Africans in 2004. In 2019, President Ramaphosa presented him with a national award for his contribution to “teaching and demystifying mathematics and science.”

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), an opposition party, praised Smith for his “clear, engaging, and accessible teaching style,” noting that he had become a “household name” through his lessons.

Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from former students and admirers. Wendy Verwey Bekker wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “William Smith got me through high school maths and science. What a legend and national treasure.” Another user, Roy Petzer, humorously noted, “It felt like we knew this man personally. Thank you, Mr. William Smith for all those very narrow passes in Maths that would not have been passes at all without you.”

Smith’s impact extended beyond his television appearances. He was instrumental in convincing the SABC to air educational content, paving the way for broader access to quality instruction, especially for students in disadvantaged areas.

After retiring, Smith moved with his family to Australia, where he spent his final years. His daughter, Jessica Smith, told News24 that the family was mourning his loss while celebrating his enduring legacy. “It’s inspiring to see how other people are celebrating him,” she said.

Smith’s death marks the end of an era in South African education, leaving behind a legacy that touched generations of students. His innovative approach to teaching and his use of media to reach a wider audience set a standard for educational broadcasting in South Africa and beyond.

He is survived by his wife, Jenny, three daughters, and five grandchildren.

Ghanaian Blogger Sentenced to 30 Days in Jail for Publishing False News

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Ghanaian Blogger Sentenced to 30 Days in Jail for Publishing False News

ACCRA, Ghana — An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced Jeffrey Epprim Nyame, a prominent Ghanaian blogger, to 30 days in jail for publishing false news, marking a significant development in Ghana’s efforts to combat misinformation on social media.

Judge Isaac Addo found Nyame guilty after a trial that began last year. The verdict, delivered on Wednesday, comes amid growing concerns about the spread of false information online in Ghana.

The case centered on an article Nyame published on his news portal, reportghana.net, on October 27, 2022. Titled “Dollar account holders to get cedi at BoG rate for bank withdrawal effective 31st Oct?”, the piece was widely circulated on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Seth Frimpong, leading the prosecution, argued that the false news caused panic among bank customers, leading to a surge in withdrawals and creating difficulties for financial institutions.

During the sentencing, John Baptist Ayitse, a lawyer acting as a friend of the court, pleaded for leniency, citing Nyame’s youth and the lessons learned from the incident. Nyame himself pledged not to repeat the offense. However, Judge Addo remained firm in his decision to impose a custodial sentence.

“We need to crack the whip to serve as a deterrent to others who abuse social media to spread misinformation, which creates fear and panic,” Judge Addo stated, expressing serious concern about the unchecked publication of false news on social media platforms.

The court acquitted and discharged Jeremiah Kobina Egyabeng, an IT professional who had been charged with abetment in the case.

Trafigura Seizes Ghana’s London Property Over $134 Million Judgment Debt

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Trafigura Seizes Ghana’s London Property Over $134 Million Judgment Debt

LONDON  — Oil conglomerate Trafigura’s Ghana Power Generation Company (GPGC) has taken control of Regina House, one of Ghana’s most valuable commercial properties in London, following the West African nation’s failure to pay a $134 million judgment debt, Ghanaian officials confirmed Thursday.

The seizure comes after four years of unsuccessful attempts by Trafigura to secure payment from the Ghanaian government. The debt stems from a 2021 UK tribunal ruling that found Ghana in breach of its contractual obligations when it terminated a power purchase agreement with GPGC on February 18, 2018.

Papa Owusu-Ankomah, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, disclosed in an exclusive interview with Joy News that Trafigura’s GPGC now has full control over revenues accruing from the property. “Until we pay in full or come into an arrangement to pay them,” Owusu-Ankomah stated, “Trafigura will remain in control over the receivership of the Regina House and its proceeds.”

The High Commissioner acknowledged Ghana’s current financial challenges and called for further negotiations to address the compounding interest on the debt.

The UK tribunal initially awarded GPGC $134,348,661 in damages, including interest at a rate of six-month USD LIBOR plus 6%, and reimbursement of arbitration fees totaling $3,309,877.74. Ghana made partial payments amounting to $1,897,692.40 but failed to clear the remaining balance.

Following unsuccessful attempts to secure the full payment, GPGC filed a case in the U.S. District Court on January 19, 2024, seeking to recover the compounding debt under the New York Convention and Chapter 2 of the Federal Arbitration Act.

Chief Judge James E. Boasberg of the U.S. District Court ruled in favor of GPGC on August 6, 2024, emphasizing that the arbitral award falls under the New York Convention, which requires member states to recognize and enforce such awards. The court will also award post-judgment interest at the rate specified in U.S. codes, further increasing Ghana’s financial burden.

Ghana’s Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, told Joy News that the responsibility for expediting payment lies with the Finance Ministry.

The seizure of Regina House has raised concerns about the transparency of the Ghanaian government’s handling of the situation. Bright Simons, Vice President of Imani Africa, a think tank, claimed on social media that information about the seizure was being concealed by the government.

This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ghana in managing its international financial obligations and the potential consequences of defaulting on judgment debts. It also underscores the complexities of international arbitration and the enforcement of awards across jurisdictions.

As Ghana grapples with this significant financial setback, questions arise about the impact on its diplomatic and economic relationships, particularly with the United Kingdom, where the seized property is located. The situation may also affect Ghana’s credibility in future international business dealings and its ability to attract foreign investment.

The Ghanaian government now faces the task of negotiating a resolution with Trafigura while addressing the broader implications of this property seizure on its international standing and financial stability.

Tech Tycoon Mike Lynch Among Missing Five Bodies Recovered from Sunken Yacht Off Sicily

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Tech Tycoon Mike Lynch Among Missing Five Bodies Recovered from Sunken Yacht Off Sicily

PORTICELLO, Sicily — Italian authorities have recovered five bodies from the wreckage of the superyacht Bayesian, which sank off the coast of Sicily on Monday, with British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch among those feared dead.

The Italian Coast Guard has not yet formally identified the recovered bodies. The search has focused on Lynch, his daughter Hannah, Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley Bank International, his wife Judy Bloomer, and others aboard the vessel.

Salvo Cocina, director of Sicily’s civil protection agency, told The Telegraph, “I believe Lynch and his daughter have been found,” but emphasized that formal identification is pending. One person remains missing as the search continues.

The 56-meter (184-foot) Bayesian, flying a British flag, sank early Monday morning approximately 700 meters (2,300 feet) from the coast during severe weather conditions. Authorities believe the yacht was struck by a waterspout, causing it to capsize and sink 50 meters (164 feet) to the seabed.

Of the 22 people aboard, including 10 crew members and 12 passengers, 15 survived. Among the survivors was a British mother who described holding her baby girl above water to prevent drowning.

The body of the yacht’s chef, Canadian-Antiguan national Recaldo Thomas, was recovered on Monday. Gareth Williams, a friend of Thomas, told the BBC they had known each other for 30 years, growing up together in Antigua.

The passengers were reportedly guests of Lynch, founder of software company Autonomy, celebrating his recent acquittal in a U.S. fraud case. Lynch was cleared in June of multiple fraud charges related to Autonomy’s $11 billion sale to Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

Recovery efforts have been challenging due to the yacht’s position and depth. Italian rescue services reported that specialist divers were hampered by the Bayesian lying on its side at the bottom of the seabed, with access points obstructed by debris.

Andy Goddard, a professional diver, told BBC Radio 5 Live, “You’re in this space and you’ve got stuff floating all around you, like being in a washing machine. It’s really dangerous for the diver.”

A team of four British inspectors from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) arrived in Sicily on Wednesday to assist with the investigation. Cocina stated that while there will be a full investigation in due course, the immediate priority is recovering all those who were on board.

According to Italian law, the deceased must be formally identified by a family member or a close associate before death can be officially certified. This process may explain the delay in releasing the identities of the recovered bodies.

As the search continues for the last missing person, the incident has shocked the international business and yachting communities. The Bayesian’s sinking underscores the potential dangers faced even by well-equipped luxury vessels in unpredictable weather conditions.

Authorities have announced that search efforts will resume on Thursday, utilizing specialist divers and underwater robots to navigate the challenging conditions at the wreck site.

Oprah Winfrey Makes Surprise Appearance at Democratic Convention, Urges Voters to ‘Choose Truth’

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Oprah Winfrey Makes Surprise Appearance at Democratic Convention, Urges Voters to ‘Choose Truth’

CHICAGO — Television icon and media mogul Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in her hometown of Chicago on Wednesday, delivering an impassioned speech urging Democrats and independent voters to “choose common sense over nonsense” in the upcoming election.

“Let us choose truth, let us choose honor, let us choose joy,” Winfrey told an enthusiastic crowd. “Because that is the best of America.” Her unexpected presence added star power to the convention’s third night, preceding Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s primetime speech to formally accept the party’s nomination for vice president.

Winfrey, 70, who has largely avoided the political spotlight in recent years, lent her considerable influence to the Democratic ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Walz. Her endorsement further energized the convention, which has already featured appearances by other celebrities such as rapper Lil Jon.

In her address, Winfrey tacitly criticized the Republican challengers, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance, without naming them directly. “Despite what some would have you think, we are not so different from our neighbors,” she said, emphasizing unity. “When a house is on fire, we don’t ask about the homeowner’s race or religion, we don’t wonder who their partner is or how they voted. No. We just try to do the best we can to save them.”

In a pointed reference to Vance’s past comments, Winfrey added, “And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady, well, we try to get that cat out, too.” This remark alluded to a 2021 interview in which Vance referred to Democratic politicians as “a bunch of childless cat ladies,” comments that resurfaced after Trump announced Vance as his running mate.

Winfrey, who does not have children, positioned herself as an independent voter, appealing to others with similar leanings. “You’re looking at a registered Independent who’s proud to vote again and again and again, because I’m an American, and that’s what Americans do,” she declared.

The media mogul’s political involvement has been selective but impactful. In 2007, she endorsed then-Illinois Senator Barack Obama’s presidential bid, hosting fundraisers and campaigning in Iowa. Her support was widely credited with boosting Obama’s profile among key demographics.

Convention attendees Tracy Prince and Kathy Sykes, both from Winfrey’s home state of Mississippi, expressed enthusiasm for her appearance. “We love Oprah so much,” Sykes told BBC News. “Everyone in Mississippi is so proud that she claims us.” Sykes described Winfrey’s speech as a “powerful message” to independent voters, particularly in support of Harris.

Winfrey’s surprise appearance at the DNC mirrors the Republican strategy of incorporating celebrity endorsements, as seen at their convention last month featuring musician Kid Rock and wrestler Hulk Hogan.

As the convention enters its final day, Winfrey’s endorsement adds a significant boost to the Democratic campaign, potentially influencing undecided voters and energizing the party’s base. Her message of unity and appeal to common sense resonates with the party’s strategy to reach beyond traditional Democratic voters in what promises to be a closely contested election.

The impact of Winfrey’s endorsement and its potential influence on voter sentiment, especially among independents and her substantial fan base, will be closely watched as the campaign moves forward.

A bbc.com story

World Food Program Trucks Enter Sudan’s Darfur Region, Bringing Critical Aid

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World Food Program Trucks Enter Sudan’s Darfur Region, Bringing Critical Aid

KHARTOUM, Sudan  — The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) announced Wednesday that its trucks carrying urgently needed food and nutrition supplies have successfully entered Sudan’s Darfur region, marking a critical development in addressing the area’s dire humanitarian crisis.

The first convoy of trucks crossed into Darfur on Tuesday evening from Chad via the Adre border crossing, which had been closed for six months by Sudanese authorities. This initial shipment contained enough food to support approximately 13,000 people in West Darfur, with the WFP reporting that supplies for about 500,000 more individuals are ready to be transported through the same route.

WFP Director Cindy McCain emphasized the urgency of the situation in a statement, saying, “We urgently need to reach every corner of Sudan with food assistance – and this requires humanitarian corridors and all border crossings to be open so aid agencies can bring in supplies every single day. This is the only way to avoid widespread starvation.”

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has been exacerbated by a war that began over a year ago between the country’s military and a rival paramilitary group. According to UN figures, the conflict has resulted in more than 18,800 deaths and over 33,000 injuries since mid-April 2023.

McCain hailed the reopening of the Adre crossing as a crucial step in preventing the spread of famine across Sudan, stating, “It must now stay in use. I want to acknowledge all parties for taking this vital step to help WFP get lifesaving aid to millions of people in desperate need.”

The Adre crossing had been closed since February, with WFP managing to send only two convoys through in March and April. Without access to this route, the agency was forced to use a longer and more dangerous path into North Darfur through the Tine crossing in Chad, as well as routes from Port Sudan that required convoys to cross conflict frontlines and areas controlled by various militias.

The United Nations has described the situation in Sudan as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that more than 10.7 million people, nearly half of them children, are internally displaced within Sudan, while over 2 million have fled as refugees to neighboring countries.

Mohamed Refaat, head of the IOM mission in Sudan, recently stated, “Almost all people displaced across Sudan — 97% — are in areas with acute food insecurity or worse. Over the next three months, an estimated 25.6 million people will face severe food insecurity as the conflict spreads and coping mechanisms are exhausted. One out of two are struggling to put food on the table every single day.”

The reopening of the Adre crossing and the arrival of WFP trucks in Darfur represent a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak humanitarian landscape. However, aid agencies stress that sustained access and increased support will be necessary to address the massive scale of need across Sudan.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, hoping that this development will lead to improved humanitarian access and a potential path towards alleviating the suffering of millions of Sudanese caught in the crossfire of conflict and crisis.

Nigeria Deploys Armed Rangers to Protect Farmers Amid Rising Insecurity

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Nigeria Deploys Armed Rangers to Protect Farmers Amid Rising Insecurity

ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian government has deployed 10,000 armed agro rangers across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory in response to escalating attacks on farmers, which have led to widespread abandonment of farmland and soaring food inflation.

This move comes after the government declared a state of emergency on food security in 2023. The rangers’ mission is to safeguard farmland and mediate conflicts, particularly in areas affected by farmer-herder clashes.

Fatima Bello, a smallholder farmer from Sokoto who cultivates rice, millet, and beans, exemplifies the challenges faced by Nigerian farmers. “During the dry season last year, I did not even plant anything because of this issue of insecurity,” Bello said. She welcomed the deployment of agro rangers, noting, “It has just been started, so we need to see, maybe take some time. Then we will be able to know the impact.”

Babawale Afolabi, spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, affirmed the rangers’ readiness. “Our operatives have been on top of the game since the commissioning of the agro rangers squad nationwide,” Afolabi stated. He emphasized that the rangers are “a well-seasoned, trained and formidable special force,” and thanked the federal government for providing necessary logistics.

The initiative has garnered support from states considered hot zones for farmer insecurity, including Plateau, Zamfara, and Niger, which are providing additional logistical support to the squad.

While praising the government’s intervention, Retson Tedheke, a farmer and agricultural economist, stressed the need for more personnel. “It’s a very good thing,” Tedheke said, “but 10,000 is a very small number.” He suggested that the number of agro rangers should be significantly higher, potentially matching or exceeding the number of polling units in the country.

Tedheke also emphasized the importance of addressing root causes of insecurity in farming communities. “Nigerian farmers should be getting loans at between 5% and 7%,” he argued, “because we are producing food… Food security is a major component of political development, governmental development and leadership development.”

The deployment comes as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization warns that 22 million Nigerians could face food insecurity in 2024, with projections rising to 82 million by 2030 if current trends continue.

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