National Affairs
Kwara Moves to Attract Private Investment in Livestock, Dairy Production
The Kwara State Government has expressed its readiness to partner with private-sector investors to boost livestock production, develop the dairy value chain and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the state.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, disclosed this on Thursday after a meeting with representatives of FrieslandCampina WAMCO, a major player in Nigeria’s dairy and food industry.
The meeting focused on exploring potential areas of collaboration in livestock production, agricultural development and investment opportunities aimed at strengthening the state’s agricultural sector.
Thomas said the engagement was part of the government’s efforts to attract private-sector investment, improve local production and strengthen the livestock and dairy value chains through partnerships that would benefit farmers and other stakeholders.
According to her, collaboration with FrieslandCampina WAMCO could provide local livestock farmers with access to modern agricultural practices, improve productivity and create opportunities for greater participation in the dairy industry.
She added that such partnerships could also stimulate the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises, generate employment and improve farmers’ livelihoods through stronger connections with private-sector operators.
The commissioner emphasised the importance of involving local farmers and other stakeholders in the proposed initiatives to ensure that the benefits of agricultural investments reach communities at the grassroots.
“One of the key areas of interest was the potential for stronger collaboration with local farmers and other stakeholders in the livestock sector,” Thomas said.
She maintained that partnerships of this nature would help improve farmers’ economic conditions, create employment opportunities and encourage the development of small and medium-scale businesses.
Thomas stressed that government alone could not achieve meaningful economic growth without the active participation of private-sector organisations capable of providing investment, technical expertise and innovative approaches to agricultural development.
“As a government, we recognise that meaningful economic growth cannot be achieved by government efforts alone.
It requires deliberate partnerships with credible private-sector organisations that share our vision for development,” she said.
She noted that the meeting also provided an opportunity to examine practical solutions to challenges facing the agricultural sector while creating an enabling environment for businesses to operate and expand their investments in Kwara.
The commissioner said the state had considerable potential in livestock production and agriculture, expressing confidence that appropriate policies, investments and strategic partnerships could strengthen its productive capacity.
Thomas expressed optimism that the engagement with FrieslandCampina WAMCO would result in mutually beneficial opportunities capable of advancing livestock production and contributing to Kwara’s economic development.
She, however, acknowledged that further discussions and engagements would be necessary to translate the initial conversations into concrete areas of collaboration.
“Our commitment remains clear: to build a stronger livestock sector, empower our farmers, attract meaningful investment and create a more prosperous Kwara State for all,” she said.
The Nigerian Senate has passed the Agricultural Revolution Bill, 2026, sponsored by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, for second reading, paving the way for further legislative consideration of proposed reforms in the country’s agricultural sector.
The bill, identified as SB. 1082, seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for transforming and modernising Nigeria’s agricultural sector through improved food security, mechanisation, irrigation, agricultural financing, agro-industrialisation and climate-resilient farming.
The bill was considered during Wednesday’s plenary presided over by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, days after it was stepped down over concerns about its drafting, scope and circulation to lawmakers.
Leading the debate, Barau said the proposed legislation was designed to review the agricultural sector, introduce necessary reforms and reposition Nigeria for an agricultural revolution.
The referral marks the next stage in the legislative process as lawmakers consider the proposed measures aimed at strengthening agricultural production, improving food security and promoting economic diversification.
African countries have adopted different approaches to dual citizenship, with some maintaining laws that restrict or prohibit their citizens from holding the nationality of another country.
While dual citizenship allows individuals to enjoy certain rights and opportunities in more than one country, including travel, employment and access to public services, some African governments maintain strict nationality laws based on national allegiance and citizenship regulations.
The restrictions vary across the continent. While some countries generally prohibit dual citizenship, others impose conditions on citizens who voluntarily acquire foreign nationality or restrict access to certain public offices.
Important editorial clarification: The headline’s description of all 10 countries as restricting dual citizenship needs qualification. Botswana has introduced measures recognising dual.
citizenship, while Mauritania legalised dual nationality in 2021, subject to restrictions on certain public offices. They should not be presented as outright prohibition countries.
National Affairs
Sola Sobowale Opens Care Home for Older Adults in Ibadan as Makinde Inaugurates Facility
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated a residential care home for older adults established by veteran Nollywood actress, Sola Sobowale, in Ibadan, the state capital.
The facility, known as Joseph & Esther Homes, is located in the Akobo area of Ibadan and is designed to provide older adults with a safe, comfortable and supportive environment.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Tuesday, also featured the launch of Sobowale’s book, Built From the Break.
The event attracted several dignitaries and prominent Nollywood personalities, including veteran actors Adebayo Salami, Ibrahim Chatta, Femi Adebayo and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan.
The ceremony was also streamed live on Sobowale’s Instagram page, allowing her followers and admirers to participate virtually.
Joseph & Esther Homes is designed to enable older adults to maintain their independence while benefiting from professional care, assistance and a supportive living environment.
Operating under the tagline, “Live Well, Age Well, Thrive Together,” the facility describes itself as “A Place to Call Home”.
One of the notable moments at the event was an emotional tribute celebrating Sobowale’s vision, resilience and caring nature.
A video from the ceremony showed the actress becoming emotional during the tribute, with her daughter seen consoling her.
The establishment of Joseph & Esther Homes adds to Sobowale’s activities beyond the entertainment industry, as the veteran actress ventures into providing residential care and support for older adults.
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