General
ADF Unveils Initiative to Promote Ogi, Ugba, Kunu, Other Fermented Foods
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
An initiative aimed to promote the production and consumption of locally fermented foods like ogi (pap), iru (locust beans), kunu (sorghum milk), ugba (oil bean seeds), and others has been launched by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF).
The organisation said the scheme, Promotion of Production & Consumption of Fermented Foods for Food & Nutrition Security in Nigeria, is in partnership with Sight and Life Foundation (SAL).
At a workshop in Lagos, it was disclosed that the programme highlights Nigeria’s rich tradition of fermented foods as a sustainable solution to the triple burden of malnutrition: undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition.
By integrating indigenous practices with modern science, ADF seeks to enhance the nutritional value, safety, shelf-life, and market potential of these foods.
Health experts, regulators, and donors gathered to discuss strategies for raising awareness, building capacity, and leveraging technology to promote fermented foods and address micronutrient deficiencies.
“Fermentation has long been a cornerstone of food preservation in Africa. Recent research, including studies by Sight and Life, underscores its benefits. We’re exploring how these findings apply to Nigeria’s context and how we can innovate while preserving traditional flavours,” the chief executive of ADF, Ms Zouera Youssoufou, said.
She emphasized the importance of maintaining the authentic taste of fermented foods, such as the sourness of freshly made pap, while improving their nutritional profile.
“We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of fermented products consumed in Nigeria to inspire industry adoption and innovation,” she added.
The Africa Adviser at SAL, Ms Mairo Mandara, stressed the health benefits of fermented foods, particularly their probiotic content.
“These foods support immune function and nutrient absorption. At a time when global undernourishment affects over 735 million people, fermentation offers a practical, local solution,” she said.
Ms Mandara added that the high post-harvest losses in Nigeria—estimated at 45%—and how fermentation can help reduce waste by extending shelf life.
Also, the Director of Nutrition at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, called for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle malnutrition. “Fermented foods are rich in essential micronutrients like zinc and iron. The revised National Food and Nutrition Policy aims to promote diverse, nutrient-rich diets,” she said.
On his part, the Director of Health and Nutrition at ADF, Mr Francis Aminu, cited the report Fermentation: The Ancient Solution to Modern Challenges as a key inspiration.
“Our goal is to adapt these insights to Nigeria’s unique challenges. With 40% of children—around 12 million—affected by stunting, we must act urgently,” he noted, concluding that, “Through strategic partnerships, we aim to improve nutrition, reduce food insecurity, and empower communities across Nigeria.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
