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Economy

Experts Calls for Sustainable Seed System in Nigeria

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By Dipo Olowookere

The need for all the stakeholders to urgently work towards a sustainable seed system in Nigeria has been emphasised by the Project Director of Building an Economically Sustainable Integrated Cassava Seed System (BASICS), Mr Hemant Nitturkar.

Mr Nitturkar, speaking last Thursday at a national stakeholder conference on cassava seed system organized by the project BASICS at the Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, pointed out that Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava in the world with a production of about 54 million tons, but its yield per hectare of cassava roots is about 8 tons, less than half of the realizable yields of more than 20 tons per hectare.

Researchers say one of the factors responsible for the low yield of cassava is the low adoption of clean and healthy seeds of improved varieties of cassava by farmers.

“We have to start with the right planting material and nurture it with good agronomy and weed management practices.

“Each of these three components has the potential to raise the productivity of cassava by 30 percent.

“If we do not improve our practices in seed, weed and agronomy, we are incurring a lost opportunity of about 200 billion Naira annually from each of the three issues,” he said.

Also, Graham Thiele, Director for the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas led by the International Potato Center (CIP); Alfred Dixon, IITA Director for Development and Delivery, and Project Leader for the Cassava Weed Management Project; Amin Babandi, Director of Agriculture, FMARD, represented by Segun Ayeni, Deputy Director, Roots and Tuber crops, FMARD; Folusho Olaniyan OON, CEO, Contact Consulting Nigeria and Program Director, AgraInnovate West Africa; Emmanuel Okogbenin, Director of Technical Operations, AATF and Robert Asiedu, Director R4D, IITA-West, all shared perspectives and added their voice for all stakeholders to jointly build a strong and sustainable seed system for cassava in Nigeria and wished all the stakeholders well.

They noted that businesses selling improved varieties and high quality cassava stems for cultivation could help African farmers significantly raise their productivity.

This will mean more Naira from the same land, inputs and effort. The benefits of this raised productivity will be enjoyed by all the stakeholders across the value chain in a sustainable way.

The meeting, which reflected on the experiences of BASICS in 2016 and refined the project plan for 2017 and beyond, brought together national and international researchers, academics, policymakers, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and farmers to a roundtable.

BASICS is commercially piloting two distinct pathways of seed delivery.

In one, called Village Seed Entrepreneur (VSE) model, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Benue and with National Roots Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), in Abia, Imo, Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom States, the project is helping develop a network of 130 community based seed enterprises.

These VSEs will source certified stems of improved varieties of cassava from NRCRI and IITA to multiply and sell to the farmers in their vicinity. This way, the farmers will not have to go far to source quality stems for planting.

In the second pilot called Processor Led Model (PLM), in partnership with Context Global Development, the project is working with large processors of cassava who will then make available quality stems to their outgrowers with a buy back arrangement for the roots produced.

Slow and low multiplication ratio has been a key constraint in cassava seed system. The project is piloting a new technology called Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) for vastly rapid seed multiplication.

Once this technology from Argentina is adapted and perfected in Nigeria by the Project, it is expected to have a significant impact on the ability of early generation seed businesses to quickly bring suitable varieties within reach of farmers.

The project is also working with National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) and Fera of UK to improve the quality certification system in Nigeria.

Lawrence Kent, a senior program officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said the aim of the Project is to build an economically sustainable seed system that is profitable both to the sellers of quality stems and to the farmers who purchase and plant those stems.

He encouraged all to create reusable bridges to continuously link technology developers with farmers through business oriented approaches, like the one being implemented under BASICS.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Economy

The Hidden Economic Power of Fast Digital Payouts in South Africa

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payment speed

Money sitting in limbo doesn’t do anyone any good. That’s the simple truth driving South Africa’s big change toward faster digital payment systems. When funds take days to clear, people can’t spend them, businesses can’t reinvest them, and the whole economy slows down while everyone waits.

Because of this, payment speed has become one of the most important factors in how South Africans choose which platforms to trust with their money.

The reality is, South Africa sits at an interesting crossroads. Better financial infrastructure than most African countries, yet millions of people still don’t have decent access to traditional banking. That creates tension and opportunity simultaneously.

And this is why digital payments are changing faster than predictions suggested. When someone can receive money in minutes instead of days, everything changes. They spend sooner. They save smarter. And they actually trust the platforms handling their cash.

Why Payment Speed Matters So Much

Here’s the thing about payout speed. It signals reliability in ways that marketing never can. When a platform pays you fast, you believe it actually has money and knows what it’s doing. Slow payouts make people nervous. They start wondering if something went wrong or if the company is struggling financially.

This pattern shows up everywhere you look. Retail e-commerce sites have figured out that processing refunds quickly reduces complaints and keeps customers coming back. Mobile money services compete hard on transaction speed. The online gaming sector has caught on, and especially online casinos that rely heavily on trust.

The fastest payout casinos in South Africa have built strong user bases specifically because they process withdrawals fast, rather than making people wait around for days. When real money is on the line, nobody wants to wait.

Mobile Payments Changed Everything

Mobile payments in South Africa have absolutely exploded over the last few years. Statista reckons the digital payments market will keep growing substantially through 2028. Smartphones have basically become the bank for millions of South Africans who used to deal entirely in cash or stash money with informal savings groups.

This shift is way bigger than most people realise. Mobile platforms process transactions almost instantly. Traditional banks often made people wait for things to clear. Mobile money cuts through most of that.

Someone selling vegetables at a street market can get paid, confirm the money arrived, and use those funds for their next purchase within minutes. That kind of speed keeps money circulating and stimulates activity at the ground level.

Fintech Companies Are Pushing Hard

South African fintech startups have figured out that speed wins customers. Digital lending platforms now disburse loans within hours of approval. Gig economy payment systems have moved toward instant payouts for drivers and delivery workers who genuinely cannot afford to wait until the end of the month.

Every sector that touches consumer finance has felt the pressure to get faster.

This competition works out well for regular users. When platforms have to compete on speed, they invest in better technology. They streamline their verification processes. They partner with payment processors that can actually move money quickly.

The result is an environment where slow payouts increasingly signal that something is outdated or unreliable.

Government Benefits and Remittances

The South African government has been testing faster ways to get social grants and benefits to people. The fact is, digital payment infrastructure has made public fund distribution way more efficient across several African countries.

When grants hit accounts instantly instead of making people physically collect them, recipients save time, and honestly, they’re safer too.

Cross-border remittances are another area where speed makes a huge difference. South Africa has loads of migrant workers who send money home to their families regularly. Traditional remittance channels used to take days and hit you with hefty fees.

Digital alternatives now offer same-day transfers at much lower costs. That efficiency means more money actually reaches the families who need it instead of getting eaten up by fees and delays.

The Psychology Behind Quick Payments

There’s something deeper going on with fast payouts beyond just convenience. Speed builds trust in ways people don’t always consciously recognise. When you get paid quickly, you feel confident that the platform is legitimate and financially stable.

Delays create doubt. You start questioning whether something went wrong or whether the company might be in trouble.

This trust compounds over time. Users who experience fast, reliable payouts become loyal customers. They recommend platforms to their friends. They deposit larger amounts because they know withdrawing won’t be a nightmare.

Platforms that master payout speed build user bases that competitors find very hard to steal.

What Happens Next

The direction seems pretty clear. Payment speed across all sectors of South Africa’s digital economy will keep getting faster. Infrastructure investments from fintech companies and government institutions should reduce friction even more.

As more South Africans get smartphones and access to mobile banking, demand for instant transactions will only grow.

The platforms that succeed will be the ones treating payout speed as essential rather than optional. Whether they’re processing e-commerce refunds, gig worker payments, or gaming withdrawals, the operators that move money fastest will capture the market. South Africa is proving that speed is how users measure whether a platform deserves their trust.

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Economy

Strategic Crypto Investing Today: Investor SJMine With AI-Powered Market Intelligence

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SJMine

The crypto market is no longer being dictated by speculation and trends of trading in the short run. With the evolution of digital assets, investors demand more structured, data-driven and technology-supported strategies that are more stable, transparent, and have long-term potential. With all these changes, platforms with built-in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and high-end hashing infrastructure are altering the way crypto participation operates.

SJMine is at the heart of this change. Created to empower the modern investors, SJMine offers an up-to-date and polished crypto-investing experience of automation, smart analytics, and adaptable investment design to enable users to strategically engage in the digital economy.

A New Standard for Strategic Crypto Participation

The investors of today require a higher level of access to digital assets than just a basic one. They desire systems that are capable of responding to market signals, adapting the conditions of the network, and functioning on a large scale. To satisfy this need, SJMine implements AI-based market intelligence within its operations.

The platform dynamically manages the allocation of hashing and computing performance by the use of continuous data analysis. This smart automation provides freedom to the users to control hardware, technical measurements, or manually react to market changes. Rather, the investors have access to a professionally managed environment whereby technology labors tirelessly behind the scenes to bring about consistency and efficiency.

How SJMine Redefines Investor Experience

SJMine is a building that is planned to be very accessible and sophisticated. The platform eliminates any technical obstacles in tradition and supports infrastructure at an enterprise level. The cloud computing system allows it to perform smoothly and its AI-based systems would make sure that the resources are used optimally at any given time.

Key strengths of the SJMine ecosystem include:

  • AI-Driven Optimization: Intelligent algorithms analyze performance data and adjust operations dynamically.
  • High-Performance Hashing Systems: Advanced infrastructure supports efficient blockchain participation.
  • User-Friendly Interface: A clean, intuitive dashboard provides real-time insights into earnings and contract status.
  • Sustainability Focus: Optimized energy usage and modern data centers support responsible long-term operations.
  • Transparent Returns: Clearly defined contract terms with visible daily earnings.

This mixture is what renders SJMine appropriate to simple new investors as well as sophisticated investors who want efficiency and scalability.

Flexible Contracts Built for Diverse Investment Goals

SJMine has diverse flexible contracts that can be used to meet various budgets and investment schedule. Long-term strategic decisions or short-term plans are well developed with simple and predictable results.

Below is an overview of the flexible contract plans available on SJMine:

Contract Amount Contract Duration Daily Earnings Total Income (Principal + Profit)
$15 1 Day $0.60 $15 + $0.60
$100 2 Days $4.00 $100 + $8.00
$600 6 Days $7.68 $600 + $46.08
$1,200 10 Days $16.32 $1,200 + $163.20
$3,200 22 Days $45.44 $3,200 + $999.68
$9,000 30 Days $147.60 $9,000 + $4,428.00

For the most accurate and up-to-date contract information, investors are encouraged to refer directly to the official SJMine website: http://sjmine.com.

Getting Started: Simple Registration with a Welcome Bonus

SJMine puts a lot of emphasis on ease of access, and the process of onboarding is quick and simple. It can take a few minutes before new users start getting acquainted with the platform.

How to register on SJMine:

  1. Visit the official website at http://sjmine.com
  2. Click on Register and create your account by entering basic details
  3. Complete the verification process and log in to your dashboard
  4. Register now and receive a $15 welcome bonus, allowing you to experience the platform with minimal initial risk
  5. Select a contract that matches your investment strategy and activate it

AI-Powered Market Intelligence: The Core Advantage

SJMine is a unique company with its AI-based market intelligence that is constantly analyzing the performance of the blockchain and the conditions of the network. This dynamic flexibility leads to better utilization of resources, minimization of inefficiencies, and a more intelligent, and sturdier approach to investing in the crypto market of the current era that is rapidly changing.

Conclusion

SJMine is a new view of strategic crypto investment in a world where intelligent automation is the new competitive advantage. The platform provides a modern and visionary solution to the current investors by integrating AI-related analytics, cloud computing infrastructure, flexible contract choice, and user-friendly design.

SJMine is an attractive proposal to invest in with confidence in the new technology-driven approach provided that investors are willing to abandon the old paradigm and shift to a smarter approach to crypto economy investment.

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Economy

OTC Exchange Begins Week With 0.39% Loss

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OTC stock exchange

By Adedapo Adesanya

The NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange fell by 0.39 per cent on Monday, January 12, after it closed higher in every trading day of last week.

The loss recorded yesterday took out N8.5 billion from the unlisted securities market, closing at N2.184 compared with the preceding session’s closing value of N2.193 trillion.

In the same vein, the NASD Unlisted Security Index (NSI) went down by 14.2 points during the session to 3,651.48 points from the 3,665.68 points it finished last Friday.

The decline was influenced by three securities, with Afriland Properties Plc down by N1.55 to end at N14.75 per unit compared with the previous N16.30 per unit, and NASD Plc declining by N1.00 to N59.00 per share from N6.00 pr share, as Food Concepts Plc slid by 34 Kobo to finish at N3.06 per unit versus N3.40 per unit.

On the flip side, three securities gained weight, with FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc appreciating by N6.23 to N68.70 per share from N62.47 per share, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc added 45 Kobo to close at N43.07 per unit versus N42.62 per unit, and  Geo-Fluids Plc gained 2 Kobo to settle at N6.84 per share versus N6.82 per share.

During the session, the trading volume soared by 826 per cent to 4.03 million units from 434,845 units, the trading value skyrocketed by 579.1 per cent to N46.8 million from N6.9 million, and the number of deals jumped by 118.2 per cent to 48 deals from 22 deals.

When trading activities closed for the day, CSCS Plc remained the most active stock by value on a year-to-date basis with 1.5 million units exchanged for N57.6 million, followed by Geo-Fluids Plc with 6.4 million units valued at N43.3 million, and FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc with 379,749 units worth N24.4 million.

In terms of volume, Geo-Fluids Plc led with 6.4 million units sold for N43.3 million, trailed by Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) Plc with 2.9 million units traded for N1.9 million, and CSCS Plc with 1.5 million units valued at N57.6 million.

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