In a move set to revolutionize Africa’s agricultural sector, Nigeria has partnered with Mastercard to empower one million farmers across Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania.

This exciting partnership aims to boost agricultural productivity and yield by providing financial inclusion and digital access to essential services, with support from the African Development Bank.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima sealed the deal with Mastercard executives at the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

He emphasized that this initiative has the potential to transform Africa’s food security landscape.

“This partnership is an important milestone in our quest for comprehensive financial inclusion and agricultural empowerment. By leveraging Mastercard’s global expertise, we’re set to create unprecedented opportunities for farmers across Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani had earlier shed light on a groundbreaking partnership that’s set to revolutionize the agricultural sector.

According to him, this innovative collaboration aims to provide digital access to critical financial services for agricultural workers, which is expected to significantly boost productivity and economic growth in the sector ¹.

Dr. Tijani emphasized that the partnership goes beyond just introducing new technologies; it’s about reimagining the entire agricultural value chain.

He disclosed that the ultimate goal is to ensure that every farmer, regardless of their location, has access to modern financial tools and also tackles existing challenges in Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem, making it easier for farmers to access financial services.

Tijani added, “We’re aware of the trust deficits that have hindered the full activation of contactless payments by some acquirers and banks. This partnership includes specific measures to bridge these gaps and ensure widespread adoption.”

Amid the ongoing price dispute between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery, the Presidency has explained why government agencies cannot intervene, highlighting that both companies are privately owned.

In a statement released on Friday by Nnaamaka Okafor, media aide to the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Presidency reaffirmed the minister’s position on the pricing disagreement between NNPCL and Dangote Refinery.

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Earlier this month, after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Lokpobiri noted that petrol prices might vary across different regions, but with increased product availability, prices would eventually stabilize.

He also reiterated that the sector is deregulated, meaning the government does not control fuel prices.

The minister had said, “What is important is that the government is not fixing prices. This sector is deregulated. And we believe that with the availability of products, the price will find its level. And this is important for Nigerians to know.

“There is enough product in the country to be able to meet the demands of Nigerians, there should be no panic buying. And we also believe that Nigerians need to know that the government is not fixing prices. That is what I want to convey to Nigerians.”

Okafor highlighted that during a press briefing, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reinforced Senator Lokpobiri’s earlier comments regarding the independence of both the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery in a deregulated market.

Onanuga emphasized that under the Petroleum Industry Act, NNPCL operates independently, despite being government-owned.

He explained, “The PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) sector has been deregulated. Dangote is a private company, and NNPCL is a limited liability company. Any pricing issues between them are their own concern.”

He further elaborated that, according to the Act, while NNPCL is owned by federal, state, and local governments, it functions autonomously.

He pointed out that if consumers find NNPC or Dangote’s prices too high, they may import fuel, with market forces determining the most competitive pricing. “If a price war begins, it’s the consumer who stands to benefit,” Onanuga stated.

Onanuga also clarified that the government will not interfere in the pricing dispute but will focus on promoting alternative energy solutions, such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which provides a more affordable option for consumers.

The government plans to subsidize the conversion of vehicles to CNG, with CNG priced around N230 per litre equivalent, compared to PMS at approximately N850 per litre.

In a tragic turn of events, the death has been announced of Patience Umo Eno, wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

The sad news was made public by the Commissioner for Information, Akwa Ibom State, Ini Ememobong, in a statement on Friday.

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Ememobong revealed that the First Lady died at a hospital on September 26, 2024, surrounded by family members

The statement titled “Unexpected Sunset” read, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, following an illness.

“She passed away peacefully at the hospital on 26th September 2024, in the presence of her family.

“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.

“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”