Agricultural experts are advising local farmers to closely monitor weather forecasts before commencing farming activities to mitigate potential losses attributed to the effects of climate change. According to agriculture analyst Mr. Omotunde Banjoko, farmers should proactively seek information from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) prior to initiating planting seasons.

“With the recent onset of rains, it presents a favorable opportunity to commence the planting season,” Banjoko remarked. “NiMet’s earlier advisories indicated that certain regions would experience delayed rains, while others might witness an early cessation of rainfall. It’s imperative for local farmers to align their plans with NiMet’s predictions. It’s high time we accorded due attention to weather forecasts in Nigeria,” he emphasized.

Banjoko reiterated the importance of farmers adhering to weather forecasts to minimize potential losses. “The reality of climate change cannot be ignored; we’re not immune to its global impact. While rainfall patterns may not be consistent, they have indeed commenced. In light of climate change, traditional farming practices must evolve. Paying heed to weather forecasts is crucial, as it allows farmers to adapt to changing patterns,” he explained.

“Farmers may need to replace seeds sown earlier due to unfavorable conditions. To mitigate additional costs, farmers should heed available weather information,” Banjoko advised.

Agricultural consultant and co-founder of Corporate Farmers International, Mr. Akin Alabi, stressed the significance of access to information and investment in irrigation in modern agricultural practices. “While the traditional farming season typically starts in March, this year, we’ve experienced delays until May. The consistency of rainfall remains uncertain,” Alabi observed. “Farmers must remain vigilant in obtaining weather forecasts from NiMet to comprehend rain patterns and determine the optimal commencement of the farming season.”

Alabi highlighted the necessity of investments, particularly in automated irrigation systems. “Water is indispensable for farming, especially in the face of climate change. Farmers should consider investing in irrigation systems, including solar-powered alternatives, to mitigate the effects of inconsistent weather patterns. Collaborative efforts through cooperatives can facilitate access to such investments,” he suggested.

Despite the delayed start to the farming season, Mr. Uche Ikenga, a crop farmer, expressed optimism regarding potential yields. “We’ve initiated planting activities, encouraged by the onset of rainfall,” Ikenga remarked. “We urge fellow farmers to exert maximum effort, considering the adverse impact of food scarcity. It’s crucial for farmers to approach their work diligently. The delay may affect this year’s harvest, given the limited planting cycles remaining. Unless farmers have provisions for dry-season farming, we’re left with only two cycles,” Ikenga cautioned.

The Lagos State University-Africa Centre of Excellence for Innovative and Transformative STEM Education (LASU-ACEITSE) marked a significant milestone on Monday with the inauguration of its state-of-the-art laboratory aimed at advancing education in science, mathematics, and technology.

During the ceremony, Dr. Joshua Atah, the National Coordinator of ACE Impact, Nigeria, attributed the success of the project to the exemplary leadership and unwavering support of the university team. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the project’s momentum by enhancing leadership and implementation capacities, urging both the university management and the LASU-ACEITSE team to remain steadfast in their commitment to this cause.

“At this juncture, it is imperative to fully prepare for the challenges ahead,” remarked Dr. Atah. “With only 13 months remaining until the project concludes, concerted efforts are essential to ensure the fulfillment of ACE Impact’s objectives. We stand ready to support your endeavors through the project’s implementation unit at the National Universities Commission, as we have consistently done in the past.”

Highlighting the project’s objectives, Dr. Atah underscored the significance of achieving specific milestones outlined under the disbursement-linked indicators, particularly focusing on the enhancement of teaching and research environments. He commended LASU-ACEITSE for demonstrating exceptional progress in this regard, thereby solidifying its reputation on the global stage.

Echoing Dr. Atah’s sentiments, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor of LASU, emphasized the pivotal role of the center in realizing the university’s aspirations for internationalization and academic excellence within the West African region. She reaffirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to the ACE-Impact Project’s objectives, citing the sustained enhancement of academic and administrative performance since the center’s establishment in 2018.

“In addition to catering to enrolled students, the center has actively contributed to capacity-building initiatives for both students and staff,” stated Prof. Olatunji-Bello. “Furthermore, its recent endeavors, such as the training of STEM teachers in Benin Republic, underscore its dedication to fostering knowledge exchange beyond national borders.”

Pioneer Director of LASU-ACEITSE, Emeritus Prof. Peter Okebukola, hailed the project’s approval by the World Bank and the Federal Government for its role in cultivating exemplary STEM teachers. He applauded the center’s achievements in producing a cadre of highly skilled graduates, thereby bolstering STEM education across the region.

“The inauguration of this laboratory marks a significant milestone in providing STEM students with hands-on learning experiences,” remarked Prof. Okebukola. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the LASU Vice-Chancellor, management team, and the center’s Director for their visionary leadership in bringing this initiative to fruition. It is my fervent hope that through concerted efforts, we can raise awareness and promote STEM education as a cornerstone of national development.

Prof. Rasheed Sanni, Director of LASU-ACEITSE, emphasized the need for governments at all levels to replicate STEM education laboratories across local communities, thereby extending the benefits of quality education to teachers and students nationwide. He encouraged current students to leverage the newly inaugurated laboratory to enhance their academic pursuits, emphasizing its array of facilities tailored to support science education.

LASU-ACEITSE, supported by the World Bank, remains committed to promoting excellence in the teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), heralding a brighter future for education in Nigeria and beyond.

Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) is actively seeking media collaboration to achieve its ambitious goal of full Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the state by 2030. Dr. Agabus Manasseh, the Director-General of the Agency, emphasized the importance of media partnership during the agency’s quarterly media interface in Jos, with the theme; “Media: A Tool for Sustainable Development”.

Dr. Manasseh highlighted the pivotal role of the media in the agency’s mission, noting that journalists serve as gatekeepers in disseminating crucial information to the public, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas. He stressed that effective collaboration with the media is essential for raising awareness about the benefits of the UHC scheme through avenues such as jingles, news reports, and features.

In response, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau chapter, assured PLASCHEMA’s management of the unwavering support of journalists in disseminating information to achieve the agency’s 2030 mandate.

Established in 2019, PLASCHEMA is tasked with ensuring access to affordable, equitable, timely, and quality healthcare, with financial security for all residents of Plateau State, regardless of their socioeconomic status.