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FG Will Set Up Cashew Processing Facilities In Four States – Ogbeh

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The federal government plans to establish cashew processing facilities in four states in order to add value to the products and create employment and prosperity in the country.

Chief Minister Audu Ogbeh, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said in an interview with the Nigeria News Agency (NAN) in Abuja. Ogbeh said the move would also reduce the waste of cashews and delay the export of raw nuts from the country.

According to him, we are currently wasting an estimated 8 million tons of cashews every year.
He said that the long-term solution to the delay in the export and storage of cashews in ports is for Nigeria to be an exporter of finished
products and not of raw materials.

Ogbeh listed the states where the plants would be installed to include Enugu, Benue, Kogi and Oyo.

“The challenge is usually access to credit because a good line of cashew processing will cost around two million dollars to do something like 10 to 20 tons per day.We aim to establish at least one plant each in Enugu and Benue , two plants each in the states of Kogi and Oyo, these are the main producers of cashew now.

“We want to assure those interested in the cashew that in our next level activities, we intend to stop the export of raw nuts and process all our cashew nuts here and we hope, by the grace of God, to have one or two plants ready before next year.

“We’re talking to Brazilians now, we want to bring machines from Brazil to process the cashew fruit in juice that has a high vitamin C content.

“It’s very good for our health because we are currently losing approximately eight million tons of cashew nuts per year, throwing them away,” he said.

Ogbeh added: “That’s what the West African Cashew Association told me, only in Nigeria, that we wasted eight million tons.

“This is our concern, we are very concerned with this development, but later in the year, I will have a meeting with the producers of cashew nuts and the farmers’ association to sit down with the CBN and get help.”

The minister, who lamented that the country has been a major importer of goods and services, said the government is determined to change the trend.

“The challenge that Nigeria faces is that we have been an importing nation that has destroyed our economy.

“We want to change now and become a nation of exporters.

“We have to find unorthodox ways to find capital for those who want to grow these industries because, on their own, they can not meet the conditions of banks and financial institutions.

“It is impossible for them to raise the necessary capital, which is why the CBN initiatives are very important for us, we have been working with them and we are achieving results.”

“The treasure of Nigeria, including the CBN, has to find a way to overcome obstacles, mountains, rivers, blocking our path to industrial growth.

“If not, we will remain perpetually poor and permanently unable to create wealth and create jobs for our people,” he said.The federal government plans to establish cashew processing facilities in four states in order to add value to the products and create employment and prosperity in the country.
Chief Minister Audu Ogbeh, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said in an interview with the Nigeria News Agency (NAN) in Abuja. Ogbeh said the move would also reduce the waste of cashews and delay the export of raw nuts from the country.
According to him, we are currently wasting an estimated 8 million tons of cashews every year.
He said that the long-term solution to the delay in the export and storage of cashews in ports is for Nigeria to be an exporter of finished
products and not of raw materials.
Ogbeh listed the states where the plants would be installed to include Enugu, Benue, Kogi and Oyo.
“The challenge is usually access to credit because a good line of cashew processing will cost around two million dollars to do something like 10 to 20 tons per day.We aim to establish at least one plant each in Enugu and Benue , two plants each in the states of Kogi and Oyo, these are the main producers of cashew now.
“We want to assure those interested in the cashew that in our next level activities, we intend to stop the export of raw nuts and process all our cashew nuts here and we hope, by the grace of God, to have one or two plants ready before next year.
“We’re talking to Brazilians now, we want to bring machines from Brazil to process the cashew fruit in juice that has a high vitamin C content.
“It’s very good for our health because we are currently losing approximately eight million tons of cashew nuts per year, throwing them away,” he said.
Ogbeh added: “That’s what the West African Cashew Association told me, only in Nigeria, that we wasted eight million tons.
“This is our concern, we are very concerned with this development, but later in the year, I will have a meeting with the producers of cashew nuts and the farmers’ association to sit down with the CBN and get help.”
The minister, who lamented that the country has been a major importer of goods and services, said the government is determined to change the trend.
“The challenge that Nigeria faces is that we have been an importing nation that has destroyed our economy.
“We want to change now and become a nation of exporters.
“We have to find unorthodox ways to find capital for those who want to grow these industries because, on their own, they can not meet the conditions of banks and financial institutions.
“It is impossible for them to raise the necessary capital, which is why the CBN initiatives are very important for us, we have been working with them and we are achieving results.”
“The treasure of Nigeria, including the CBN, has to find a way to overcome obstacles, mountains, rivers, blocking our path to industrial growth.
“If not, we will remain perpetually poor and permanently unable to create wealth and create jobs for our people,” he said.

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Singer TIME Drags Georgina Onuoha Over Comment on Davido’s Father’s Reaction to Paternity Saga

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Nigerian singer, TIME has publicly called out Nollywood actress Georgina Onuoha following her criticism of Davido’s father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, over his reaction to the ongoing paternity controversy involving the Afrobeats superstar.
The drama began after Georgina Onuoha questioned why Davido’s father appeared to defend his son amid allegations that he welcomed a child with a woman identified as Anu Adeleye. In a post shared online, the actress described Davido as “irresponsible,” sparking mixed reactions across social media.
Reacting to her comment, TIME took to X (formerly Twitter) to drag the actress, accusing her of ignoring key details surrounding the case. He referenced statements made by Davido, noting that he had never met the said lady before the first DNA test, and questioned why people were not discussing other individuals mentioned in the saga.
“Madam Georgina, did you hear the part Davina said she’d never met her prior to the first DNA test? Why are y’all not talking about the bank official the girl mentioned to Dr. Sikiru Adeleke?” TIME wrote.
According to reports, Aanu’s mother has been identified as Grace Ayotomide Labinjoh, who has consistently maintained that Davido is her daughter’s biological father despite the singer and his family denying the claim.
TIME’s remarks triggered a fresh wave of debate online, with some social media users backing him for defending Davido’s family, while others accused him of unnecessarily attacking Georgina Onuoha.
As the paternity saga continues to trend, the clash between TIME and Georgina Onuoha has added another layer of controversy, keeping Davido and his family at the center of public discourse.

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Nasarawa ADC Suspends State Chairman Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities, Sets Up Disciplinary Committee

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nasarawa State has suspended its State Chairman, Godwin Alaku Williams, over alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
The suspension was approved by the party’s Transitional Leadership Team (TLT) following a petition accusing Williams of actions deemed harmful to the unity and progress of the party in the state.
The decision was taken at a TLT meeting held on Wednesday at Otunsha Hotel, Keffi, and presided over by the party leader, Chief John Michael Abdul.
In a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Comrade Idris Ojoko, the suspension will last for 14 days, pending investigation and the outcome of proceedings by a disciplinary committee constituted by the TLT.
Ojoko also announced the appointment of Barrister Paul Magaji Ajeh, formerly the State Secretary, as Acting State Chairman, while Umar A. Babayaro has been named Acting Secretary.
According to the statement, the allegations against Williams include his alleged refusal to recognise the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark, and his failure to integrate coalition members into the ADC party structure in Nasarawa State.
Other accusations include allegedly reporting some party leaders to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police, describing them as impostors.
Williams is also accused of constituting parallel party organs at various levels within the state, interfering with the establishment of party offices at the state, local government, and ward levels contrary to NWC directives, and disrupting the ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise.
Meanwhile, Ojoko announced the formation of a disciplinary committee chaired by Barrister Hassan Yakubu. Other members include Amina Zanwa, Mamman Sunday, and Yunus Abdullahi Sidi, with Gaza Mark Auta serving as Secretary.

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Tears as Chief Imam of Ilorin Laid to Rest, Fidau Scheduled for Sunday

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Tears flowed freely on Tuesday as thousands of Muslim faithful gathered at the Emir of Ilorin’s palace for the final burial of the Chief Imam of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Ulama, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu.
The solemn funeral prayer (Janazah) began at 10:00 a.m., led by the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulhameed. The palace forecourt was filled to capacity, with security personnel managing the massive crowd that had come to pay their last respects to the revered Islamic scholar.
The event drew prominent figures from political, religious, and social spheres, including former Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, former PDP National Secretary Alhaji Kawu Baraje, former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly Professor Ali Ahmad, former Director of Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency Engineer Bolakale Kawu, and the Kwara State Governor’s representative, Saadu Salaudeen.
Notable Islamic scholars and traditional rulers also attended, including Balogun Alanamu, Dr. Usman Abubakar Jos, Chief Imam of Offa Sheikh Muhyidin Salman Hussein Al-Imam, Ajanasi Agba of Ilorin Sheikh Mujtabah Yusuf Bature, Chief of Ogbomoso Alhaji Dr. Imam Yunus Teliat Olushina Ayilara II, and Grand Mufti of Ilorin Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa, among others.
Sheikh Soliu passed away on Monday at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy of Islamic scholarship, leadership, and service to the Ilorin Emirate and the broader Muslim community.
Following the Janazah, his body was conveyed to his residence in Egbejila, which also houses his Arabic school, where thousands gathered for the final rites and prayers. At the graveside, clerics offered heartfelt supplications for the forgiveness of his soul and entry into Al-Jannah Firdaus, as mourners wept openly, remembering him as a spiritual father, teacher, and moral compass.
Sheikh Soliu is remembered for his humility, deep knowledge of Islam, and unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and religious guidance in Kwara State and beyond.
As part of post-burial rites, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, announced that the Fidau prayer for the late Chief Imam will hold on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ilorin Central Mosque. The prayer will be led by Imam Imale Sheikh Abdullahi Abdulhamid, alongside other clerics from within and outside the Emirate.
In a statement, the Emir urged Muslims across the region to intensify prayers for the departed Imam Agba of Ilorin, asking Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.

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