News
As the Nation Cries of Hunger, Soludoo Takes Action
…Introduces Game-changing Agricultural Initiative
*By Christian ABURIME
In a prompt, decisive move that comes as a strategic response to the simmering unrest of hunger gripping much of Nigeria right now, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, is launching a new, timely and potentially game-changing agricultural initiative.
As protests over food inflation and skyrocketing prices of necessities rock the nation, Governor Soludo’s “Operation Farm to Feed” programme offers a grassroots sustainable solution to a crisis that threatens to engulf Africa’s most populous country.
The pertinent question on the mind of Governor Soludo seems to be: how can a nation, a people, so enviably blessed with fertile, arable land mass and clement weather conditions be struggling with hunger?
This has spurred the governor to swing into action with his new initiative, set to be unveiled tomorrow Saturday at AMANSEA, in order to galvanise Anambra’s citizens into embracing agriculture on personal and family levels.
From sprawling rural homesteads to the modest backyards of urban dwellers, Governor Soludo envisions a state where every available plot of land becomes a bastion of food security.
Of course, Nigerians can not afford to be waiting for Manna from heaven or from Abuja.
As much as the government must take certain steps to address the rampant food inflation in the country, it is Governor Soludo’s belief that the long-term solution to our food crisis lies in the rich soil beneath our feet and the strength of our own hands.
The timing of Governor Soludo’s initiative could not be more critical. As galloping inflation ravages the Nigerian economy, food prices have become the most visible and painful indicators of the nation’s economic challenges.
Individuals and families across the country are grappling with impossible choices, forced to decide between putting food on the table and meeting other basic needs. There is, indeed, no easy choice.
But Governor Soludo’s plan is refreshingly pragmatic. The state government will be advocating planting of cassava stems, maize seeds, short-duration crop seedlings, and so on, to help even novice gardeners turn the patches of earth in their backyards into productive micro-farms.
The focus is on fast-growing, nutrient-rich crops that can provide quick relief to struggling families. This is not about creating commercial farms overnight, but it is about empowering our people to take control of their food supply, one household at a time.
Some critics may dismiss the initiative as a mere band-aid on a gaping wound, but those involved in its implementation can argue that it represents a fundamental shift in thinking.
Meaning, the Anambra State government is not abdicating its responsibilities to citizens, but is simply rewiring people’s mindsets to start contributing to solutions by growing what to eat. In essence, let us all in Anambra and Nigeria start choosing to till the soil of self-reliance.
The “Operation Farm to Feed” programme also addresses a deeper, more insidious problem: the growing disconnect between Nigerians and their agricultural heritage.
In a nation that was once the breadbasket of West Africa, urbanisation and the allure of white-collar jobs have led to a dangerous dependence on imported and processed food. Our grandparents knew the value of the land, and it’s time we remembered their wisdom and went back to the land.
As the first seeds of Governor Soludo’s vision take root in Anambra’s soil tomorrow, the rest of Nigeria may be watching with a mixture of hope and scepticism.
Can a return to basic farming principles really make a dent in a crisis of this magnitude? Only time will tell. But in a nation hungry for solutions, Anambra’s “Operation Farm to Feed” initiative offers a ray of hope – and perhaps a blueprint for other states to follow.
We may not be able to change the whole country overnight, but we can certainly change our little corner of it, one garden at a time. And the harvest, when it comes, may well be bountiful beyond measure.
Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) under Operation Lafiyan Jama’a have neutralized several bandits during joint operations in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
A statement issued on Friday by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) stated that the clearance operation which took place on Thursday, July 3, led to the killing of scores of bandits.
The statement reads: “In continuation of ongoing efforts to rid the Joint Operations Area (JOA) of criminal elements, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN under Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A have sustained aggressive kinetic operations in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, yielding commendable outcomes.
“On 3 July, 2025, troops carried out a clearance operation in the rugged terrains of Tulus and Hokk Communities, located along the Plateau–Nasarawa State border.
“During the mission, contact was made with armed militias in Hokk, leading to a brief but decisive firefight. Several bandits were neutralised, while others fled into surrounding forests.
“Troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area and, though no further contact was established, have maintained control through mobile and static patrols to disrupt any regrouping attempts.
“These successful actions reaffirm the resolve of security forces to dismantle criminal syndicates and prevent the proliferation of illicit weapons threatening peace and security within the Joint Operations Area.”
After 13 days in captivity, Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro, a Bayelsa State High Court Judge, who was kidnapped by gunmen, has been released.
The judge was abducted on June 21, 2025, around 7pm by gunmen dressed in combat fatigue in front of a popular eatery at the Ekeki suburb of Yenagoa.
It was gathered that Justice Omukoro was released on Thursday evening and is still with security operatives.
Masobe Books, a leading publisher of Nigerian literature, today announced the upcoming release of a highly anticipated essay collection by Dr. Dakuku Peterside, a prominent figure in Nigerian public life.
The collection, which is titled: Beneath the Surface: Essays on Nigeria’s Chequered Journey, a powerful new work by renowned columnist and public policy expert, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.
Dr. Peterside, known for his contributions to policy, economics, and thought leadership, has compiled a series of essays exploring a range of critical issues facing the nation.
The collection is expected to delve into topics such as governance, economic development, social justice, national unity, security challenges, the future of democracy, and the role of youth.
“We are incredibly excited to be publishing Dr. Peterside’s work,” said [Name and Title of a Masobe Books representative, ideally the publisher].
“His deep understanding of Nigeria, combined with his clear and articulate writing style, makes this collection essential reading for anyone interested in the country’s present and future.”
Masobe Books anticipates that the collection will appeal to a broad audience, including policymakers, academics, students, and the general public.
Slated for publication in October 2025 under the publisher’s Makere imprint, the book promises to spark critical conversations about Nigeria’s past, present, and future.
Further details, including the title of the collection and planned promotional events, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Dr. Dakuku Peterside has a distinguished career, having served as a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), a former member of the House of Representatives.
He is widely respected for his expertise and contributions to national discourse.
The essay collection offers a panoramic exploration of Nigeria’s complex landscape—its economy, governance, youth energy, leadership challenges, and international standing.
Described as a “360-degree perspective” on the country’s evolving narrative, the book digs deep into the nation’s layered experiences and contradictions.
The book has already received high praise from thought leaders. Renowned Kenyan scholar, Professor P.L.O. Lumumba, hailed it as “a manual that every conscientious person in authority should read.”
Bishop Matthew Kukah called it “a window for future exploration of the options for a new Nigeria,” while Prof. Kyari Mohammed declared it “a must read for policy makers, academics and the general reader.”
Masobe Books has announced plans for formal launch events in Lagos and Abuja to accompany the book’s international and local release.
This marks Dr. Peterside’s third major publication, following Strategic Turnaround and Leading in a Storm.
For inquiries and updates, the public is encouraged to contact Theresa Ominiabohs at Masobe Books or visit www.masobebooks.com.
The publisher can also be followed on Instagram and Twitter via @masobebooksng.
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