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Upscaling Organic, Agroecology practices key to healthy living – Experts
Organic and Agroecology experts see say upscaling the practices in Nigeria as is key to healthy living for the nation’s populace and environment.
The experts made the assertion during the zoom seminar organized by the Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN) in conjunction with Organic and Agroecology Innovation Platform (OAIP) and Journalists Go Organic Initiative. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
The Symposium was on `Demand for Organic and Agroecological Produce and Products in Nigeria: Calling for Supply’.
Mrs Ebere Agozie, the Convener, Journalists Go Organic Initiative, who was one of the discussants called for caution when purchasing consumables, noting that people are unwittingly serving deadly meals to families.
“Its unfortunate that some of us, especially women, poison the families with every meal served as most of the farm produce purchased are laced with toxins.
“Most chemicals used by farmers are killing Nigerians daily. Even when people try to use herbs to cure sicknesses they still run into trouble because those herbs are also contaminated’’.
Recalling how she was hospitalized for three days after consuming vegetables suspected to have been cultivated with chemical fertilizers, Mrs Agozie called for stringent punishment for importers and sellers of these poisonous chemicals.
“Many studies have shown that exposure to various environmental pollutants, such as pesticides, is associated with increasing prevalence of cases of cancer and solid tumours, particularly among individuals with occupational exposure, such as agricultural workers.
“A study by Heinrich Boll Foundation had revealed that some hazardous pesticides banned in Europe are being used in Nigeria, thereby leaving their toxic residues on our farm produce.
” Nigeria, along with other low and middle income countries, has become a dumping ground for big Europe-based agrochemical companies exporting banned toxic pesticides for profit at the risk of lives and the environment.
“Then, you should ask yourself, why don’t they consume what they produce?”
Agozie urged Nigerians to be wise when purchasing for the health of their families and averred that the practice of Organic and agroecology is a win win situation.
“The good thing is that Nigerians are beginning to take care of their health by the increase in the demand for organic produce in the country.
“At our Abuja Organic Market, our vendors cannot even produce enough for our customers, this is part of the reason we want more farmers to come on board.
“We should all help in our own little ways. If we all farm organic, even in our backyards, those who sell those deadly chemicals would have lost our patronage.
“Same goes for those who farm with synthetic fertilizers. But as long as we continue to patronize them, they will continue to thrive’’.
She reiterated that Organic and Agroecology practices ensure that one eats healthy and stays healthy and can never go wrong with them.
“They put healthy food on our table and as well put plenty of money in our bank accounts.
“They do not only ensure food sufficiency but are also effective in the restoration of our health, and that of the environment.
“Something can be sufficient and not efficient but organic and agroecology practices are all encompassing, so let us go back to what our fore fathers use to do, and they lived longer and healthier’’.
“Consumer perceptions of quality and safety, as well as environmental impact of organic agricultural practices, are factors driving the demand for organic products in Nigeria.
“There’s a growing awareness of the benefits of organic and sustainable products, particularly in the natural cosmetics market”.
Another discussant, Dr Aderonke Ajav, Director, University Health Services, university of Ibadan noted that consumers are now increasingly prioritizing food safety, environmental concern, and health consciousness when making purchasing decisions.
She called for produce promotion and collaborations between farmers, academia, media, and government policies to help enhance the benefits of organic produce.
Prof. Olugbenga AdeOluwa, Professor of Soil Fertility, University of Ibadan who moderated the symposium added that farmers need to be trained and certified in organic farming practices to meet the growing demand.
Nigerian producers are seeking ways to expand the export as consumers pay more attention to health.
“Nigeria has been making money producing organically grown crops for European markets, where demand for healthier food has been rapidly growing.
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NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature Exoneration
NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationThe Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the unfolding scandal surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that the gravity of the allegations and the institutions reportedly involved make an ordinary investigation inadequate.
In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild faulted the Presidency’s swift public exoneration of the Chief of Staff to the President by the President’s spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, describing it as premature and inconsistent with the principles of natural justice.
According to the Guild, declaring any public official innocent before the conclusion of an impartial investigation undermines public confidence in the process and creates the impression that the outcome has already been predetermined.
“The hasty exoneration of any public official before a comprehensive investigation has been concluded negates the principles of justice, fairness and good conscience.
Every Nigerian deserves to see that justice is not only done but is manifestly seen to have been done,” the statement said.
NGIJ said the controversy surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has become one of the most significant governance scandals in recent years, alleging that the sequence of events surrounding the Council points to a level of official backing that requires a truly independent investigation.
The Guild argued that several developments associated with the Council have raised serious questions that cannot be ignored.
According to the statement, available information indicates that an account was reportedly opened for the Council at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the controversial PFIPC was reportedly captured in the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly, office accommodation was allocated to the Council within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, and more than 300 personnel, including eight directors, were reportedly recruited or sourced to work for the Council.
NGIJ noted that these developments, if established through investigation, suggest that the activities attributed to the Council went far beyond the actions of a few individuals and may have involved approvals or support from influential actors within government.
“The establishment of banking arrangements, budgetary provisions, office allocation, recruitment of hundreds of personnel and appointment of directors are not processes ordinarily executed without official authorisation and institutional support. These issues raise legitimate public interest questions that deserve thorough and independent scrutiny,” the Guild stated.
It added that the scale of the allegations has created widespread public concern and, if left unresolved, could erode confidence in Nigeria’s governance institutions and anti-corruption framework.
The Guild expressed reservations over allowing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to solely investigate the matter, arguing that given the alleged involvement of powerful figures and the institutional implications of the case, a broader and more independent mechanism would inspire greater public confidence.
According to NGIJ, the investigation should be handled by an independent judicial panel comprising retired judicial officers, forensic auditors, representatives of relevant anti-corruption institutions, professional bodies and civil society organisations, with full powers to examine documents, invite witnesses and recommend appropriate actions based on its findings.
The Guild further urged the National Assembly to commence a public legislative inquiry into the establishment, funding, operations and legal status of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
It maintained that no public official, irrespective of rank or political influence, should be insulated from investigation where credible allegations exist.
NGIJ stressed that the circumstances surrounding the controversial PFIPC have made the matter unprecedented and deserving of the highest level of independent scrutiny.
The Guild said only a transparent, credible and independent investigation can establish the true facts, identify any wrongdoing where it exists, protect innocent persons where appropriate, and restore public confidence in the administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
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MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New Product
By AbdulRahman Obaje
Lagos, Nigeria — July 2026 — MeCure Industries Plc closed the first half of 2026 on a strong note, marked by the affirmation of its national scale issuer ratings by GCR Ratings, the award of Halal certification, and the launch of two new products. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
GCR Ratings affirmed MeCure Industries Plc’s long-term issuer rating at BBB(NG) and short-term issuer rating at A3(NG), with the company’s long-term outlook revised to Stable. The rating agency said the decision was supported by improvements in MeCure’s competitive position, sound earnings performance, ongoing expansion, product innovation, and wider market penetration. GCR also noted the company’s diversified portfolio of more than 140 formulations across five therapeutic classes, its extensive distribution network, and its relationships with suppliers and technical partners.
During the period, MeCure also received Halal certification, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality, compliance, and broader consumer accessibility. For the everyday consumer, Halal certification means that the certified products have been reviewed to ensure that their ingredients, sourcing, handling, and production processes comply with recognised Halal requirements. In practical terms, it gives Muslim consumers greater confidence that the medicines they use are permissible, while also providing an additional layer of assurance around transparency, product integrity, and manufacturing discipline.
The certification is expected to support trust among customers, healthcare professionals, distributors, and institutional partners, while strengthening MeCure’s positioning in markets where Halal-compliant products are an important consideration.
In June 2026, MeCure further expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of Fluconazole Capsules and EBU Suspension. Fluconazole Capsules add to the company’s antifungal offering, while EBU Suspension, an ibuprofen oral suspension, strengthens MeCure’s paediatric and family care range. The launches reflect the company’s continued focus on affordable, locally manufactured medicines across key therapeutic needs.
As MeCure enters the second half of 2026, the company said it remains focused on deepening local manufacturing, improving access to quality medicines, expanding its product pipeline, and delivering sustainable value to shareholders.
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NewsJuly 15, 2026NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationNewsJuly 1, 2026MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New ProductNewsJune 29, 2026Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme BorderNewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development
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Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Border
Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Borde
By Usman Aliyu | June 27, 2026
Ajaka, Kogi State — The family of Sgt. Benjamin Etuh, a native of Ajaka in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has appealed to the public for information regarding his whereabouts following reports that he may have been involved in a drowning incident at the Seme Border area of Lagos State.
According to information available to the family, Sgt. Etuh, who was last known to be serving at the Seme Border Patrol, was reportedly involved in an incident on the water around the border community. However, relatives say they have not received any official confirmation regarding his condition or whereabouts.
The uncertainty surrounding the incident has left family members distressed and searching for answers. Efforts to contact the officer through his mobile phone numbers have also proved unsuccessful, as the lines have reportedly remained unreachable for several days.
Family sources expressed concern over the lack of verified information and appealed to the relevant authorities to provide clarity on the officer’s status. They also called on security agencies, colleagues, residents of the Seme Border area, and members of the public with any useful information to come forward.
Efforts by reporters to obtain official confirmation from the Ikeja Command were unsuccessful, as no response had been received at the time of filing this report.
As of the time of publication, there has been no official statement confirming Sgt. Benjamin Etuh’s whereabouts or condition. The family continues to appeal for credible information that may help establish the facts surrounding the incident.
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NewsJuly 15, 2026NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationNewsJuly 1, 2026MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New ProductNewsJune 29, 2026Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme BorderNewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development