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Dry Season Farmers In Enugu Receive ATASP Water Pumps

Thousands Of Dry Season Farmers In Enugu Receive ATASP Water Pumps

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Thousands Of Dry Season Farmers In Enugu Receive ATASP Water Pumps—-No fewer than 5,104 dry season farmers in Enugu State have benefited from the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase One (ATASP-1) water pumps for dry season irrigation farming.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dry season farmers drawn from 52 farming clusters (or farming cooperatives) are within the Adani and Omor farming zone.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Mr Patrick Ubru,  presented the 52 water pumping machines to the farmers in Enugu.

Ubru said that the gesture was just the first step to ensuring that Enugu State became the hub of food production in the country.

He said that the Gov. Peter Mbah-led administration had resolved to support farmers and subsidise every effort to ensure food production and quality value-chain addition on farm produce in the state.

“More gestures to ensure you succeed are coming even as we are going to distribute inputs very soon and give real-time guidance and supervision to ensure you get it right.

“We want you to utilise all you have learnt in terms of good agronomy practices from ATASP for you to increase your yield this season as the state government has a target of one million metric tons of rice.

“So, we are looking at you people producing at last five tons per hectare of rice; as, a state that has its own rice brand, we (state government) will off-take all you produce and process.

“For those producing improved maize variety, our poultry farmers are already waiting to buy any maize produced in the state and the headache of the market for your produce had been taken off you.’’

The commissioner assured the farmers that tractors would be rolled out in the state very soon to make their farming easier and they cover more hectures or land mass.

“The state government through the initiative of our amiable governor will be providing you people with tractors that will improve your farming work, make it easier and make expansion highly possible.

“We have a talk-and-do governor, who has taken the pain to  conclude arrangement of providing tractors to farmers in the state; our tractors are on the way and will be available very soon,” he said.

Speaking, Dr Romanus Egba, the Programme Coordinator, ATASP-1 Adani-Omor Staple Crops Implementation Zone, commended the governor for paying the state’s counterpart fund for the programme.

“It is due to the state participating actively in the programme through counterpart fund payment; we are have the opportunity to receive these water pumping machines and other beneficial gestures to come soon.

“So, ATASP-1 is packaging this dry seasoning farming with about 5,104 dry season farmers in Enugu State, who are into rice and maize production;  it will be a farmer per hectare of farmland.

“We are also thanking the agriculture-friendly governor for putting huge support and subsidy in agriculture, its value-chain and entire food production exercise in the state.”

The programme coordinator also urged the farmers to ensure that they are active in the ATASP WhatsApp group platform to receive vital messages, get clear guidance, interact with other farmers, raise questions and complaints if need be.

“ATASP officials will actively monitor, supervise and guide the farmers though the WhatsApp group and practically visit to farms often; ee will support the farmers and their various cluster groups to succeed,” he assured.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Titus Ugwu, thanked ATASP-1, Mbah and the state Ministry of Agriculture for their overwhelming support for farming activities.

“As a rice farmer, this solar-powered water pumping machine will give adequate irrigation to my rice farm and definitely lead to increase in yield and better harvest,” Ugwu said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Eunice Okafor, appreciated ATASP for given genuine support to farmers in terms of agronomy training, providing improved seedlings and inputs as well as this solar-powered water pumping machine.

The water pumps distributed included: 40 solar-powered and 12 petrol-powered easy-to-use water pumping machines.

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Romelu Lukaku Joins Fenerbahçe from Napoli in €6m Transfer

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Romelu Lukaku Joins Fenerbahçe from Napoli in €6m Transfer—-The Belgian striker has completed his move to Turkey after Napoli agreed to sell him to Fenerbahçe for a reported €6 million plus bonuses, bringing his two-year spell in Italy to an end.

Romelu Lukaku has completed his transfer from Napoli to Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, ending his time in Serie A after the two clubs reached an agreement for the Belgian striker.

The 33-year-old has joined the Istanbul club in a permanent transfer, with Italian media reporting that Fenerbahçe will pay around €6 million, with additional performance-related bonuses potentially increasing the value of the deal. Neither club formally disclosed the financial details of the transfer.

Lukaku’s departure brings an end to a two-year spell with Napoli, where he played an important role in the club’s domestic success. The Belgian joined the Italian side from Chelsea in 2024 and went on to help Napoli secure the Serie A title during the 2024–25 campaign.

His time in Naples was ultimately disrupted by fitness problems during his final season. Lukaku made only seven appearances during the injury-affected campaign, limiting his opportunities before the decision was eventually taken to move him on.

Despite those difficulties, Lukaku leaves Napoli with a league title on his résumé and a reputation as one of Europe’s most experienced centre-forwards. His physical presence, finishing ability and extensive experience at the highest level made him an attractive target for Fenerbahçe as the Turkish club looked to strengthen its attack.

The move also represents a return to Turkey for Lukaku, who has a personal connection to the country. His father, former professional footballer Roger Lukaku, played for Gençlerbirliği in Ankara, meaning the Belgian spent part of his childhood in Turkey. Lukaku described his return as an emotional moment as he begins a new chapter with Fenerbahçe.

Fenerbahçe finished second in the Turkish league last season and are looking to close the gap on their rivals while competing for major honours. Lukaku’s arrival gives the club an experienced attacking option capable of leading the line and providing a significant presence in the final third.

The Belgian international also arrives after featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite Belgium’s eventual exit in the quarter-finals, Lukaku scored three goals during the tournament, demonstrating that he remains capable of making an impact on the international stage.

Before joining Napoli, Lukaku enjoyed successful spells at clubs including Everton, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Chelsea. His most productive period came at Inter, where he helped the Italian side win the Serie A title in 2020–21 before returning to Chelsea.

His move to Fenerbahçe now gives the veteran striker another opportunity to write a new chapter in his career. For Napoli, the transfer allows the club to move on from a player whose final season was heavily affected by injuries, while Fenerbahçe gain an experienced forward as they pursue domestic and European ambitions.

Lukaku’s arrival is expected to generate significant excitement among Fenerbahçe supporters, who will hope the Belgian can rediscover his best form and provide the goals needed to challenge for silverware in Turkey.

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Fletcher Hails Senator Yayi’s 56th Birthday, Applauds His Commitment to Good Governance

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Fletcher Hails Senator Yayi’s 56th Birthday, Applauds His Commitment to Good Governance—-The President of the Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSN) , Managing Director, OfadaBoy Restaurant, a professional food service company, convener Ofada Rice Day and Co-Convener of Yayi Forward, Mr. Oluwatobi Fletcher (Ofadaboy), has felicitated with the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, on his birthday.

Fletcher, who is an indigene of Ofada town in Obafemi Owode local Government in Ogun State, described Senator Adeola as a committed public servant whose political journey and contributions to legislative development have continued to make a significant impact on the people of Ogun State and Nigeria.

In a birthday message, Fletcher commended the Senator for his dedication to public service, describing his leadership style as one anchored on grassroots engagement, purposeful representation and commitment to the welfare and development of his constituents.

According to Fletcher, Senator Adeola’s contributions to the development of Ogun West and his broader efforts in supporting initiatives that promote economic growth, empowerment and improved opportunities for the people deserve recognition and commendation.

“Today, we celebrate not just a politician, but a leader whose journey reflects resilience, dedication and a deep commitment to public service. Senator Solomon Adeola has demonstrated that leadership is ultimately about the people and the positive impact one can make in their lives.

“On behalf of APFSN, Yayi Forward and myself, I wish our distinguished Senator a very happy birthday. May God continue to grant him wisdom, good health, strength and the courage to continue serving our people and contributing to the development of our dear nation,” Fletcher said.

The APFSN President further expressed confidence that Senator Adeola would continue to provide purposeful leadership and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Ogun State and Nigeria.

He prayed for many more years of good health, fulfilment, greater accomplishments and continued relevance in public service.

“Happy Birthday, Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola. May your new age usher in greater opportunities, renewed strength and even greater impact in the service of humanity,” Fletcher added.

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