The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) of Brazil, has taken a significant step toward boosting private sector participation in agriculture by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The agreement focuses on advancing fertiliser production, hybrid seed technology, and agricultural finance, aiming to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The MoU was formalized at the headquarters of FGV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the G20 Leaders’ Summit.

Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), represented Nigeria, while Professor Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal, President of FGV, signed on behalf of the Brazilian institution.

This agreement builds on the existing Green Imperative Project (GIP), a $1.2 billion initiative that serves as one of the largest international agricultural technology transfer projects between the two nations.

Established in 2018, the Green Imperative Project seeks to leverage Brazil’s expertise in tropical agriculture to modernize and transform Nigeria’s farming landscape.

The project is a cooperative effort aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, improving food security, and promoting sustainable farming practices across Nigeria.

Supported by Deutsche Bank, the initiative is designed to deliver advanced agricultural technologies and facilitate knowledge transfer over the course of a decade.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Fashedemi highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration offers Brazil an opportunity to engage with Nigeria’s vibrant agricultural sector.

Together with FGV, we aim to unlock private sector investments in critical areas essential to achieving food security and economic development.”

The MoU is projected to attract $4.3 billion in private sector investments across fertiliser production, hybrid seed technology, and agricultural financing.

These investments are expected to not only boost Nigeria’s agricultural output but also create jobs, reduce dependence on imported food, and enhance the livelihoods of farmers nationwide.

One of the key features of the Green Imperative Project is its plan to identify and support one agribusiness in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas over the next five years.

These agribusinesses will receive technical and financial resources to drive sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth in their respective regions.

By empowering local farmers and entrepreneurs, the project aims to create a ripple effect that will benefit the broader agricultural ecosystem.

Professor Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing FGV’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in agriculture.

He noted that Brazil’s extensive experience in tropical agriculture would serve as a valuable resource for Nigeria as it seeks to modernize its farming practices.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from Nigeria’s presidency, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and leadership from FGV.

Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone displayed his artistic and philanthropic sides at the amfAR gala in Las Vegas, where his painting, Knocking Heads, sold for an impressive $410,000. The event, held at The Wynn Hotel, aimed to support AIDS research, and Stallone’s contribution made a significant impact.

The vibrant multicolored artwork, featuring thoughtful faces and a nod to his iconic character Rocky Balboa, sparked an intense bidding war, earning a standing ovation when the auction concluded. Stallone, visibly delighted, expressed pride in helping the cause.

The night was further memorable for Stallone, as he received a special award from Tommy Hilfiger and his wife, Dee. Additionally, Stallone auctioned a role in his series, Tulsa King, raising an extra $300,000 for the foundation.

The gala blended art, charity, and entertainment, with Stallone’s efforts showcasing a different side of the celebrated actor and solidifying his legacy beyond Hollywood.

The Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Testimony Parish in Egbeda, Oyo State, has reported the theft of two cows valued at ₦1.9 million.

The cows, intended for the church’s annual adult harvest thanksgiving on November 17, 2024, were stolen from the church premises on November 11 during preparations for the event.

Despite ongoing efforts, the stolen cows have not been found, prompting the church to seek financial assistance to replace them.

In a Facebook post, the church appealed for prayers and support from the public:

“These two huge cows were stolen from the church premises at CCC Testimony Parish, Elerumoke Area, Egbeda, Iyana Ajia. They were meant for the 9th adult harvest thanksgiving this Sunday.”

The church has called on anyone with helpful information to come forward and assist in recovering the cows or ensuring the success of the thanksgiving celebration.