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RURCON Launches Tree Planting Campaign in Bokkos to Restore Environment and Empower Communities

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In a significant move to restore the environment and strengthen community resilience, the Rural Development Counsellor for Christian Churches in Africa (RURCON) has launched a large-scale tree planting project in Maiyanga and Butura Company communities of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The initiative is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP). Targeting 400 households, each family will plant at least six economic trees—primarily avocado seedlings—marking a dual effort toward environmental regeneration and economic empowerment in communities affected by past conflict and climate-related challenges.

At the ceremonial launch held in Maiyanga on Tuesday, August 5, the Director General of the Plateau State Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), Mr. Samuel Dapiya, hailed the initiative as a “symbol of hope.”

“Beyond the planting of trees, this is about restoring life and livelihoods,” Dapiya said. “The environmental challenges here—from erosion caused by mining to recurring windstorms—require immediate and sustainable solutions. These trees will serve as windbreakers, protect biodiversity, improve air quality, and most importantly, inspire resilience in a community that has suffered so much.”

RURCON’s Executive Director, Mrs. Dinatu Ayizat, explained that the project was designed not only to green the environment but also to improve food security and economic stability.

“These are not just trees; they are fruit-bearing trees that will bring economic benefits to families,” Ayizat said. “We identified these communities following the 2023 Christmas attacks, which left many homes destroyed and the environment degraded. This initiative is our way of helping them rebuild—environmentally and economically.”

The tree planting effort is part of a broader package that includes training in climate-smart agriculture, organic farming, and the production of eco-friendly fuel alternatives like charcoal briquettes and energy-efficient cooking stoves. These interventions aim to combat deforestation, improve soil health, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

RURCON’s Director of Programmes, Mr. Gado Seth Yashim, revealed that 1,500 avocado seedlings were distributed to each of the participating communities. To ensure sustainability, an accountability framework has been introduced, requiring the replacement of any dead seedling with eight new ones.

“These trees are both environmental assets and economic tools,” Yashim stated. “We want communities to take ownership, not just by planting but by nurturing them. Alongside this, we’ll be introducing organic composting, irrigation techniques, agroforestry, and livestock management as part of a comprehensive support package.”

The campaign began with a public awareness drive in Maikatako market, using banners, flyers, and community radio jingles to educate residents about the importance of the project. It is expected to extend to neighboring communities in the coming weeks.

Traditional leader Mr. Amos Jalang described the initiative as “timely and impactful,” stressing that the economic trees would contribute significantly to reviving local livelihoods.

Local residents, including Nanlop Enoch and Mashat Damla Abraham, expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting that the trees would not only serve as sources of food but also help prevent wind damage and enhance environmental sustainability.

Ward Councillor of Mandar Ward, Hon. Mahwash Tudu Ajasco, also praised RURCON and its partners for rekindling hope in the area.

“This kind of intervention doesn’t just plant trees; it plants faith back into the hearts of our people,” he said.

As the project progresses, RURCON and its partners have reaffirmed their commitment to environmental restoration, sustainable agriculture, and long-term community development across Plateau State.

    

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Kebbi APC supporter quits Tinubu advocacy, cites neglect by party leaders

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A supporter of President Bola Tinubu in Kebbi State, Adamu Yahaya, popularly known as Adam Fakai, says he has stopped promoting the Federal Government’s programmes, claiming he received no recognition or support from leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fakai became popular on social media for visiting major Federal Government projects, including road construction sites, and sharing photographs, videos, and reports showcasing the Tinubu administration’s achievements, earning him both criticism and, at times, praise.

In a statement posted on his social media pages, Fakai said: “I have spent more than two years using my money, time and energy to promote the programmes and achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to Nigerians in both the North and South. I did so because I believed in his efforts to build a better Nigeria.”

Fakai said that despite his commitment, he did not receive any encouragement, appreciation, or support from APC leaders in Kebbi State or at the national level.

“I am from Kebbi State, and throughout this period, I never received any form of encouragement or support from politicians in my party, either at the state or federal level,” he wrote

He further claimed , “It is unfortunate that some prominent figures at the federal level use the pictures and videos of government projects that I captured and shared, yet none has ever contacted me directly.”

Fakai added that he believes he might have received more support if he had come from another state, saying the feeling of being ignored influenced his decision to stop promoting the administration.

He, however, thanked those who supported him with prayers and words of encouragement.

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Jos Women in Coffee Conference Sparks Call for Greater Investment in Plateau’s Coffee Industry – Your Hub for News, Events & Entertainment

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The maiden edition of the Jos Women in Coffee Business Conference has concluded in Jos, Plateau State, with stakeholders advocating increased investment in the coffee value chain as a catalyst for women’s empowerment, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

Organised by Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited, the conference brought together women entrepreneurs, coffee farmers, processors, marketers, investors, and other industry stakeholders to explore opportunities within the coffee sector while fostering stronger collaboration across the value chain.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer and Visionary Leader of Lingzhi Global Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Blessing Nanman, popularly known as the Apostle of Wealth, said the conference was created to expose women to the enormous opportunities available in the coffee industry. She described coffee as one of the world’s most consumed commodities with vast potential for entrepreneurship, wealth creation, skills development, and community advancement.

Mrs. Nanman explained that although women account for nearly 70 percent of the global workforce in the coffee industry, many remain unaware of the significant role they play and the opportunities available to them. She urged Plateau women to embrace every aspect of the coffee value chain—from cultivation and harvesting to processing, roasting, branding, marketing, and leadership—while emphasizing the need to strengthen partnerships among farmers, processors, marketers, and off-takers to ensure sustainable production and profitability.

Project Leader of the Tonyi Wiggins Centre for Leadership and Mentoring Initiative, Toyin Wiggins, described the conference as an eye-opening platform that promotes financial independence through coffee entrepreneurship. He expressed interest in venturing into coffee farming and commended Mrs. Nanman for her passion, expertise, and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s coffee industry.

Participants also shared testimonies of the impact of Lingzhi Global’s initiatives. Regina Pam praised the organisation for equipping women with entrepreneurial knowledge, leadership skills, and economic opportunities, encouraging more women to take advantage of its programmes to become financially independent and influential within their communities.

Another beneficiary, Helen Gontur Malo, recounted how joining Lingzhi Global transformed her life socially and economically. She revealed that shortly after becoming a member, she qualified for an electric tricycle and has since benefited from business training and improved wellbeing through the company’s coffee products.

Malo encouraged women and young people to explore opportunities within the coffee value chain, describing it as a viable pathway to job creation, improved livelihoods, and local economic development. She also appealed to the Plateau State Government to invest in coffee production, noting that Plateau produces some of the finest coffee in the world and possesses the potential to become a leading coffee hub with the right support.

A major highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Mrs. Blessing Nenman in recognition of her outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, and the growth of Nigeria’s coffee industry. The award, conferred by the Change Makers Impact Award, was presented by Toyin Wiggins, who applauded her visionary leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to transforming lives through innovation and economic empowerment.

The conference ended with renewed calls for stronger collaboration among farmers, processors, marketers, investors, development partners, and government agencies to unlock the full potential of Plateau State’s coffee industry while creating greater opportunities for women across every stage of the coffee value chain.

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