A teenager, Adesogo Promise, has been arraigned before an Iwaro Oka Magistrate Court for allegedly assaulting a corps member, Akomolafe Dickson, and disrupting academic activities at St. Patrick’s College, Iwaro-Oka in Ondo State.

The prosecution, led by Inspector Kehinde Emmanuel, informed the court that the defendant physically attacked Akomolafe, landing blows on him.

Furthermore, the defendant was accused of obstructing the lawful duty of a police officer, Constable Afolabi Samuel, who was executing an arrest on behalf of the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters, Iwaro Oka Akoko. Nigerian home decor ideas

The accused, who was unrepresented by legal counsel, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Presiding over the case, Magistrate B. I. Ikusika ordered the remand of the defendant and adjourned proceedings till April 16, 2025.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has advocated for the establishment of specialised colleges for livestock development.

The minister also tasked the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) to intensify research and innovation efforts towards that direction.

The Minister said this when the Executive Secretary of ARCN, Professor Garba Sharubutu, led a delegation to his office.

Maiha stressed the need for dedicated livestock colleges, questioning whether the current agricultural colleges in the country are sufficient for Nigeria’s growing population.

“Are our agricultural colleges sufficient for our population? We must encourage the establishment of dedicated colleges for livestock and animal husbandry,” he stated.

Referencing the transformation agenda for the livestock sector, the Minister pointed out the need for intensive research, breed improvement, disease management, and sustainable feeding practices.

“We want to see more focused research on livestock. We must believe in the sector’s ability to drive impactful change. Our priorities include feed and fodder development, disease and health management, traceability, and genetic improvements across species,” he added.

Maiha also underscored the urgent need for high-level intellectual manpower to meet the sector’s increasing expectations, given the strong capital investments being made.

He revealed that Nigeria has about 417 grazing reserves, which will be converted into communal ranches to reduce unrestricted cattle movement and improve livestock management.

“We are talking of massive regrassing of the countryside and we are not going to rely on the importation of grass varieties. You must give us indigenous grasses that are nutritious enough, that are hardy, tolerant, and drought resistant. This is what we are looking for. If we have ARCN, you must talk to the market.

“It’s not sufficient enough, you get your degree, you are a professor, and you stay in that condition with a swivel chair. Patents. We want patents. We are restructuring the livestock sector to create jobs, generate wealth, and enhance food security. We have many investors coming in, and ARCN must play a central role in this transformation,” he said.

Maiha stated that while agricultural crop research has advanced significantly, livestock research and education must catch up.

He said, “If you look at our colleges of agriculture, most only have one or two departments focused on livestock. We must ensure they are adequately equipped to serve the sector.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Ambassador Yusuf M. Tuggar, has refuted claims of targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria, describing these allegations as misleading and aimed at influencing foreign governments, particularly the United States, to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

In a press statement issued on Friday, March 14, and signed by the acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry stated,

“While the Federal Government acknowledges the security challenges in the country, these incidents are not religiously motivated or targeted at any particular faith group.”

The ministry further emphasized that insurgency and banditry, particularly in the predominantly Muslim northern region of Nigeria, are not directed at any specific religious community.

The statement comes amid ongoing reports from the US Congress, which have expressed concerns about religious freedom in Nigeria, leading to the country’s previous designation as a CPC. However, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected these claims, asserting that the security challenges are multifaceted and not rooted in religious persecution.Nigerian home decor ideas

“Nigeria is a multiethnic and multireligious nation with a long history of peaceful coexistence between people of different faiths,” the ministry reiterated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender.

The statement clarified that the ongoing security challenges in the country stem from criminality, terrorism, and communal clashes—particularly those between farmers and herders. These issues have been worsened by factors such as climate change, population growth, and competition over land resources, but do not amount to systematic religious persecution.

The ministry outlined the steps taken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to address the country’s security concerns, which include deploying security forces to conflict-prone areas, enhancing intelligence gathering, and fostering cooperation between various security agencies.

Additionally, the government highlighted community engagement initiatives designed to foster peace and reconciliation across Nigeria.Nigerian home decor ideas

“While noting the progress made in curbing banditry and insurgency, recent military operations have significantly weakened criminal groups,” the statement stated. It also highlighted the government’s approach of combining kinetic and non-kinetic measures—military action alongside dialogue and economic reforms—to address the root causes of insecurity.

The Nigerian government is also focusing on long-term efforts to resolve conflicts related to land use. In this regard, it has established a Ministry of Livestock Development and appointed a Special Adviser and Coordinator on Livestock Reforms to oversee sustainable solutions for pastoral farming, a move aimed at reducing land disputes between farmers and herders.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to verify information before making statements that could escalate tensions within Nigeria.

” It also called on the media, civil society organizations, and foreign partners to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could undermine the country’s unity and stability.

“Nigeria remains a beacon of religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa and is committed to preserving this heritage,” the statement concluded.

The ministry reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to freedom of religion and interfaith harmony, stressing that while the government welcomes constructive dialogue and international support in addressing security challenges, it rejects any attempts to misrepresent the situation, distort narratives, or sow division among Nigerians.