From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Benue State is set to make Nigeria a global leader in soyabean production.Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia made this known yesterday while delivering a speech at the Official Launch of the National Soyabean Production Expansion Policy and Strategy held in Abuja.

Governor Alia said Benue State is an integral part of the National Soybean Expansion Strategy which is designed to generate N3. 9 trillion in annual revenue, create one million jobs across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and position Nigeria as a powerhouse in global agriculture.He said Benue has set benchmarks for excellence cultivating a substantial share of Nigeria’s 780,000 hectares of soybeans and producing a significant portion of the nation’s 758,000 metric tons annually, promising that the greatest achievements were still ahead.”Our fields, enriched by nature and sustained by tradition, have made Benue the leading producer of soybeans in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa,” the Governor submitted.He added that, through the Benue Agricultural Development Company and partnerships, the state is deploying extension officers and introducing mechanization clusters to 15 producing LGAs, training farmers in best practices, and climate-smart agriculture.”We will double our soybean output from 202,000 to at least 400,000 tons in three years; contribute more than 400,000 metric tons to national production annually; generate billions in new revenue and support Nigeria’s N3.9 trillion industry target; empower tens of thousands of households and create a sustainable agricultural legacy” the Governor added.He called on the Federal Government, development partners, private sector investors, and every stakeholder to join hands and make soybeans a golden crop for the nation, adding that together, they would make Nigeria a global leader in soybean production and ensure lasting prosperity for every community.Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari acknowledged the importance of soyabean production in the nation’s agriculture value chain, pointing out its economic and nutritional relevance, and called on commissioners for agriculture across the nation to live the soyabean initiative with vision and determination and work hand-in-hand with farmers, investors, and processors to achieve the target.He commended the Governor of Benue State for his bold leadership and ability to coordinate efforts effectively in Benue State towards achieving the required goals.A session of goodwill messages from partners and stakeholders in the soyabean production value chain was observed, including the Chairman, Forum of State Investment Promotion Agencies of Nigeria (FoSIPAN)/Executive Secretary, Benue Investment Promotion Agency, Terhemen Kpenkaan who said state investment promotion agencies across Nigeria will work closely with the Federal Government, development partners, and private investors to de-risk sub-national agribusiness projects, attract capital, and create sustainable value chains.The event also witnessed presentation of the seven pillars of Soyabean Production Strategy and Unveiling of the National Soyabean Production Policy and Strategy.

By David Torough, Abuja

In a major leap towards eradicating energy poverty and boosting clean energy access for households, Kairos Hof Energy has launched Stroom Solar Systems, a solar solution aimed at delivering affordable and reliable power to Nigerians through an innovative credit-based structure.

The unveiling ceremony in Abuja brought together stakeholders from the finance, energy, and creative industries, including partners CREDITCORP, Fidelity Bank, entertainment icon D’banj, and popular Nigerian comedian Samuel Animashaun Perry, known professionally as Broda Shaggi.

Delivering the keynote address, CEO of Kairos Hof Energy, Mr. Ojehomon Anetor, described the initiative as a transformative step in providing equitable access to energy.

“This is not just a press event—it is the unveiling of a solution that brings clean energy directly to homes. With Stroom, our mission is simple: let credit meet Nigerians at their point of need. You don’t need to save for years to enjoy reliable power,” Anetor stated.

He emphasized that Stroom Solar Systems will be deployed through a tripartite partnership: Creditcorp provides capital through its CALM Fund (Credit Access for Light and Mobility), Fidelity Bank manages credit administration, and Kairos Hof Energy supplies and services the solar systems.

Anetor commended the simplicity and transparency of the structure, adding, “Our goal is to build trust between the consumer, the provider, and the financier. This partnership is the future of clean energy access in Nigeria.”

He added that with Stroom Solar Systems, Kairos Hof Energy and its partners—accessible through their digital credit platform at credit.kairoshof.com—are not just powering homes—they are powering the future.

The CEO of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, Mr. Uzoma Nwagba, underscored the company’s mandate to ensure that credit is not just a promise, but a lived experience for Nigerians—especially in critical areas like energy.

“Access to solar power is central to our work at CREDITCORP. Our CALM Fund exists to eliminate the frustration of ObNepa and empower Nigerians with the electricity needed to study, rest, work, and thrive,” Nwagba said.

He added that CREDITCORP, established under the Federal Government of Nigeria, currently partners with 25 financial institutions and has impacted over 100,000 Nigerians across sectors like digital devices, mobility, home improvement, and energy.

“Our structure is simple: Creditcorp funds Fidelity Bank, Fidelity profiles and approves the beneficiaries, and Kairos Hof delivers the energy. It’s a credit model designed to change lives,” Nwagba explained.

Also speaking on behalf of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Godwin Dajoh lauded both Kairos Hof and CREDITCORP for selecting the bank as their credit partner.

“For us at Fidelity, our role is to intermediate—receive the funding from CREDITCORP and disburse to end users. The rates are significantly below market rates. It’s affordable, healthy credit for clean energy access,” Dajoh said.

He urged Nigerians to embrace the opportunity: “We encourage you to be part of this amazing program. Fidelity will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure this vision becomes a widespread reality.”

One of the early adopters of Stroom Solar Systems, Mrs. Aisha Abdullahi, shared her personal experience during the event.

“I first saw the system at a friend’s office—no wires, no flickering, sleek design. When I called Kairos Hof, they came the very next day, installed the system, and even fixed our internal wiring for free.”

According to her, the company’s responsiveness is unmatched. “I once messaged them at 6 a.m., and by 7 a.m. someone was at my doorstep. Their after-sales service is excellent. It’s more than a product; it’s a commitment.”

Popular Nigerian entertainer D’banj (Oladapo Oyebanjo), who has worked with the Kairos Hof founders since 2020, gave an emotionally charged goodwill message.

“When they first came to me, they had no land, no solar—just a vision. I gave up a paid endorsement for equity in the company because I believed in that dream. Today, it’s a reality.”

He praised Kairos Hof’s vision of building fully off-grid communities, especially in creative spaces like the planned African Entertainment Village in Ido.

“This initiative is a game-changer for young creatives. If we can power one million youths with clean energy, then we are solving more than just electricity—we are igniting dreams.”

He also called on Fidelity and Creditcorp to prioritize extending credit facilities to Nigeria’s creative industry:

“This is the soft landing we need. Give us the power, and we will move mountains

From Anjorin Adeloye, Ibadan

The International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR) has over the weekend vowed to institute litigation against the Ogun State government and the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona for violating the legal and laid down traditional rites of burying a traditional rulers in the State.

The famous monarch joined his ancestors on July 13, at a ripe age of 91 and was buried according to Islamic rites. The ICIR promised to correct what they called an anomaly and a departure from the laid down traditional practice of the Yoruba tribe in giving the last respect and rites to the deceased king.This was contained in the address of the President of ICIR, Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode and the legal representative of the group, Barrister Opeodu at a Press Conference which was held at Ibadan on Saturday.In his words, Fakayode referred to the last judicial pronouncement over the matter when the late Awujale was alive, which upheld the burial of traditional rulers according to the customs and traditions of the Yoruba people as against that of foreign religions like Islam and Christianity.While commending the Osugbo Confraternity that was saddled with the responsibility of performing the final rites on any dead Awujale for their peaceful conduct after been prevented from doing their traditional duties, ICIR President said the action of the State, by enforcing an Islamic burial rites for Oba Adetona contravened part 8, section 55, sub-section ¡¡ of the Ogun State Chieftaincy Law.According to him “Following the recent controversy surrounding the burial rites of Oba Awujale of Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, we at the International Council For Ifa Religion-ICIR commend the Osugbo Confraternity of Ijebu-Ode for their exemplary restraint and patience in the face of adversity. That is infact a virtue that aligns with the noble teachings of Òrúnmìlà.”This poignant moment reminds us that the gentleness of a lion is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to its wisdom and strength, as embodied in the proverb ‘Yíyọ́ ẹkùn; tojo kọ́’.”Regarding the burial rites of the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, it is essential to recall that the matter was settled while the late kabiesi was still alive, by a court of law and with the new bill passed in the state.”Any actions contrary to this judgment and the laws of the land would be a disregard for the customs and traditions that have been the cornerstone of our heritage, there is no doubt that the burial was not in consonance with the law of the State and It is obvious that the burial arrangement contravened Part 8, Section 55, Sub-section ii of the Ogun State Chieftaincy law.”This issue transcends a mere burial rite; it represents a challenge to the very fabric of our customs and traditions, the actions taken at the event were part of a larger agenda to erode the cultural practices that have defined us for generations and strategic plan towards annihilation of our race by invaders who mischievously naturalized and whose offsprings are now pursuing their fathers’ agenda.”We urge the sons and daughters of Ijebu-Ode and the entire Yoruba race to recognize that the institution of Obaship is not only a sacred tradition but also a choice that demands respect for our cultural heritage. We must acknowledge that our diversity is our strength and that our differences are what make our culture so rich and vibrant.”We condemn the disrespect shown to the Osugbo Confraternity during the event by the family of the late Oba, the Government officials and the security agencies concerned, furthermore, to prevent such occurrence in the future, we will take necessary legal actions.”In his words, the legal representative of ICIR, Barrister Opeodu noted that the actions of the family of the late Ijebu-Ode monarch, the government of Ogun State and various law enforcement agencies in the State constituted threat to the growth of democracy and an infringement on the fundamental rights of the traditional believer.