In a strategic move to enhance agricultural education and production, Kamrum Integrated Farms has announced plans to collaborate with the School of Agricultural Technology, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Samaru Kataf.

The Chief Executive Officer of Kamrum Farms, Mr. Rijo Shekari, disclosed this on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the school’s management in Samaru Kataf, Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He explained that the partnership aims to revitalize the underutilized institution and equip students with modern agricultural skills.

Shekari emphasized the importance of collaboration between private-sector investors and academic institutions, especially in light of the ongoing global agricultural revolution.

He highlighted the farm’s efforts in crossbreeding cows to improve livestock productivity and expressed confidence in attracting international investment, particularly from a Brazilian company set to invest in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

> “Our goal is to bring modern farming techniques to the institution and equip students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s agricultural industry,” Shekari stated. “This partnership will not only improve the school’s capacity but also open doors for more students to benefit from quality agricultural education.”

Shekari added that, in a show of commitment to education, Kamrum Farms has already awarded full scholarships to nine students at the University of Jos.

Furthermore, the farm aims to assist the School of Agriculture in acquiring advanced knowledge and technology, which could help reposition it as a Faculty of Agriculture in the future.

In his response, the Director of the School, Dr. Thomas Kanai Emmanuel, welcomed the proposed partnership and expressed the institution’s willingness to work with Kamrum Farms.

He noted that the school faces challenges such as poor funding, declining student enrollment, and outdated farming techniques.

Dr. Emmanuel lamented that the institution was originally established as a farm training center, along with three other similar institutions across Nigeria, all of which have since been converted into federal universities.

He further revealed that student enrollment has dropped significantly, with only 53 students currently registered.

He attributed this decline to high tuition fees introduced by the previous Kaduna State administration under former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, inconsistencies in admission requirements by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Despite offering specialized courses in Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Technology, Crop Production, Animal Production, and Agricultural Extension and Management, the school has struggled to attract students.

With the promise of improved funding, enhanced training, and stronger industry-academia collaboration, the partnership between Kamrum Farms and Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic’s School of Agriculture could mark the beginning of a new era for agricultural education in Kaduna State.

The African Union (AU) has appointed Samson Itodo, Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, to serve a four-year term on the AU Advisory Group on Artificial Intelligence’s Impact on Peace, Security, and Governance in Africa.

This prestigious appointment recognizes his extensive experience and dedication to advancing democratic governance and technological innovation across the continent.

The Advisory Group was established following a resolution by the AU Peace and Security Council in June 2024 that mandates the AU Commission to establish an advisory group to study the impact of and harness the potential of AI in peace, security and governance.

Samson Itodo is a renowned community organizer with extensive expertise in African politics, elections, social movements and youth development.

Samson has been pivotal in advancing electoral integrity and democracy in Africa.

He has also been instrumental in encouraging the inclusion of young people in politics.

One of his most notable achievements is the successful #NotTooYoungToRun global campaign, which significantly lowered the minimum age for elective office in Nigeria.

Samson serves on the boards of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) and the Kofi Annan Foundation.

Samson holds graduate and postgraduate degrees in Law from the University of Jos and a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

As a policy advocate, he provides strategic policy advice to parliamentary committees, electoral commissions, political parties, civil society organizations, and academic institutions.

His current research spans social movements, election law, democratic innovation and African politics.

The 9-member AU Advisory Group is tasked with supporting the AU Commission in conducting a comprehensive study on the impact and implications of AI on peace, security, stability, democracy, and development in Africa.

The Group will also propose strategies to mainstream AI in elections, peace, and governance processes, leverage AI for reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction, and develop new approaches to address emerging challenges.

Additionally, the Group will guide data protection and transparency while proposing options for a continental AI governance framework.

The AU Advisory Group operates under the auspices of the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, whose office is pivotal in addressing the continent’s political stability and security challenges.

The establishment of the Advisory Group attests to the vision of the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.

It is impressive that the AU under PAPs emphasizes proactive strategies to harness AI’s potential for promoting peace, security, and development across Africa.

Samson Itodo’s appointment not only brings honor to Nigeria and West Africa but also signifies the nation/region’s active participation in continental initiatives aimed at harnessing technology for sustainable development.

His involvement is expected to foster collaboration among African nations in leveraging AI for the betterment of society.

In response to his appointment, Samson Itodo expressed his gratitude, stating:”I am honoured to serve and contribute to shaping Africa’s future through responsible AI governance in advancing elections, democracy and governance.

This is a pivotal time to ensure technology enhances peace, security, and democratic processes across the continent.

“With a distinguished career dedicated to fostering innovation, ethical leadership, and the common good, Samson Itodo brings a wealth of knowledge to this advisory role.

His appointment marks a significant milestone for his professional journey and Africa’s ongoing efforts to harness the transformative power of AI for peace, security, and democracy.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has declared that the injustice against her “will not be sustained” following her suspension from the Senate.

She made the statement on Thursday while reacting to the decision of the upper chamber of the National Assembly to suspend her for six months.

She said, “This injustice will not be sustained”, before being escorted out of the chambers.

ELANZANEWS reports that on February 20, Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan engaged in a heated debate on the floor of the upper legislative chamber over a change in seating arrangements.

Days later, during an interview on Arise News, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that her troubles in the Senate began after she rejected sexual advances from Akpabio.

She submitted a sexual harassment petition against Akpabio on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Wednesday.

However, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions rejected the petition, citing breaches of due process and Senate rules.

During plenary on Thursday, the Kogi lawmaker resubmitted her petition against the Senate President.

However, the Senate’s Ethics Committee recommended Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension for six months for engaging the Senate President in a heated debate over seating arrangements.