Looking Glass: Relief for Farmers as FAINAP Jumpstarts Maize Seed Production

In just less than one year since the Frontier Agro Industrial Programme-FAINAP was launched in Nkambe, farmers in Donga Mantung Division are already seeing themselves as part of Second Generation Agricultural programme in Cameroon.  This is so because FAINAP has jumpstarted the production of maize seed which is said to be adapted to diverse ecologies in the Division. This maize germplasm which was sourced from IRAD’s maize breeding center is presently making news as germination is rated at more than 95%. Prospects are high at that the seed businesses in the North West Region will soon have the influence to run a competitive domestic market for maize seed, thanks to FAINAP.

To Dr. Fuh Calistus Gentry, Initiator, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Frontier Agro Industrial Programme-FAINAP, the enrichment of the dietary value of a crop, is going to be the cornerstone of FAINAP’s maize seed production farm in the Mbaw Plain. With over 4 hectares of land already cultivated, it is expected that next planting season FAINAP maize seed will reach about 10000 farmers. He said the maize sector in Donga Mantung is benefiting from an upsurge in investments leading to new varieties that have the potential to increase production, enhance nutrition and strengthen local industry. Maize is the first cereal crop in Donga Mantung, which at a production rate of four tons per hectare, has one of the highest national yields in Cameroon. It is also expected that maize productivity upward from levels in the early 1990s due to the adoption and expansion of hybrid maize varieties.

For several years now, majority of maize farmers in Donga Mantung Division have depended on their own indigenous skills for planting material due to the high cost says FAINAP Representative in Nwa, Mr. Hans. FAINAP representative also disclosed to us a week ago that the seed multiplication farm in Ngu-along the Sabongari will soon embark on second cycle maize farming that will cover at least 10 ha of land.

It should be recalled that on March 22, 2016 during a groundbreaking ceremony with partners and stakeholders in Nkambe, Dr. Fuh Calistus, said that FAINAP's vision is geared towards developing Donga Mantung with emphasis laid on encouraging large scale production, transformation and the development of agro industries. These actions, he added will also ensure that storage facilities, marketing channels and branding is carried out to instill growth and stability. Although seed multiplication takes time, the benefits could make a huge contribution to Donga Mantung’s economy, health and livelihoods for farmers across the country.

“These parental seeds will help us to produce the seed locally,” said Hans, FAINAP representative for Nwa and farm manager, adding that they will also “enable us to provide quality seed. Looking at the rate of germination and growth, I think we are at 96% success”.

FAINAP and Second Generation Agriculture

FAINAP targets to increase maize production in the Division to 300.000 tons per year on about 50.000 ha. In addition to the maize sector, FAINAP is also seeking strategies to put in place to increase Palm oil to 150 tons and encourage the development of at least 20.000 ha of new farm land within the next five years.

To kick-start the process, palm nuts are expected in the Mbaw Plain and Ako to establish giant palm nurseries. To succeed in its exploits, FAINAP is working in close partnership with PIDMA, PRO-COM-PH, IRAD, ACEFA, AFGRILAND, AGT and the National Maize Programme amongst others. The National Coordinator of PIDMA, Ngue Bissa Thomas (World Bank) sponsored programme sees FAINAP as a veritable development partner. While in Nkambe to hand over improved maize seed to its partner, Ngue Bissa Thomas revealed that "We are ready and looking forward to work with FAINAP in setting cooperatives in the Division. And we are also ready to give more support to make sure that this programme succeeds. Donga Mantung has the rich ecological potentials to produce the desired results". 

It is worth mentioning that the Frontier Agro Industrial Programme also seeks to introduce mechanized agriculture in the Division with prospects of establishing clusters and production basins. The idea is to establish a functional industrial zone with diversified industries linked to the maize, oil palm and diary sectors. As the Mayor of Nkambe Council, Ngabir Paul Bantar puts it, there is no other way to go industrial than to go agricultural.  To the Mayor of Ndu Bunyui Emmanuel FAINAP is the surest way 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Chile Sends Messi on Anticipated Retirement

Lionel Messi has announced his decision to retire from international football following his failure to help his country secure a win over Chile.

Lionel Messi after the match

 

Lionel Messi made the announcement about his retirement from international duty after he missed in a penalty shootout as Argentina lost a fourth major final in nine years.

 

"It's not meant for me. For me the national team is over. I've done all I can, it hurts not to be a champion," the 29-year-old said after defeat by Chile at the Copa America.

 

With Barcelona, Messi has won eight La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues. But his only major international honour is 2008 Olympic gold.

 

It will be recalled that Argentina were beaten 1-0 in the 2014 World Cup final by Germany before two Copa America final defeats by Chile on penalties. Messi was also on the losing side against Brazil in the 2007 Copa America final.

 

"It's been four finals, I tried. It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn't get it, so I think it's over," he added. "I think this is best for everyone. First of all for me, and then for everyone. I think there's a lot of people who want this, who obviously are not satisfied, as we are not satisfied reaching a final and not winning it.

"It's very hard, but the decision is taken. Now I will not try more and there will be no going back."

 

Messi had scored five times at the tournament, including a superb free-kick in the semi-final against hosts the USA to become his country's record scorer with 55 goals.

 

Argentina and Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero said he hoped Messi would "reflect" on his decision and reconsider, adding: "I think he spoke while he was heated, because a beautiful opportunity escaped us. I can't imagine a national team without Messi."

 

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero described the mood in the Argentina dressing room as "the worst I've ever been in", and was quoted by South American media as saying: "There are several players who are evaluating not continuing with the national team."

 

After Sunday's match finished 0-0 in 120 minutes, Chile won 4-2 on penalties.

 

Messi's miss was Argentina's first attempt in the shootout and it ballooned over the bar after Romero had denied Chile's Arturo Vidal.

 

Lucas Biglia also missed from 12 yards, with Chilean substitute Francisco Silva scoring the decisive spot-kick in the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

 

Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005, going on to make 113 appearances.

 

For Barca he has scored 453 times in 531 games, including a La Liga record 312 goals. He has won the Ballon d'Or award for the world's best player five times.

 

In 2014 he was named as the best player at the World Cup, with then-Fifa president Sepp Blatter saying he was "a little bit surprised" and Argentina legend Diego Maradona calling the decision "unfair".

 

Argentina are already six games into their qualification campaign for the 2018 World Cup. They are third in the table, two points behind leaders Uruguay.

 

The top four teams progress automatically to the finals in Russia, while the team finishing fifth qualifies for a two-legged play-off against the best team from Oceania.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

FIFA Announces Cameroon's Opponents in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers

The last remaining steps for Africa’s FIFA World Cup contenders have been laid out after the draw for the continent’s third round of Russia 2018 qualifiers took place in Egypt.
The event, held at CAF’s Cairo headquarters, threw up some mouth-watering heavyweight clashes, with Cameroon, Algeria and Nigeria drawn together in Group B, and Group C pairing Côte d'Ivoire and Morocco. Outsiders Libya and Burkina Faso, meanwhile, will be hoping to upset the odds against the likes of Tunisia and Senegal respectively.
This is the decisive stage of an African Zone preliminary competition that began last October, with the 20 teams still in contention having been drawn into five four-team groups. They will now play each other home and away on a round-robin basis, with all five group winners qualifying automatically for Russia 2018. Matches will take place between October 2016 and November 2017.
This is how the draws were finally concluded.

Group A: Libya (2), Guinea (4), DR Congo (3), Tunisia (1)

Group B: Zambia (1), Cameroon (2), Nigeria (4), Algeria (3)

Group C: Gabon (1), Morocco (4), Mali (2), Cote d’Ivoire (3)

Group D: Burkina Faso (3), South Africa (2), Cape Verde (4), Senegal (1)

Group E: Uganda (4), Congo (3), Egypt (2), Ghana (1)

The first matches of the series will begin in October and will take about 12 months to conclude.


When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

70 Churches, 20 Mosques and 11 Hotels Sealed Over Noise Pollution

 As noise pollution and other environmental nuisances continue to be a menace in the Lagos metropolis, the State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) have sealed some churches, mosques, and club houses.

 

70 churches, 20 mosques, and 11 club houses/hotels across the Lagos metropolis have been sealed by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) on Wednesday, June 23, 2016 over noise pollution and other environmental nuisances.

 Speaking in an interview after sealing the religious houses, club houses and hotels, Engr. Adebola Shabi, the General Manager of LASEPA, said that the premises were shut following constant complaints from residents in their neighborhood.

 

 

He also said most of the premises shut were approved for residential purposes but after a few years, they were converted to worship centers saying “all these religious houses, club houses and hotels sealed are constituting nuisance to other neighbours”

 The LASEPA General Manager stressed that some of the affected facilities had been served abatement notices, they were invited and advice accordingly before the eventual closure, adding that Lagos State Government under the leadership of Akinwunmi Ambode would not condone improper dispose of sewage and usage of latrines.

 

 

Among the facilities sealed are: Recycling plant at Orilawe Street off Nureni Yusuf Rd, Alagbado, Lagos for noise pollution and untidy environment. Others are Celestial Church of Christ, Ebenezer Parish at Abule Titun, Alakuko, Solution Life Ministry at Ogunshola Street off Ajayi Rd, Ogba Aguda, Zoe Ministries Worldwide, Budland Street off Isheri Road, Ojodu, Sportas Suite Bar, CMD Road, Magodo among others.

 

See more photos below;

 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Lesson from Nigeria:Police Officers to Declare their Assets

The newly appointed Inspector General of Police, has swung into action already as all senior officers are told to declare their assets.

Ibrahim Idris
Ibrahim Idris, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, has declared that all officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police to the Inspector-General of Police will henceforth declare their assets.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Idris made the statement on Thursday in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd).
He said the directive was in line with Section 13 cap 15 Code of Conduct Act.
“Every police officer from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police to Inspector-General, who are commissioned officers, must declare their assets,” Idris said.
He added that the directive would guide the conduct of police officers in carrying out their duties.
The police boss promised that under his administration, the integrity of the force would be further enhanced.
“I assure you sir that we will raise the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force to be more accountable to the people,” he said.
The acting I-G added that under his command, the police would operate within the rule of law.
He said the presence of police officers would be felt in all villages and streets across the country.
Responding, Dambazau urged the acting I-G to focus on the three key issues of corruption, economy and security for the success of this administration.
“You have a lot of challenges as the chief law officer of the country,” he said.
The minister urged the new police boss to collaborate with other security agencies to address the issues crimes and post conflict resolution in the North East.
“The post conflict resolution in the North East has to be comprehensive and holistic,” he said.
Dambazau advised his guest to carry everybody along and put the right persons in the positions of command commissioners and zonal commanders.
He said: “No matter how smart you think you are, you cannot do it alone without the support of others.”
He advised Idris to make the welfare of his officers a priority.
He assured him of the support of the ministry to discharge his mandate.


When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Poultry Farmers Take to the Street in Yaounde

 Thousands of poultry farmers took to the street in the nation's capital Yaounde to express their plight over government nonchalant attitude on the recent outbreak of bird flu that has render thousands helpless. The poultry farmers carried placards that expressed their anger over the closure of the Yaounde poultry market. The farmers were backed up by "buyam sellam, pluckers" and all those that are involved in the chain. The protest march it should be noted was led by political activist Bernard Njonga, President of CRAC who doubles as ACDIC President.  (PhotoNews)

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Breaking News: David Cameron Resigns After Britain Votes to Quit EU

British People have taken back their country after they voted in a Referendum to quit the European Union. Following that decision, David Cameron has announced he is quitting as Prime Minister after Britain voted to leave the European Union after nearly half a century.
In a statement outside Downing Street, and with his wife by his side, Mr Cameron said that it was “not right” for him to be “the captain that “steers the country” in a new direction.Besides, Boris Johnson booed in London


When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Caught on Camera: How Common Lawyers in Bamenda took to the Street to Protest and Rubbish New Penal Code that Protects the Rich against the Poor. Said "No" to Bills Conceived in French, Voted in French, Promulgated in French and Translated in slippery English to Incriminate Anglophones

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Drama in Bamenda at Installation of CPDM Regional, Divisional Coordinators

CPDM Scribe and PM Yang embracing

 Jean Nkwete, CPDM Secretary General will never forget Bamenda. In fact those who took the pains to attend the official installation of Yang Philemon and his team went home more confused than when they were coming. This is so because some CPDM militants brandished  "red cards" in the hall to express their disgust to party hierarchy. The "red cards" which were allegedly prepared by some Mezam CPDM militants had diversified interpretations. To many, the red cards were being directed to party hierarchy for imposing coordinators on local party officials while another school of thought holds that they were the handiwork of recalcitrant militants. Though CPDM scribe was mute over the incident, a classified source hinted us that Jean Nkwete before leaving Bamenda ordered that the incident should be investigated properly and reported to him within two days.

PM Yang (Regional Coordinator/ Fon Aneng being installed

An atmosphere of uncertainty looms in the Mezam CPDM as heads are expected to role over the precarious incident that left many speechless. However, it is aired that CPDM section President held a secret meeting in Bafut long ago to designate their coordinator but their choice was rejected by party hierarchy. Besides another tip holds that militants of Mezam IB were also aghast at the that the Bamenda Congress hall was handed to the Divisional Coordination to manage and not the host section as it was the case before the appointment of Divisional coordinators. Moreso, tongues are still waging as to why John B Ndeh, the initiator of the Regional Coordination of the CPDM in North West was not even appointed as member if he could not be appointed coordinator. Yet Yaounde based CPDM barons say the red cards were on the contrary brandished to the national chairman of the party and not whosoever. One of them to spoke to us on grounds of animosity said that they will make sure that such recalcitrant moves are punished severely. 

However, SDF Coordinator for Donga Mantung in reaction to the installation of Shey Jones Yembe as CPDM Coordinator for Donga Mantung said she was happy to have new colleagues. Florence Njobe, SDF Coordinator for Donga Mantung said that Shey Jones Yembe should always comeback to the Division so that they could rub shoulders in the field. "A good car is known by its engine and not cabin" she added.  

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Common Law Lawyers Say No to Laws Conceived in Frech, Voted in French, Promulgated in French and Translated in Poor English to Incriminate Anglophones

Common Law Lawyers in Bamenda today staged a 4 kilometers protest march to say "No to Laws Conceived in French, Voted in French, Promulgated in French and Translated in Poor English to Incriminate Anglophones". The lawyers all dressed in black stormed the street in Bamenda paralyzing  traffic Finance Junction through Sonac Street to City Chemist Roundabout up to T-Junction before gathering at the famous liberty square to talk to the public on the implications of the new penal code. They called on government to withdraw the new penal code that gives immunity to government officials and puts the relationship between the landlord and tenants at risk. The lawyers also warned that if the Senate votes that Bill, they will resort to "Plan B". To them, the government of Cameroon is sick....They carried placards expressing their grievances as could be seen on the pictures below......

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Nigerian Legislators Fight Over Prado SUV Cars and Constituency Projects

 There is a sharp division in the House of Representatives as lawmakers fight over decision to purchase Prado SUV Cars and constituency projects.

 All is not well in the House of Representatives as members are still sharply divided over which car to purchase for official use.

 According to Daily Sun, at the Executive Session of the House yesterday, lawmak­ers deliberated on different issues with questions aris­ing on why the leadership of the House settled for the Nigerian made Peugeot 508, rather than the more prestigious Toyota Prado Landcruiser SUV, which is the preferred choice of the Senate.

 This forced many lawmakers to express their grievances and others used the opportunity to complain over the spread of constituency and zonal projects.

 It didn't stop there as lawmakers also raised objections to Ab­dulmumin Jibrin’s position as Chairman of the Ap­propriations Committee, demanding that he be re­moved to salvage the repu­tation of the House which, they insisted, had been sev­erally damaged by the con­troversies that surrounded the 2016 budget. Jibrin was accused of allocating projects worth N4 billion to his Bibeji/Kiru Federal Constituency.

 The executive ses­sion was characterised by complaints as lawmakers took turns to say that they have been shortchanged with regard to the spread of constituency projects. Members accused principal of­ficers of cor­nering projects that should have been shared to other constituencies in their states and zones.

 A lawmaker registering his grievances said: “If you look at what has happened in the last three years, I don’t think lawmakers should still be talking about what kind of car we should be given. This year we have only N115 billion as allocation, where do they expect the leadership of the House to get money to buy SUVs?

 “People are really disap­pointed that the culture of principal officers taking a lion share of constituency projects, leaving those in their states and even their geo-political zones with almost nothing is still the order of the day.

“We thought that part of the change the All Progressive Congress government is talking about also has to do with transparently spreading constituency projects. But the contrary is the case and people made their feelings known about this,” the lawmaker said.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Names of Nigerian Churches that Will Crack Your Ribs (Photos

 As religion find its way into virtually everything that we do these days, it has become very alarming and worrisome. These Churches has given us a cause for concern with their hilarious names and programmes.

 

It is no longer news that everyone is free to practice whichever religion suits him or her, but it is sad to note that such freedom has been abused and to a great extent has become man’s captivity. 

 The names of the new generation church springing up almost anywhere in Nigeria now is alarming and themes of some of these church programmes are very hilarious.

 Below are a collection of photos of Nigerian church banners you must see! 

 

 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

See the Value of the Naira in the Black Market as the CBN Introduces 'Flexible Policy'

 The value of the Nigerian currency in the highly unstable black market has remain the same over the past 4 days despite the floating of the currency by the apex bank.

The value of the naira in the black market in exchange for the U.S dollar has remained at N365 since on Monday. The introduction of a 'flexible policy' by the Central Bank of Nigeria yesterday which is yet to be operational is yet to have an effect on the value.

 Read more details about the value of the Nigeria currency today, 16th of June, 2016:

 

 

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Lesson from Nigeria: Senate Passes Bill Compelling Government to Buy Made-in-Nigeria Products

Nigerians especially those who produce made-in-Nigeria products are in for a sweet surprise as the Senate today passed a bill compelling government to buy made-in-Nigeria products.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki
The Nigerian Senate took a great step in stabilizing the country's economy and protecting its locally made goods as it passed into law the Public Procurement Act 20‎07 (amendment) bill 2016. The law makes it mandatory for government agencies to purchase and patronize made-in-Nigeria goods.
The law will not only promote locally made products, it will also help stabilize the economy.
The Senate President while considering a report on the bill said that the latest move by the hollow chamber is a good move in the right direction as it will help “in stimulating our economy, [as] we all have a role to play to ensure that the executive complies especially in the area of giving first priority to locally-produced goods.


“This has helped many countries to develop when they had issues of downturn in their economy. I believe that having over N3trn available to stimulate local production going on now.
“One of the things that we have done today is also trying to shorten the process of awarding contracts; this will go a long way in helping budget implementation.
“It would go a long way in ensuring that most of the funds are available as quickly as possible and jobs are actually completed. I want to commend my colleagues for passing this bill‎.”

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Another Burglary at Minister of Health's Residence, Andre Mama Fouda

Minister of Health, André Mama Fouda

The home of the Minister of Health, André Mama Fouda, located at Obobogo neighborhood in Yaounde, was again visited on the night of Tuesday, June 14, 2016 by bandits.
According to news reports one of the guards who had been tied by the gang of bandits is quoted as saying that "one of the three bandits climbed the fence of the house by the back wall. It was he who tied up the guards before opening the gate to his accomplices”. It is alleged that the bandits also gave a snake beating to Mama Fouda’s wife.
It's hard, though, to have a clear idea about the losses suffered by Minister of Public Health in this other banditry act. It is alleged a huge sum of money purportedly close to half a billion FCFA (more than FCFA 500.000.000) was taken away by criminals. Tongues are still waging as to why Mama Fouda’s residence has become fertile ground for thieves. Some newspaper even reported the disappearance of valuable jewelry and firearms. Several elements of the Special Rapid Intervention (ESIR) police were deployed in the area after the incident. Those who had spent the night on patrol in the area were calling all passers of the lane that leads to Mama Fouda, we learn. This is not the first time that bandits have visited André Mama Fouda. Last year, was the money belonging to the Association for mutual aid and solidarity of the elites and forces of Mfoundi that thieves carried away. In 2012, newspapers reported that more than 300 million CFA francs had been stolen in the minister’s residence in Obobogo in Yaounde.

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)

Amendment of Penal Code: Bar Council Condemns Disparity

PRESS RELEASE

Meeting in an Extra-Ordinary Session at its Head Office in Yaounde this 16 day of June 2016 at the request of the Bar President;

TAKES COGNISANCE of the submission by the Government to the National Assembly of the Draft Bill N°989/PJL/AN on the amendment of the Penal Code in its June 2016 Session;
VEHEMENTLY CONDEMNS the translation disparity between the French and English versions of the said bill with the consequential effect being the divergence in interpretation and the likelihood of misinterpretation and application of the said text with the probability of creating chaos in the administration of Justice;
CONSIDERING the fact that the Government’s objective in Criminal law is to guarantee the respect of the rule of law, the Penal Code being a perfect reflection thereof;
Hereby state that various Stakeholders like Judicial Actors and the Civil Society Organisations Operating within the Human Right Sector should constitute part of the drafting and law review process;
REMARKS that Lawyers and Magistrates who are the Principal judicial Actors charged with the application of the Penal Code have been totally sidelined;
THE BAR COUNCIL expresses its deep regret that it was never consulted before the submission of the draft bill to the National Assembly;
CONSIDERING the importance the Bar Council attaches to concerted legislation for nationwide interest;
THE BAR COUNCIL WHOSE MISSION IS TO IMPROVE ON THE DRAFT BILL HEREBY DECIDES TO CREAT A TECHNICAL COMMITTEE FORTHWITH with the following terms of reference :
- Take cognizance and highlight the problematic provisions some of which feature in the Bar President’s Memorandum ;
- Review the drafting of the said problematic provisions;
- Strike out obsolete and unwarranted provisions;
- Ensure compliance and conformity of the Draft Bill vis-à-vis International Instruments ratified by the Republic of Cameroon;
- Ensure the insertion and inclusion of certain Penal dispositions embodied in other pieces of legislation;
THE BAR COUNCIL STATES that this Press Release is made in the interest of the general public;
And hereby request the withdrawal of the Draft for purposes of uniformity of the content in terms of translation and review of same.
FURTHERMORE THE BAR COUNCIL urges PARLIAMENT to take up its responsibilities by looking at the form and content of the memorandum submitted by the Bar President.
AUTHORISES THE BAR PRESIDENT to follow up and oversee the effective implementation of the proposals submitted by the Bar Council to the GOVERNMENT AND PARLIAMENT.

DONE AT YAOUNDE, THIS 16 DAY OF JUNE 2016

THE BAR PRESIDENT
Jackson F. NGNIE KAMGA

When News Breaks Out, We Break In. (The 2014 Bloggies Finalist)