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NAF flags off youth agriculture empowerment scheme in Port Harcourt
![](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/air.jpg)
![](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/air.jpg)
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday flagged off the planting season for the Port Harcourt Chapter of the Base Youths Empowerment Through Agriculture (BYETA) Programme. The BYETA Programme, an initiative of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abuabkar, is aimed at empowering youths economically in order to curb social vices and crime among youths residing on NAF Bases.
“The programme,” according to NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, “is also aimed at promoting agriculture and self-sufficiency among the youths. The desire of the CAS is to ensure that youths in all NAF Bases are positively engaged in productive enterprises, as many of their parents are on deployment to the Northeast and other parts of the country for various Internal Security operations.”
While speaking during the flag-off ceremony at 115 Special Operations Group Port Harcourt, the CAS, represented by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Isiaka Amao, reiterated the commitment of the current NAF leadership to develop human capacity, not only of personnel but also of the youths residing on all NAF Bases. This, according to him, is in line with the first key driver of CAS Vision, which is “human capacity development through robust and result oriented training for enhanced professional performance”.
“The youths represent the future and a misdirected youth population will ultimately lead to a misdirected community,” he said.
The CAS representative stated that BYETA members had been encouraged to form agriculture cooperative societies for the purpose of accessing loans to boost food production.
While noting that the cooperative societies had been formed, he added that the NAF Investments Limited was also interested in funding some aspects of the BYETA Programme. He urged all youths above 18 years residing on the Base to take advantage and fully participate in the scheme to enhance their resource base and also learn a skill, which they might need later in life. AVM Amao then thanked the CAS, Air Marshal Abubakar, for the laudable initiative.
The AOC seized the opportunity to commission some value addition projects undertaken by 115 SOG Port Harcourt, including a walkway as well as fencing of Motor Transport Yard and Naval Ratings Quarters in the Base.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commander 115 Special Operations Group, Air Commodore Elijah Ebiowe, stated that 106 youths are now participating in the BYETA Programme, a sharp improvement from only 45 youths that initially showed interest.
According to him, aside from crop farming, plans are underway to commence training in fishery and poultry. In addition, the Unit intends to collaborate with viable agricultural agencies that could promote training and also grant needed sponsorships for the programme. According to the Commander, the crops to be cultivated include yam, cucumber, pumpkin and cassava. Officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture and other government organisations graced the occasion.
News Express reports that BYETA Programme was first launched in the NAF in Year 2016. So far, the scheme has been replicated in Makurdi, Kaduna, Lagos and Benin. The official flag-off of the planting season for the remaining NAF units has been scheduled for later dates because of variations in farming seasons.
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Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative
![YP4T](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/YP4T.png)
![YP4T](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/YP4T.png)
More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
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Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas
… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence
![Bello Matawalle and Christmas](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Matawalle-Salutes-Nigerian-Military-Citizens-at-Christmas-.jpg)
![Bello Matawalle and Christmas](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Matawalle-Salutes-Nigerian-Military-Citizens-at-Christmas-.jpg)
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has extended warm greetings to the Nigerian military and all citizens, both Christians and non-Christians, during this joyous Christmas season.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of embodying the spirit of love and peaceful coexistence, urging all Nigerians to reflect on these values not only during the festive period but throughout the year.
“This season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us as a nation,” he stated.
![Matawalle Salutes military](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Matawalle-Salutes-Nigerian-Military-Citizens-at-Christmas-1024x1024.jpg)
![Matawalle Salutes military](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Matawalle-Salutes-Nigerian-Military-Citizens-at-Christmas-1024x1024.jpg)
The Minister encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of their religious beliefs, to celebrate and honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who tirelessly demonstrate their patriotism in safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.
Highlighting the significance of the yuletide season, he noted that it should reinforce our bonds of unity, foster a spirit of camaraderie, and inspire compassion towards one another. He called on all citizens to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Henshaw Ogubike, MNIPR, FCAI, FSCA, FCPE
Director of Information, Press and Public Relations
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Tinubu to Revitalize Zamfara and Nigeria’s Economy – Matawalle
![Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/matawalle-and-Tinubu-.jpg)
![Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/matawalle-and-Tinubu-.jpg)
…Says no government has shown so much support to LGs, State Governments like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu….
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will significantly enhance the economies of Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.
Matawalle who is currently on a five-day visit to his home state, the Minister and former Governor of Zamfara commended President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for Local Government Councils and state governments. “No previous administration has demonstrated such a strong commitment to developing local councils and states as President Tinubu,” Matawalle remarked.
He highlighted the President’s role as a grassroots mobilizer, emphasizing his passion for local development. “President Tinubu has allocated substantial funds to states and local government councils, enabling them to undertake impactful development projects,” he added.
Matawalle urged party supporters to collaborate with their leaders to reclaim the lost mandate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State. “It is essential for all APC members to remain law-abiding citizens,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to uphold the law.
Addressing a large gathering of supporters who welcomed him, Matawalle reassured them of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region. “With the federal government’s initiatives to address security challenges, we will soon experience a renewed sense of safety and peace,” he emphasized.
He concluded his address by urging the community to continue supporting the government at all levels. “Together, we can restore peace and order in our country,” Matawalle affirmed.