The ministry announced the plan through an internal memo. It was signed by the Director of Human Resource Management, Mrs. Adedayo Modupe. According to the memo, all directors, senior officers, and staff are invited to attend the prayer sessions.

These prayers were planned for June 16th, 23rd, and 30th, 2025. They were to hold from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. inside Conference Hall ‘B’ at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. Staff were asked to attend in a state of fasting.

The ministry said the theme would be “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development.” Officials believe the prayers will help guide the ministry’s work and strengthen its mission to improve food security across the country.

However, the ministry later postponed the sessions. A second memo confirmed the delay and asked staff to stay informed. No reason was given for the postponement.

This spiritual approach has sparked mixed reactions. Some people support the idea, saying faith can play a role in national recovery. Others believe the ministry should focus more on direct solutions like increasing food production, improving distribution, and reducing waste.

While the prayer plan reflects a unique strategy, many Nigerians are still waiting for action. They want to see real results that will lower food prices and put meals back on their tables. The country will be watching closely to see what the ministry does next.

The post Agric Ministry Seeks Divine Help as Food Crisis Deepens appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In these hard times, when food prices are on the rise, and inflation affects nearly everyone in Nigeria, it’s no secret that people are looking for innovative ways to cut down on expenses.

Food prices have skyrocketed, partly due to inflation and security challenges in various parts of the country. Even though the inflation rate decreased somewhat to 32.15% in August 2024, it’s still tough for the average Nigerian.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need a large farm to grow some of your own food. You can raise some of your own food without owning a large farm.

Even a small balcony can turn into a mini-garden, helping you save money and enjoy fresh produce right at your doorstep.

Here are five simple-to-grow crops you can produce in containers on your balcony

Tomato
Tomatoes are a staple in many Nigerian dishes, and they’re surprisingly easy to grow on a balcony.

All you need is a sunny spot and a large container. Tomatoes thrive in warm weather, which makes them perfect for the Nigerian climate.

They’re a great choice for anyone looking to save on the cost of this often expensive but essential ingredient.

Okra

Okra is another excellent choice of crop to grow in your mini-garden. This hardy crop can thrive in containers and requires minimal space to grow.

It’s also fast-growing, so you’ll be able to enjoy fresh okra in no time. Okra is a nutritious addition to many traditional soups and stews, making it a valuable crop to have on hand.

Waterleaf

Waterleaf is an excellent option if you are searching for a simple, low-maintenance crop to grow on your balcony.

Not only is this leafy green simple to grow, but it has a lot of nutritional value.

Waterleaf can become your go-to crop, whether you are just starting gardening or just want to add some fresh vegetables to your meals.

Ugwu (Fluted Pumpkin)

Ugwu is a beloved vegetable in Nigeria, known for its health benefits and versatility in soups and sauces. Growing ugwu on your balcony is easier than you might think.

It needs a large container and something to climb on, but with enough sunlight and water, it will flourish. Fresh ugwu from your mini-garden will add a nutritious boost to your meals.

Ewedu (Jute Leaves)

Ewedu, a popular leafy vegetable used in many Yoruba dishes, is another crop that’s perfect for balcony gardening.

It grows quickly and requires little care. If you enjoy making traditional dishes like ewedu soup, this is a great plant to have at home. Freshly harvested ewedu leaves will make your meals tastier and healthier.

Starting your own mini-garden doesn’t require much — a few containers, good soil, and seeds are all you need. Make sure your plants get enough sunlight and water, and soon you’ll be enjoying fresh, homegrown produce.

With a little patience and care, your balcony can become a source of nutritious food and a small relief from the current food crisis.

Vanguard News

The post Hardship: 5 Food crops you can grow in your house appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

NECA, the voice of business in Nigeria and the umbrella body for employers in the country, pleaded with policymakers to adopt a holistic approach to address inflationary pressures and promote economic stability.

In a statement titled “Nigeria’s inflation dynamics amid currency appreciation: Need for more supplementary measures,” NECA’s Director-General, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, noted that while the tightening measures of the Central Bank of Nigeria had led to the recent appreciation of the naira, there was a decelerating increase in the recent inflation figure.

He lamented that despite currency appreciation typically dampening inflation by reducing import costs, other factors were exerting stronger upward pressure on prices.

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“The latest publication of the Consumer Price Index by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for March 2024 reveals a significant increase in the inflation rate. In March 2024, the inflation rate surged to 33.01 percent, marking a notable uptick from 31.7 percent recorded in February.

This indicates a 1.31 percentage point increase over the period, reflecting the growing inflationary pressures in the economy.

READ ALSO: High Food Prices Cast Shadow Over Ramadan in Nigeria

“Moreover, compared to March 2023, the inflation rate rose by 10.97 percentage points, further underscoring the magnitude of the inflationary challenge.”

NECA’s call highlights the urgent need for strategic interventions to stabilize the economy and ensure food security for all Nigerians.

The post NECA Urges Government Action to Address Food Crisis appeared first on Housing TV Africa.