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Unity Bank Partners Cashew Farmers To Boost Production, Export.
Unity Bank Plc has partnered Nigerian cashew farmers under the auspices of the Association of Cashew Farmers, Processors and Aggregators of Nigeria, ACFAP, to boost production and drive export.
The bank, which is reputed for its focus on the Agribusiness value chain, partnered ACFAP to host a stakeholders’ and export summit intended to promote cashew processing and export in Lagos last week.
Nigeria is currently the 6th largest producer of cashew in the world, with the country producing an estimated 350,000 metric tons of cashew nuts and generating over $813 million in foreign exchange earnings over the past three years, according to the Minister of Agriculture, Sabo Nanono who delivered a keynote address at the summit.
The bank’s partnership is expected to provide funding opportunities for farmers to boost production to about 500,000 metric tons over the next three years.
Speaking on what inspired the bank’s partnership, the Managing Director/CEO of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun stated that the support of ACFAP reinforces the bank’s long-standing commitment to the provision of funding for commercial farming, out-growers’ schemes for small holder farmers and various commodity associations.
“The summit has enabled us to re-engage with stakeholders to better appreciate where funding needs are most required now and in the medium term, to optimally develop the sub-sector for the benefit of the economy at large,” said Somefun who was represented by the bank’s Head of Agribusiness, Mrs. Patricia Ahunanya.
Somefun explained that Unity Bank has, through active participation in the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s intervention funds and other initiatives, been at the forefront of supporting smallholder farmers with the objective to drive the federal government’s agenda to diversify the economy through promoting growth in the agricultural sector and its value chain.
Unity bank has a strategic business objective anchored on Agriculture, Retail/SME and Rural Development and has developed a successful business model that enables it to facilitate strong support initiatives to major commodity associations such as RIFAN, NACOTAN, MAAN, WFAN, SOYBEANS FARMERS ASSOCIATION, etc., to effectively reach out to individual players in Agribusiness.

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Ogun Court Denies Portable Bail Over Assault, Theft Charges; Remanded Until Jan 19
Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was on Monday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, over criminal charges including assault and resisting arrest.
Confirming the development to our correspondent, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said Portable was arrested and arraigned in Ota on Monday.
“Yes, he was arraigned and remanded yesterday,” Babaseyi said on Tuesday.
Portable’s arraignment followed a viral video that surfaced on Sunday showing him in handcuffs, shirtless and tearfully pleading while seated on a couch in what appeared to be a police holding area.
His arrest reportedly followed allegations of assault against actress and skit maker Omobolarinde Akinyanju, better known as Ashabi Simple, who is one of the musician’s baby mamas and the mother of one of his children.
In court, Vanguard reported that the prosecution alleged that the Zazu crooner attacked Ashabi, alongside some police officers and other individuals, at his bar in the Iyana Ilogbo area on New Year’s Day.
Other alleged victims named in the charge sheet include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi and Ebuka Odah.
The prosecution further alleged that Portable stole a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at ₦12 million, belonging to Ileyemi Damilola and associated with car dealer Wally Dex Auto.
During the proceedings, two siblings of Ashabi Simple testified as witnesses to the alleged assault, although Ashabi herself was absent from court.
Police also alleged that the singer obstructed and assaulted a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was performing her official duties.
The presiding judge declined to grant the singer bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer in court.
The judge ruled that the officer must be present before a decision on the bail application could be made and consequently remanded Portable in custody, adjourning the bail hearing to January 19.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has ordered an investigation into a separate viral video allegedly showing the singer being assaulted while in custody.
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Just In: U.S. Strengthens Nigeria’s Security With Major New Military Shipment
The United States has delivered military supplies to Nigerian security agencies in support of ongoing operations in the country.
The United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, announced the delivery in a post on X on Tuesday.
“US forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasizes our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM said on X.
Nigeria in recent times has faced an upsurge of insecurity, with hundreds being kidnapped.
US forces launched airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in North-West Nigeria on Christmas Day.
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Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabanjo, Widow Of Bisi Onabanjo, Dies At 100
Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, the widow of Ogun State’s first civilian governor, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, has passed away at the age of 100.
Her passing was announced by her daughter, Ms Olubukunola Onabanjo, on Tuesday.
According to Ms Onabanjo, the matriarch of the Onabanjo dynasty died at the age of 100.
She said in a statement: “The family of Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, former Governor of Ogun State, announces with deep sorrow, yet with gratitude to Almighty God, the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
“Chief (Mrs) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo (1925–2026) was called to glory on Monday, January 11.
“We thank God for her long and fulfilled life, and for the enduring legacy of love, strength and faith she leaves behind.
“May her soul rest in perfect peace.”
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