Thursday, June 12, 2025

Nigeria is Among the Top 20 Coconut Producing Countries in the World



Nigeria is among the top 20 coconut producing countries in the world. But the government is still losing millions of dollars annually, because of the shortcomings of the federal government and state governments in the productions of the various products made from coconuts, especially coconut oil.

Global market size is currently US$26.39 billion in 2025, and is projected to grow to $36.69 billion by 2030 according to Research and Markets. 

This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for coconut products, which range from fresh coconuts to various processed items like coconut water, flour, and oil according to Entrepreneurs.ng. 

Key aspects of the coconut market:
Value:

The market was valued at $24.78 billion in 2024, increasing to $26.39 billion in 2025. 

Projected Growth:
The market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.75% from 2025 to 2030, reaching $36.69 billion. 

Diverse Products:
The market encompasses a wide variety of coconut products, including coconut water, flour, oil, and fresh coconuts, catering to diverse consumer preferences and dietary needs. 


Global Demand:
The increasing demand for coconut products is a major driver of market growth. 


Regional Focus:
Research and Markets indicates that the Asia Pacific region has a dominant share of the global coconut market, followed by other regions like North America and Europe. 


Opportunities and Challenges:
The industry faces challenges like disease management and supply chain issues, but also has opportunities for growth through innovation, product diversification, and technological advancements.

 
Profitability:
In Nigeria, coconut farming can be very profitable, with well-managed farms potentially generating between ₦2.4 million and ₦5 million annually per hectare, particularly when value addition is part of the business.

The virgin coconut oil market alone is projected to reach USD 9.12 billion by 2030, according to a report from Research and Markets.

Key Factors Driving Growth:

Increased health and wellness awareness:

Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier food and personal care products.

Demand for natural and organic products:

Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in natural and organic cosmetics and food products.

Growing use in various applications:

Coconut oil is used in food and beverage, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries.

Regional Breakdown:

Asia Pacific:

The largest regional market for coconut oil, driven by high production and consumption in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and India.

Other Regions:

North America, Europe, and other regions are also experiencing growth in the coconut oil market.

Note: The specific numbers and projections may vary slightly depending on the research firm and report.

The estimated total world production of coconuts in 2022 was 62,409,431 metric tonnes.

Nigeria is among the top 20 countries with 225,527 metric tonnes annually.

The Coconut Sufficiency in Nigeria (COSIN) initiative, a government-supported program, is aiming to establish 10,000 hectares of coconut farms across most of Nigeria's states by 2027 to boost domestic coconut production. This initiative aims to increase the supply of coconuts in Nigeria, potentially leading to increased exports and value-added products. While the term "coconut triangle" is commonly used in Sri Lanka to describe a specific region with high coconut production, it's not a widely recognized term in the context of Nigeria's coconut industry.

COSIN Initiative in Nigeria:

Goal:

To increase coconut production and reduce reliance on imports by establishing new coconut farms across the country.

Target:

Plant 10,000 hectares of coconut trees in most of Nigeria's 36 states by 2027.

Focus:

Enhancing the coconut value chain, including improved production, processing, and marketing.

Potential Benefits:

Increased exports, job creation, and higher incomes for farmers and processors.

Key Considerations for Coconut Farming in Nigeria:

Variety:

Using hybrid coconut trees, which offer higher yields, is recommended for commercial farming.

Seedlings:

Access to high-quality hybrid seedlings is crucial for successful cultivation.

Land Use:

Nigeria has a significant amount of land suitable for coconut cultivation, but only a small portion is currently being used.

Infrastructure:

Developing infrastructure for processing and marketing coconut products is important for realizing the full potential of the industry.

Technology:

Adopting improved production technologies and practices, including research and development, is essential for increasing productivity.

Sri Lanka is one of the countries reaping the rewards of this global demand. In 2022, the country exported over 71 million kilogrammes of fresh and dried coconuts, with the United States as one of its largest markets. Coconut products account for 12 per cent of Sri Lanka’s total agricultural exports, contributing significantly to its foreign exchange reserves.

In Nigeria, the market is projected to see continued growth, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 0.59% through 2028. However, challenges remain, including ensuring consistent coconut supply, addressing quality control, and navigating fluctuating prices. 

Here's a more detailed look:

Market Dynamics:

Growing Demand:

The demand for coconut oil in Nigeria is rising, particularly for virgin coconut oil (VCO) due to its health benefits and use in various applications like food supplements, body moisturizers, and aromatherapy. 

Production and Supply:

While Nigeria is a major coconut producer, the demand often exceeds domestic production, leading to reliance on imports from neighboring countries like Benin and Togo. 

Price Fluctuations:

Coconut oil prices in Nigeria can fluctuate due to various factors, including market demand and inflation, leading to price increases, particularly during periods of high demand. 

Key Drivers:

Health Awareness:

Consumers are increasingly aware of the health benefits of coconut oil, which is driving demand.

Versatility:

Coconut oil is used in various applications, making it a versatile product.

Natural and Organic Trend:

The increasing trend towards natural and organic products is also influencing market demand for coconut oil. 

Challenges:

Consistent Supply:

Ensuring a consistent supply of coconuts for processing is a challenge, as production can be affected by weather and other factors.

Quality Control:

Maintaining quality control in oil extraction and processing is crucial to meet consumer expectations.

Competition:

Coconut oil faces competition from other vegetable oils, and fluctuating market prices can also pose challenges. 

Future Trends:

Technological Advancements:

Advancements in oil extraction and production technologies could improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Agricultural Policy and Import Tariffs:

Changes in agricultural policies and import tariffs could impact market stability.

Source

Uyai Virgin Coconut Oil 

https://totnaija.blogspot.com/2025/06/uyai-virgin-coconut-for-healthy-hair.html

Saturday, June 7, 2025

9jaStudio YouTube Channel Presents Unilife Premiere


9jaStudio YouTube Channel hosted the Unilife Premiere Livestream on Sunday 1 June 2025.

You can watch the first three episodes  of UniLife. 

Click on the link and subscribe and tap the NOTIFY ME button on  all three episodes. 

https://youtube.com/@9jastudioentertainment?sub_confirmation=1

#nollywood

#drama

#life

#unilife

#premiere

#sunday

#series

#youtubeshorts

Friday, June 6, 2025

Why I Resigned From the PDP and Joined APC (Full Statement) By Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State


BEING THE SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PASTOR UMO ENO, PhD, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT FROM THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) TO THE ALL PROGRESSIVES PARTY (APC)- UYO- JUNE 6, 2025.

PROTOCOL

1. It was Dalai Lama, one of the world’s most highly admired moral voices who spoke so eloquently about change and the constancy of values. Dalia had advised the world to “Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.”

2. Today, fellow Akwaibomites, we are gathered here to witness change while equally affirming the constancy of our collective values and defining ethos as a State.

3. For some time now, the political space particularly in this State and the Nation in general have been awash with the news of my likely movement from the PDP, the platform that had provided the levers and ladder of my political ascendancy to the position of Governor of this State. The discussions have elicited various layers of analysis in the process.

- 2 -

4. Today, I am here to answer some of those nagging questions. Like the Dalai Lama had said, we should always be open to change but not let go of our shared values.

5. Earlier this morning, I submitted my formal Letter of Resignation from the PDP to my Ward Chairman, same copy was sent to both the State Chairman as well as the National Chairman. I have therefore, decided to Progressively move to the All Progressive Congress, the (APC).

6. Standing before you today, I make bold to state categorically that, though I have, by today’s event, changed my political affiliation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC) my values, my moral fibre, the foundational principles I have nourished and lived by remain unchanged and sacrosanct.

7. Why am I in the APC, you may ask? The answer is short and simple: Enlightened State Interest predicated on the need to align our State with the Centre to attract more Federal presence.

- 3 –

That is the truth-pure and simple as well as the exercise of my fundamental Right of Association as expressed in the 1999 Constitution as Amended.

8. President Tinubu, GCFR, has possibly, in recent history of this Nation, faced the most daunting economic challenges of any leader. With boldness and deep convictions, he has stared these challenging moments head-on and came up with solutions that, though in the immediate aftermath is tough for Nigerians, but however, are beginning to bear long-lasting and sustainable effects.

9. The removal of petrol subsidy, though a hard decision, has brought more funds to subnational entities to pursue audacious projects that are positively affecting the lives of their people. Akwa Ibom State today, is more of a constructing site with many life-touching projects across the 31 Local Governments Areas. The economic fog is becoming clearer, the confidence in our economy is growing and we need to support him to finish this huge task of national re-awakening and economic renewal.

10. It is a known fact that, I have never hidden my admiration for the President and his patriotic devotion to national renewal which he is engendering today

- 4-
As a young professional working in Lagos while he was the Governor, I was amazed and fascinated by the manner he ran Lagos, and had, with focus and vision, raised the profile of Lagos State to become a leading Subnational in the country, while facing daunting challenges.

I believe he is poised to replicate the Lagos magic on a larger national scale. I therefore, have no apologies for supporting him for a second term in office to complete the reforms he has started.

11. Let me also say it here, that political parties are vehicles to run for elections. Governance in my considered opinion should be done, without rigid attachment to political labels, since these parties are not defined by ideology but by enlightened set of interests.

12. In two years, since my inauguration as Governor, I have not worn a toga of a political party rather it has been my passionate commitment to pursuing the larger interest of our State and our people. The Arise Agenda, has been our Governance Blueprint, and that’s what it will be as we make this movement. I therefore, appeal to you my people to join me in this necessary movement to align our State with the Centre and to facilitate more development to our State.

- 5 -

13. Let me add here that our dear State is nationally considered as one of the safest and peaceful States in the nation. There is an urgent need to sustain and deepen this important catalyst for growth, by not engaging in unnecessary political bickering. Peace brings development, peace brings unity and unity breeds brotherhood and inclusivity and our State is the ultimate beneficiary.

14. I have always said I will work for the unity of our State by running a bipartisan administration. This has been a well-thought-out position that was so eloquently stated in my Inaugural Speech on May 29, 2023.

15. On that historic day, I had stated thus “Elections are over, and our kindred spirit must be renewed and deepened. We are all Akwaibomites first before politics.

Politics, therefore, must not separate or sever the ties of our brotherhood, common heritage and aspirations. I pledge to you, that I will be Governor for all Akwaibomites irrespective of political persuasion or affiliations”

- 6 -

16. Today, as I make this formal movement from the PDP to APC, I pledge to you again, my dear Akwaibomnites, that I will still run a bipartisan and inclusive governance. Akwa Ibom State, I promise you will be a model of how to work together, pray together, aspire together, dream together and achieve together without the polarising impulses of partisan politics. Political parties remain vehicles for elections. I will continue to ensure that governance is done through the prism of bipartisanship.

17. Let me end this speech with a quote from the renowned author, Julie Flygare “The secret of change is to focus all your energy not in fighting the old, but on building the new.”

18. Together, with the old and the new, we will build our dear State, with unity, with peace, with inclusivity, with love and kindred spirit in accordance with the lines in our State’s Anthem that “our dreams be ever one, rising “beyond ethnicity”, to “build with love, our Promised Land” so we may go “Forward Ever and Backward Never!! That is what I am dedicating to doing and I ask you to continue to support and pray for us.

- 7 -

19. Like the children of Issachar in 1st Chronicles Chapter 12 verse 32, were “men that had understanding of the times to know what Israel should do”” I also expect the understanding of the times we are in, and why we are doing this movement. As the children of Issachar pitched their tenth with David, for the common good of Israel, I expect unflinching loyalty of our Team- a point that is further eloquently illustrated in John 10: 27 “My sheep hears my voice, and I know them and they follow me.”

20. I am convinced the the voice I heard that led us to this day and to this movement was the right voice and I know my people will follow me and continue to give us their support.

Let us strategically Arise together, to the promise of a better, more inclusive, stronger and united Akwa Ibom State that is aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR led-Federal Government

21. To those who may be concerned by this Progressive movement, I want to assure you that I have received enormous assurances of support and seamless integration from our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,

- 8 -

The Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godwill Akpabio, GCON, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum. Those who know our dear President will attest to the fact that his words are his bond. This movement, falling on a day that we mark Sallah, is our own gift to our President and it has divine connotation

22. APC- Progress, Arise - That same God!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, God bless Akwa Ibom State and bless us all!

23. On your Mandate we shall stand, On your Mandate we shall stand, On your Mandate, On your Mandate
On your Mandate we shall stand.



https://amzn.to/43wMgDX

   

Thursday, June 5, 2025

From The American King T-shirt To Uli Oma T-shirts



I have designed T-shirts, tote bags, facecaps and so much more.

My most successful is The American King T-shirt I produced in 2022 for the promotion of the theatrical release of the Hollywood and Nollywood romantic comedy in Nigeria.

Vision Films Inc of California, USA paid for 300 T-shirts.

Here are moviegoers who received The American King T-shirts during the Easter Weekend at the Exodus Cinemas in Makurdi, Benue State in NIgeria."

http://totnaija.blogspot.com/2022/04/the-american-king-t-shirts-easter.html

From The American King T-shirt I designed my ULI OMA T-shirts.






Beautiful Uli T-shirts.

Inspired by the Uli body painting of the Igbos of Eastern Nigeria.

The Uli Oma T-shirts, Sweatshirts and Tote bags are available by made on demand in limited edition.

I am very proud of how much I have been doing for the international appreciation and promotion of our Uli Art and Igbo Poetry form of verse which have not been celebrated since Prof. Uche Okeke passed on to eternal glory.


By Ekenyerengozi MichaeI Chima,


Email: ekenyerengozimichaelchima@gmail.com


#uli

#oma

#uliart

#igbo

#art

#bodyart

#bodypainting

#nft

#Nigeria

#tshirts

#sweatshirts

#poetry

#ucheokeke

https://nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com/2023/11/s-and-sweatshirts.html

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Complete List of Winners at the 78th Festival de Cannes


Official trailer of "UN SIMPLE ACCIDENT".
 


The 78th annual Cannes Film Festival held from May 13-24, 2025 in France opened with Leave One Day (FrenchPartir un jour), a 2025 French musical comedy drama film directed by Amélie Bonnin in her feature directorial debut. It was based on her 2021 short film Bye Bye, which won the César Award for Best Fiction Short Film at the 48th ceremony. It stars Juliette ArmanetBastien BouillonFrançois RollinTewfik JallabDominique BlancMhamed Arezki, Pierre-Antoine Billon, and Amandine Dewasmes.

During the festival, two Honorary Palme d'Or were awarded: the first was awarded to Robert De Niro during the festival's opening ceremony and the second was awarded on short notice to Denzel Washington before the world premiere of Highest 2 Lowest.

Complete List of Winners at the 78th Festival de Cannes 

Jafar PANAHI won the highly coveted Palme d'Or for his film "UN SIMPLE ACCIDENT".

Jury
 Documentarist and producer Dieudo Hamadi, Korean director and screenwriter Hong Sangsoo, Mexican director, screenwriter and producer Carlos Reygadas and American actor Jeremy Strong, presented its winners’ list among the 22 films presented in Competition this year.

Feature Films



Palme d’or
UN SIMPLE ACCIDENT
Jafar PANAHI

Grand Prix
AFFEKSJONSVERDI
(SENTIMENTAL VALUE)
Joachim TRIER

Joint Jury Prize
SIRÂT
Oliver LAXE

SOUND OF FALLING
Mascha SCHILINSKI

Best Director
Kleber MENDONÇA FILHO for O AGENTE SECRETO (THE SECRET AGENT)

Best Screenplay
Jean-Pierre DARDENNE & Luc DARDENNE for JEUNES MÈRES

Best performance by an actress
Nadia MELLITI in LA PETITE DERNIÈRE directed by Hafsia HERZI

Best performance by an actor
Wagner MOURA in O AGENTE SECRETO (THE SECRET AGENT) directed by Kleber MENDONÇA FILHO

Special Award
KUANG YE SHI DAI (RESURRECTION)

Bi GAN

Short Films

Palme d’or
I’M GLAD YOU’RE DEAD NOW
Tawfeek BARHOM

Special Mention
ALI
Adnan AL RAJEEV

Un Certain Regard
 
Un Certain Regard Prize
LA MISTERIOSA MIRADA DEL FLAMENCO (THE MYSTERIOUS GAZE OF THE FLAMINGO)
Diego CÉSPEDES
1st film

Jury Prize
UN POETA (A POET)
Simón MESA SOTO

Best Directing
Arab & Tarzan NASSER
for Once Upon a Time in Gaza

Best Actor
Frank DILLANE
in Urchin directed by Harris Dickinson

Best Actress
Cleo DIÁRA
in O Riso e a Faca (I Only Rest in the Storm) directed by Pedro Pinho

Best Screenplay
PILLION
Harry LIGHTON
1st film

Caméra d’or
Caméra d’or Prize
THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE
Hasan HADI
Directors’ Fortnight

Special Mention
MY FATHER’S SHADOW
Akinola DAVIES JR
Un Certain Regard

La Cinef
First Prize
FIRST SUMMER
Heo GAYOUNG
KAFA, South Korea

Second Prize
12 MOMENTS BEFORE THE FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY
QU Zhizheng
Beijing Film Academy, China

Joint Third Prize
GINGER BOY
Miki TANAKA
ENBU Seminar, Japan

WINTER IN MARCH
Natalia MIRZOYAN
Estonian Academy of Arts, Estonia

Superior Technical Commission
 
THE CST AWARD FOR BEST ARTIST-TECHNICIAN is presented to Ruben Impens, director of photography, and Stéphane Thiébaut, mixer of ALPHA, directed by Julia Ducournau

The 2025 jury of the CST Award for best Artist-Technician acknowledges the powerful creativity of sound and image in this film, achieved by Ruben Impens, director of photography and Stéphane Thiébaut, mixer, of Alpha directed by Julia Ducournau.

THE CST AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG FEMALE FILM TECHNICIAN is presented to Éponine Momenceau, Director of photography of
CONNEMARA, directed by Alex Lutz

The 2025 jury of the CST Award for best Young, Female Film Technician is proud to present this year’s prize to Éponine Momenceau, director of photography of Connemara directed by Alex Lutz, for the delicacy and subtlety of the work on the images that accompany the film’s story and direction

Source

https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/press/press-releases/the-78th-festival-de-cannes-winners-list/

Monday, May 26, 2025

Empowering Female Farmers in Nigeria



Women in Agriculture in Nigeria

Empowering Female Farmers in Nigeria

The largest labour force in Africa

This is the first time there will be a national community mobilization and sensitization of female farmers in Nigeria for the realization and utilization of their full potential for the sustainable development of agriculture and food security in the country.

Female farmers are the largest labour force in Nigeria.

More than 70 percent of the working population of Nigeria are farmers in the rural areas of the most populous country in Africa .
An estimated 70 percent of them are female farmers working on farms in different villages in the 774 local government areas of Nigeria.
Majority of them are poor and without complete formal education.
They need empowerment for the sustainable development of agriculture for food security and economic stability for the eradication of extreme poverty in Nigeria.

Food security is important to national security, because without food security there will be no national security.
A hungry man is an angry man.
No hungry man can defend his family, community and country.
Only a well fed man can have the strength to fight for his survival and welfare.
An army of hungry soldiers will not have the strength to defend their country in the battlefield.
No food, no power.
Starvation can cause the collapse and destruction of a nation.
Scarcity of food has caused widespread riots and looting on the streets that caused the downfall of a government administration.



Africa has 65 percent of the uncultivated arable land left in the world, to feed 9.5 billion people by 2050. Therefore, what Africa does with agriculture will determine the future of food in the world. “Essentially, food is money. The size of the food and agriculture market in Africa will reach $1 trillion by 2030.

USD $106bn finance gap in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia agricultural business - CABI.org

The Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness (CASA) programme has published ‘The state of the agri-SME sector – Bridging the finance gap.’

A recent report estimates demand for financing, from around 220,000 agri-business SMEs in sub Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia at USD $160bn with banks, impact investors and other financial intermediaries providing only USD $54bn. Furthermore, almost all climate funding is targeted at mitigation measures, rather than supporting ways to for agriculture to adapt to the climate crisis with less than 2% of global climate finance – or USD $10bn – being channelled to small-scale agriculture.

Nigeria has the largest arable land in Africa.
Women make up about 70% of the agricultural workforce in Nigeria. 
They contribute to about 70% of the country's food production.

In Nigeria, according to the World Bank, closing the gender productivity gap could increase GDP by US$2.3 billion and decrease global food insecurity by two percentage points, thereby putting nutritious food on the tables of another 45 million people.
https://www.thecable.ng/nigerian-women-in-agriculture-a-catalyst-for-food-security-economic-growth-and-family-well-being/

Eliciting the Gender Income Influences on Household’s Food Security in West Africa: 
Heliyon
https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(23)04616-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2405844023046169%3Fshowall%3Dtrue

Women in Agriculture in Nigeria is a public forum for the empowerment and upliftment of female farmers in Nigeria for the sustainable development of agriculture to increase the cultivation and production of both food crops and cash crops for local consumption and export to other countries.

We are going to launch a national directory and website for all the female farmers in Nigeria who estimated to be over 30 million working on farmlands in the rural areas.

Majority of the farmers in Nigeria are women

Nigerian female farmers are among the most underpaid low income workers in Nigeria, because majority of them are not privileged to own farmlands.

Majority of them are farming on the farmlands of their husbands, brothers or uncles, because daughters are not entitled to any inheritance of lands from their fathers by custom and tradition of majority of the tribes.

Only sons are entitled to be shareholders in the inheritance of lands

Women in Agriculture in Nigeria will empower underprivileged female farmers to unite and form cooperatives for the join-ownership of farmlands and to become joint-venture partners in agroallied ventures such as having silos and factories for processing of crops for the production of flours, cereals and drinks for local consumption and export to other countries.

We are going to introduce Nano drones for farming in Nigeria as female farmers are doing in India.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FnG3TE2qM/

The productions of flours from cassava,maizes, tiger nuts, oranges, mangoes, coconuts, groundnuts, dates, etc have become very profitable agroallied ventures in many developing countries.

We will help in increasing the economic growth of Nigerian women in agriculture with significant contribution to the GDP of Nigeria.

Africa Food Trade & Resilience Initiative
Food Security Monitor - AGRA
https://agra.org/publications/food-security-monitor-3/


- by Mrs. Stella Unah,
National Coordinator,
Women in Agriculture in Nigeria (WAN)


About Female Farmers in Nigeria
"Women play a crucial role in Nigerian agriculture, accounting for a significant portion of the farming population and contributing heavily to food production. They are involved in various aspects of the agricultural value chain, from planting and harvesting to processing and marketing. Despite their vital contributions, women often face challenges like limited access to land, finance, and technology, which hinder their ability to fully realize their potential.

Key Roles of Women in Nigerian Agriculture:

Farm Management and Labor:
Women are actively involved in managing farms and providing labor, often performing tasks like planting, weeding, harvesting, and processing crops.

Food Crop Production:
Nigerian women are primarily involved in the production of food crops such as maize, cowpea, melon, pepper, cassava, and vegetables.
Livestock Production:
In some cases, women also participate in small-scale animal production, including small ruminants, poultry, and aquaculture.
Processing and Marketing:
Women are heavily involved in processing and marketing farm produce, contributing to the food value chain.

Challenges Faced by Women in Nigerian Agriculture:
Limited Access to Land:
Traditional land tenure systems and cultural norms often limit women's access to land ownership and control, hindering their ability to participate in agriculture.
Financial Constraints:
Women often lack access to finance, making it difficult for them to purchase inputs, hire labor, or scale up production.

Gender Inequality:
Social norms and gender-based divisions of labor can restrict women's decision-making power and limit their ability to manage farms independently.
Knowledge and Training Gaps:
Limited access to information and training can affect women's ability to adopt modern farming techniques and best practices.

Efforts to Empower Women Farmers:
Government Initiatives:

The Nigerian government and various organizations are implementing programs to empower women farmers, such as the National Women in Agriculture Programme (NWAP) according to Rural 21.

Capacity Building:
Training and capacity-building programs are being offered to equip women farmers with the skills and knowledge they need to improve their productivity and income according to Rural 21.

Financial Inclusion:
Efforts are being made to improve women's access to finance through microfinance institutions and other financial services.
Advocacy and Awareness:
Advocacy groups and NGOs are working to raise awareness about the contributions of women in agriculture and to advocate for policies that support their empowerment. "

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Netflix Versus YouTube in Nollywood


Since the celebrated Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli's romantic comedy, " Love in Every Word" became a hit on YouTube, many bloggers, news reporters and rumour mongers have become experts on how much she has made so far smiling to the bank with hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

One of them even lied that she has earned more than US$800, 000!

Another one said she has earned US$100, 000!

Nigerians can lie for Africa! 

Omoni Oboli don cashout big! Her movie 'Love in Every Word' hit up 14 million views on YouTube in just 2 weeks, earning a whopping N150m! Looks like YouTube is the new sweet spot for Nollywood producers! Congratulations to her💯 #OmoniOboli #Nollywood #YouTube #Benuevibes
FACTS DON'T LIE

Recent Nielsen data showed YouTube made up nearly 10% of all television viewing in the U.S. last month. Netflix was lower, at 8.4%, albeit the highest for a subscription service. Streaming viewership hit a record overall share topping 40%.

“Netflix and YouTube are the clear leaders,” said Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. Netflix is focused on the rest of total TV time — about 80%, primarily linear and streaming — “that isn’t going either to us or ton."

How Much Does NETFLIX Pay?

Netflix doesn't pay directly for individual views. Instead, they typically pay for licensing fees for content, which can vary significantly. For example, a Nigerian filmmaker might receive a licensing fee between $10,000 and $90,000 for a film. This is not tied to the number of views, but rather to the overall agreement to stream the content on the platform.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
No Per-View Payments:
Unlike YouTube or other platforms, Netflix doesn't offer a revenue-sharing model based on individual views.
Licensing Fees:
Netflix pays upfront fees for the rights to stream content, and these fees are negotiated in advance.

The amount of money Netflix pays can vary widely depending on factors such as the content's perceived value, the bargaining power of the content creator, and the specific agreement.

Nigerian Filmmakers:
Some reports indicate that Netflix has offered lower fees to Nigerian filmmakers compared to those from other countries. For instance, one report states that Netflix offered $90,000 for Nollywood films, while planning to spend $500 million on films and series from Asia and Europe.

In summary, Netflix doesn't pay a specific amount per million views. Instead, they pay upfront licensing fees for the right to stream content, which are not tied to the number of viewers. 

How Much Does YOUTUBE Pay for Views

YouTube doesn't pay a fixed amount per million views. The actual earnings can vary greatly, but generally, a creator can expect to earn around $2,950 for 1 million views, or about $0.00295 per view. This is based on an average AdSense revenue, but several factors can influence the actual payout.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Factors affecting YouTube earnings:

Ad Revenue:
The main source of income for many YouTube creators is ad revenue, generated when viewers watch or click on ads within their videos.

Ad Rates:
The price advertisers pay for ads varies depending on several factors, including the audience's demographics, the type of ad, and the video's niche.

Niche and Category:
Content creators in certain niches, like real estate, may have higher RPMs (Revenue Per Mille, or per 1,000 views) than others, leading to potentially higher earnings.

Audience Demographics:
The demographics of a creator's audience can also affect their earnings. For example, videos with a high concentration of viewers in countries with strong economies might generate more revenue.

Other Income Streams:
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Example:
A vlogging channel with a typical RPM of $1-$6 might earn between $1,000-$6,000 for 1 million views. A real estate channel with a higher RPM could potentially earn closer to $30,000 for the same number of views. 

Thursday, April 17, 2025

2028 IMO GOVERNORSHIP: Owerri Must Engage and Negotiate with Okigwe Zone or Face Regret — Prof Protus Uzoma: Orlu Elders Council Secretary

2028 IMO GOVERNORSHIP: Owerri Must Engage and Negotiate with Okigwe Zone or Face Regret — Prof Protus Uzoma: Orlu Elders Council Secretary

As political permutations gather momentum ahead of the 2028 Imo governorship election, the Secretary of the Orlu Elders Council, Professor Protus Uzoma, has issued a stern warning to political leaders from Owerri zone, urging them to engage Okigwe zone in sincere negotiations over the state’s political future or risk severe political consequences.

Uzoma, in a strongly worded statement, said it would be a costly mistake for Owerri zone to dismiss the legitimate concerns and demands of Okigwe zone for a fair shot at the governorship seat, especially in light of long-standing grievances over underdevelopment and marginalisation. 

He emphasized that ignoring Okigwe’s aspirations would plunge the state into needless tension and political instability, urging stakeholders to embrace honest dialogue and equitable power-sharing arrangements to sustain unity and peace in Imo State.

His statement reads in full:

“I have listened with  a Keen iunterest and deep understanding to the conversations arising out of the weighty pronouncement made by Chief Tony Chukwu that Owerri zone should concede the Capital City to Okigwe zone if they won't allow an indigene of Okigwe zone to succeed Governor Hope Uzodimma in 2028.

“His immutable arguement which is the equivalent of a political missile strike serves as a catalyst for balanced zonal development and inclusive governance. 

“Chief Tony Chukwu has raised a storm which is raging across the state. According to Joseph Joubert, "the aim of arguement, or of a discussion should not be victory but progress" Effective political discourse relies on respectful dialogue, critical thinking and respect to opposing viewpoints. However, in many cases especially on social media, conversations can devolve into polarisation, misinformation  and personal attacks undermining constructive debate. There is therefore a need to foster mutual understanding to engender civility and better democratic participation.

“Truth burns like fire. Chief Chukwu's contention is that more than 80% of developmental projects in Imo since 1999 are concentrated in Owerri zone by the virtue of its advantage as the host of the capital city. This isn't hate but reality baptised in cold logic. Unapologetic truth isn't for the weak. It is for the strong. His comment is an awakening and this topic is now an ark in the flood of political discussions.

“Truth is not comfortable, it is confrontational. We can't all suffer selective perception which is an instinctive cognitive bias that  predisposes us to align with pre-existing prejudices. Our politics must be tailored to dismantle the architecture of concentrating developmental efforts mostly in Owerri zone so as to avoid future agitations. We must resolve this challenge not erase it by gaslighting those with courage to speak up.

“Isn't it worrying to us as a people that Okigwe zone looks like an abandoned space? Everything has been done mostly for the benefit of Owerri zone since 1999. Truthfully, our governors have maintained a tradition of unequal distribution of resources, infrastructure and opportunities. Our political leaders should urgently address the needs of the under represented and simulate growth in neglected zones of the state. 

“It is only Governor Hope Uzodimma that has made deliberate efforts to develop the three zones with road infrastructure in order to resolve zonal disparities and ensure that all parts of the state feel valued and heard in the political process. Okigwe zone evidently lags behind in all human development metrics in the state. This is why Imo people are happy with Governor Uzodimma that he consented to and adopted the Charter of Equity against the virile opposition of some of our kinsmen in order to give Owerri and Okigwe zones due sense of shared ownership in the Imo Project.

“I have followed Chief Tony Chukwu's politics since 2006. The nuclear core truth is that he understands the business of politics like a sniper. He carefully studies it, dominates, outwork and out thinks his opponents like a martial arts specialist. He acts as if the unseen is more real than the seen especially during lenten season. 

“I remember clearly in 2006 when in the heat of political permutations he pronounced with the certainty and exactitude of an ancient prophet that Okigwe zone would produce the   Governor in 2007. PDP toyed with Chief Tony Ezenna, Engr. Ugwu and Senator Araraume while  APGA presented the gumptious Chief Martin Agbaso from Owerri zone. In the end, Dr Ohakim from Okigwe zone won the election on the platform of PPA. Again, during the Holy Week of the lenten season of 2018, he admonished then Governor Rochas Okorocha to abandon the fantasy of getting Chief Uche Nwosu to succeed him. 

“He privately and publicly denounced that scheme predicting its catastrophic failure. It came to pass. As the lenten season of 2022 progressed into its Holy Week, Chief Tony Chukwu issued a public statement apologising to the people of Otanzu Otanchara axis for not having been able to produce a senator predicting that 2023 would favour them even against the interest of his own people of Okigwe South. 

“Today, Senator Patrick Ndubueze is the Senator representing Okigwe zone in the senate. These accurate and precise predictions could be attributed to cold political calculation, coincidence or just luck but such a man should never be ignored especially when he is crying for justice on behalf of his people. It is another Holy Week and he has made a demand on Owerri Zone.


“He wears the face of a lamb but speaks with the tongue of a dragon.  He is a messenger not a messiah. He is in the midst of a troop who have stopped thinking like victims. They have stopped crying for help. With an unbreakable mindset, they will not bow to oppression anymore. They want power. Their political tour de force is filled with weapons, blueprints and war manuals. They are inspired by the challenges of having been left behind. There is a huge awakening and there lies their hope and fulfilment of potential. 

“They are laying claim to the Governorship in 2028 not with permission but with purpose. They have cast more than an accusation of neglect, they have thrown down a political gauntlet not only at the feet of Owerri zone but before the conscience of the entire state. 

“They are asking for restoration. It is not about hate or division but about restoration. Okigwe zone only wants to be better not bitter. Their arguement is that in the evaluation of the Charter of Equity, developments consequent upon the location of the Capital City should form part of the consideration of which zone produces a successor to Governor Hope Uzodimma. Unfortunately, this arguement cannot be easily dismissed with a wave of hand.

“I strongly advise the people of Owerri zone to boldly confront the brutality of the truth of underdevelopment  of Okigwe zone and negotiate with their leaders within a predictable parameter. Ignoring the concerns of Okigwe zone would lead Owerri people into a nuclear meltdown of regret.

“Owerri zone should build bridges, build friendships and attract support from a place of  advantage not sense of entitlement. They should sit down with trusted leaders of Okigwe zone and collectively tell each other the truth and agree on the way forward. That's the only viable option.

“I will also want to place it on record that Isu Nation comprising Nkwerre, Nwangele, Isu, Njaba and most parts of Orlu LGA is suffering the same abject abandonment like Okigwe zone. While Owerri and Okigwe people are engaging, the collective interest of Isu Nation should also be discussed and protected.”

Saturday, April 12, 2025

The Four Aishas


The Four Aishas : From Lagos To Aso Vila

This is a true life story of the four Aishas I know from Lagos to the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Abuja.

The first Aisha was the beautiful daughter of a Fulani gateman at a two storey residential building on Kalejaiye Street, off the Bajulaiye Road in Shomolu, Lagos.

He wanted me to marry her even though she was only 11 years old and told him that I Iooked like a tall and handsome Fulani man with fair skin and starry eyes. Aisha always accompanied her Yoruba friend of the same age to visit a Yoruba family in our residence, a bungalow popularly known as Morocco Ville in front of the Morocco Bus Stop of the Morocco Road in Shomolu. The residence was owned by the popular Morocco family and was built during the British colonial administration of Nigeria. My family and four other families were tenants in the building of different apartments. The Yoruba families were the Akanbi family, Asigbolusi family and the family of Baba Shadia. 

Aisha often accompanied her friend to visit the Asigbolusi family who knew her parents, Mr and Mrs Ojosu. 

Mr. Ojosu worked in the office of the Nigerian Energy Commission in Ikoyi on the Lagos Island. I visited him when I was one of the youngest national program consultants of the UNICEF at the age of 25 years. We met and became familiar and often had conversations about human development and the challenges of the political leadership of Nigeria. I was already popular after the publication of my book of original poems for Children, "Children of Heaven" by Krystal Publications Limited in 1987 and in 1988, there were reviews on the book by The Guardian and The Punch newspapers and on Radio Nigeria and the public presentation at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) on Victoria Island was on the prime time 7pm news of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) read by Siene Allwell-Brown, one of the celebrated newscasters in the country. Millions of people saw me on TV and millions heard the news on radio and read the reviews in the popular national newspapers. So whenever Mr. Ojosu and his family came to visit the Asigbolusi family, he always had the chance for our intellectual conversations and admired me with the daughter gazing at me with glints of excitement in her beautiful brown eyes. Girls at puberty begin to become affectionate with infatuation of lust and love for any boy and man they like. So I understood her admiration and excitement of always bringing Aisha along whenever she visited. Aisha told her father about me and introduced me to him when I was passing by their residence to visit my relatives in my uncle's two storey house at number 13, Kalejaiye Street. I often saw them as I visited my relatives almost every day.

I had several female friends, including our beautiful hood queen, Chinwe who often visited me and was my favourite girlfriend among other girlfriends.

I couldn't marry an underage girl even though her Muslim parents thought she was ready for marriage in accordance with their Islamic religion since the founder, Prophet Muhammad (puh) married Aisha, the youngest of his 13 wives when she was only a child and ended her virginity when she was only a 9 year-old girl.

The whole narrative of their lives is the subject of my historical fiction, "Unveil Me My Love" which Amazon refused the distribution of the novella, because of the fears of provoking Islamic terrorism like the "Satanic Verses" of the famous Indian novelist and essayist, Salman Rushdie. But another American publishing company published "Unveil Me My Love" and is available by special request. It is only available in hardcover collector's edition.

The romantic narrative of an Abbysian bodyguard and trainer of the soldiers of Prophet Muhammad (puh) who was in love with Aisha. 

https://www.lulu.com/shop/orikinla-osinachi/unveil-me-my-love/hardcover/product-519468.html

The Aisha I refused to marry, because she was  an underage 11 year-old girl is now over 42 years and married with children.

The second Aisha came from war torn Sudan in pursuit of better life in Nigeria. She was black and beautiful and slender like the famous supermodels who were also from Sudan. I met her when she among the pretty ushers at the first credible international film festival in Nigeria, the Lagos International Forum on Cinema, Motion Picture and Video in Africa organized by Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria (ITPAN) from 2001 to 2006. It attracted local and international filmmakers and supported by the Nigerian film Corporation (NFC) and French Embassy. It started from when Chief Tunde Oloyede was President of ITPAN and continued successfully when Mr. Femi Odugbemi succeeded him as President of ITPAN. Famous Nobel laureate of Literature, Prof. Wole Soyinka and other important dignitaries were at the inaugural edition held at the Maison de France of the French Cultural Centre in Ikoyi.

I was attracted to Aisha and I gave her a phone number to reach me before I left.

Then one day, she called and said she had been kicked out of the flat in 1004 estate on Victoria Island where she had been staying with two Nigerian "runs babes" who were professional escorts. They falsely accused her of snatching their boyfriends.

She was waiting for me at the Yaba bus stop..She was homeless and wanted to come and stay with me. But there was no space to accommodate her where I was allowed to stay in the flat of a good friend in Moshalashi near the Jibowu area, off the Agege Motor Road on the way to Mushin. I would have persuaded my relatives in Shomolu to accommodate her in their two storey house, but they would most likely fight over sleeping with her. She was breaking down in distress and I was really feeling sorry for her. Her last resort was to call David Hivet, the handsome young French Regional Audio-visual Attache based in Lagos whom she met at the ITPAN's international film forum.  So, he came gallantly and rescued the Sudanese damsel in distress.

If I had accommodated Aisha, our first child would have been a grown up adult by now. 

I met the third Aisha when she was an office  assistant of a former friend I worked with as the media consultant for his communication company in Shomolu on the mainland of Lagos State. She was an attractive young woman from Kogi state  who had just completed secondary school and was waiting for the opportunity to go to any of the universities or polytechnics in Nigeria.

She was staying in the nearby Myyoung Army Barracks with her elder sister, a junior military officer married to a fellow junior officer in the Nigerian Army. 

We became close and would have become lovers, but I was distracted by other romantic affairs with more attractive female friends, including Linda Ikeji who was coming to our office in her car and with her laptop.

So, Aisha soon relocated to Akure in Ondo state to stay with her mother and family. She is now married with two kids. 

The fourth Aisha is Dr. Mrs Aisha Buhari, wife of the immediate past President of Nigeria, retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. 

I was invited to meet with her by the Office of the President in 2018 following my request to present my book on her husband, "The Victory of Muhammadu Buhari: My Eyewitness Account of the 2015 Presidential Election".

I borrowed money from close acquaintances to travel to Abuja and paid for three days accommodation in a hotel in Asokoro close to the State House,  Aso Villa. 

I was welcomed to her office and sat down in her own official Office after meeting with the Information Officer, Dr. Haruna Suleiman and her special secretary, Dr. Hajo Sani. I was offered tea which I politely declined and accepted the cans of soft drinks and digestive biscuits. But I couldn't meet with her for three days and I said I would be stranded in Abuja without any more money to stay longer. So, I returned to Lagos in peace.

- by Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
Author of "Diary of the Memory Keeper" and other books distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.



I

A Century of Nigerian Cinema: Dangerous Men

 


A Century of Nigerian Cinema: From "Palaver" To Nollywood
1926-2026

The Best Nigerian Action Movies

Dangerous Men
Genre: Action
Runtime: 105 Minutes

Storyline
Emmanuel is an assassin who goes against the order of his contractor X and refuses to carry out a hit placed on Senator Kingston. Emmanuel is forced to take turn a homeless man into the perfect killer. The deadly duo forms an alliance with Kingston and go after X. This leads to the ultimate showdown between the assassin and the head of the organization. Get ready for non-stop action, masterful fight sequences.

Produced By
Gugu E Michaels
Directed By
Gugu E Michaels

Cast
George Davidson, Leo U'Che, Gugu E. Michaels, Stella Regis

About the Crew
Accomplished filmmaker GuGu E. Michaels has worked as a director and producer on a number of projects.
Feature films include Thugz, Repentance, and Dangerous County.
Actor George Davidson is well known in his home country of Nigeria.
Winner 2012 - Best African Film at the World music and indie film festival - Washington, DC.
In 2012 Michaels, racked up over 12 nominations in organizations like World Music & Independent Film festivals with Dangerous Men including Best Action, Best Cinematography, Best screenplay and Best African film.

#nollywood
#nigeria
#centenary
#actionfilm
#crime
#politocs
#corruption
#drama
#movies