The Edo State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has commenced the harvesting of over 500 hectares of maize cultivated at the Udomi Farm in Esan Central Local Government Area of the state.

The massive harvest is part of the state government’s drive to boost agricultural production, ensure food security and create a sustainable supply of raw materials for industries and other agricultural value chains.

Addressing journalists during an inspection of the farm, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Jerry Nwangue, said the development was evidence that the state government had the capacity to produce food in commercial quantities for consumption and industrial use.

Nwangue said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo had demonstrated a strong commitment to agriculture, stressing that the governor had consistently encouraged residents, particularly young people, to return to farming.

According to him, the government’s agricultural programme is not limited to the Udomi farm, as several other large-scale agricultural projects are ongoing across the state.
He disclosed that the government has established a massive cassava farm and a rice farm at the Ekpoma settlement, while similar rice and cassava production activities are ongoing in Warake and Iguoriakhi.

“This is way way bigger than what we saw last year, we are expanding . This is just one phase. What we are seeing here today is something that has not been done before”.

The commissioner described Governor Okpebholo’s approach to agriculture as “practical governance,” noting that the administration was focused on taking concrete steps to increase food production and strengthen the state’s agricultural economy.

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned that releasing some records relating to President Bola Tinubu could endanger the lives or physical safety of individuals, as it seeks permission to privately explain why the documents were withheld.

The FBI made the disclosure in an application filed before the US District Court for the District of Columbia on August 20, asking the court to allow it to submit a confidential declaration explaining its position.

The agency said it could not publicly disclose the full reasons for withholding some of the records because doing so could expose sensitive law-enforcement techniques and procedures.

The FBI is seeking an ex parte, in camera declaration, which would allow it to provide the judge with its explanation privately and under seal.

The records are being sought by Aaron Greenspan, founder of PlainSite, who filed Freedom of Information Act requests for documents relating to Tinubu from 1992 and 1993.

Among the requests is Tinubu’s entire FBI file and interview records connected to an FBI case.

In its application, the FBI said it had invoked several exemptions under the US Freedom of Information Act, including provisions covering personal privacy, confidential sources, law-enforcement techniques and information that could endanger an individual.

The agency said: “The FBI has determined that it cannot provide on the public record the full basis for the application of Exemptions 7(E) and 7(F) to certain withholdings and that, therefore, an ex parte, under seal declaration is necessary.”

The FBI said it would submit the confidential declaration before August 28 if the court grants its request.

The development is the latest step in a prolonged legal dispute over requests for US government records concerning allegations linked to Tinubu and a Chicago drug investigation dating to the early 1990s.

The case began after Greenspan filed multiple FOIA requests with six US federal agencies.

The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies initially refused to confirm or deny whether some of the requested records existed.

However, in April 2025, Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the FBI and DEA had failed to sufficiently justify their refusal to confirm or deny the existence of records concerning Tinubu, ordering the agencies to lift their so-called “Glomar” responses.

The latest application comes as the US Department of Justice continues to respond to court orders concerning the records.

Tinubu’s legal team had also sought additional time to respond, but Judge Howell reportedly declined the request for a 10-day extension.

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the 2026 Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.

The minister congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the occasion, urging them to use the celebration as an opportunity to reflect on the teachings and values associated with the life of Prophet Muhammad.

Tunji-Ojo said the occasion offered an opportunity for Nigerians to draw lessons from the Prophet’s life, particularly his emphasis on compassion, humility and service to humanity.

“Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others.

“These are qualities our nation needs now more than ever, and I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them,” he said.

The minister urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity and national cohesion, stressing that building and sustaining a peaceful nation was a collective responsibility.

He called on citizens to celebrate the Eid with restraint, mutual respect and consideration for one another, while wishing the Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous celebration.

Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to protecting lives and property and promoting peace and stability across the country.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening national unity and fostering peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and backgrounds.