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Lagos, Nigeria – July 21, 2025
The ECOWAS Regional Fund for Agriculture and Food (RFAF), hosted by the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), has officially launched a capacity-building program under the pilot phase of the West African Initiative for Climate-Smart Agriculture (WAICSA).

This five-day training, taking place from July 21 to 25, 2025, at the Legend Hotel Airport, Curio Collection by Hilton, in Ikeja, Lagos, is aimed at strengthening the capacity of financial institutions across West Africa. The goal is to equip them with the tools to effectively on-lend credit to agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises (Agri-SMEs) operating within the climate-smart agriculture value chain.

Food insecurity and climate change continue to pose serious threats to the livelihoods of millions across the region. In alignment with ECOWAS agricultural policies (ECOWAP), the RFAF seeks to promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance climate resilience.

The training targets key personnel from financial intermediaries, focusing on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building for Agri-SMEs. Participants are being trained on how to assess, select, and finance climate-smart agricultural projects. The program also introduces foundational knowledge of CSA practices, enabling institutions to support Agri-SMEs in boosting productivity, reducing climate vulnerability, and improving access to finance through dedicated credit lines.

WAICSA, in its pilot phase, targets six of the 15 ECOWAS member states. Once validated, the initiative is expected to scale across the region. At full implementation, WAICSA aims to improve food security for 90,000 smallholder farming households and transition over 185,000 hectares to climate-smart practices.

Moreover, it is projected to mitigate up to 2 million tons of CO₂ annually—equivalent to over 4 billion miles of driving.
As the region’s only blended finance facility focused exclusively on climate-smart agriculture, WAICSA is designed to increase access to affordable financing for smallholder farmers and Agri-SMEs. By leveraging public and concessional capital, the initiative provides loans below USD 1 million at subsidized interest rates, ensuring accessibility to those who need it most.
Speaking at the opening, Mr. Alaine Traoré, representing Mrs. Massandjé Touré-Litsé, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture at the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the significance of the initiative:
“Through this initiative, the Regional Fund is not only enhancing access to finance but also championing a transition toward sustainable and resilient agriculture. By training financial intermediaries, we aim to build a robust ecosystem where Agri-SMEs can thrive and contribute meaningfully to food security in West Africa.”
Participating institutions include:
• Benin: CORIS Bank International
• Côte d’Ivoire: BAOBAB
• Ghana: VisionFund Ghana Micro Credit, Nsutaman Rural Bank Ltd, Advans Microfinance Bank, Agricultural Development Bank, VisionFund Microfinance Bank
• Senegal: CAURIE Microfinance, MEC FADEC Njambur, Crédit Mutuel du Sénégal
• Togo: ORABANK, African Lease, COOPEC–SIFA, COOPEC–AD
• Nigeria: Wema Bank
In this pilot phase, an initial disbursement of USD 10 million has been allocated for on-lending. Over the next five years, total WAICSA funding is expected to reach USD 130 million, with USD 104 million for financing and USD 26 million for technical assistance.
Mr. Traoré further emphasized:
“Empowering our financial institutions and Agri-SMEs with the right knowledge is essential to building a climate-resilient agricultural sector. Through WAICSA, we are addressing systemic barriers to agricultural finance while promoting innovative and sustainable practices.”

The initiative also benefits from the support of development partners, including the German Government through GIZ’s EAT Programme and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). Their contributions have been instrumental in operationalizing this training and broader project implementation.
Mrs. Léonie Awa Welly Diagwe, Director of Marketing, representing Crédit Mutuel Bank, Senegal, expressed appreciation for the opportunity:
“We are grateful to the ECOWAS Regional Fund for Agriculture and Food for this training. It will help us uphold the highest standards of professionalism in implementing this initiative.”
“This milestone marks a significant step toward institutionalizing climate-smart agriculture in the ECOWAS region and lays the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future,” she added.

Mrs. Maryam Adeyemi Nee Aremuola has graduated with First Class of Bachelor of Arts Degree in Islamic Studies with Concentration and Specialization in Holy Quran Memorization Techniques from Crown University Intl. Chartered Inc in USA under recognition of Prior Learned and Open Studies Unit after defend her Bachelor Degree under her supervisor in the person of Dr Tajudeen Abefe Oladejo who is lecturer of Islamic Studies in University of Ilorin who also serve at Crown University Intl. Chartered Inc in USA as visiting Scholar

The First African UNESCO Laureate in person of Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu proud his daughter Mrs. Maryam Adeyemi Nee Aremuola for her courage to continues her education in Islamic Studies after she completed Koran memorization which is 6,666 verses of the Holy Koran apart from she entered her marital life with her virginity, she also blessed with good way of life , Mrs. Maryam Adeyemi she currently undergoing her Bachelor Degree in Computer Science as well .

Her research project topic is The Roles of Quran Moral Excellence on the Lives of Muslim Society: An Exposition

During the convocation ceremony which held at University of Lagos Mrs. Maryam Adeyemi Nee Aremuola was excited and appreciate the following people Dr Tajudeen Abefe Oladejo who is Lecturer of Islamic Studies in University of Ilorin who also serve at Crown University Intl. Chartered Inc in USA as visiting Scholar who is currently serves as Federal National Commissioner of The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) who is recently appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to find time for her supervision of her research project from his busy activities and others like Prof Abdul Azeee Shittu of University of Abuja, Dr Muritala Muhammed of University of Abuja, Dr Barr Kamru Mojeed Bello of Crown University, University of Abuja, Dr Chris Egbu, Associate Prof N Simon, Mr Taofiq Balogun the Coordinator of her program duringr defend of her research project and Special greeting to her husband Mr Taofiq Adeyemi and Her Father, The First African UNESCO Laureate in person of Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu

About her research project as stated below

The Glorious Qur’an, as Islam’s central religious text, addresses various aspects of human life and guides personal and societal development. It also outlines the moral excellence of individuals and communities, focusing on spiritual, moral, and social dimensions. The Glorious Qur’an recognizes the challenges faced by humanity and encourages efforts towards global human development. It however harps on the cultivation of moral virtues and ethical behavior thereby promoting justice, honesty, compassion, humility, patience, and generosity. Principles of social justice and equality and the calls for the eradication of discrimination based on race, gender, as well as social status, have aptly been captured in a plethora of Qur’anic verses. It is thus in line with this backdrop that this article intends to assess the impact of Qur’anic moral excellence on the lives of Muslim society towards human moral development. However, to achieve the research objectives, the article attempts to answer some basic questions. How did the Qur’an emphasize the need for social cohesion and working together to address societal challenges? What efforts are necessary for enhancing human moral development? What are the contributing factors toward promoting justice, peace, and well-being of human society? What principles does the Qur’an provide for effective navigation toward a better future for all? The article adopts an analytical methodology. The Glorious Qur’an is the only Divine Book that presents the complete code of conduct to lead a life in both worlds for the betterment of society. It is perhaps through Islamic moral principles that human being learns to behave with their parents, relatives, orphans, poor, and neighbors and to also act and be good with other members of the society. However, not all the moral values mentioned in the Qur’an can be outlined in this paper due to the sheer number of examples available. The Glorious Qur’an is a guide and code of conduct for the Muslim Ummah, and that’s why there are numerous moral excellent teachings that Islam enjoys Muslims uphold in the Qur’an, the Qur’an refers to them as normal behavior supposed to be adopted by humanity.

About Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc
Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc in USA which is teaching and research hospital campuses are located in Santa Cruz Province in Argentina Spain Brazil with official Partner Constituent campuses at government regulated Universities world wide and online operations is global recognized research university with regional and global accreditation and ranked by UNESCO, World Accreditation Commission USA and others quality assurance agencies world wide

In a landmark recognition of decades of exemplary service to legislative governance, youth leadership, advocacy and democratic development in Nigeria, Dr. Chibuzo Okereke, a renowned Legislative Governance Expert, Strategist and Policy Analyst, has been formally invested as a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (Chartered) – ISMNC and a member of the Institute’s Body of Fellow,its highest professional cadre.

The investiture was held during the Institute’s prestigious 2025 Annual Conference and 22nd Annual General Meeting, themed: “Strategic Leadership in Disruptive Economy: Driving Sustainable National Development,” held in Port-Harcourt Nigeria from 23rd – 25th July, 2025.

In an interview with newsmen on the sideline, Okereke expressed delight for the recognition, saying the honour was an indication that his selflessness commitment and contributions to legislative governance and democratic development in Nigeria was not left unnoticed by critical stakeholders.

“Being invested with the revered Fellowship status of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (Chartered) marks a profound milestone in my professional journey, one for which I am deeply grateful to God Almighty, my family, and the Institute.

“Strategy comes naturally to me, it has always shaped my professional work, and attaining Fellowship status in both knowledge and practice is truly a dream fulfilled.

“As a Fellow of this distinguished Institute, I reaffirm my commitment to applying strategic thinking and leadership to strengthen Nigeria’s legislative processes, democratic governance, and policy environment for sustainable national development,” he said.

This feat has further underscores Okereke’s towering influence and enduring contributions to Nigeria’s policy and legislative landscape.

As President of ERGAF-AFRICA Legislative Governance Innovation and Policy Lab, he has pioneered cutting-edge research and data-tech solutions that provide transformative policy, citizens action, and advisory support to committees of the National Assembly, as well as state and local legislatures.

Dr. Okereke’s reputation is firmly anchored in his innovation, integrity, and unrelenting drive to modernize and democratize legislative processes across Nigeria and Africa.

A 2018 recipient of the 8th Nigerian Senate President’s Best Academic Excellence Award in legislative governance studies, Dr. Okereke has led groundbreaking initiatives such as the African Legislatures Deliberative Barometer Report & Productivity Index—widely acclaimed as the most comprehensive legislative transparency and accountability framework in Africa tracking Healthy Parliaments Productivity Index.

He also facilitated, designed and implemented the first-ever National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance, an unprecedented convergence of fiscal oversight thought-leaders and institutions hosted by the National Assembly, as well the first ever National Assembly of Nigeria Legislative Committees Horizontal Accountability and Productivity Index that tracked and reported on the Nigerian House of Representatives legislative Committees productivity index using key benchmarking metrics.

Okereke’s academic track record is equally distinguished. He holds a PhD in Legislative Governance Studies from Federal University Lokoja; two Master’s Degrees with Distinction in Public Administration & Policy from Baze University, Abuja and Legislative Governance Studies from University of Benin (UniBen)/National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

Okereke holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), where he also served with honour and grace as the Golden Jubilee President of the Students’ Union Government.

He is also an alumnus of the EU Inter Pares Legislative Governance School, the Foreign Policy School of the NIIA, School of Strategy and Leadership of the Center-LSD and the Obama YALI Public Policy Track (Regional Leadership Center – RLC West Africa).

Beyond academia and policy design, Dr. Okereke has played catalytic roles in shaping national reform movements, including the #NotTooYoungToRun Bill, Electoral and Police Reforms, and campaigns on Women’s Political Representation and Youth Leadership Development.

He is the Founder of the ERGAF-AFRICA Project Hope Alive Initiative: Day of the African Child, a celebrated civic initiative promoting girl-child education, youth leadership and children’s rights in Nigeria.

His leadership extends to co-convening the National Legislative Conference and pioneering the National Youth Assembly Mock Parliament, which has been instrumental in enhancing youth participation in Nigeria’s budgetary and legislative processes.

With an expansive media footprint, Dr. Okereke is a sought-after policy commentator featured on BBC News and national TV stations, where his thought leadership continues to shape public understanding of legislative governance.

The conferment of the ISMNC Fellowship not only affirms Chibuzo Okereke’s professional excellence, but also represents a significant national milestone in recognizing legislative development, and strategic policy advocacy as a cornerstone of sustainable governance.

His work continues to inspire a new generation of civic leaders and reform advocates committed to people-centred policy innovation, institutional accountability, and strategic national development.

As Nigeria confronts the challenges of a disruptive global economy and evolving democratic landscape, the recognition of Dr. Okereke’s contributions and formal investiture as a Fellow of the ISMNC signals the rising importance of strategic leadership in legislative governance and the urgent need to invest in visionary experts shaping the nation’s future in promotion of the knowledge and practice of strategic management.

Others members of the ISMNC that were invested with Fellowship at the annual conference include Toromade Francis, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mrs Fatima Sugra Mohammed, Permanent Secretary, Head of Service of the Federation, among 20 others.

Highstone Global University Texas, on Thursday held International Research conference in Lagos, Nigeria, at the Nigerian Army School of Logistics by Lagos State University (LASU). The conference featured three keynote lectures on research methodologies, climate change, and abstract writing in dissertation.

Our Correspondent reports that the first lecture, delivered by Dr Ugorji Perpetual, a senior lecturer with NIPEM Professional Education Management and Assistant Research/Innovation Director at Highstone Global University (Nigeria) Online, focused on research methodologies. Perpetual guided attendees through various research techniques, empowering them to enhance the quality and impact of their research projects.

The second lecture, presented by Professor Gerald Okeke, Deputy Africa Vice Chancellor of Highstone Global University, explored the critical issue of climate change. Okeke discussed the latest findings and innovative solutions to combat climate change, highlighting its implications for research and society.

The third lecture, delivered by Professor Victor Ogar, Chancellor/Founder of African University of Benin (AUB), centered on abstract writing in dissertation. Ogar provided practical tips and insights on crafting compelling abstracts, ensuring research stands out.

The Vice Chancellor of Highstone Global University Texas USA, Professor Theophilus Aku Ugah commended the attendees especially those who came from other States to participate in the Research Conference, he further announced that all Participants will received Executive Diploma Certificates, scheduled for presentation on July 26th at Lagos State University of Education.

Meanwhile, the NIPEM INT’L President, Professor Maurice Azubuike Odiete expressed satisfaction with the conference’s success, praising the renowned speakers for their valuable contributions. He highlighted the benefits of the conference, including networking opportunities, enhanced research skills, and contributions to global discussions on climate change.