WANILTU Academy, LADFAN, LAS Family Network Nigeria, Paradigm News Launch Partnership

In a major step towards addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the communities across Nigeria and the Sahel region, WANILTU Academy, Livestock Agribusiness Development Farmers Association of Nigeria (LADFAN), LAS Family Network Nigeria, and Paradigm News have unveiled a strategic partnership focused on sustainable agriculture, peacebuilding, livelihood development, and community empowerment.

The collaboration brings together expertise in agricultural training, farmer representation, strategic coordination, and media advocacy to create a comprehensive platform for tackling farmer-herder conflicts, food insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and limited access to economic opportunities in vulnerable communities.

Under the initiative, WANILTU Academy, a leading institution in animal husbandry, economic empowerment, and professional training, will spearhead capacity-building programmes for farmers and herders.

The academy will provide practical training in agricultural business development, value-chain management, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance skills.

It will also deploy professionals to identify underserved communities and implement interventions aimed at improving productivity, resilience, and social cohesion.

LADFAN, under the leadership of Alhaji Nuruddeen Nyako, will serve as the coordinating platform for farmers and agricultural stakeholders. The association will mobilise farming communities, engage government institutions and development partners, attract funding opportunities, and facilitate dialogue designed to reduce conflicts while promoting sustainable agricultural practices across Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.

LAS Family Network Nigeria, led by Alhaji Sani Jada, will serve as the strategic link institution and coordination body for the collaboration. The organisation will play a central role in strengthening relationships with high-profile stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, academic institutions, development organisations, and respected community figures to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.

As part of its responsibilities, LAS Family Network Nigeria will coordinate activities across Nigeria and the Sahel, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and build strategic partnerships that will enhance the impact and sustainability of the programme.

The organisation is also expected to provide a vital bridge between communities and key decision-makers, fostering collaboration and inclusive participation.

Paradigm News, under the leadership of Raymond Enoch, will drive the media and communications component of the initiative. The media organisation will coordinate news coverage, television and radio programmes, documentaries, public awareness campaigns, and digital outreach efforts aimed at amplifying the impact of the partnership and attracting broader support from national and international stakeholders.

The partners said the initiative is founded on the conviction that sustainable development in the Sahel cannot be achieved without strengthening relationships between farmers and herders, empowering young people and women, and expanding access to information, skills, and economic opportunities.

To achieve these objectives, the partnership will organise training workshops, community peace dialogues, stakeholder conferences, agricultural exhibitions, town hall meetings, and entrepreneurship programmes. Particular emphasis will be placed on climate-smart agriculture, conflict transformation, youth engagement, community development, and economic inclusion.

The expected outcomes include improved cooperation between farmers and pastoralists, increased agricultural productivity, expanded participation in agribusiness ventures, stronger community resilience, and a reduction in tensions that have hindered development in many parts of the region.

Beyond training and advocacy, the partnership is expected to serve as a bridge connecting rural communities with governments, development institutions, investors, and private-sector actors, thereby creating opportunities for investment, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

Stakeholders behind the initiative described the partnership as a timely intervention that combines education, agriculture, peacebuilding, strategic coordination, and media engagement to address the root causes of poverty and instability.

They expressed confidence that the collaboration will unlock new opportunities for communities across Nigeria and the Sahel while contributing to lasting peace, food security, and shared prosperity.