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PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES NIGERIANS OF BETTER PRICES FOR RICE, SAYS 4.8 MILLION SMALLHOLDER FARMERS SUPPORTED BY ANCHOR BORROWERS’ PROGRAMME

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President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja urged Nigerians to exercise some patience as the growing food production in the country, especially expansion in rice farming, will eventually bring down prices of food, making it more affordable for all.

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The President, who spoke at the official commissioning ceremony of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) Rice Paddy Pyramids at the Abuja International Trade Fair Complex, said across Nigeria, more than 4.8 million smallholder farmers had been supported by Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, with increase in production of 23 agricultural commodities including maize, rice, oil palm, cocoa, cotton, cassava, tomato and livestock.

“Today rice production in Nigeria has increased to over 7.5 million metric tons annually. Prior to the introduction of Anchor Borrowers Programme (APB), the average production in Nigeria between 1999 to 2015 was less than 4 metric tons annually.

“I am aware that the bags of paddy will be moving straight from here to rice milling plants across Nigeria, which lead to the release of processed rice to the markets by the rice millers. The measure will aid our efforts at reducing the price of rice in Nigeria.

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“Before this administration launched the ABP, there were only 15 standard Rice mills in Nigeria. As at today, we have over 50 Standard and integrated Rice mills creating jobs and reducing unemployment. We expect additional significant output when two new mills are started in Lagos and Katsina,’’ he said.

The President said the large margins in the business of rice had also encouraged more people to show interest in investing in agribusiness.

“Fellow Nigerians, our gathering here today, is no doubt a testament to the fact that the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme is working. Indeed, these sky-high pyramids which we are gathered here to commission are part of our commitment at achieving national food security and economic diversification through home-grown policies targeted at securing food for all Nigerians.

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“As a critical policy of the government, the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme is expected to catalyze the agricultural productive base of the nation, which is a major part of our economic plan to uplift the economy, create jobs, reduce reliance on imported food and industrial raw materials, and conserve foreign exchange.

“In the implementation of the Programme, adoption of high-yielding seedlings, quality inputs and best farming practices were essential features.

“For instance, the improved rice seedlings have helped to ensure our achievement of rice sufficiency, as they are disease-resistant and have an average yield of about 5 metric tonnes per hectare, compared with the traditional national average of 1.5 metric tonnes.

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“This has resulted in bridging our rice consumption gap, a significant reduction in rice imports, and saved us foreign exchange,’’ he added.

President Buhari said the commissioning of the rice pyramids was an indication that the country was making steady and assured progress towards self-sufficiency in food production, adding: “It is my desired hope and expectation that other agricultural commodity associations that are yet to participate under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme will emulate the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria in supporting our administration’s drive for food self-sufficiency.’’

The President noted that, about three years ago, the first set of sky-high pyramids of rice harvests were showcased in Argungu, Kebbi State, which was followed by another set in Minna, Niger State about a year ago and barely three months later in Zauro, Kebbi State, rice pyramids were, again, unveiled.

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President Buhari said in May 2021, the CBN unveiled the first rice pyramids in the South-West of Nigeria in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

“Those events were historic as, first, they remind us of our yester-year’s agricultural commodity pyramids, such as the groundnut pyramids in Kano and secondly, they symbolize that we can produce what we eat.

“The significance of today’s occasion can be better understood by looking at the various economic strides the administration has achieved through agriculture.

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“When we assumed the reins of leadership of this country in 2015, the administration identified the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme as an essential policy instrument for achieving economic diversification through agriculture.

“To achieve this, the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme was designed to encourage investments in agriculture and empower smallholder farmers as drivers of transformation in the agricultural sector and as critical enablers of economic growth.

“I am indeed delighted that the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme continues to receive commendations, since its introduction six years ago, as it has become one of the reference points in the administration’s agricultural revolution effort.

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“In fact, the Programme speaks loudly in its giant strides as it has increased access to finance by our rural farmers, who before now were virtually excluded from the financial system,’’ he said.

President Buhari commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for its efforts at resuscitating the Nigerian Commodity Exchange following approval to do so.

This, he said, had been done in the hope that farmers can have ready buyers of their produce, thereby resolving the current logistical challenge of moving their produce from farm to markets.

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“Let me also commend the Governor and staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, as well as the leadership of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria for the successful delivery of these pyramids, which hopefully is just the first of many that will be unveiled this year across Nigeria,’’ the President added.

The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, commended President Buhari’s outstanding resolve on food security for the country, unveiling the single largest rice pyramid in history,

According to the CBN Governor, taking a cue from the success of rice production, the financial regulatory body had commenced the wheat value chain, which produces five to six million tonnes each year.

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President of RIFAN, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, said more than 99 percent of the paddy rice for the year was already with farmers across the nation, while the bags in 13 pyramids will be sold to further ease and augment production.

“There is no adjective to thank you enough for what you have done for this country. You came when the country needed you the most and God knows why.

“You have served the country, and you have worked for the country. Food security is also national security. No President after you will ignore what you have done, especially in food security,’’ the President of RIFAN said.

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President Buhari presented awards to Governors Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi State, Prof. Ben Ayade, Cross River State, David Umahi, Ebonyi State, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, Jigawa State, Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, President of RIFAN and Yila Yusuf, Director, Development Finance, CBN.

*Femi Adesina*
*Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity.*

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Awards

Central Music Awards 2026: Full List of Nominees

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October 2, 2026

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Heritage Promotions, organizers of the annual Central Music Awards (CMA), have officially unveiled the nominees for the 15th edition of the awards scheme. Heritage Promotions announced the nominees online on Friday, September 25, 2026, after concluding the nomination and assessment processes for the 2026 edition. According to the CMA Academy Calendar for August 2025 to August 2026, 261 nominees have been shortlisted across 36 award categories from 381 nomination applications received from the 22 districts of the Central Region.

This year’s edition marks the 15th anniversary of the Central Music Awards, which continues to provide a platform for recognizing, celebrating and promoting outstanding musical talent and creative excellence from the Central Region.

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The highly anticipated Artiste of the Year category features Kwesi Taadi, Kojo Vypa, Yhaw Fargo, Skyty Nero, Koffi Tome and Okintoe, who will compete for the coveted award. As part of the 15th anniversary celebrations, the winner of the New Artiste of the Year category will receive a GH¢5,000 cash prize, generously sponsored by Candyman Lucas Mensah, Founder of the Central Music Awards.

The main awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 28, 2026, at the Centre for National Culture (CNC), Cape Coast, where distinguished musicians, industry stakeholders, creatives, media professionals and music enthusiasts are expected to converge to celebrate the achievements of the region’s music industry.

Ahead of the awards night, the CMA will host a Hip-Hop Cypher featuring nominees in the Rapper of the Year category. The initiative is expected to provide a platform for nominees to showcase their lyrical abilities and creativity.

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The 3rd edition of the CMA Campus Tour will also be held at a selected Senior High School in the Central Region. The initiative is designed to inspire, motivate, and empower young people while providing an avenue to identify and showcase emerging creative talents.

The 15th edition of the Central Music Awards promises to be a significant celebration of the region’s music, creativity, and cultural heritage. Join Heritage Promotions and the Central Music Awards Academy as we celebrate, honour, and recognize outstanding musical talents from across the Central Region. The full list of nominees is as follows:

CENTRAL MUSIC AWARDS 2026: FULL LIST OF NOMINEES

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FEMALE ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

  1. Akasii – Ahomaso
  2. Mena Srekubea – Obeye
  3. Empress Christy – Asesa

CAMPUS ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

  1. Qwophi Celebrity – UEW
  2. 2. ⁠Koby Sam – UCC

EMERGING ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

  1. Kobydebrymo – Daben
  2. Maameyaa Wells – Space
  3. Big Maafo – Forever
  4. Rasfam – Sika Puduo
  5. Wittybwoy45 – Sweetheart
  6. Kwobi Founda – Angel
  7. Ohene JK – Nipa
  8. Kojo Mission – Our Pain
  9. Vhanpee – Scary Journey feat. Semenhyia
  10. RKK – Onipa
  11. Kwame Gee – Loner
  12. Sikasem – Breman
  13. Wasiukyboy – Alhamdullilah

GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Empress Christy – Asesa
  2. Brother Ishmael – Nyame Beye
  3. Mena Srekubea – Obeye
  4. DSI Philip Arthur – Ogufuo Bi
  5. Healer – Amba Mu
  6. Rev Sarah Bordoh – Yesu beyi wo
  7. Edward Saah – Eye Adom (It’s by Grace)
  8. KDF – Mmere papa

GOSPEL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

  1. Empress Christy – Asesa
  2. Brother Ishmael – Nyame Beye
  3. Mena Srekubea – W’ay3 Bi Da
  4. Healer – Amba Mu
  5. Rev Sarah Bordoh – Yesu beyi wo
  6. Edward Saah – Eye Adom (It’s by Grace)

BEST RAPPER OF THE YEAR

  1. Amankrado GH – Assin Anthem
  2. Kojo Vypa – Pray for Me
  3. Idi Kawawa – Original
  4. Kwaku Tugabwoy – Tiktok
  5. Don Proph – Most High feat. Lil Kaline
  6. Joe Mayar – The Strong Survive
  7. Skyty Nero – Free Me
  8. Koffii Tome – Ebefa
  9. Kofi Weather – I Don’t Care

BEST COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR

  1. Kweku Gentle – Blow feat. Sobolo Geng
  2. Kwesi Taadi – Migraines feat. Kelvyn Boy
  3. No Nation Gang – Never Fail feat. Kwesi Taadi
  4. Amuzu – Sika feat. Yaw Darling
  5. Don Proph – Most High feat. Lil Kaline
  6. Pope Sly – Lalalalala feat. Kofi Sika, Kwaku Tugabwoy, Hardboyy
  7. Kwaku Tugabwoy – Yenko Bi Feat. J Song, Pope Sly, Hardboyy
  8. Swagerbwoy – Mr Badman Feat. Nawala3hua
  9. Marahny – Dead or Alive feat. Kwesi Taadi
  10. Yaw40fyd – Daakye feat. EII Fokus & SS Flaco
  11. Kojo Vypa – Imposter Remix feat. Shaker
  12. Kwame Gee feat. Kofi Weather – Loner
  13. Lil Sherif – Soloku feat. Orkortor Perry
  14. Khofy Guyson – Silence feat. Orkortor Perry

DANCEHALL SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Ato Zigaro – Messenger of Nature
  2. AK Bwoy – Rise

REGGAE SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Bobfii Gyanta – Guidance
  2. Ato Zigaro – You Alone
  3. Adomba Effah – Deeiinn
  4. Calvin Incline – Trend Setter

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

  1. Qweku Skonzy – Slow Down
  2. Brother Ishmael – Nyame Beye
  3. Idi Kawawa – Woagyido
  4. Mr B Fly – Shame
  5. Kwobi Founda – Angel
  6. Kwesi Blak – My Lover
  7. Kwaku Cenima – Adwenfi
  8. Khofy Guyson – Silence
  9. Kwame Emma – Adom bi
  10. KDF – Mmere papa

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

  1. Akasii – Ahomaso
  2. Mena Srekubea – Obeye
  3. Rev Sarah Bordoh – Yesu beyi wo
  4. Empress Christy – Asesa

SOUND ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

  1. King Odyssey
  2. Master Jedi Jammah
  3. Mista Morgan Beatz
  4. Docta Flow

BEST PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

  1. Rabbis Beatz
  2. DJ Ghanapiano
  3. King Odyssey
  4. Master Jedi Jammah
  5. Baron Beatz
  6. HitBeat
  7. Docta Flow

SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Okintoe – Abaa Abaa
  2. Amankrado GH – EX
  3. Brother Ishmael – Nyame Beye
  4. Zipbwoy – Mama Africa
  5. Skyty Nero – Free Me
  6. Orkortor Perry – Fetu Afahy3
  7. Kwesi Taadi – Joy is here feat. Quamina MP
  8. Kojo Vypa – Stay with me
  9. Lil Sherif feat. Okintoe – FanFooler

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

  1. BadOne Sticky – My Cry
  2. Okintoe – Alphabetical Order
  3. Yhaw Fargo – Free The Youth
  4. Akasii – Ahomaso
  5. Joe Mayar – The Strong Survive
  6. Skyty Nero – Chairman 101
  7. Focus CID – No Sleep
  8. Ogatoo – Voice of the land
  9. Kojo Vypa – Stay with me
  10. Kwaku Cenima – Adwenfi
  11. YB Vybez – kae Me
  12. Calvin Incline – Trend Setter

GHANA POPULAR SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Okintoe – Abaa Abaa
  2. Kofi Kinaata – Black Stars
  3. KiDi feat. Lasmid – Signature
  4. Okese 1 feat. Darkovibes x Sista Afia x Joey B – Don’t Come Too Close II

BEST PROMOTER – PRESENTER

  1. DJ Mozey – Golden Star 89.3mhz
  2. Mr Ikon – Mfantseman FM
  3. DJ Taifa – Coastal FM
  4. Mista Chanti – Obaatanpa Radio
  5. Audacious MzBrown – TW Radio

BEST PROMOTER – DJ

  1. DJ Joemens
  2. DJ Ayesem
  3. DJ Kobby – Hope FM
  4. DJ Abiola – Obaatanpa Radio
  5. DJ Lomo – Pink FM
  6. DJ Plaxtyk – TW Radio
  7. DJ Omar – TW Radio
  8. Selekta Lonzy – Golden Star FM 89.3 MHz

BEST PROMOTER – ONLINE

  1. XO – Khalid
  2. City Vibes TV
  3. Batanyaaman TV
  4. Assin Talks
  5. Agonaman TV
  6. Nana-Antobam Junior
  7. Believe Promotion
  8. Jeddie Hyper
  9. Araba Finest

HIPLIFE SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Yaw Abedu – Akokudro
  2. Okintoe – Steeze
  3. Kofi Spooky – Don’t Judge Me
  4. Orkortor Perry – Fetu Afahy3
  5. X_KoBaD – Confirm
  6. Stiwizzy – Bless Me
  7. Stargod – Osagyefo
  8. Kubi Brown – Stand Firm
  9. Fr3me Kwame – On Me
  10. Don Qwez – We Go Die
  11. YB Vybez – Kae Me
  12. RKK feat. Laizy Daisy – Onipa
  13. Kwesi Blak – My Lover
  14. Kwame Emma – Adom bi

HIGHLIFE SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Yaw Abedu – Best in Me
  2. Qweku Skonzy – Slow Down feat. Rexin
  3. Mr B Fly – Shame
  4. Kwaku Tugabwoy – Yenko Bi
  5. Orkortor Perry – No Problem
  6. Omirikisi – Kwansima feat. Kaklus
  7. Kwabena Flipz – Heaven Kor Nsem Pii
  8. Mysterious Bowtie – Yati
  9. Andy Prophett – Deaf and Dumb
  10. Yaw40fyd – Daakye feat. EII Fokus & SS Flaco

HIP POP SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Ace Yoga – Life Shid
  2. Kojo Vypa – Stay with me
  3. Okintoe – Alphabetical Order
  4. Amankrado GH – Assin Anthem
  5. Yhaw Fargo – Believer
  6. Pope Sly – Lalalalala
  7. Kwaku Tugabwoy – Tiktok
  8. FBA Music – Enter
  9. Joe Mayar – The Strong Survive
  10. Skyty Nero – Free Me
  11. Focus CID – No Sleep
  12. Koffii Tome – Ebefa
  13. Kofi Weather – I Don’t Care
  14. Maameyaa Wells – Space

AFRO POP SONG OF THE YEAR

  1. Kweku Gentle – Blow feat. Sobolo Geng
  2. Kofi Spooky – Temper
  3. Amankrado GH – EX
  4. Yhaw Fargo – Aktive
  5. Idi Kawawa – Woagyido
  6. Swagerbwoy – Mr Badman – Afro Pop song of the year
  7. Wittybwoy45 – Sweetheart
  8. Nk Wonda – Obra
  9. Kwaku Cenima – Emotional Scene
  10. Kwaku Cenima – Adwenfi
  11. B Boi Strenja – Body

BEST MUSIC GROUP OF THE YEAR

  1. No Nation Gang
  2. Wan Heart
  3. Sobolo Geng

BEST MANAGEMENT OF THE YEAR

  1. Atrame Music Group
  2. Mena Srekubea Ministry
  3. Checkzone Family
  4. Ebefa Entertainment
  5. Caliscom Entertainment

BEST PUB/NIGHT CLUB OF THE YEAR

  1. O plus Lounge – Kasoa
  2. Dineout Pub Foods Ltd. – Swedru
  3. 2nd Kastle – Mankessim
  4. Citysip Pub and Restaurant – Cape Coast
  5. Diamond Pub – Cape Coast

BEST MASQUERADE GROUP OF THE YEAR

  1. Ohyewakomem
  2. USA
  3. Road Masters

LIVE BAND OF THE YEAR

  1. Kunamas Jama Band
  2. 2nd Kastle Band
  3. Oguaaman Band
  4. Emintsimadze Band

BEST FAN BASE OF THE YEAR

  1. Okintoe – BMC
  2. Friends of Kunamas
  3. Waguan Movement
  4. Baalokachi
  5. Guysonity Soldiers

BEST DANCE GROUP OF THE YEAR

  1. Elmina Dance Academy
  2. Monster Dance Academy
  3. A.C.H.F

BEST EVENT OF THE YEAR

  1. Yhaw Fargo – Street Made Me
  2. Kojo Vypa – MOE Concert’26
  3. Idi Kawawa – Melo Fest
  4. Koffii Tome – Ayemuye Concert
  5. Marigold Films Production Ghana – Abeadze Ahobaakese Street Carnival
  6. Kwesi Taadi – Chinese Ne Ba Concert
  7. Mista Chanti- Yellow on Black Rave Volume 3
  8. Enfrans Foundation – My Giving My Worship Season 3

INTERNATIONAL ACT OF THE YEAR

  1. Brother Ishmael – Nyame Beye (USA)
  2. Mistress Dorcas – Obra (UK)
  3. Calvin Incline – Trend Setter (Jamaica)

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

  1. Yhaw Fargo – Pain Changed Me
  2. Akasii – Ahomaso
  3. Brother Ishmael – Nyame Beye
  4. Idi Kawawa – Kofi Shaibu
  5. Mena Srekubea – W’ay3 Bi Da
  6. Swagerbwoy – Mr. Badman
  7. Joe Mayar – The Survivor of the Winners
  8. Skyty Nero – Free Me
  9. Orkortor Perry – No Problem
  10. Wan Heart – Bless Me
  11. YB Vybez – Kae Me
  12. Kwasi Taadi – Hear My Cry
  13. Khofy Guyson – Silence
  14. Kwame Emma – Adom bi

EP/ALBUM OF THE YEAR

  1. Yhaw Fargo – Champion Sound
  2. Joe Mayar –The Strong Survive Ep
  3. Koffii Tome – Ayemuye
  4. Kwesi Taadi – Chinese Ne Ba
  5. Kojo Vypa – 3am Thoughts
  6. Pawez RTB – Big Steppa

NEW ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

  1. Ace Yoga – Life Shid
  2. Qweku Skonzy – Slow Down
  3. Kwesi Blak – My Lover
  4. Kofi Spooky – Temper
  5. Pope Sly – Believes
  6. FBA Music – Enter
  7. Bonuz – Holding On
  8. Kenwils – Yaya Nation
  9. Ronnie – Pressures of Life
  10. A-Town YD – Different hustles
  11. Rev Sarah Bordoh – Yesu beyi wo
  12. Don Qwez – We Go Die
  13. B Boi Strenja – Lighter

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR

  1. Kwesi Taadi
  2. Okintoe
  3. Kojo Vypa
  4. Yhaw Fargo
  5. Skyty Nero
  6. Koffii Tome

 

Source: Heritage Promotions

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