NEWS
Nigeria Has The Cheapest Food In W/Africa, Says NGF
AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State has asserted that food in Nigeria is the most affordable in West Africa.
During a visit to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, he, along with Governors from Taraba, Kogi, and Ondo States, expressed the need for Nigeria to reach a point where it can export its food.
Abdul Razaq acknowledged the difficulties faced with the CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme, describing it as a challenging endeavor.
He said “What I’ve also noticed is that in West Africa, food in Nigeria is the cheapest in West Africa and our neighbours are using our food to trade.
“We have also noted that food in Nigeria is the cheapest in West Africa, and our neighbours are using our food to trade. They are taking our soybeans and other stuff to make a foreign exchange for themselves
“That is not a bad thing; what we need to do is ramp up production and increase yield per hectare so that we can feed West Africa, feed ourselves 100 per cent, and export food. That is the goal we must achieve.
AbdulRazaq further emphasized that addressing food security is a comprehensive task, highlighting the importance of focusing on Nigeria’s initiatives for dry-season farming.
He added “We have come to the realisation that we now have a new Ministry of Agriculture. Because over the last four years, before this administration, the engagement was not too productive because the CBN had taken over most of what the Agriculture Ministry was doing. Our trips to the ministry at that time were not fruitful.”
Earlier, the minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, outlined a strategic vision aimed at significantly boosting year-round agricultural production.
The primary goals include curbing food inflation, fostering employment, reducing poverty, stimulating economic growth, and promoting inclusivity.
Expressing confidence in collaborative efforts, Kyari informed governors about the initiation of the second phase of the Dry Season Food Production Programme under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NASG-AP).
He shared that responses from the Governors of the 36 States and FCT to Expressions of Interest have been encouraging.
He said “There is no question that if we get things right now, and without an iota of doubt with all hands on the plough, future programmes and projects will enable us to more seamlessly achieve all-year-round agricultural production with beneficial consequences for economic empowerment, inclusiveness, and ultimately wider opportunities for value addition, food and nutrition security, as well as industrialization.
“We are putting behind us the challenges encountered during the first phase of dry-season farming with wheat in 15 participating states.
“After a detailed and careful evaluation of some of the glitches that characterised that phase and with collective stakeholders’ proposals, there will be additional implementation guidelines for the second phase commencing soon.
“Your Excellencies, the phase we are about to get into is particularly crucial because, unlike phase one for wheat production, which involved only 15 states, the second phase will cover the entire country.
“We would therefore like you to use the instrumentality of your offices as governors to ensure the readiness of your respective states for optimal participation in this second phase for the cultivation of rice, maize, and cassava.” he added
NEWS
Tragic Building Collapse In R/State Leaves One Dead, Several Injured
A tragic building collapse in Rivers State has left a middle-aged contractor, identified as Udeme, feared dead after a two-storey structure under construction caved in at the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
This incident comes just one week after a three-storey building collapsed at the Iriebe axis of the same local government, though that incident fortunately recorded no casualties.
READ MORE: Fire Ravages Ajah Market In Lagos, Goods Worth Millions Lost
The latest collapse occurred on Monday, November 4, 2024, around 2 p.m., with construction workers on site when the structure gave way.
According to eyewitness Mr. Jonathan Obey, the building’s second floor suddenly buckled, trapping Udeme beneath the rubble, while another worker managed to escape with serious injuries.
Obey, who attempted to rescue the trapped contractor, suspected negligence, saying, “We couldn’t reach him despite our efforts. An inspection revealed substandard materials had been used, with the foundation only three feet deep for a two-storey building, which is insufficient. The rebar was of poor quality, and essential supports, such as a center beam, were absent.”
The Rivers State Government has since sealed off the property and declared the developer, Vincent Nwoye, wanted for questioning.
Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the site and expressed his dismay, attributing the collapse to gross negligence.
“This tragedy was preventable,” Bipi stated. “The developer failed to obtain an approved building plan and used inferior materials. The government will ensure accountability and take severe action.”
Bipi extended his condolences to the victim’s family and the Ogbogoro Community, affirming that the government will facilitate the family’s recovery of their loved one’s remains. “We sympathize with the bereaved family and the entire community,” he added.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Samuel Anya, also condemned the developer’s actions, highlighting the dangers posed when profit is prioritized over safety. “This loss is a direct consequence of unethical practices,” he said.
The government has committed to a thorough investigation and tighter regulatory enforcement to prevent further tragedies in Rivers State.
NEWS
JUST IN: Justice Adeyeye, Ekiti State’s CJ Passes On
The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye has passed on.
The news of his passing was leaked by a reliable source under the condition of anonymity.
The sad incident, according to the source, happened in Ado Ekiti in the early hours of Tuesday.
His death is being traced to a sickness which came upon him following the injury he sustained when a section of the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti wall collapsed in July 12, 2023.
ALSO READ: #EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors
The late Justice Adeyeye was at the office when the building collapse happened and sustained injuries.
While the state and his family were yet to issue statements on his demise, the Ekiti State Chapter of the Association of International Female Lawyers (FIDA) has sent condolences to the family.
The condolences message read: “With deep sorrow in our hearts and in total submission to the will of God, FIDA Ekiti consoles with the family of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye on his call to glory.
“May He find rest with his maker.
“I pray that God grants the family, the Judiciary and the people of Ekiti State, the grace to bear this irreparable loss.
Adieu great one.”
Justice Adeyeye was born 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi in Ekiti East Local Government of Ekiti State and was called to bar in 1986.
He started his career as a State Counsel in the civil service of the then Ondo State before joining the Ekiti State Judiciary Service Commission shortly after the state was created in 1996.
He was promoted to the position of a judge in the state’s high court in 2002 and has served at different occasions in the election petition tribunal.
NEWS
BREAKING: Court Drops Charges Against 76 #EndBadGovernance Protesters
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed all charges against 76 individuals accused of participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
The ruling came after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, moved to discontinue the case under orders from President Bola Tinubu.
READ MORE: N1.3trn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Ex-Delta Gov, Ifeanyi Okowa
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, presiding over the matter, struck out the charges after hearing a motion from the AGF’s representative, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) Mohammed Abubakar.
Citing Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, the AGF formally took over the case from the Inspector General of Police, then requested to drop all charges against the defendants, many of whom are minors.
The judge granted the AGF’s application without objection from defense counsel, ordering the immediate release of the accused, who were not present in court.
This decision follows a directive issued on Monday by President Tinubu, instructing the AGF to withdraw charges against the protesters.
More to follow……….