NEWS
National Economic Crisis: Adeleke Inaugurates Food Security Committee
In response to the increasing economic hardship ravaging the land, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke will setup a state committee on food security this week.
This was revealed in a government statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday.
It was gathered that the committee would be made up of representatives of civil society groups, youth organizations, farmers’ associations, security agencies, religious groups, market associations and relevant commissioners.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Osun State, Dr Bashiru Salami has been designated to lead the committee.
The statement declared that “The Committee is to work on farm security for food production, expand farming activities through state incentives, track foodstuff marketing and pricing, review operations of ongoing palliatives measures with a view for improvement if any and recommend immediate actions to further relieve the suffering of the populace.”
In a related development, Gov Adeleke has reiterated his commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the people under this national economic emergency.
He made the assertion while hosting the association of Osun indigenes resident in Bayelsa State and pointed that his administration has been introducing one measure or the other to cushion the effect of the current crisis.
In his words, “Our government is built mainly on the welfare of the people. We just launched the distribution of cash grants to almost 20,000 very poor segments of our population. Another 60,000 is being enrolled for ATM cards.
“I have directed the Commissioner for Transport to ensure efficient working of the Imole De Bus Service. Before new buses arrive, we must make judicious use of the refurbished buses to ply key routes where the services are needed.
“I have instructed key commissioners to review their service delivery to respond to the current needs and challenges of the people. The people must be regularly consulted and carried along on policy decisions and implementation.
“Our administration is ramping up efforts to deepen the state’s economy. I have directed the Commissioner for Power to expedite action on the Osun State Electricity bill.
“On the digital economy, I have also instructed the Commissioner for Science and Technology to present an implementation plan for the state ICT Policy and the State Tech Innovation policy. The bill for the domestication of the Nigerian Startup Act will soon be sent to the state assembly.
“I have further directed the Commissioner for Agriculture to prepare a state plan and bill to ease access to farm equipment and inputs for farmers. Of course, the ministry is finalizing the implementation plan on the state Cocoa Revival agenda.
“Our government is pumping millions of naira into the grassroots through hundreds of community associations. The funds are used to build health centers, boreholes, school rehabilitation among others. This is boosting the local economy.
“We are rebuilding our roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, water works to make the economy work, to expand economic activities and attract investors. The multi-billion naira infra plan is ongoing.
“We are paying inherited half salary and pension debt long before Mr President so directed. We are paying wage awards to public servants and pensioners. Osun, almost a civil service state, has a lot to gain from public workers’ welfare because the informal sector depends mostly on the public sector.
“We enrolled all pensioners in the state health insurance scheme. This new week we are launching free surgeries for pensioners statewide. By next month, another edition of the statewide Imole free medical outreach across the nine federal constituencies will commence.
“To secure the state, we recently launched the State Security Trust Fund. We are working on a template for local state policing. A detailed implementation plan will soon be unveiled.
“Your government is doing a lot and I appeal for further support. This administration is a government of the people, for the people and by the people.”
NEWS
Christmas: Shettima Assures Of FG’s Commitment To Citizens’ Welfare
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.
This was detailed in a Christmas message on Wednesday afternoon in Abuja under the signature of the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
According to the Vice President, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”
Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.
“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.
Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”
He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.
“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.
VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.
“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.
NEWS
Yuletide: Adeleke Rejoices With Christians
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated Christians in Osun State and beyond on the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebration, urging them to follow Jesus Christ’s example of compassion and tolerance.
Biztellers reports that Gov Adeleke described the birth of Jesus Christ as a defining moment for mankind, in a statement in Osogbo on Tuesday.
He described the festive season as a solemn reminder of the power of love and how it can save humanity.
ALSO READ: Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
While recognising unity and togetherness as an important message that Jesus Christ’s life resonates, Gov Adeleke charged Osun people, particularly Christians, to draw from the spiritual import of the celebration by sharing love and fostering harmony in communities.
In his words, “I extend my warm wishes to Christian faithful in Osun state and beyond as we mark this year’s Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ is a manifestation of the power of love and remind us of the essence of compassion,” the Governor noted in his message.
“In the mood of celebration, I urge us to take a moment to reflect on the message of renewal that the birth of Jesus Christ signifies, promoting activities that will unite not divide, build not destroy, and bring peace not conflict.
“It is also my sincere appeal that we extend hands of kindness to the needy and the weak in the society, spreading love and generosity beyond borders. That is the essence of Christmas and it is most essential that at a time like this, no one is left to their fate.”
NEWS
Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, has enjoined all Nigerian leaders to be more sensitive to the yearnings of the people for a better life.
This was contained in a 2024 Christmas Message to Nigerians issued in Lagos under the signature of the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu.
According to the Archbishop there is an urgent need for a better enabling environment to allow businesses thrive in a bid to reduce the high rate of unemployment and the grinding poverty in the land.
He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal needs in addressing the widespread hunger, poverty, joblessness, and insecurity ravaging the nation.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
In his words, “Even in the face of policies that are deemed to have positive results in the long-term, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira and the new tax reforms initiative, governments must ensure that the immediate welfare of people is not neglected but factored into the planning and execution of such policies. This is necessary, if the people for whom the policies are being made are not to die before the positive results begin to manifest.
“At the same time, government spending must be prudent and compassionate. In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the agricultural sector so that food security can be ensured for overall benefit.”
The Prelate described as very sad and depressing the recent loss of several lives of innocent Nigerians in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra in their quest to access food palliatives owing to pervading hunger across the country.
He considered it worrisome that many Nigerians now find it difficult to purchase necessities of life, especially during this festive season that should be a period of merriment, sharing of love, food, and other essentials, which are the hallmarks of the Christmas season.
To forestall a reoccurrence of such ugly incidents, the prelate urged governments, at both federal and state levels, as well as the legislative assemblies, to identify and quickly fix the loopholes in the polity that are responsible for the massive poverty and hardship which Nigerians are facing.
He advocated the appraisal of the nation’s existing laws and enactment and enforcement of only proactive policies that would open the business environment, attract investors, and create more jobs so that the citizens can afford their basic needs; rather than depend on palliatives that offer only temporary relief.
The prelate urged substantial investments in the agricultural sector of the economy to ensure the availability of basic foodstuffs; thereby reducing the high cost of essential food items like rice, beans, onions and grains.
“If citizens have food in their homes, people will not endanger their lives while scrambling for palliatives in the way it happened,” he noted with sadness.
While praying for the souls of those who died in the recent stampedes in parts of the country, he also commiserated with those who lost their loved ones, praying that Jesus, the Prince of Peace would bring solace to the afflicted, comfort to the grieving, and hope to the despairing.
“This special season reminds us of the profound love of God, who sent His only Son to redeem humanity. May the light of Christ illuminate our lives, dispel darkness, and fill our hearts with love, compassion, and kindness. As we gather with family and friends, let us not forget those who are less fortunate, the vulnerable and the marginalised. May our celebration be a catalyst for acts of charity, generosity, and solidarity,” he stated.