Food crisis, hardship: Fed Govt, States launch emergency action.

Food crisis, hardship: Fed Govt, States launch emergency action.                                            ....Tinubu directs release of 102 metric tons of assorted items.                                               ....Governors move to save naira, end insecurity.

Agitations for affordable food items and calls for improved living standards got the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governors yesterday.

The Federal Government and the states rolled out emergency actions to stem the tide.

Some of the measures include:

*Release of 100,000 metric tons of assorted food items from the strategic reserve and the stores of the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria;

*Likely importation of food items to block shortfall.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the President gave the directive during a meeting of the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention.

The minister, who spoke with reporters at the State House, Abuja after the meeting, warned that those hoarding food items will face the wrath of the law.

“Emergencies require measures to ensure food is available to Nigerians,” he said.

According to Idris, the government plans to clamp down on those deliberately hoarding foodstuffs with the intent of creating artificial scarcity so that they can sell at higher prices.

He warned that nobody would be allowed to hold the country to ransom.

Idris said: “The government has come up with some measures to ensure that food becomes more readily available to Nigerians. ⁣

“The first one is that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has been directed to release immediately about 42,000 metric tons of maize, millet, ‘garri’ and other commodities in their strategic reserve so that these items will be made available to Nigerians.

“The second one is that we have held meetings with the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria – those responsible for producing this rice and we have asked them to open up their stores.

“They’ve told us that they can guarantee about 60,000 metric tons of rice.

“This will be made available and we know that is enough to sustain Nigerians for the next one month to six weeks, perhaps up to two months.

“They’ve agreed that they will make that available to Nigerians.⁣

“The whole idea of this is to crash the cost of these food items and these are measures that would happen immediately.⁣

“The government is also looking at the possibility – if it becomes absolutely necessary as an interim measure in the short run – of importing some of these commodities immediately so they can be made available to Nigerians within the next couple of weeks.”

On the long-term measures, the minister said that the President directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to work with farmers and invest heavily in the production of various food crops in the upcoming farming season.⁣

He said: “As soon as the dry season farming gets underway, the government hopes that food prices will drop. ⁣

“Now, the government of course is also looking at all those who are hoarding these commodities because actually, they are available in the stores of many traders.

“The government is appealing to them to make these commodities available in the interest of our nation.

“Don’t lock up the products to make more money and then Nigerians suffer. ⁣

“Of course, the government will not fold its arms. We know where all these major traders are. We know where all these major stores are.

“If they don’t respond by bringing these commodities to the market, the government will take appropriate measures to ensure that these products are made available to Nigerians.”

Asked if the committee discussed the prices at which the items will be sold, Idris said: “Yes. The President has directed that whatever it will take, food will be available to Nigerians at a cost that is also very reasonable.”

Abbas swears in 12 new House members.

Abbas swears in 12 new House members.

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas yesterday swore in 12 of the 15 members-elect who were presented their certificates of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday.

The 12 new members won last Saturday’s by-elections and court-ordered rerun polls to fill vacant seats in the Green Chamber.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who recently defected from the Young Progressive Party (YPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), was in the House to witness the inauguration of YPP members who are among the new House members.

Four political parties – the ruling APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the YPP, and Labour Party (LP) – won the rerun and by-elections in different parts of the country.

But the elections into Jalingo/Yorro/Sing Federal Constituency of Taraba State and Udenu Federal Constituency of Enugu State are outstanding.

The other three members-elect who have collected their certificate of return from INEC but have not been sworn in will be inaugurated at a later date.

Abbas presented the new members copies of the House Standing Rules and the Legislative Agenda.

With the development, APC now has 188 members to maintain its majority status in the House.

The new members who have collected their certificates of return are: Umar Garba (Ngaski/Shanta/Yauri Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, APC), Ifeoluwa Ehindero (Akoko North East/North West of Ondo State, APC), Faud Kayode Laguda (Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State, APC), and Saleh Gabriel Zock (Kachia/Kargarko Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, APC).

Others are: Daniel Asama Ago (Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency of Plateau State, LP), Rabiu Kamba (Arewa/Dandi Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, APC), Emma Ukpong Udo (Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, YPP), Dr. Emil Inyang (Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency of Cross River State, APC), and Peter Uzokwe (Nnewi North/Nnewi South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, YPP).

The rest are: Chinwe Nnabuife (Orumba North/Orumba South Federal Constituency of (Anambra State, YPP), Adamu Yakubu (Birnin Kudu/Buji Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, PDP), Yusuf Umar Yabo (Yabo/Shagari Federal Constituency of Sokoto State, PDP), Husseini Jallo (Igabi Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, PDP), Yusuf Dalhat Tafoki (Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa of Katsina State, APC), and Mohammed Buba Jajere (Fika/Fune Federal Constituency of Yobe State, PDP).

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas yesterday swore in 12 of the 15 members-elect who were presented their certificates of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday.

Ekiti First Lady Pledges More Aggressive Campaign Against FGM.

Ekiti First Lady Pledges More Aggressive Campaign Against FGM.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has vowed to launch more aggressive campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) until the battle against the scourge is won.

Dr. Oyebanji who unfolded her resolve at a one-day training for service providers on FGM Inclusion to Clients in Ado Ekiti on Thursday said it was disturbing that Ekiti State still has high prevalence rate of FGM.

The training which was held as part of activities marking the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM was attended by traditional birth attendants, registrars at marriage registries, faith-based organizations and civil society organizations.

The Ekiti State First Lady stressed that FGM is punishable under the law in the state and also described the menace as a violation of the rights of the girl child which would not be tolerated in the Land of Honour.

Dr. Oyebanji urged the practitioners of FGM to drop their blades and save the future of girl child from noting that the practice does greater harm to the reproductive health and general wellbeing of the victims.

She said: “Our girls should not be cut, they should not be circumcised. The reason why we are organizing this workshop is to see a drastic reduction in the increase of FGM. We will continue to mount rigorous campaign until we achieve minimum reduction in FGM cases in Ekiti State.”

The Governor’s wife charged the participants to take the message to the grassroots and sensitize others noting that marriage registrars in local councils were incorporated into the training to counsel intending and newly-married couples not to circumcise their female children.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, said Ekiti has one of the highest level of literacy hence practice like FGM should become a thing of the past.

He added: “There is no reason why we should still be involved in FGM. Let all of us commit ourselves to the total eradication of FGM in our dear state.”

The Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju said victims of FGM are liable to infections adding that the practice has become unacceptable because of its negative effects.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi  said one-day training organized for stakeholders would create a forum to strengthen the bond of fighting the harmful practice.

Speak positive things about Nigeria, Tinubu urges citizens.

Speak positive things about Nigeria, Tinubu urges citizens.

President Bola Tinubu has encouraged Nigerians to maintain a positive outlook on the country.

Tinubu stressed that optimism about the country will eventually lead to success.

The President said this in his speech during the launch of the 3,112 housing units under the Renewed Hope Cites initiative in the Federal Capital Territory.

Tinubu, making his first public appearance after returning from a two-week private visit to Paris, said the citizens must learn to speak positive things about the country and remain hopeful despite ravaging challenges.

The president’s comments come amidst an array of issues bedeviling the country varying from biting economic hardship, inflation, rising cases of kidnapping-for-ransom, and a weakening local currency

Recall that on Monday through Tuesday, angry youths and women took to the streets of Minna, the Niger State capital, and Kano to protest what they described as the rising cost of living in the country. Similar protests also erupted in Ondo State, Nigeria’s southwest.

In Niger, a group of women reportedly blocked the ever-busy Minna-Bida Road at the famous Kpakungu Roundabout and called on the Tinubu administration to address the challenge of ‘hunger in the land.’ The mob deflected attempts to quell the protest by security operatives who fired tear gas canisters into the crowd and arrested others.

But Tinubu in his keynote speech on Thursday, urged Nigerians not to look back but forward because they have a country that truly cares about them.

He also pledged his willingness to commit to the country’s economic prosperity and development.

He said, “Here again, let’s talk to Nigerians. Let’s talk to ourselves and say everything positive about our country. Don’t think of your country negatively. Before I left home this morning, I asked for the national pledge of our country. And we have to relaunch it and ensure we are committed to the value, the greatness, the hope of our country.

“It is our country. You pledge to Nigeria, your country, my country to be faithful loyal, and honest. To serve Nigeria with all your strength.

“You saw it on the field of play with the Super Eagles yesterday. We were all rejoicing. Every one of us loves victory. We love to win. When you are positive and you are hopeful, Nigeria is winning.

“We didn’t say it will be smooth all the way through. But we are confident that this country will excel in all ramifications. We will defend our unity and uphold our honor and glory in every way possible. Because we are Nigerians and we have no other country.”

He added, “Nigerians, don’t look back, look forward. Be hopeful. Be assured that you have a country that cares about you and you must care about the country.”

Continuing, President Tinubu stressed the importance of shelter to man, describing it as a fundamental right and the responsibility of the government to its citizens.

He also commended the Housing Ministry for its efforts towards achieving the Renewed Hope mandate for housing and urban development.

The president further commended the Housing Ministry for taking the initiative to involve the private sector through PPP arrangements, underscoring the immense role the private sector can play in helping to achieve the future that Nigerians can be proud of.

He said, “It is a great honour for me to make this historic groundbreaking here today. I have listened carefully to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development on the housing plans to propel the engine of growth, stability, and economic resurgence of Nigeria.

“We know the value of housing. We appreciate the fact that it is an elixir for economic prosperity, Job creation, and hopefulness. The shelter is a necessity. It’s a human right and we are here just to do that.

“To set the record straight from this site, groundnut seller will eat. From this site, the water seller will make a living. From this site nail sellers, carpenters, and roofmakers will make a living. We will stand the test of time and bring the glory of Nigeria brighter than we met it.”

Reps task FG on inclusive education.

Reps task FG on inclusive education.

Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have urged the Federal Ministry of Education to implement global standards in turning around the country’s education sector.

This is as the lawmakers urged the Federal Government to promote and implement policies to enhance inclusive education.

The lawmakers while making this call during Thursday’s plenary adopted a bill titled, “Need to implement global standards on national policy on education.” The bill was sponsored by Moshood Oshun.

There have been calls by education stakeholders for a review of the nation’s education curricula to meet the diverse needs of students even as some experts advocated the need for skills acquisition.

Oshun who represents Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, Lagos State while leading the debate stressed the need to prioritise special needs education to cater to the individual needs of students and those with disabilities.

According to him, the National Policy on Education requires adhering to global standards for improving education for children with special needs, promoting inclusive access and a less restrictive learning environment.

This is as he quoted Section 18(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) as providing that “Government shall direct its policy towards ensuring that there are equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels.”

“That the present practice of the NPE in public schools remains not consistent with existing global standards due to the inadequacy of qualified staff, learning materials, software and equipment such as braille devices, audiometers, auditory Steady State Response, mobility devices, as well as specialised facilities for students with special needs, among others.

“The House is worried that many individuals, including educators and parents, are unaware of special education laws and policies, leading to gaps in implementation and ineffective support for special needs students,” he added.

The House urged the Federal Ministry of Education to commence full implementation of the National Policy on Education about Special Needs Education and ensure that adequate resources are made available to provide a conducive learning environment in public schools for pupils and students with special needs.

It further mandated the Committee on Disabilities to investigate the non-implementation of the National Policy on Special Needs Education to ensure speedy implementation and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

Delta approves N15.7bn for flood control.

Delta approves N15.7bn for flood control.

The Delta State Government on Thursday approved N15.7 billion for the construction of Phase 3 of flood control measures in Warri/Effurun and its environs in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas of the state.

Briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza said phase 3 of the control measures will cover Airport Road, Ugborikoko, Bendel Estate, and Ugboroke and environs in Uvwie and Warri South Local Government Areas.

Osuoza said the Executive Council also approved an N600 million counterpart fund for the Sustainable Development Goals Conditional Grants Scheme for Delta State.

He said, “We had a very engaging session at Exco, and above all Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Exco took note of the hardship that Nigerians and Deltans are going through and he has resolved to make sure that he does everything humanly possible to put smiles on the faces of Deltans.

“One of the major projects approved today is the flood control measures in Warri/Effurun and Environs Phase 3.

“Phase 1 and Phase 2 were awarded long ago while Phase 3 entails Airport Road, Ugborikoko, Bendel Estate, and Ugboroke in Uvwie and Warri South at a cost of N15.7bn

“The second approval we got is the approval for the release of N600 million counterpart fund for the implementation of the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Conditional Grants and Schemes for Delta State.

On his part, Director-General of WUEDA, Prince Godwin Ejinyere said Phase 1 has been completed while Phase 2 is at 85 percent completion.

He said the agency was planning a total solution for flood control measures in the Warri Stadium area, adding that design work around Enerhen Community, Igbudu, and Odibo Estate among others was ongoing.

Kano anti-graft agency threatens to prosecute traders hoarding goods.

Kano anti-graft agency threatens to prosecute traders hoarding goods.

The Kano Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, has threatened to seize hoarded goods and prosecute perpetrators.

The chairman of the commission, Muhyi Rimingade, made the threat on Thursday while briefing newsmen on the hike in prices of goods across the nation.

According to him, the agency would not hesitate to seize hoarded goods as well as prosecute the culprits.

He explained that the agency would take decisive action against individuals or traders found to be hoarding essential commodities in order to maximise profits.

“The PCACC will swing into action and will not watch businessmen hoarding commodities. We know there is the issue of forex, but those that hoard goods, even if the Federal Ministry of Commerce does not act, we will seize hoarded goods and take the owner to court,” he said.

While expressing concern over the rampant hoarding and inflationary pressures, Rimingado emphasised the commission’s determination to fulfill its mandate.

“We are overwhelmed; this is the most essential part of our job.

“We have inspected rice mills and it is N58,000 company’s price,” he said.

Rinmingado also acknowledged that beyond forex and government policies, certain business practices exacerbate the situation.

He added that the agency would not fold its arms and watch some unpatriotic citizens continue to hoard essential commodities to the detriment of the common man which resulted in a high cost of living among Nigerians.

Recall that following the escalating prices of goods coupled with the attitude of some shylock traders, who formed the habit of hoarding their goods, the state governor, Abba Yusuf, recently convened a meeting with members of the business community in the state at the Government House where he appealed to them to stop flagrant increase in prices.

The meeting was the second of its kind convened to discuss the current worrisome state of businesses, trading, and merchandising, especially regarding high prices of goods, to find solutions to the problem.

The governor bemoaned the prevailing hunger situation in the state, with people, especially commoners finding it difficult to eat three times a day.

According to him, the trend had been worsened by the soaring prices of foodstuff, particularly rice, maize, beans, and millet, which he said had made the items unaffordable to the people.

He, therefore, urged the businessmen, including the manufacturers and merchandisers, to bring out essential commodities and sell them to the people at affordable rates to alleviate their sufferings.

“I urge you to bring out the foodstuff and other essential commodities from your warehouses and sell to the people at affordable rates so as to alleviate their predicament”, Yusuf said.

During the interactive session, some business leaders attributed the inflation to factors such as high exchange rates of the Dollar, production costs, unreliable power supply for local industries, and border closures.

They urged the governor to seek intervention from the Federal Government to stabilize the exchange rate, emphasizing the detrimental impact of inflation on both consumers and the business community.