Sanwo-Olu to launch Trader Money.

Sanwo-Olu to launch Trader Money.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will on Wednesday launch the N50, 000 cash transfer to 15,000 beneficiaries under the Lagos Market TraderMoney initiative.

Commissioner for Agriculture Ms. Abisola Olusanya said this at the weekend during a one-day sensitisation for traders at the Lagos Fresh Food Agro-Hub in Idi-Oro, Mushin.

Over 500 market men and women from Ikeja and Oshodi Local Government Areas attended the sensitisation on market hygiene, food safety, cleanliness, storage, marketing and transportation.

She said: “We are dealing with two local governments. Last week, we had over 500 of them here from Mushin. The idea is as we have the hub, and it becomes operational, we must sensitise and train traders to understand that this is the new direction for a 21st century Lagos of our dreams.

“It is for them to understand that this is how it should be; they need to unlearn and relearn trading and the act of selling, merchandising, hygiene and more. It is also an avenue for government to also have a one-to-one, personalised interaction with the traders to be able to address their needs, local government by local government and community by community.

“We know the informal sector makes up 60 per cent of our population, and so this is a wonderful avenue for the government to ensure inclusivity for everybody, especially for them.

“That is why we are here today talking to our traders on hygiene, food safety, preservation storage, marketing, transportation. We are also discussing welfare packages that the government has for them.

“By Wednesday, which is Valentine’s Day, Mr. Governor will be showing love to our traders in Lagos. He promised them N50, 000 each for 15,000 beneficiaries.”

On how to address food insecurity in the country, Ms. Olusanya called for partnership among food producing states.

The commissioner said partnership remained the only sure way to address the growing menace.

AFCON 2023: House Of Representatives Hails Nigeria Super Eagles.

AFCON 2023: House Of Representatives Hails Nigeria Super Eagles.

- “Nigeria has been more united by their sterling performance at the tournament” - Speaker Abbas

The House of Representatives congratulates the National Male Football Team; Super Eagles for clinching the Silver Prize at the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 for a fifth time.

The House celebrates the entire players and Coaching Crew for their spirited efforts; as well as the Team Captain, William Troost Ekong for emerging ‘Man of the Competition’ hosted by Cote’d Ivoire.

Being a country with a vibrant youth population, we are confident that this achievement; nonetheless, would inspire not just the multitude of sports talents across the country, but our countrymen and women in other spheres of influence to do more for their fatherland.

As contained in a statement by Musa Krishi, Media Adviser to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen PhD, also hails the team for uniting Nigerians across religious, ethnic and political lines.

Noting that the country has been more united by their sterling performance at the tournament, he commends the Super Eagles for giving a good account of themselves during the tournament.

“The Super Eagles, based on their performance at the tournament, deserved victory but narrowly lost the AFCON trophy. Nevertheless, they have proven that Nigeria remains the giant of Africa in sport and other endeavours. During the tournament, Nigerians showed that we are one great nation. Nigerians are proud of you,” the Speaker told the Super Eagles at end of the game.

Speaker Abbas adds that the House under his leadership will continue to support programmes and policies that promote sports and youth development.

Nigeria to become food exporter through mechanised farming – Tinubu.

Nigeria to become food exporter through mechanised farming – Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, said his administration was keen to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production and become a net exporter of agricultural products through what he called “aggressive mechanisation.”

He affirmed his administration’s support to give ease and succour to the 2024 Hajj pilgrims.

“Nigeria will become a net exporter of food through aggressive mechanisation,” Tinubu told a delegation from the Global Tijaniyya Movement, led by Khalifa Muhammad Mahe Niass, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Sunday.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu emphasised the importance of spiritual endeavours in nation-building, vowing to support religious activities.

The statement was titled, ‘President Tinubu: We are determined to achieve food sufficiency for Nigeria.’

On Agriculture, he said, “Nigeria will become a net exporter of food. We are bringing thousands of tractors. Food production will be greatly expanded through aggressive mechanisation. We must be productive as a people. That is the Sunnah and the principles I grew up understanding.”

He also outlined plans to bolster agricultural productivity through various initiatives, including the expansion of farmlands, the provision of low-interest loans to farmers, and significant investments in irrigation infrastructure.

Tinubu highlighted the need for collaboration between political and spiritual leaders to advance the nation’s interests and promote unity among the people.

“We are dedicated to equipping hospitals with modern equipment, providing healthcare professionals with training, and ensuring social welfare for every citizen, including comprehensive health insurance coverage,” he added.

On his part, the Khalifa of Tijaniyya, Sheikh Mahe Niass, who spoke on the delegation’s behalf, commended Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s peace, progress, and stability.

Niass “expressed confidence in the President’s leadership and conveyed the fervent support and prayers of members of the Global Tijaniyya Movement to the Nigerian leader,” read the statement.

During their visit, the delegation offered prayers for the nation’s progress, unity and prosperity and for Almighty Allah to grant President Tinubu wisdom, strength and success.

Cote D’Ivoire win AFCON 2023, defeat Nigeria 2-1.

Cote D’Ivoire win AFCON 2023, defeat Nigeria 2-1

The Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire have won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 on Sunday.

Nigeria looked set to repeat their 1-0 victory over the Ivorians here at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium during the group stage when captain William Troost-Ekong -– who had netted a penalty to decide that first meeting -– rose to head in the opener late in the first half.

However, Franck Kessie equalised just after the hour mark and Haller turned in Simon Adingra’s cross in the 81st minute to spark wild celebrations among the sea of orange in the Abidjan stands.

Ivory Coast’s success sees them add this year’s title to those claimed in 1992 and 2015, while this win also allows them to join Nigeria on three Cup of Nations triumphs overall.

Only Egypt, Cameroon and Ghana have won the title more often, with the Super Eagles squandering the opportunity to match their Ghanaian rivals on four victories.

Spearheaded by reigning African player of the year Osimhen, the Nigerians had looked the most formidable team in the competition over the last month.

But Ivory Coast’s sense of destiny was simply too overpowering, as they became the first host country to win the AFCON since 2006.

Didier Drogba captained the Elephants team that lost on penalties to Egypt in Cairo in that final 18 years ago, while this time he was among the spectators to witness a stunning victory for his country.

It is an incredible achievement for a side that was on the brink of elimination in the group stage after losing 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea on January 22.

That was their heaviest ever home defeat and the Ivorians then parted company with coach Jean-Louis Gasset, replacing him with Emerse Fae, a teammate of Drogba’s in 2006.

They then began a remarkable turnaround which saw them oust holders Senegal on penalties, beat Mali with a last-gasp goal in extra time, and edge out DR Congo with a Haller goal in the last four.

Their supporters packed out the stadium to its 60,000 capacity, with many fans having to watch the game from vantage points on stairways.

Anyone wanting to dampen the excitement levels might have pointed out that Cup of Nations finals tend to be low-scoring affairs.

There were just 10 goals scored in the last 11 finals, five of which were decided on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate.

Indeed, Ivory Coast’s four previous final appearances had all ended goalless before going to penalties, two of which they had won.

This looked set to be another nervy, low-scoring affair with chances few and far between early on.

However the home side then had a great chance on 34 minutes when Kessie found Adingra on the left and his shot was turned away by Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

That proved crucial as Nigeria went ahead just four minutes later when Ademola Lookman’s corner from the left was touched on and Troost-Ekong headed in from the edge of the six-yard area.

Earlier in the tournament the Ivorians would have crumbled in such a scenario, but they deserve great credit for regrouping at the interval and throwing everything at Nigeria.

Max-Alain Gradel’s netbound shot was blocked in front of the line by Calvin Bassey five minutes after the restart, before Nwabali turned an Odilon Kossounou long-range piledriver around the post on 62 minutes.

They drew level from the corner which followed that, as Kessie -– whose late penalty had rescued the hosts against Senegal in the last 16 –- appeared at the back post to head into the net.

It seemed inevitable that a second Ivory Coast goal would follow and it duly did with nine minutes of the 90 to play as Haller got his studs to Adingra’s cross and diverted the ball into the far corner.

Behind for the first time since their opening match, Nigeria could not react, and Ivory Coast held on for victory

Tinubu approves establishment of Military Base in Plateau.

Tinubu approves establishment of Military Base in Plateau.

Following the tragic attacks resulting in the loss of over 200 lives across three local government areas in Plateau state – Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi, President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate establishment of a Military Barracks.

The Barracks will be located in Miller Farm (Gada Biyu) Mbar District of Bokkos local government area.

President Tinubu directed General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff, to coordinate the implementation of this initiative to address the security challenges facing the region.

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Former governor of Plateau state, Joshua Dariye had made efforts to facilitate the establishment of the Barracks to halt the continuous attacks that have resulted in loss of life, widespread looting, and destruction of property.

Tinubu and the quest to secure Nigeria’s natural resources by Temitope Ajayi 

Once operational, the Barracks will swiftly intervene to address the relentless attacks and killings in Bokkos, Mangu, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, and neighbouring Nasarawa state.

This initiative is especially crucial following the simultaneous sacking of certain communities, widespread looting, and loss of life on Christmas Eve of 2023 in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi local government areas.

Rescued Ekiti kidnapped schoolchildren, teachers discharged from hospital.

Rescued Ekiti kidnapped schoolchildren, teachers discharged from hospital.

The eight rescued kidnap victims who have been receiving medical attention at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, were on Sunday discharged after a week in the facility.

The victims including five school children and three staff of The Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti, who were kidnapped along the Emure-Eporo Road, on their way home from school, spent six days in the kidnappers’ den before they were released last Sunday.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said it was a moment of joy, having the people rescued from the kidnappers and treated by government.

Filani, who spoke at EKSUTH while discharging them, said, “As a government having had them including the children released and having had them properly treated by various teams from management here in the teaching hospital, we would be returning them to their community.”

The Chief Medical Director, EKSUTH , Prof. Kayode Olabanji, had assured the government while the eight persons were brought in last Sunday, that they would be given necessary medical attention before they would be discharged.

Olabanji had said, “They were in various conditions when they were brought in, some of them were so dehydrated, we don’t know when last they had taken water or even food. Many of the pupils were in a panic state, you could see that they were very terrified. However, immediately we brought them in, they had been attended to by the doctors, nurses and the various specialties.

“We brought in clinical psychologists who could work on them to allay their fears. They were given the initial resuscitations including rehydration, they were given fluids, some who needed oxygen were given oxygen.

“After they had stabilised a bit, they were even given food too, now, they are much better, we will still carry out few investigations to fully appraise their situation.”

The grandmother of three of the school children, Mrs Dorcas Ojo, said it would not have been possible for her to remain alive if the kidnappers had not released her three grandchildren.

The woman, who said the eight abducted persons were saved by God through the prayers of the people of Emure Ekiti and Eporo Ekiti, said, “The abductors made the children undergo what their parents had never experienced.

“They (children) were traumatised by the kidnappers as they were forced to trek long distance in the bush, not staying in one location and also not given food to eat for the days they were in captivity.”

Reps push for 5% yearly allocation to NASS, federal judiciary.

Reps push for 5% yearly allocation to NASS, federal judiciary.

The House of Representatives is set to begin the process of amending the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 in the next few weeks.

The proposed amendment is a sequel to a bill set for presentation on the floor of the Green Chamber sponsored by the member representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency, Osun State, Mr Oluwole Oke.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act enacted in July 2007 during the administration of late President Umaru Yar’ Adua provided for the prudent management of the nation’s resources, ensured long-term macro-economic stability of the national economy, secured greater accountability and transparency in fiscal operations within a medium-term fiscal policy framework.

A copy of the draft bill exclusively obtained by our correspondent revealed that the House seeks to insert a new section immediately after Section 54 of the Principal Act.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007,” it seeks the insertion of Section 54(a) to “Make provision for the allocation of five per cent each to the National Assembly and the Federal Judiciary in the Appropriation Act for each year.”

In a letter addressed to the Clerk of the House, dated February 6, 2024, Oke who chairs the House Committee on Judiciary, submitted the bill for further legislation to enable him to present the same on the floor at plenary.

While Section 54 of the Act provides that the Federal Government may provide technical and financial assistance to states and Local Governments that adopt similar fiscal responsibility legislation along the same line as this Act, however, the proposed Section 54(a) read, “Notwithstanding any other provision of the Principal Act, the National Assembly and the Federal Judiciary shall each be entitled to a minimum of five per cent of the entire budgetary provision in the Appropriation Act for each year. This Bill may be cited as the Fiscal Responsibility Act (Amendment Bill), 2024.”

The National Assembly in November 2023 while adopting the 2024-2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper submitted by President Tinubu, had pledged to amend the FRA as part of the steps to address corruption, block revenue leakages and waste of public resources.

At the plenary, the two chambers adopted the report of the Joint Committees on Finance, Appropriations, National Planning/Economic Affairs, and Local and Foreign Debts and noted that “The National Assembly shall commence the process of amending the FRA to enhance the agency’s ability to enforce fiscal responsibility and impose sanctions on erring corporations specifically, with regards to Sections 21 (1) and 22 (1) (2).”