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Oyo Stops Revenue Collection On Farm Produce To Curtail Soaring Prices

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has announced some measures to address the continued soaring of prices of food items in the state.

The governor, had an interactive session with smallholder farmers in the state on purposely to boost food production and arrest inflation,

Here are the governor’s words, “Earlier today, we met with stakeholders on food security to discuss the issues faced by smallholder farmers and traders as it affects food inflation.

“Some of the decisions we reached were that for the next six months, no revenue will be collected on farm produce.

“Revenue collectors will instead be deployed to our borders to collect revenue from those who are taking produce out of Oyo State. We will provide a hotline for people to call if they have any issues.

“We also agreed to liberalize the conditions for accessing low-interest loans from the Agricultural Credit Corporation of Oyo State (ACCOS) to improve access to farmers. We have been disbursing N1 billion to smallholder farmers under our SAfER program.

“We will provide an initial N600 million through the ACCOS to subsidize the cost of hiring tractors. The modalities of how our smallholder farmers can access this subsidy will be worked out and communicated to them.

“In total, we plan to subsidize the clearing of at least 120,000 hectares this planting season.

“We will subsidize haulage costs through the Pacesetter Transport Company so that farmers can get their produce to the markets at a cheaper rate.

“We will also deploy extension workers through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to support our smallholder farmers on proper agronomic practices to maximize yield.

“Finally, I said a ten-member committee will be set up to monitor and implement these and other decisions that will be made to tackle food inflation. Six members of the committee will be from the stakeholders and four from the government.”

Abia PDP Swims In Crisis As Gale Of Suspensions Rock Party; SWC Unaware Of Suspensions

By
The Source
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic  Party, PDP, Abia State has denied any knowledge of the purported  suspension of any of its stalwarts in any part of the state.

The denial is coming on the heels of the announcement on Wednesday, February 28,2024, by the leadership and stakeholders of the party in the Oil rich UkwaWest / Ukwa East of Abia state of the purported suspension of Hon Uzoma Abonta ,a three time member of the House of Representative from the party, citing alleged gross anti party activities as a major reason.

In a communique issued on Wednesday,  February 28, 2024, by the Ukwa west/ East PDP stake holders ,after an  emergency meeting at the party secretariat in Akwete- Ohandu ,the PDP also accused Hon Abonta of involvement in a plethora of legal  actions against the party without first availing himself of the internal dispute resolution mechanisms of the party.

The former member of the Green Chamber of National Assembly on the platform of the PDP, was accused of openly identifying with, and working for the rival All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA before, during, and after the 2023 General Elections .

The Ukwa PDP stakeholders expressed shock that Hon Abonta who rode on the back of PDP to the National Assembly for about 12 years could condescend to the level of allegedly destroying the political platform that  has served to give meaning to his political aspirations.

Instructively, Dr Allwell Asiforo Okere, the embattled Abia PDP Chairman and the Party’s Board of Trustees, BOT, Chairman and Former Senate President Adolphus Wabara hail  from the same Ukwa land.

Only last week , a group by the name “Abia PDP Network Movement had called for the resignation of Dr Okere the State Chairman claiming among other things his inability to deliver the party in the last elections and the fragmentation of the PDP in Abia as reasons.

But in an interview with The Source on Thursday Wednesday 29 , the Abia PDP Vice Chairman, who also doubles as the Spokesperson Comrade Abraham Amah, noted that the State Working Committee SWC  has not  been officially informed about the suspension of any body either in Ukwa and or any part of the state .

“The SWC has not been officially informed about the purported suspension of Hon Uzoma Abonta and or any other person for that matter .

The PDP Abia state will not react until we are officially informed. In which case ,we will call a meeting to review what ever any body has done.

For now, the SWC is waiting to be communicated on the development.

The Abia PDP had last Saturday February 24  in statement. issued by Comrade Amah ,described as laughable and unfortunate the call from the Abia PDP Network Movement ,for the resignation of the state chairman.

While affirming its confidence in the leadership of Dr Okere, the SWC in the statement said the group and its members are nebulous and not members of the PDP in Abia State

The Source reports that in the last few weeks the official opposition party in Abia has been navigating through some challenges ranging from the sealing of its State Secretariat in Umuahia on the order of the Abia state Judicial panel on the Recovery of Government property, discordant tones from members over how to go about the continued refusal of the leadership of Abia state House of Assembly to swear in one of its own Hon Aaron Uzodike as member representing Aba North state constituency over three months after a Court Appeal sitting in Lagos had declared him duly elected, and the recent call on the Chairman to quit.

Governor Zulum Warns FG Against Merging Army University And NDA, Says It Would Give Boko Haram Insurgents Upper Hand

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has warned the Federal Government against merging the Army University and the Nigeria Defense Academy, NDA. He  urged the FG to reconsider the gap in Western education, which is worsened by the effect of the decade of Boko Haram devastation in Borno and other neighbouring States.

Zulum stressed that the said Boko Haram insurgents have achieved their objectives if the University is scrapped.

“Therefore, we appeal to Mr President to look into this issue so that the Army University Biu would remain a University.

“If this is not possible, maybe they don’t want to create another army University.

“We appeal to the President to allow the Federal Ministry of Education to take over the Army University to become a conventional university. This is also something we shall plead with the FG.

“If it’s possible, they should allow it as an Army university because of the importance of education in this part of the country, where Boko Haram is saying that education is forbidden. And I think that by allowing this Army university to be scrapped, they might have achieved one or two of their objectives,” he said.

The governor noted that, for over a decade, Borno State has been facing a serious crisis that has denied many children access to education. “Therefore, this university is very important to not only the people of Borno State but our neighbouring states,” he said.

Zulum, who agreed with the federal government on its quest to reposition the system to reflect current realities, said the quantum of students absorbed by the institution is something to be considered.

Speaking further, Zulum made a case for the National Centre for Agriculture Mechanisation, Ilorin.

He said that at this material time, when the federal government is looking towards promoting food security through sustainable agriculture, the centre is very important.

This is the only mechanisation outfit in Nigeria that is saddled with the responsibility of agricultural tools.

“I believe a technical committee would be set up, and we shall recommend to the presidency reviewing some of the decisions with a view to adding value to what he has done.

“By and large, I have to commend the initiative, and we are behind the initiative,” he added.

“Nigeria Will Survive, I Take Full Responsibility For Present Situation” – (Full Statement By President Tinubu)

By
The Source
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Bola Tinubu

“I TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE NATION; WE ARE BUILDING AN EFFICIENT NIGERIA THAT IS INCLUSIVE AND FAIR TO ALL NIGERIANS”

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is working to ensure that Nigeria is reformed for greater efficiency with a particular emphasis on systematically inculcating fairness and equity in all aspects of the national life.

Addressing Afenifere leaders at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday, the President emphasized his commitment to leading Nigeria towards economic and social prosperity.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu was quoted to have said:

”Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I requested the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility.

”We are meeting our obligations to the international community. To lenders, we have not defaulted, and we are not going to default. We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to Nigeria’s prosperity,” the President affirmed.

On reforming Nigeria, President Tinubu said his task will be to ensure fiscal and true federalism, as well as the broad-based manifestation of the philosophy of “what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.”

He acknowledged the understanding and support of all Nigerians in the face of the tough but temporary economic conditions, assuring them that their patience and perseverance will not be fruitless.

“The economic challenges we have endured since assuming office are not new to me. As the former governor of Lagos State, I faced similar calls for my resignation. But, through perseverance, Lagos emerged as the fifth largest economy in the entire continent of Africa. We must manage this moment with wisdom and grow Nigeria responsibly.

“I campaigned for this office to serve Nigeria’s interests, and I was elected. Some said I would not last in the tribunal and came up with all sorts of predictions, but even when in court, I remained focused.

“We cannot allow Nigeria’s economy to be exploited. We cannot abandon our economy to marauders. I am determined to re-engineer our finances and curb selfish interests permanently,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of Afenifere, Pa Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who read the address of Pa Fasoranti, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to Nigeria’s progress and expressed support for his administration’s efforts.

“You have kept your word to return to this place where we all prayed for you, and this shows that you are a man of your word,” the elder statesman stated.

Pa Fasoranti asked President Tinubu to be fair and courageous, declaring that such traits were the hallmark of the Afenifere family.

“Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness, and courage. Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible,” he said.

On Return From A Medical Trip Abroad, Fabian Osuji, Former Education Minister, Dies

By
The Source
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Fabian Osuji

By Charles Igbo

His death on Wednesday took family and friends unawares. They were at once shocked and surprised. And why not?

Professor Fabian Osuji, a former Minister for Education, had just returned from a medical trip abroad. So everybody had hope of a full recovery. He came back home hale and hearty. And, for his age looked good.

But on Wednesday, February 28, the story changed. The Professor died. He exited mother-earth. Gone with him were his brilliant and fertile mind, his depth of thought and deep knowledge of everything, almost.

According to family sources, Professor Osuji returned from a vacation in the United States on Saturday where he was treated for an undisclosed medical issues.

And, then, suddenly passed a few days after his return.

A solid academic, he was born on January 20, 1942, and attended the best of schools –  Holy Ghost College in Owerri, Government College in Umuahia, the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, Enugu State, and the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

His post-doctoral research was at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London.

On return he was appointed a lecturer, Senior Lecturer. He became an Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan in 1973, a post he held till 1981.

Osuji was a “Visiting Scientific Fellow at the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Food and Agriculture Organization.

He became a Dean of the College of Science, Dean of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and member of the Governing Council of Imo State University.”

He was a Professor of Applied Biology, at St. John’s University, New York (CUNY) USA (1997-1999), and  a Visiting Professor at several universities in Nigeria and worldwide.

Known as a scholars’ scholar, he published 35 papers and books to his credit.

In 1999, he veered into politics. He was appointed the Minister for Education under the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration. But it ended in a not-so-good situation when he was abruptly dropped dropped over an alleged not-too-decent incident.

The cerebral Professor celebrated his 80th birthday in 2022.

A native of Mbaise, Imo State, the erudite Professor died aged 81.

“Buhari Destroyed Nigeria’s Economy” – Shehu Sani  Says Reason For Current Economic Hardship

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been labeled as the architect of the current economic hardship the nation is facing.

Activist and former Senator, Shehu Sani, said the former President destroyed Nigeria’s economy, and should be held responsible for the current economic hardship in the country.

Speaking on a Channels Television Programme, Sani added that some of the economic policies that President Bola Tinubu is implementing now, which triggered the economic hardship, should have been implemented by Buhari.

He stressed that Buhari failed in all ramifications, as his policies consequently allowed the economy to deteriorate.

“We must be very factual and realistic with ourselves; the problem we find ourselves today, originated, was engineered, fabricated and sustained by the Buhari administration.

“The Buhari administration, institutionally, fundamentally destroyed the Nigerian economy,” he added.

Sani absolved Tinubu for the current situation, and noted that, having said he (Tinubu) would implement the policies, he has implemented so far during the campaign, Tinubu did not deceive Nigerians.

He said, “When Tinubu took over, he knows there is not going to be subsidy and to be realistic, he was very frank during his campaign. I am going to remove subsidy and whatever protest that will come out of it I will not back down’ and then people went ahead and voted for him, so he has not deceived Nigerians.

“Now he is in power, we are paying the price for the mistake of the past, for the failure of the past and for what we have refused to do in the past, so this is the reality,” he said.

Recall that some Nigerians in some States had taken to the streets to protest the situation over the economic hardship occasioned by some of Tinubu’s policies, especially the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of forex rate.

Addressing the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, protest on Tuesday, Sani said the NLC had the right to protest, and added that the protest to be wary of is not that of the NLC but the one that may be carried out by unorganised civil society.

“Why We Suspended 2-Day Nationwide Protest” – NLC (Full Statement)

By
The Source
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COMMUNIQUE AT THE END OF A NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) MEETING OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) HELD ON TUESDAY, THE 27TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024

The NEC of Congress in session on Friday 16th 2024, ordered a 2-Day Nationwide Protest to join Nigerians in demonstrating outrage over the massive suffering and hunger facing the masses and workers as a result of the policies of the government to hike the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and float the Naira.

The NEC-in-session therefore reviewed the execution of the first day of the nationwide protest to assess its effectiveness and take decision on further necessary action to guide Congress in its effort at engaging government to protect the people and Nigerian workers from the increasing scourge of hardship.

To this end, NEC commended Nigerians, all NLC affiliates, state Councils, Workers and Civil Society Allies across the Nation for trooping out in large numbers to peacefully demonstrate their outrage on the hardship imposed by the government and its twin altars – the IMF and the World Bank.

NEC also deeply appreciates Nigerian workers and masses for sending a strong message to the powers that be on their united resolve to demand accountability from those who occupy positions of leadership in our nation. It believed that the message has strongly resonated.

Consequently, NEC-in-session resolved as follows:

To suspend street action for the second day of the Protest having achieved overwhelming success thus attained the key objectives of the 2-day protest on the first day.

However, Nationwide action continues tomorrow with simultaneous Press Conferences across all the states of the federation by the state Councils of the Congress including the National Headquarters.

To reaffirm and extend the 7-days ultimatum by another 7 days which now expires on the 13th day of March, 2024 within which the Government is expected to implement all the earlier agreement of the 2nd day of October, 2023 and other demands presented in our letter during today’s nationwide protest.

To meet and decide on further lines of action if on the expiration of the 14 days Government refuses to comply with the demands as contained in the ultimatum.

Once again, NEC recommits the NLC to continuing defending and promoting the interests and desires of Nigerian workers and the downtrodden masses.

Comrade Joe Ajaero,
President
Comrade Ismail Bello
Ag. General Secretary

What To Be Done Before Restructuring Nigeria – President Tinubu, Meets Afenifere Leader

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has assured that restructuring Nigeria is inevitable but that necessary foundation which will sustain it must be put in place.

The president spoke on Wednesday at the country home of the Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Akure, Ondo state.

Tinubu maintained that he was aware of the numerous challenges confronting the country before he took over and that his administration was committed to tackling them.

He said that when he took the oath of office, that he pledged his allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that he knows what he is facing.

“I prayed for it, I dance for it, I campaigned for it and I got it. I know the enormous of responsibility so don’t pity me Baba just sit down and relax.”

He  assured Nigerians that the struggle he understood and that he is trying to build the structures that will not be reversed.

According to him,  that structure he is trying to put in place in Nigeria economically, socially and politically would be such that it would bring Nigeria back into where it suppose to be.

He also said that Nigeria is paying the loans, that the loans would be offset as soon as possible and assured that Nigeria would very soon get out of the problem it is facing presently.

On the issues of restructuring, the president stated that he is aware of the need to restructure Nigeria, but that proper foundation must be laid before bringing the restructuring in place “such that if it is done in a rush without proper foundation, the restructuring may collapse very soon but it would be done.”

On the hardship Nigerians are facing, Tinubu appreciated the pains Nigerians are going through and said that very soon Nigeria will overcome it.

“That is a matter of time, that the kind of the policies government is implementing will bring positive solution to the challenges.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Pa Fasoranti stated that “You have kept your promise to return to this place where we prayed for you on behalf of the children of Oduduwa world-wide. I salute you Mr President. By keeping your promise, despite your busy schedule, you have proved to the world that you are a true Omoluabi.

“You are the first member of Afenifere to be elected President of Nigeria. Chief Olu Falae tried in 1999, but he did not get the prize. Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness and courage.

“Your performance so far has shown that you understood the full gravity of your mandate which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible.

“In Yorubaland, we do not seek for any special treatment or unfair advantage. We know you are our own but you now belong to all Nigerians, Your mandate was freely given by the people of Nigeria and blessed by God. Therefore, Mr President, continue to govern fairly and courageously and with the fear of God.

“It is now incumbent on you to address this issue of constitutional reforms with courage, fairness and determination. We know we cannot return to the past, but we have to seek a future where regional competitions would bring out the best in our country as it did during the First Republic.

“We seek therefore a true Federal Republic that would reflect fiscal federalism. If derivation principle is good for oil, why is it not good for Value Added Tax for example? We believe a review of the 2014 National Constitutional Conference would help you in charting the course.

“For the people of the South-West, restructuring also has a more pressing meaning. Today, Nigeria has a population of 200 million which would double in the next 25 years to 400 million.

“However, the South-West is facing an avalanche of migration from the other zones of the country to the extent that in 25 years’ time, if the current trend continues, the South-West would be home to 50 percent of the population of Nigeria.

“By this time the states of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo would be home to at least 200 million people. We need to plan for this eventuality on a regional scale. We need to be prepared so that our region would not be overwhelmed by imported challenges.

“Mr President, please also seek for institutional reforms that would strengthen our federation and make Nigeria safer and more prosperous. Try and balance the budget and execute capital projects that would create more employments. We thank you for welcoming the idea of state policing.

“We want each of the geopolitical zone to have greater responsibilities for security, food production and infrastructural development.

“Since the removal of fuel subsidy, which was costing Nigeria 10 billion dollars yearly, the state governments have been receiving hefty allocations from the Federation account.

“Mr President should persuade the governors to allow this change of fortune for the states to reflect at the grassroots so that life can be better for our people. They should not just buy rice and yams for the people.

“They should create employment, improve education and build new infrastructures. Today, life is truly challenging for most people and the state governments have an important role to play to transform the society.”

Principal Officers Absent As Edo Deputy Gov, Shaibu, Storms PDP National Secretariat, Demands for Certificate of Return

By
The Source
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Philip Shaibu collects PDP Certificate of Return

By Ayodele Oni

A day after winner of the Edo State Governorship Primary Election was presented with certificate of return, the State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu on Wednesday stormed the national secretariat of the People’s Democratic party (PDP) to demand for his certificate of return.

He had earlier declared himself winner of a parallel primary election of the PDP held last week in Benin.

Shaibu did not meet any of the officers of the party on seat on arrival.

He told journalists: “Today is 28th of February, 2024 ,by the PDP guidelines approved by the NWC on the Edo 2024 governorship primary, today is the day set aside by the electoral guidelines to be the day that the certificate of returns will be issued.

“So , it is not surprising that I am here today. I am here to receive my certificate of return because I won the primary in Edo PDP primary conducted .

“And the authentic delegates voted for me. If you look at the wall of the party office here, you will see the names of all the delegates that voted for me. Today is presentation of Certificate of Return according to the party. So , PDP must follow its rules and guidelines, this is what we are talking about.

“The process of producing a candidate has been compromised from the onset and we ask that those things be corrected. Even the committee recommended political solution.

“They are fully aware that there were abnormalities in the process that led to my emergence and whoever. But why I am here is to obey the guidelines to come and receive the certificate of return and I was told that somebody else came here yesterday and was given the certificate.

“I think the court will tell among us who is the real candidate.  But I am here to fulfil the electoral guidelines of the PDP to receive my certificate.

“I have a document here where those that conducted the primary submitted to the office of the National Organising Secretary, from this document you will see the mess that took place in Edo state.

“This primary cannot be put aside. I am ready for us to correct the abnormalities in internal party democracy, because that is the beginning of he sustainance of Democracy. If the party does not get it right, the foundation of our democracy is being threatened and we will not fold our hands to watch what we laboured for, fought for, some people died in the process.

“Those that conducted the primaries and write this report are being threatened, they tried to procure them and many of them refused, now they are being threatened to write another report.

“This is a committee that was put together by the NWC. If the PDP is serious, ready to win Edo state, they must do what is right and I am telling our members in Edo, not to be worried, we will get to the promise land. Edo will be the place where we will reset how internal democracy can be strengthened so that the foundation of democracy is not destroyed.

“I told them that I was coming, but none of them has come to work, only the staff of the secretariat are here, I don’t know why they are not here that is strange and that is in line with why will they be in a hurry to give certificate yesterday, when today was what was approved for the certificate to be given to the winner. I must be on the side of the people, straightening the foundation of our democracy which is party politics.

CBN Tackles Cyber Fraud In Commercial Banks With New Guidelines

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has issued new guidelines to deposit money banks and payment Services banks in a bid to combat cyber-related bank frauds.
Under the new Cyber Cyber-security Framework and Guidelines, commercial banks are expected to manage technology infrastructure to prevent their systems from being breached.
According to the letter issued to banks, and signe by the CBN Acting Director of Banking Supervision, CBN, Dr. Adetona Adedeji, the apex bank said new technology being used by commercial banks came with their own risks.
CBN said this risks must be well managed to prevent cyber money fraud.
According to the apex bank: “The Nigerian financial system has grown remarkably in recent years with increases in products, services, institutions and stakeholders.
“Financial Institutions have increasingly leveraged Information Technology to serve their customers and this has led to rapid evolution in the threat landscape.
“It is necessary that the technology infrastructure and platforms that support financial institutions operations should be managed effectively to promote a sound financial system.
“Consequently, the CBN has revised the Risk-Based Cyber-security Framework and Guidelines for DMBs and Payment Service Banks (PSBs) to provide guidance in the implementation of cyber-security programmes and enhance resilience.
“The revised framework addresses the gaps that have arisen due to the passage of time and outlines the minimum cyber-security controls to be put in place”.
A report published last September by global financial service firm, FITC claimed that the prevalence of new technology in Nigerian banks led to an outstanding 78,584 financial related fraud cases in one year.
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