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Food Crisis: Obi Raises Fresh Alarm, Says Effect Of Terror and Bandits Worrisome

March 27, 2024

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General election has for umpteenth times cried out that hunger and famine await Nigeria if farmers are denied access to farms by bandits and terrorists.

Obi who was reacting to publications and the international agency’s warning on the matter, said the alarm should be given adequate attention.

Writing on his X handle the LP standard bearer said “I just read on the daily this morning, about the concerns being expressed by stakeholders in our agriculture sector over the worsening food insecurity in Nigeria.

“I have remained consistent in public voicing out my worries over this growing food crisis, which has even continued to claim the lives of our fellow citizens.

I do believe that the urgency required to address these issues cannot be over-emphasized.

“The report this morning reads, in part, “The number of food-insecure Nigerians increased significantly, from 66.2 million in Q1 2023 to 100 million in Q1 2024 (WFP, 2024), with 18.6 million facing acute hunger and 43.7 million Nigerians showing crisis-level or above crisis-level hunger- coping strategies as of March 2024.

“While the above report gives an understanding of the present and impending food crisis looming large on the nation, the present realities show that we are already in a worse situation than is presented in the report.

“An earlier similar report by Cadre Harmonise stated that about 31.5 million Nigerians are projected to face acute hunger by the June-August of this year.

“What is now very worrisome is that many Nigerians have lost their lives in their quest to find food, reflecting a very acute level of hunger not yet captured in the media. We are gradually descending to the level of the survival of the fittest, where, driven by hunger and a quest for survival, one loses every sense of order to do the unthinkable.

“With the recurrent bandits and terror attacks on farmers, many of them have abandoned their farms. It is reported that in a state like Sokoto, farmers have paid an accumulated sum of N3 billion in ransom to bandits, others pay as high as N100,000 to bandits to gain access to their farmlands. About 165 farmers have reportedly lost their lives to insecurity this year alone.

“It is, therefore, a matter of urgency, for the government to solve the problems of insecurity in the country. This will in turn reduce the problems of food insecurity when farmers safely return to their farms. A New and hunger-free Nigeria is POssible.

Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Appoints Twelve More Commissioners

Ayodele Oni

March 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Names of three appointees that served in the immediate past administration of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in Ondo state are among names of commissioners nominees announced on Wednesday.

Already, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has forwarded their names to the State House of Assembly for confirmation.

The former commissioners that made the new list are Olayato Aribo, Banji Ajaka and Lola Fagbemi.

A letter containing the list of the nominees was on Wednesday addressed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi.

Others are Segun Ayerin, Olaolu Akindolire, Hamidu Takuro, Boye Ologbese and Sunday Akinwalere.

The list also include Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, Rasheed Badmus, Adewale Akinlosotu and Gbenga Olaniyi.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan urged the House of Assembly to give expedited consideration to the confirmation of the nominees.

The Governor had earlier sworn-in seven commissioners and eight special advisers.

Post Humous Honours For Slain Soldiers As President Tinubu Also Gives Houses, Scholarships To Their Widows, Children

Ayodele Oni

March 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Seventeen slain soldiers at Okuama, Delta State, were on Wednesday buried at the Military Cemetery, Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu, at the ceremony conferred National posthumous Honours on the slain military personnel.

The President also announced scholarships and house gifts for the children and families of the slain military personnel.

The officers and soldiers were murdered by criminals of the riverine community on March 14, 2024 when the men in uniform were on a peace mission to warring Okuama and Okoloba communities in the area.

Four slain officers were awarded the honour of Members of the Order of the Niger (MON), while 13 slain soldiers were honoured with Officers of the Federal Republic medals.

“Each of the men now belongs to the hallowed list of service men and women who defended our country and protected their fellow Nigerians not minding the risks to their own lives.

“They have all been awarded now a posthumous National Honour. Four gallant officers have been accorded the award of Members of the Order of Niger (MON).

“The 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been awarded the officers of the federal republic medals.

Tinubu stated that the gallant soldiers would be remembered as patriots, who answered the call of duty and paid the ultimate price.

“It is now our duty to protect the families of our departed heroes. The Federal Government will provide housing in any part of our country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers that were among them.

“The federal government has also approved scholarships to all children of the deceased up to university level including those who are in the womb.

“The military, we appeal to you, to within the next 90 days ensure that all benefits of the departed are paid.”

JYPA Lashes Gani Adams Over Defamatory Statement Against Tayo Ayinde, Demands Retraction; Adams Breaks Silence

Akinwale Kasali

March 27, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

A Youth Organization, Joint Youths For Progressive Alliance, JYPA, an umbrella body of over 25 Youth Coalition across the country has condemned in its entirety the defamatory imputations against the person of Mr Tayo Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu by the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams.

In a Press Release Titled, “I Did Not Take Part In The Killing Of Chief Bola Ige”, by Sunday Adeyemo with the Moniker, Igboho Oosa, had while reacting to issues in a Voice Note been circulated in the Social Media Space released by Gani Adams had maligned the integrity, Character and Personality of Tayo Ayinde.

It was alleged in the Voice Note that Tayo Ayinde is been used for the execution of evil machinations by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

JYPA is disenchanted that a Yoruba Generalissimo would be fanning the ember of hate, discord, mistrust and making defamatory statements, and assassinating the character of a reputable, resourceful, hardworking, passionate and outstanding Nigerian, whose track records show doggedness, tenacity and a progressive.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the Group, Akinwale Obafemi, it demanded a retraction of the wicked, malicious and unjust allegations against Tayo Ayinde by Gani Adams.

“This is barbaric, outrageous and uncalled for that a man of Integrity like Mr Tayo Ayinde would be unjustly accused of conspiring to murder someone by Iba Gani Adams is unacceptable.

“Iba Gani Adams should honourably apologize and do a retraction as demanded by JYPA and the solicitor of Mr Tayo Ayinde in person of CITIPOINT Legal Practitioners led by Adeyemi Olumide-Fusika, SAN, before this issue escalated and become litigation.

“JYPA implore Iba Gani Adams to with immediate effect do the needful by publicly apologizing and doing a retraction, or else, he will face the full wrath of the law and a protest will be staged by the Coalition of Groups under JYPA to demand his removal as the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland”, the statement reads.

However, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, has warned against the plot to discredit him, saying his silence should not be taken for cowardice.

Speaking on the controversy generated by an alleged audio clip, Adams said he was ready to set the records straight on the various questions hanging in the balance on the alleged defamation contained in the clips, the Yoruba generalissimo, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, said the ongoing legal infraction by Igboho and Ayinde was a grand conspiracy to discredit his person just as he vowed to protect his integrity.

He said his reaction became pertinent as it has become evident that those involved, Igboho and Ayinde, are not ready to toe the line of peace as initiated by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

He said: “The reason for my silence amid the various legal and media infractions by Igboho and Ayinde, was not because I am a coward, but because of the initial interventions of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, other prominent Obas and several other important personalities in Yorubaland.

“But with the ongoing lies and aspersions against my person, I think it is time for me to set the record straight.

“Though my legal team has done what was required of them, I need to state it clearly that the audio clip generating the squabbles was a distorted and disjointed content of a private conversation held way back in 2021 with a US-based younger brother of a friend.

“The conversation was initiated by the young man who claimed he wanted reconciliation between me, Igboho and some other people.

“ It was while responding on reasons for reconciliation at the time that he mentioned the names of the two people.

“ In the said audio, I said repeatedly that though it was very difficult to believe, there’s an unconfirmed rumour allegedly linking Igboho to the murder of the late Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige.

“My statement was not done in bad faith and it was purely a private conversation.

“It is surprising how a private conversation held almost four years ago would suddenly turn up in the hands of Igboho. To discerning minds, it is obvious that Igboho unlawfully invaded my privacy, bugged a private conversation and inappropriately used the same on several social media platforms.

“ However, on the issue of my brother, Tayo Ayinde, let me make it clear here that I repeatedly said that whatever was said was a rumour that couldn’t be substantiated or made public.

“But for their sinister motives, it was Igboho that bugged my telephone, published and made it public.

“The picture has now become clearer that they resorted to the audio clip blackmail after they failed in their earlier attempt to rubbish my name.”

Economic Hardship; Kano Govt Vows To Replicate King Salman Humanitarian Gesture Across State

The Source

March 27, 2024

Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government has announced plans to take its ongoing palliative measures against the current economic hardship in the country to all corners of the State.

This is even as it has described the about 2075 food baskets donated to the poor and vulnerable in the state by the King Salman Humanitarian Relief Centre of Saudi Arabia as timely.

The Kano State Governor Kabir Abba Yusuf ,who spoke through his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalami Gwarzo on Tuesday March 26 2024 at the occasion of the Flag off of the disbursement of the relief materials in Nassarawa local council said the gesture which is the third in two years ,is coming at a time the people are grappling with serious economic hardship, particularly, at this Ramadan period.

A statement issued by the Media aide to the Deputy Governo, Ibrahim Shuibu noted that, same gesture was extented by the Salman Humanitarian Centre last year during the Ramadan fasting to no fewer than 500 households ,as well as another batch early in the life of the current administration for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable people.

The Deputy Governor said the gestures have served to re affirm the historical and brotherhood relationship that exit between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Nigeria,particularly kano state,adding that the state Government will take steps to replicate same palliative package in parts of the State.

Abdulraham Abdulaziz Al-Zaben ,the representative of the King Salman Humanitarian Centre said the food baskets is an extension of relief and humanitarian efforts of the Government of Saudi Kingdom under King Salman bin Abdulaziz to all countries of the world in his capacity as the custodian of the two famous Holy Mosques in the cities of Medina and Mecca .

The Director General, DG, National Emergency Management Agency NEMA Hajia Zubaida Umar ,while appreciating the strong partnership between NEMA and the kano state Emergency Management Agency SEMA in ensuring efficient service delivery to the beneficiaries, however cautioned them against selling the food baskets at the open markets.

Represented by Hajia Fatima , the NEMA DG announced that each beneficiary household is entitled to 59 .8 kg food basket comprising 25 kg of rice ,25 kg of beans ,4kg of Masa Vita Flour ,2 litres of Vegetable Oil ,2 kg of Tomato paste,0.8kg of seasoning cubes and 1kg of Salt.

Ijaw Youth Council Talks Tough, Says Nothing Must Happen To Edwin Clark, Faults Invasion Of Country Home By Military

Akinwale Kasali

March 27, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, has sent a strong signal to the Military, saying that they will be held responsible if anything happens to elder statesman, Edwin Clark.

Clark’s country home in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State was invaded by the Military last week, leading to the reaction of the IYC Nationwide.

IYC described the military invasion as “a great insult on the Ijaw people and highly condemnable,” regretted that the action is not only embarrassing to the personality of Pa Clark, but the highest level of disrespect to the elderly.

Binebai Princewill, Spokesman to IYC Worldwide, at a Press Briefing said, “The IYC has always tasked the military to work strictly with intelligence and not to go out of the rules of engagements. We are in a democratic era and not a purely military regime.

“The invasion and destruction of properties at Pa Clark’s House in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State on Saturday is a great insult on the Ijaw people and is highly condemnable.

“We are yet to know the offense he has committed against the Nigerian government and military that will lead to this kind of attack on his house. This is not only embarrassing to the personality of Pa Clark but the highest level of disrespect to the elderly.

“Pa Clark has diligently served this country as a Senator and a first republican minister of information. He is aged 97 as of now and has been one of the strongest pillars of unity in Niger Delta and Nigeria at large. He is the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF. To even think that he will be harbouring criminal elements in his house is the greatest slap on his face and that of the Niger Delta people.

“Let us make this clear, nobody is stopping the military from carrying out their duties to flush out criminal elements, what we are saying is that they should work with credible intelligence so that the innocent people will not pay for a sin they did not commit. Now that nothing incriminating was found at Pa Clark’s residence, how will the military now pay for the damage caused on the personality of the nonagenerian ?

“Same way in 2018 that the Abuja residence of Pa Clark was invaded by officers and found nothing incriminating. Today another one has happened, what is really happening in this country, what is the offense of our father Pa Clark to the military?. Even in the Northern part of the country that there has been serious battles between the Federal Government of Nigeria, Boko Haram, Herdsmen and Banditry that have held sway for years now, we are yet to see any form of invasion carried out on the residence of highly respected Northern elders either in their states or Abuja. This is really too much for us as a people.

“Considering the roles played by prominent Ijaw sons and daughters from late Jasper Adaka Boro, late Harold Dapabiriye, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpomupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, King Michael Ateke Tom with the host of several others too numerous to mention in Nigeria, no ethnic group or group of persons can ever claim to love Nigeria more than the Ijaws. We are beginning to wonder on why the attacks on the Ijaw people at every slightest opportunity and what they intend to achieve with all these.

“ Finally, the Ijaw Youth Council will hold the Nigerian Military responsible if anything happens to our father, Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark. Nigeria is not a banana republic where people do things the way they want, people must obey democratic principles and must operate within the ambit of the law.”

Delta Assembly Reinstates Sacked Accountant After 24 Years, Orders Payment Of Entitlements, Promotion

Ayodele Oni

March 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

After 24 years of waiting, justice came the way of an employee as the Delta State House of Assembly reversed the termination of employment of Emmanuel Emenetie by the State Post Primary Education Board.

An accountant, Enenetie’s long-standing battle for justice culminated in a petition, submitted to the Assembly on February 17, 2000, alleging a wrongful termination of his employment by the Post Primary Education Board.

He sought for reinstatement as Permanent Secretary, parity in benefits with his colleagues, and compensation amounting to N4.8 million for the duration of his unemployment.

At Tuesday’s session presided over by Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor, the Lawmakers unanimously ruled in favour of Emenetie, condemning his unjust dismissal as a blatant violation of the law.

In their resolution, the lawmakers ordered Emenetie’s reinstatement with immediate effect and directed that he receives all salaries and emoluments owed to him from the date of his unlawful termination.

The Assembly also mandated payment of all entitlements, including benefits, retroactively from the date of Emenetie’s dismissal until his supposed retirement.

Commending the report presented by the Public Petitions Committee, Speaker Guwor instructed the Clerk of the House to formally communicate the Assembly’s decision to the relevant authorities.

The Deputy Speaker was tasked to ensure compliance with the Assembly’s directives, with the lawmakers emphasizing the necessity for Emenetie to retire at the grade level of a Director, consistent with his present rank.

Delegates Re-elect Abure As LP National Chairman

Ayodele Oni

March 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Despite opposition of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Julius Abure has been re-elected as the National Chairman of Labour Party, (LP) for a second term by a unanimous affirmation of delegates.

A report monitored on Channel’s Television stated that the Chairman of the National Convention committee and Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu declared him the winner during the party’s national convention that held on Wednesday in Nnewi, Anambra State.

Abure has been having a running battle with the NLC leadership led by Comrade Joe Ajaero.

Earlier, the NLC called for Abure’s resignation as party Chairman and the immediate setting up of a caretaker transition committee to organize a legitimate and all-inclusive national convention for the party.

On March 20, workers who were not allowed access into the party office gathered around the premises chanting songs against, and demanding the sack of the Labour Party Chairman whom they accused of financial impropriety.

Proposed Lagos/Calabar Coastal Highway Will Unlock Full Potential of Ilaje – Group

Ayodele Oni

March 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The proposed Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway project, being funded by the Federal Government has received accolades from coastal communities which are to benefit from the project.

Ilaje Development Summit Group (IDSG) in Ondo state, described the project as one which will open up coastal communities in the state.

The Ilaje group in a statement, signed by Dr. Ola Judah, Deputy Executive Administrator stated that”the group is proud to announce its full endorsement and enthusiastic support for the monumental Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway project.

“Spearheaded by the Federal Executive Council, this transformative initiative promises to revolutionize infrastructure development along the Ilaje coastal line in Ondo State, Nigeria.

“We commend the visionary efforts of the Federal Government in embarking on this historic endeavor.

“The construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructural landscape, echoing the spirit of progress and innovation that defines our nation.

“The benefits of this ambitious project extend far beyond mere transportation logistics.

“By linking Lagos and Calabar with a state-of-the-art highway spanning over 700 kilometers, communities along the Ilaje coastal line stand to gain unprecedented access to economic opportunities, social integration, and sustainable development.

“The IDSG recognizes the potential of this superhighway to catalyze growth and prosperity in Ondo State, particularly within the Ilaje region.

“As a vital artery of connectivity, it will facilitate trade, tourism, and investment, unlocking the latent potential of our coastal resources and empowering local industries to thrive.

“Moreover, the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway will enhance accessibility to essential services such as healthcare, education, and emergency response, thereby improving the quality of life for residents of Ilaje and neighboring communities.

“This transformative infrastructure project aligns perfectly with the objectives of the IDSG, which are centered on promoting inclusive development, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion in the Ilaje region.

“We call upon stakeholders at all levels of government, private sector partners, and civil society organizations to rally behind this laudable initiative and ensure its successful implementation.

“Together, we can harness the transformative power of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway to unlock the full potential of Ilaje and propel our beloved nation towards a brighter, more prosperous future.”

Kano Govt Subsidizes Each Intending Pilgrims To Hajj With N500,000

Ayodele Oni

March 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

There is hope for intending pilgrims in Kano State for this year’s Hajj as the State Government moves to subsidize the cost.

The State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf announced that Government will pay Subsidy of N500,000 Naira to each Intending Pilgrim that registered with the State Pilgrims Welfare Board.

The announcement came as a huge relief to many pilgrims who are being inundated with the sudden N1.9 million fare increase by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

Before the pilgrims subsidy was announced, there were many intending pilgrims that had dropped their ambition to fulfill one of the pillars of Islam this year.

Governor Yusuf confirmed in Kano that the subsidy of five hundred thousand Naira for each intending pilgrims for this years Hajj under the umbrella of Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, was meant to assist them perform their religious duty.

It was gathered that Government took the decision to alleviate the hardship intending Pilgrims were facing in terms of paying the remaining balance of the Hajj Fares as directed by NAHCON.

NAHCON was compelled to release the new increase following the instability of exchange rate of Dollar to Naira.

With the magnanimity of Kano State Government, intending pilgrims that have registered and paid the initial total deposit of N4.7million and N4.5 million with the state pilgrims board will now deposit N1.4 million out of the N1. 9 million increase.

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