Dons EzeTINUBU’S PALLIATIVE: ANXIETY AS 740 TRUCKS OF RICE FAIL TO ARRIVE MOST STATES
TINUBU PALLIATIVE: ANXIETY AS 740 TRUCKS OF RICE FAIL TO ARRIVE MOST STATES Only a few states appear to have received the 20 trucks of rice palliative earmarked for each of the 36 states by the Federal Government and the issue is causing anxiety, Sunday Vanguard understands. A survey at the weekend shows no northern state apart from Kano had received the consignment of rice while in the South-West, only Oyo claimed that the trucks had arrived. In the South-South, Akwa–Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States’ officials confirmed receiving the latest palliative while others said they had not arrived. Delta State government said the rice had not been received as of Friday noon while Edo and Cross River States’ officials did not respond to inquiries. The Federal Government had, last Monday, said it had allocated 740 trucks of rice to the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja. Each state including the FCT, under the arrangement, is expected to get 20 trucks containing 1,200 bags of 25kg each and the rice is to be distributed to the most vulnerable in the society. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja. The Minister, who was flanked by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the President directed the Minister of Agriculture to ensure that food is made available to Nigerians. He explained that the distribution of trucks of rice was also to ensure that the hardship in the country is ameliorated, adding that it’s expected that the state governors will distribute the trucks of rice to the most vulnerable. Delta: No rice yet – Ahon, CPSChief Press Secretary to the Governor of Delta State, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed to Sunday Vanguard that the state had not received its share of the palliative. Koku-Obiyai, Bayelsa State Information Commissioner, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, who confirmed receipt of the rice in Yenagoa, the state capital, said, ”Yes, the state has received the palliative. “I just confirmed from the Chairman of SEMA that the state has received 20 truckloads of 25 kg bags of rice. “The governor will be informed. In Bayelsa State, we do not distribute palliative along party lines. Everybody is suffering, when I was in the House of Assembly, Governor Diri insisted that everybody should benefit from such distributions.” Chair of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Hon Walama Igrubia, also confirmed the delivery of the palliative when contacted. ‘A-Ibom received 24,000 bags’In Akwa Ibom State, the Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, acknowledged receipt of 24,000 bags of 25 kg rice from the Federal Government to cushion the hardship of the current food crisis in the country. He explained that the state government added another 24,000 bags of 25 kg from the Federal Government to increase the quantity to 48,000 bags to ensure that more families benefit from the intervention. His words: “Through this food intervention, the government will share 20 bags of rice each to 2,272 villages in the state. “This is in addition to the over 100,000 families drawn from the social register, who have already received and others who will be receiving free food items from the state government through the Bulk Purchase Agency. “This food intervention by the government is aimed at cushioning the effect of the hardship currently faced by our citizens, and reducing extreme hunger and poverty as stipulated by Sustainable Development Goal 1. “However, the long-term and sustainable solution remains the back-to-farm initiative of the state government to boost local food production, which is why the governor…
BREAKING: STATES, FCT GET 20 TRUCKS OF RICE EACH TO CUSHION FOOD CRISIS
BREAKING: STATES, FCT GET 20 TRUCKS OF RICE EACH TO CUSHION FOOD CRISIS The Federal Government has said it has completed the distribution of 20 trucks of rice to each of the 36 state governments as well as the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, for distribution to the most vulnerable persons as part of efforts to cushion the impact of hunger in the country. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday, after the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu. According to the Minister, FEC deliberated extensively on the food crisis rocking the country and has instructed that each state get 20 trucks of rice for distribution to vulnerable persons to help them cushion the effect of hunger in the land. He said, “Council deliberated extensively on food supply and shortage of food in the country, so 20 trucks of rice has already been distributed to each state across the country, including the FCT.“The Federal Government decided on this as a first step to cushion the hardship faced by Nigerians, but the food relief would go to the most vulnerable members of the society.”
IMPORTATION OF FOOD MAY DESTROY AGRIC SECTOR – AFDP
IMPORTATION OF FOOD MAY DESTROY AGRIC SECTOR – AfDB PRESIDENT, ADESINA The President, African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has warned that the decision by the Federal Government to allow massive food importation may destroy the country’s agriculture sector. Adesina, who spoke at a retreat by the African Primates of the Anglican Church in Abuja, advised the Nigerian government to produce more food and create jobs through agriculture. On July 10, 2024, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced that the Federal Government would suspend duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas through the country’s land and sea borders, for 150 days. Kyari had said, “To ameliorate food inflation in the country caused by affordability and exacerbated by availability, the government has taken a raft of measures to be implemented over the next 180 days: “A 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities, suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities (through land and sea borders). These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas. Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price.” The minister had stated that in addition to the importation by the private sector, the “Federal Government will import 250,000MT of wheat and 250,000MT of maize. The imported food commodities in their semi-processed state will target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country.” Reacting to this plan, in a speech made at the retreat held on Friday in Abuja, and posted on the website of AfDB on Saturday, Adesina faulted the policy. Adesina, a former agriculture minister, said, “Nigeria’s recently announced policy to open its borders for massive food imports, just to tackle short-term food price hikes, is depressing.” He warned that the policy could undermine all the hard work and private investments that had gone into Nigeria’s agriculture sector. “Nigeria cannot rely on the importation of food to stabilise prices. Nigeria should be producing more food to stabilise food prices while creating jobs and reducing foreign exchange spending, that will further help stabilise the naira. “Nigeria cannot import its way out of food insecurity. Nigeria must not be turned into a food import-dependent nation,” he stated. Adesina who spoke on the theme, ‘Food security and financial sustainability in Africa: The role of the Church’, said Nigeria “must feed itself with pride,” warning, “a nation that depends on others to feed itself, is independent only in name.” “It is clear therefore that unless we transform agriculture, Africa cannot eliminate poverty,” he insisted. “Essentially, food is money. The size of the food and agriculture market in Africa will reach $1tn by 2030,” Adesina added.The bank chief stated that the clergymen had assembled in Abuja under the umbrella of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa, representing more than 40 million Anglicans across the continent.
FG INAUGURATES COMMITTEE TO TACKLE FOOD CRISIS
FG INAUGURATES COMMITTEE TO TACKLE FOOD CRISIS The Federal Government has inaugurated the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit (PFSCU) as part of its efforts to tackle the prevailing hardship in the land. While inaugurating the unit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Friday, Vice President Kashim Shettima said it was part of the present administration’s ongoing plan to tackle hunger. The presidency has also engaged the states, development partners and other critical stakeholders in the efforts to address the soaring prices of commodities and general food insecurity in the country. Addressing members comprising governors, cabinet ministers and representatives of development partners, Shettima said, “the nation is facing a rare food security crisis and the sooner we come to terms with the reality, the better. “Food insecurity endangers the very basis of our democratic experiment and this is why all hands have to be on deck. We are in a food security crisis but it also provides us the opportunity to re-engineer and reposition the nation on a firmer footing”. Outlining the mandate of the PFSCU, the Vice President said the unit was not created to usurp the functions of the Ministry of Agriculture, noting that the urgency and seriousness of the matter at hand requires the ideas and resources of all stakeholders. Shettima also made reference to the Green Imperative Programme, a government-catalyzed, private sector-driven, agricultural industrialization programme, as one initiative which the PFSCU must work assiduously to activate and operationalize. He stated that with improved farming practices, improved seeds, use of fertilizers, Nigeria’s agricultural productivity could be turned around for the better. Speaking earlier, governors on the committee outlined plans to modernise farming practices, increase crop yields, and transform Nigeria into a self-sufficient food producer. Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River said his state is looking to feed the country, adding that his government must modernize agriculture to feed the population. “We are an agrarian state, and we have stepped up our game,” Governor Otu noted. On his part, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, emphasised the need for a coordinated approach, citing low productivity and population growth as a major challenge to the nation’s food security drive. He called for investment in commercial agriculture, improved funding, and enhanced security for farmers. Also, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, highlighted the state’s potential to achieve food security. “All that is needed is the political will to drive the process. Our lands are very fertile. In Jigawa, there are places where we are yielding ten tonnes per hectare of rice. There are so many places like that. As of today, our average in Jigawa State is about 12.56 per hectare. We are on the right course. What we need is sustained political will,” the governor explained. On his part, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, proposed his state as a pilot for the President’s food security initiative.He claimed that Niger has invested over N100 billion in agricultural mechanization, with 5,000 tractors and twenty pilot irrigation systems available.
BREAD BEYOND REACH, CITIZENS LAMENT
BREAD BEYOND REACH, CITIZENS LAMENT Bread is no longer a staple food in Nigeria as it has been priced beyond our reach, multiple citizens who spoke to Daily Trust across various states of the Federation said Wednesday. According to those interviewed by our correspondents in Gombe, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Taraba, millions of Nigerians are now reeling under the rising cost of living exacerbated by inflation. Some of the respondents said they are now seeking other relatively cheaper alternatives to bread, as the country struggles through rising cost of food and other household items. Bread used to be on the breakfast menu of many families across social strata, but its rising cost has added to the difficulties that many families are going through in recent times. Labourers at construction sites, drivers at motor parks, students, among others, who hitherto see bread as the cheapest and surest way to start their day no longer afford it. This is happening at a time when master bakers are equally crying aloud over the high cost of flour, sugar, and energy, with many of them calling for government’s intervention. Kano A resident of Karkasara quarters in Kano, Muhammad Ali, could not believe it when he was told that a loaf of bread he bought for N900 on Sunday, July 7, was sold to him for N1,100, yesterday. “I just have to think of an alternative because I can no longer afford bread at this rate. I am eating bread to cut cost but then, it is now beyond what I can afford. A cheaper alternative is a must for me,” he said. Zainab Musa, a mother of six at Kurnan Asabe neighbourhood also in Kano, said they have turned to Danwake, a local delicacy made from beans flour. “But the fact is that we no longer do it with beans because it is also expensive. What we now do is to grind sorghum and add plenty potash in it. This is what we give our children for breakfast before they go to school,” she said. Abdullahi Usman, a school teacher in the same city, said the leftover of what they ate at night is what they warm and eat in the morning. “The options are extremely few for an average family now. We no longer afford pasta or bread for breakfast. So, we normally manage what is available for breakfast,” he said. Kaduna Muhammadu Haruna, a tea and bread seller at Savannah Building, opposite Kaduna Electric’s office has been in the business for a very long time. He admitted that he has never experienced a time like this when the price of bread keeps rising, denying many of his customers their favourite meal. Haruna said a loaf of bread that he was buying for N250 is now N650, lamenting further that a cup of tea without milk is now N150, instead of N100, previously. Similarly, tea sellers at Unguwar Sarki attributed the rising cost to the scarcity of bread in the state. They said many bakeries are not producing because the prices of wheat flour and other ingredients have hit the roof top. According to them, it is not profitable to insist on continuing in the business. Some of them said their customers, rather than tea and bread, eat noodles, which may cost slightly higher than bread but gives some of them satisfaction. Katsina In Katsina too, while residents decry the skyrocketing prices of bread, they said many resort to other relatively cheaper foods like spaghetti or Wainar Rogo (fried cassava cake). A resident, Sada Shuaibu, a civil servant in the state, said he cannot afford bread for breakfast with his family. “As leader of the family, I have to look for an alternative like Kunu…
BREAKING: NIGERIAN GOVT SUSPENDS TAX, IMPORT DUTIES FOR MAIZE, WHEAT BROWN RICE
BREAKING: NIGERIAN GOVT SUSPENDS TAX, IMPORT DUTIES FOR MAIZE, WHEAT, BROWN RICE The Federal Government on Monday announced the suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of some food items through land and sea borders. The foods include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this while announcing a 150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for food commodities. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Kyari said: “150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities, suspension of duties, tariffs and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities (through land and sea borders). These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat and cowpeas. “Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP). “I am glad to reiterate that the Government’s position exemplifies standards that would not compromise the safety of the various food items for consumption.“In addition to the importation by private sector, Federal Government will import 250,000MT of wheat and 250,000MT of maize. The imported food commodities in their semi processed state will target supplies to the small-scale processors and millers across the country.”
NIGERIAN WORKERS SPEND 65% OF SALARIES ON FOOD – UN
NIGERIAN WORKERS SPEND 65% OF SALARY ON FOODS – UN The United Nations (UN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government to make dedicated budgetary allocation to curb food insecurity. The UN Director of World Food Programme (WFP) Africa Union Global Office, Dr. Hameed Nuru, made the call in Ilọrin, Kwara State capital, on Wednesday. He spoke as the Guest Speaker at the maiden annual lecture of the University of Ilorin’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine themed: “Navigating nexus of food security, safety and diseases: a holistic sustainable future and economic economic prosperity”. The programme was in honour of a former deputy vice chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University and first professor from Ilorin Emirate, Professor Saka Nuru. According to him, statistics at the UN shows Nigerians spend over 65 per cent of their salary on food consumption as against 5-6 per cent acceptable rate, adding that “This is unacceptable”. He said the country’s future is bleak without food security, adding that, “It’s not the oil, gold, diamond and other natural resources that can guarantee Nigeria’s future but food security which is now directly linked to national security. “In Nigeria, you see budget for health, education and infrastructure among others but not on food security. It’s is only spread between budgets of other ministries. We need a dedicated budget for food security because time has come for it. Nigeria is a hotspot on food insecurity among other nations. “We have about 36 active conflicts in Africa with some more that 30 years old. This is the single most important challenge to food insecurity in Nigeria and other affected countries”, he said. Dr Nuru said Nigeria is predicted to have one million malnourished children from August this year due to conflicts, insecurity, and climate change, especially, in the North East, replica of the situation in Somalia. He said there is need for Nigeria to harness indigenous foods adding that over $60.8 billions was spent to import food to Nigeria and other African countries in contrast with $15 trillion spent on conflict globally to buy guns and ammunition. This is sad”. “Government should come up with policy that will make citizens have access to food. It’s undignifying to always hand over food to people without developing their economic capacity to be able to access the food themselves”, he said “Africa should move away from agriculture for the stomach to agriculture for wealth and strengthen agriculture production to address food security. “Government policy should attract more youth into the agricultural sector, encourage and support the African Free Continental trade agreement: “WFP is prioritising its operations to reach 1.1 million vulnerable people every month in northern Nigeria. Those receiving assistance include displaced people living in camps or host communities, as well as vulnerable members of host communities and people returning home after months of displacement”, he submitted.In her remarks, the Dean, faculty of veterinary medicine, Prof Oyebisi Azeez, said the occasion was to celebrate the legacy of Prof Nuru and reflect on impact of his work on the faculty, university and humanity/animal globally.
NAFDAC SHUTS DOWN 100 SHOPS IN ENUGU OVER SALE OF FAKE ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
NAFDAC SHUTS DOWN 100 SHOPS IN ENUGU OVER SALE OF FAKE ALCOHOLIC DRINKS Officials of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have sealed at least 100 shops in Ogbete main market in Enugu for alleged selling of fake alcoholic beverages. The agency also confiscated a truckload of adulterated products as well as effected arrest of four suspected traders in the process of a well-coordinated raid. Speaking after the raid and arrest on Monday, NAFDAC’s director South-East Zone, Pharm Martins Iluyomade, said the suspects were already in custody and would be charged to court after ongoing investigation. Iluyomade noted that the raid was in furtherance to NAFDAC’s mandate to safeguard the health of the nation and riding the South-East of unwholesome, substandard, fake and adulterated products. “We stormed the popular Ogbete Main Market, Enugu in Enugu State since Friday and have shut down 100 shops which have been identified for selling fake alcoholic beverages,” Iluyomade said. “Arrest was made and the suspects are currently in custody.“This fake wine and alcoholic beverages are being sold to unsuspected customers and the general public but we are determined to rid the market of these unwholesome products,” he said.
MODERATE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BENEFICIAL TO HEALTH – PROFESSOR
MODERATE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES CONSUMPTION BENEFICIAL TO HEALTH – PROFESSOR A professor of Brewing Science and Technology in the Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Uyo, Prof Augustine Ogbonna, has said there is no part of the scriptures that opposes moderate use of alcohol. He said contrary to what people are made to believe, moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages are beneficial to health Ogbonna spoke on Saturday while delivering the 102 inaugural lecture of the University of Uyo titled ” From Barley to Sorghum:A Paradigm Shift for Nigerian to Brewing Industry” Quoting copiously from the scriptures to buttress his point, he faulted what he described as misconceptions and sentiments shared by some religious leaders that consumption of alcohol is a sin. The professor said Jesus Christ never preached against the use of wine, adding that He, like otherJews, advised people to drink with moderation. He expressed dismay that both Muslims and Christians frowned at the consumption of alcohol but accepted a share of taxes from production and sales of alcohol, adding that despite these religious sentiments, alcohol consumption remains a social activity. He said, “Wine and other beverage are frequently mentioned in the Bible as intoxicating, suggesting that they are alcoholic. The scriptures also have a lot to say about the drinking of alcohol “Wine was first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 14: 18 when Melchidek, a priest of the most high God, brought forth bread and wine for Abraham and his companion. God even commanded his people in Deut. 14:26 to enjoy wine at their yearly festivals. ” In addition to using wine as beverage, God also commanded the Levitical priests to include in the sacrifices, a portion of wine (‘yayan”) as a drink offering (Ex. 29:40).in (Gen: 27:28) ,a blessing of wine was prophesied as a heritage of the chosen people. ” While concluding, the university teacher added, “There is nothing in either the Old Testament or the New Testament that opposes the moderate use of alcoholic beverages as they are beneficial to health.” He pointed out that alcohol consumed in small quantities is neither harmful nor addictive, stressing that some medical doctors prescribe the drinking of small amounts of red wine for it health benefits, especially for the heart.He, therefore, recommended that the Federal Government should stop policy reversal and concentrate efforts o developing a sorghum breed capable of replacing imported barley as the main ingredient of beer production in the country
TINUBU ORDERS PURCHASE, DISTRIBUTION OF N155B FOODSTUFFS TO NIGERIANS
TINUBU ORDERS PURCHASE, DISTRIBUTION OF N155B FOODSTUFFS TO NIGERIANS President Bola Tinubu has ordered the purchase and sale of foodstuff worth N155 billion to be distributed across the nation. The President gave the approval during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja where he urged state governors to work together to meet the needs of citizens. He said he is willing to provide the needed support to ensure that Nigerians are relieved of hardship, according to a statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale. “President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate rollout of the National Construction and Household Support Programme to cover all geo-political zones in the country,” the statement read. “Other items under the National Construction and Household Support Programme include deployment of N155 billion for the purchase and sale of assorted foodstuff to be distributed across the nation.” Tinubu also approved the delivery of a N50,000 uplift grant each to 100,000 families per state for three months. Tinubu emphasized the urgency of boosting food production, noting that the Sokoto-Badagry Highway is a pivotal project as the states within this axis form the food belt of the nation, with Badagry being an important artery for food export. “Our states must work together to deliver on the critical reforms required of us to meet the needs of our people. Time is humanity’s most precious asset. You can never have enough of it. It is getting late. “We are ready and able to support you in the form of the mechanization of your agricultural processes and the provision of high-quality seedlings. “We are prepared to provide solar-powered irrigation facilities to support our farmers across seasons, but we must now produce. We must produce the food our people eat, and it will require coordination and intentionality between members of the National Economic Council (NEC). “There is nothing we are doing that is more important than producing high-quality food for our people to consume, buy, and sell. We create jobs in the production of it. And that is before we generate wealth by exporting the excess. It is not beyond us to achieve this for Nigerians. “How much support do you need from me and in what form? I am prepared to provide it. But we must achieve the result. We must deliver on our targets at all levels. Please report back following your consultations and submit to my office within seven days,” President Tinubu said. President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate rollout of the National Construction and Household Support Programme to cover all geo-political zones in the country. Under the programme, the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which will traverse Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos, is prioritized. Other road infrastructure projects, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which is underway, and the Trans-Saharan Highway, which links Enugu, Abakaliki, Ogoja, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Abuja, are also prioritized. The President has also approved full counterpart financing for Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Railway; to traverse Rivers, Abia, Enugu, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno, as well as for the Ibadan-Abuja segment of the Lagos-Kano Standard-Gauge Railway; which will traverse Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Niger, Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano. The Sokoto-Badagry road project is specially prioritized for its importance as some of the states it will traverse are strategic to the agricultural sustainability of the nation. Within the Sokoto-Badagry Highway corridor, there are 216 agricultural communities, 58 large and medium dams spread across six states, seven Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs), 156 local government areas, 39 commercial cities and towns, and over 1 million hectares of arable land. In addition, other items under the National Construction and Household Support Programme include: (1) One-off allocation to states and the Federal Capital Territory of N10 billion…