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  • Abuja Chamber expresses concern over rising food prices

    Abuja Chamber expresses concern over rising food prices

    Prices

    By Lucy Ogalue

    Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has expressed deep concern over the persistent rise in commodity prices.

    The ACCI President, Emeka Obegolu, in a statement, said the daily price increments were adversely affecting small-scale business owners and escalating poverty levels.

    “The surge in prices of essential food items such as rice, beans, cassava flour, tomatoes, pepper, onions, and others has aggravated the plight of the average citizen.

    “It is rendering basic meals increasingly unaffordable for many households,” he said.

    According to Obegolu, official National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) records indicated a staggering 35.41 per cent food inflation rate in May 2023.

    He said that on-ground observations suggest that the actual food inflation rate exceeded 50 per cent, highlighting the severity of the situation and its dire impact on livelihoods.

    Obegolu said the chamber provided support services in training and advocacy to help local businesses navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the food sector to impact its members.

    He said that the distressing situation made necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare increasingly unattainable, pushing numerous households to the brink of poverty and extreme deprivation.

    Obegolu, the Organised Private Sector leader in the FCT and environs, emphasised the urgent need for government intervention to address the escalating food crisis.

    He said that failure to act promptly could lead to malnutrition and further aggravate the nation’s socio-economic challenges.

    “Food is a fundamental necessity of life, and its affordability directly impacts the well-being of citizens.

    “The escalating food inflation crisis threatens food security and exacerbates poverty.

    “The government must take decisive action to mitigate this crisis and alleviate the populace’s suffering,” he said.

    The ACCI President said the economic situation also adversely affected the business community, particularly farmers and agricultural product sellers.

    He, therefore, called for urgent measures to stabilise food prices, enhance food security, and alleviate Nigerians’ economic burden.

    The ACCI president said this would foster sustainable socio-economic development within the country.

    Obegolu quoted the Chief Executive Officer of Araba Technology, Amb. Segun Olugbile, as urging the ACCI to initiate business actions against the food crisis and hunger in the FCT.

    According to Olugbike, the food crisis is becoming a severe issue due to multifaceted challenges affecting farmers and herders, climate change and the current high inflation.

    He said the ACCI was at a critical juncture as the FCT was facing an escalating food crisis and hunger emergency, due to challenges impacting food production and supply chains.

    “With an estimated 24.7 million individuals affected by food and nutrition insecurity across 26 states, including the FCT, urgent action is imperative.

    “The ACCI can play a pivotal role through collaboration with government and stakeholders to avert a worsening crisis and bolster regional food security.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LCN/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Gov. AbdulRazaq provides health insurance for road sweepers in Kwara

    Sweepers

    By Mujidat Oyewole

    Ilorin, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has provided health insurance for all street sweepers in the state, saying this was necessary for them to be healthy and active at work.

    The state’s Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi, disclosed this on Saturday in Ilorin during an interactive session with the sweepers.

    Alabi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Malam Shehu Ndanusa, said the sweepers would therefore be registered by the state health insurance officials.

    He added that they would be given registration/enrollment cards to be used at state-owned hospitals.

    “Most of the sweepers are indigenes and have the opportunity to access the health insurance for free. All they need to do is to get registered.

    “This is to encourage them to perform well in their work and make them know that their health is paramount to us,” the Deputy Governor said.

    Hajiya Nafisat Buge, the state’s Commissioner for Environment, while speaking during the event said it was to celebrate workers who work tirelessly to make the city clean.

    “This is done through prompt release of the monthly allocation used for the operations of sanitation, repair of trucks and payment of these categories of workers.

    “An occasion like this will help these workers to pour out their mind on some of the challenges or hazard of keeping the state clean and the way forward,” the Commissioner, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Ayinla, said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that one of the sweepers, Madam Abosede Amuda, while responding on behalf of others thanked the state government for promptly paying their salaries.

    She noted that they received their June payment before the Sallah celebration.

    Amuda however said that the 15,000 Naira being paid monthly was too small, saying they hardly have money to feed after removing transport fare to work daily.

    “We plead with the government to increase our salary by considering the hike in transportation fare and increase in prices of food stuffs in the market,” she said.

    The sweepers also asked for more environmental task force officials to be deployed across the state, to ensure proper disposal of refuse.

    They claimed that some residents of the state deliberately pour their wastes on the roads.

    NAN reports that 25 sweepers were awarded for their diligent service and were given a sum of 5,000 Naira each, with a big food warmer.

    The organisers however gave all the sweepers present at the event with transportation fare back home.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MOB/OLAL
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    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Presidency urges Nigerians to embrace farming

    Farming

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The presidency has called on Nigerians to embrace subsistence farming to address the challenge of rising cost of food.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, made the call at a meeting with a group of online editors, under the aegis of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) in Abuja.

    A statement on the meeting was made available to newsmen by ACOE’s Chairman, Mr Martins Odiete, on Saturday in Abuja

    “In 1976, former President Olusegun Obasanjo introduced ‘Operation Feed the Nation,’ promoting farming.

    “In 1984, when former President Muhammadu Buhari came in, there were shortages of rice, milk, and sugar, and the government had to open warehouses to make these items available to people.

    “This is not the first time we are going through this kind of crisis.

    “The government is investing in agriculture to make things available and affordable, and as individuals, we also have a role to play,” he said.

    Onanuga acknowledged that, things were not working as President Bola Tinubu’ wanted.

    He, however assured that in the next twelve months, Nigerians will begin to see the results of the government’s efforts for the country’s benefit.

    “Though people complain about hardship, I told the BBC that cost of living crises exist globally.

    “Maybe what is happening in the world is a cycle, and countries will have to go through certain difficulties.

    “We are going through it, but this government is making serious efforts to reduce the hardships faced by our people,” he said.

    Onanuga assured the association of robust relationship towards dissemination of news in line with global best practices.

    Earlier, Odiete emphasised the importance of partnership with the presidential media team, at a time Nigerians are eager for essential information from their government.

    “In an age where information flows ceaselessly across digital platforms, this partnership is pivotal for ensuring accurate, responsible and effective dissemination of news and information.

    “By working together, we can ensure that the information reaching the public serves the greater good of society,” he said.

    Odiete, who thanked Onanuga for the meeting,  noted that members of the association were thoroughly screened to avoid admitting the wrong persons.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • EFCC arrests fake state house staff over alleged N22m employment scam

    Arrest

    By Isaac Aregbesola

    Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC)  have arrested a syndicate of fake State House Staff in Abuja for alleged criminal conspiracy, false representation and employment scam.

    Its Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said operatives of the commission arrested the suspects separately following investigation on  petitions by victims, who were promised jobs in various Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).

    The suspects, he said, promised the victims jobs as “Director-General” at the Ministry of Communication, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC and other ministries.

    The spokesman listed the suspects to include Augustine Umogboi, who claimed to be a former staff of the State House and Eleojo Idakwo, a fake staff of the Ministry of Information in the Registry Unit.

    Others are Kingsley Onuh who also claimed to just conclud his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Omata Sunday and Eljayon Nigeria Limited, one of the companies which the bank account they were using to get money from their victims.

    “Besides, they had different account numbers of different banks through which they were  receiving the money amounting to N22,350,000 from different victims.

    “Umogboi was arrested on June 16, Idakwo was arrested on April 30, 2024, while Onuh was arrested on April 3,” he said.

    He said that the victims narrated their bitter experience in a series of petitions written to the EFCC, adding that, “the suspects have given useful information to the EFCC and will  be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IAA./RSA

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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Cholera: Oyo advises residents to maintain hygiene, report symptoms immediately

    Cholera

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

    Ibadan, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Oyo State Hospitals Management Board on Saturday in Ibadan urged the state’s residents to promptly report symptoms of cholera to the hospitals while maintaining good personal hygiene.

    The Board’s Chairman, Dr Akin Fagbemi, in a statement urged citizens to ensure proper waste disposal and sanitation practices.

    He further urged them to maintain regular hand-washing with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

    Fagbemi also asked individuals to ensure they eat only properly cooked food and avoid raw or undercooked seafoods.

    “Oral cholera vaccines are available and can be effective in preventing outbreaks.

    ”Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are good to prevent dehydration, and intravenous fluids can be used in severe cases where oral rehydration is not sufficient.

    “Antibiotics may also be prescribed to reduce the severity and duration of the illness, while zinc supplements are often given to children to reduce the duration of diarrhea,” he said.

    The Board Chairman pointed out that cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by the ingestion of the vibrio cholerae bacteria.

    He added that it is caused by the vibrio cholerae bacteria which typically spread through contaminated water or food.

    “The symptoms include severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to rapid dehydration, and signs of dehydration include dry mouth, thirst, reduced urine output, and sunken eyes.

    “There is also muscle cramps, due to loss of fluids and electrolytes, shock in severe cases, and leading to death if untreated,” Fagbemi warned.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CC/OLAL
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    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Yusuf directs security agencies to end  thuggery in Kano

    Thuggery
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, June 22,2024 (NAN) Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State on Saturday directed security agencies to end thuggery bedevilling residents of Kano metropolis.
    Yusuf, who stated this during the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting in Kano, decried the recent surge in thuggery and clashes between miscreants locally called “Yan Daba” in parts of the metropolis.
    The governor said that his administration would not condone acts capable of disrupting the peace and security.
    He tasked Judges to ensure speedy and fair trial of the suspected thugs, and warned against the release of thugs who pose a threat to the residents.
    While charging security agencies to focus on their primary responsibility to protect lives and property, Yusuf urged the people to contribute towards maintaining law and order in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AAG/RSA
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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Suspected thief electrocuted in Benue -Police

    1. Electrocution
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 22, 2024(NAN) The Police Command in Benue said a suspected vandal, Inalegwu Elias, was electrocuted when he attempted to vandalise a Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) transformer in Otukpo.
    The spokesperson of the command,  SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Makurdi.
    Anene said the victim was found hanging on the double transformer poles dead on Saturday morning.
    Eye witnesses told NAN that the lifeless body of Inalegwu was seen dangling at the transformer located at the JAMB office Otukpo.
    They said the incident took place around 4:00 am on Saturday when public power was restored.
    The victim, who was said to be a known cable vandal had succeeded half way after cutting away several cables with the knife and plier in his possession before JED suddenly restored power.
    Also, Mr Adakole Elijah, Head, Corporate Communications, JED, said the incident was reported to the Police.
    “Yes, it happened yesterday night and he got electrocuted. It was a transformer belonging to the computer based transformer for jamb.
    “So, I can confirm that the electrocution is true. It was an obvious attempt to vandalize the transformer. We have a high spate of transformer vandalism in Otukpo town here.
    “The truth is that the transformer is properly safeguarded, it’s a pole mounted transformer.
    ”So, for someone to climb, it beats my imagination. That tells you it was deliberate, a clear case of vandalism.
    ”I’m sure he went with a very terrible motive and unfortunately, he has paid with his life,.”he said (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AEB/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Group seeks collaboration with Nasarawa Govt. to end hunger

    Group seeks collaboration with Nasarawa Govt. to end hunger

    Hunger
    By Oboh Linus
    Lafia, June 22, 2024 (NAN) A Nasarawa-based youth organisation, known as Activista, has called for a robust collaboration with the state Ministry of Agriculture toward offering agricultural support services to end hunger and poverty among youths.

    Anna Envoh, the state Coordinator of the group, which is an offshoot of the ActionAid, made the call on Saturday at a news briefing in Lafia, as part of its hunger-free Nigeria campaign.

    According to Envoh, the campaign is a youth-led initiative being championed by Activista, with support from ActionAid toward ending hunger and poverty in Nasarawa.

    She said that several other civil society organisations, like Young Men’s Christian Association, Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria, Girls Get Equal and Advocacy for Women with Disability, all came out to lend their voices to the campaign.

    She listed possible areas of collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to include: agriculture support services to small-scale farmers and formation of youth-friendly agricultural policies.

    Other areas, she said, were increased investment in agriculture, improved food security and strengthening relationships with civil society organisations and youth movements, like Activista, to ensure that their voices were heard.

    “We commend the efforts of the Nasarawa Government, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture, toward food security.

    “However, we are seeking more collaboration in the following areas to benefit youths and achieve their goals.

    “We demand that the ministry provides affordable fertiliser and support small-scale farmers, who are the backbone of our system, to increase productivity and income.

    “We demand increased investment in agriculture, in the areas of irrigation, mechanisation and extension services, to increase productivity and efficiency of our farmers,” Envoh said.

    She urged the State Government to make policies that would support youth participation in agriculture, including access to land, credit and markets to encourage young people to see farming as a viable career option.

    “We demand that the ministry prioritises initiatives that would improve food security and nutrition, particularly for groups, such as women, children and the elderly, to ensure that everyone has access to safe and nutritious food,” she said.

    Responding, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Umaru Abdullahi, represented by Deputy Director, Extension, Lydia Kyari, said that the ministry was ready to support young people, who would want to venture into farming.

    Abdullahi said that the State Government, under the leadership of Gov. Abdullahi Sule, had placed high premium on agriculture and food security.

    He also said that the government had been supporting farmers with farm inputs.

    “What I want to tell you is that you have come to the right place.

    “We can assist you in so many ways, through the supply of farm inputs, like fertilisers and seedlings, as far as you are ready for farming,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign featured a roadwalk from Lafia City Stadium to the ministry’s office complex.

    Participants carried placards with various inscriptions, such as “Increase funding for agriculture”, “Everyone should have access to healthy food” and “Let’s build a nation, where no one goes to bed hungry”, amongst others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OLO/OJI/USO
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Sam Oditah

     

     

  • NIMC dismisses alleged data breach, assures safety

    Data
    By Olasunkanmi Onifade
    Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed as misleading reports insinuating breach of its database.
    This is contained in a statement by Mr Kayode Adegoke, Head, Corporate Communications of the commission, on Saturday in Abuja.
    He said the data of Nigerians have not been compromised as being insinuated, adding that the commission had not authorised any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN), and other sensitive information of the citizens.
    “The following websites: idfinder.com.ng; Verify. Ng/sign in, championtech.com.ng, trustyonline.com, and anyverify.com are data harvesters not authorised by NIMC to access or manage sensitive data.
    “NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and should not give their data as they are potentially fraudulent and data provided by the public on such websites are gathered and stored to build the data services they illegally provide,” Adegoke said.
    He said that commission had adopted proactive measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats, and provide a secure, world-class, full-proof database.
    According to Adegoke, the commission’s infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standards, with annual recertification and strict compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law.
    While advising Nigerians against giving their data to unauthorised and phishing sites, Adegoke reiterated commitment of the commission to uphold ethical standards in data protection in line with Federal Government’s directives and data privacy regulations.
    He also warned that licensed partners or vendors could only verify NINs through approved channels and not authorised to scan or store it.
    According to him, NIMC is currently working with security agencies to apprehend the culprits for prosecution.
    He, therefore, urged Nigerians to be vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates.
    “The Commission remains committed to providing secure and reliable identity management and upholding the highest level of security for systems and databases, which are critical national assets”. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)
    OEO/RSA
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    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Congresses’ ll resolve internal crises in Katsina PDP — Atiku

    Congresses’ ll resolve internal crises in Katsina PDP–Atiku
    Congresses
    By Zubairu Idris
    Katsina, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, says the forthcoming party congresses will resolve the lingering internal crises in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State.
    Fielding questions from newsmen on Saturday in Katsina, Abubakar said that he was in the state to condole with the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji abdulmumini Kabir-Usman, over the death of his son, Abdullah Abdulmumini.
    “I also condoled with the family of the former Governor of the defunct Kaduna State, late Alhaji Lawal Kaita, over the death of his widow, Hajiya Yelwa Lawal-kaita,” he said.
    Atiku also visited the former President Muhammadu Buhari in his Daura country home, after which he condoled with the family of late Alhaji Sade, father to the Managing Director, NNPC Trading Limited, Lawal Dade.
    He then visited the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouq and condoled with him over  Sade’s demise.
    On the internal crises that had divided the party into two factions, Atiku said: “There will soon be congresses, so, people will elect whom they want to be their party leaders.”
    NAN recalls that a group called ‘PDP major stakeholders’ and the state caretaker committee are at loggerhead over the sales of congress forms.
    While the group claimed that they were denied purchase of the forms, the state caretaker committee has remained silent on the issue in spite of several efforts to get their reaction to the  allegation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ZI/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani