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  • Scarcity of pepper, tomato hits Ilorin as Eid-el-Kabir approaches

     

    By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

    Ilorin, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Pepper, a common spice in the cuisines of many Nigerians, has suddenly become a scarce commodity in Kwara’s capital city of Ilorin as Eid-el-Kabir approaches.

    In a market survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday at the Mandate market, in the Ilorin West Local Government Area where pepper is sold in large quantities, the commodity has become expensive in the past few weeks.

    NAN reports that the product had become scarce, with little or none in sight, including tomatoes.

    Some pepper sellers attributed the scarcity to flooding and pest attacks in the North where pepper is grown in large quantities.

    Mallam Jamilu Isa said they were expecting the vehicles that bring pepper and onions, but they were informed that there was no goods for them to load.

    He lamented that all had been washed away by flood and those not washed were affected by pests.

    A small container of tomatoes formerly sold for N150 now sells for N2,000 while a wastebin basket formerly sold for between N1,500 and N2,000 now goes for N15,000, and big basket of N10,000 now sells for N175,000 and above.

    Also, a basket of Scotch Bonnets popularly called “rodo” sold for N1,500 before, now goes for N12,000.

    Similarly, a bag of onions now goes for N75,000 as against N50,000 and below that it was sold.

    According to the National Bureau of Statistics, food prices in Nigeria increased 40.53 per cent in April of 2024 over the same month in the previous year and food inflation reached an all-time high of 40.53 per cent in April of 2024.

    In a visit to ram dealers, they lamented low sales as buyers complained of the high prices of rams.

    A ram seller, Mr Azeez Abdullahi, said the ram that went for N50,000 a few years back is sold for between N170,000 and N200,000 and above this year.

    He identified the high cost of feeds and transportation as responsible for the hike in the price of the ram.

    A prospective customer, Mr Yahaya Usman said with the exhorbitant price, some of his friends are planning to contribute money to buy a cow and share which is also acceptable in Islam as an alternative to rams. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    BAY/MNA

    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Troops neutralise 197 terrorists, apprehend 310 in 1 week- DHQ

    Troops neutralise 197 terrorists, apprehend 310 in 1 week- DHQ

    Terrorists
    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters says troops deployed in different parts of the country have in the last one week neutralised no fewer than 197 terrorists and apprehended 310 others across theatres of operation.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

    Buba said the troops also rescued 251 kidnapped hostages and recovered 180 assorted weapons and 5,123 assorted ammunition within the week in different operations.

    The breakdown, according to him, comprised two PKT guns, 73 AK47 rifles and 17 locally fabricated guns, 3,207 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,022 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 243 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo among others.

    In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, neutralised 83 terrorists, arrested 71 suspects and rescued 48 kidnappers hostages within the week.

    He said the troops also recovered two PKT guns, 35 AK47 rifles, nine fabricated rifles, 10 dane guns, and 10 grenades amongst others.

    In the North Central, he said the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 11 insurgents, arrested 64 violent extremists and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages as well as several cache of arms.

    According to him, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised six terrorists, arrested 20 violent extremists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages.

    “Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 66 rounds of 7.62mm special and 6 cartridges amongst others,” he said.

    In the North West, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 65 terrorists, arrested 80 terrorists and rescued 54 kidnapped hostages within the week under review.

    He added that the troops recovered 29 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 4 dane guns and 991 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo among others.

    He added that troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralised 19 terrorists, arrested 18 suspects and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered three AK47 rifles and 119 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, among others.

    Buba said the security situation in the zone, especially Zamfara required collaborative approach between the state government and the locals to be able to nip it in the bud.

    He said the governor of the state had come out to describe Zamfara as the epicenter of kidnapping as also corroborated by the Commissioner of Police, he said had described kidnapping as a big industry in the state.

    “The military is on the ground there and we are fighting. Ours is to fight and to kill the terrorists and to destroy them.

    “In this month alone, even up to yesterday, we have lost nine personnel which is a testament that we are working tirelessly to bring peace, to secure the land and create a safe environment for the people.

    “I will end this by saying that it is close to impossible to win this war without the support of the people because of the caliber of people involved in kidnapping in Zamfara,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    OYS/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

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  • Climate Change: FG, experts review environmental permits, licensing systems regulations 

    Permits

    By Doris Esa

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has started the process of reviewing the National Environmental (Permitting and Licensing Systems) Regulations, S.I. 29, 2009, to address areas of gaps in trending and emerging environmental issues.

    Speaking at the expert critique meeting for the review on Thursday in Abuja, Dr Innocent Barikor, the Director- General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESERA), said the document sought to strengthen environmental laws.

    He said that the regulation also aimed at improving air quality and environmental conservation and avoidance of exposure to waste and hazardous substances.

    “The regulation seeks to achieve statutory environmental targets and outcomes.

    “Such as improvement in air quality, environmental conservation and avoidance of exposure to waste and hazardous substances by issuing Environmental Permits to the Regulated Community.

    “These permits have significantly aided the agency to achieve her mandate of ensuring compliance with environmental laws, policies, standards and guidelines.

    “However, in the course of operationalising the provisions of these regulations in the last 15 years, some gaps were identified.

    “These gaps included trending and emerging environmental issues such as climate change, marine pollution and biodiversity conservation which are of global concern.’’

    Barikor said that the factors necessitated NESERA  to seek for assistance through the Quick Wins of its 5-Year Impact Plan from the UNEP-LEAP Small Scale Funding Agreement (SSFA).

    He said this was under the Montevideo Programme V to facilitate the review of the regulation.

    The director-general said that permitting and licensing regulations was the backbone that provided the necessary structure to balance growth and innovation and public safety.

    “However, as with any system, there is always room for improvement, thus, the need for the ongoing efforts to refine and enhance our regulatory processes,” he said.

    He said that the agency had so far conducted desktops reviews/documentations and interacted with relevant stakeholders across the six geo-political zones.

    The director-general said that the agency also interacted with stakeholders from the 35 States of the federation through its zonal and state field offices.

    Barikor urged stakeholders to consider the review process as a testament to the agency’s commitment in leaving a legacy of environmental sustainability for generations to come.

    An expert, Mr Victor Ojogbo, said that the issue of the environment was critical.

    Ojogbo, a former Director, Department of Planning and Policy Analysis, NESERA, said that the essence of the review was to examine the issues of offences, penalities for defaulters as well as enforcement by the agency.

    He said that the review would also ensure that the regulators and regulated were placed on their toes for a seamless enforcement.

    “I said that the issue of the environment is not to be treated with kids glove; because if it affects me; it affects you and then the environment,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ORD/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Women miners laud FG over repositioning of sector

    Women miners laud FG over repositioning of sector

    Minning

    By Martha Agas

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) An association, Women In Mining In Nigeria (WIMIN), has lauded the efforts of President Bola Tinubu`s administration for its policies and initiatives aimed at repositioning the mining sector.

    The National President of WIMIN, Dr Janet Adeyemi, made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Abuja.

    Adeyemi commended the efforts of the administration, particularly in facilitating the ease of doing business within its first year in the solid sector, through its policies and incentives.

    “I believe that he has created more robust environment, encouraging people to come into the sectors through his declarations and pronouncements on the sector.

    “You can see the President going round from country to country and then receiving visitors, and the issue that tops his agenda in most of these discussions are things to do with solid mineral development.

    “The mere fact that they are committed, talking about it, and thinking to engage the public, is an indication that the government is serious on promoting the mining sector,” she said.

    She said that for Nigeria to diversify its economy, it must take advantage of the abundant solid mineral resources it possessed in commercial quantities across its states, to develop its local economy.

    She, however, said that even though Nigeria possessed the critical minerals needed for the global energy transition, it must have a record of proven reserves certified by a competent person or company,

    She said that the move would help Nigeria access funds for its development and also attract big players to invest in the sector, boosting the country`s Gross Domestic Product.

    “We keep on talking that Nigeria has the largest deposit of Bitumen, Nigeria has so many diverse minerals, but there is something in mining, you must have a proven reserve by a competent person,” she said.

    According to the president, certified mining reports, in addition to attracting investors to the sector, will ensure Nigeria benefits from such partnerships, especially through value addition to its minerals.

    She said that for Nigeria to reap from the solid minerals sector, it must enrich its sustainable development policies with community engagement tools, such as stakeholder mapping, social impact assessment, and community development programmes.

    She added that with policies on benefit-sharing mechanisms, capacity building, partnerships with NGOs and traditional institutions, as well as collaboration between government and mining companies, Nigeria would be able to accomplish a great deal.

    She lauded the efforts of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake; in ensuring the sector was gender friendly.

    She acknowledged his recent support in the inauguration of the Genders Strategy for mining and steel sectors, which was a demonstration of his resolve to implement an inclusive approach for ensuring sustainable development in the sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MAA/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • NAF airstrikes destroy several top terrorist leaders’ camps in N/W

    NAF airstrikes destroy several top terrorist leaders’ camps in N/W

    Airstrikes
    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Defence Headquarters says the Air Components of the crisis operations have in the last one week, destroyed several terrorist camps operated by notorious terrorist commanders, Bello Turji’s and Halilu in Zamfara and Katsina State.

    The Directorof  Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

    Buba said the camps, which were newly discovered were acquired through Intelligence Surveillance and Recognisance (ISR), adding that they were targeted and engaged with rockets and cannons.

    He said the feedback had revealed that several of the terrorists, including some of the commanders were indeed neutralised as a result of the air strikes.

    “But at this time we do not have report of the death of Bello Turji and Halilu,” he said.

    Buba said that similar air interdiction was conducted June 8, overhead a terrorists’ enclaves in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State following confirmatory ISR.

    According to him, Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures destroyed.

    He added that on June 6, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted air interdiction on a senior terrorist commander enclave at Tsaunin Doka in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    According to him, battle damage assessment and feedback from locals revealed that several terrorists with high profile commanders were eliminated and their logistics destroyed.

    “Similarly, on the same day, confirmatory ISR indicated terrorist activities in a terrorists’ camp within Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger killing several terrorists,” he added.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    OYS/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Erisco controversy: Trial of food reviewer stalled

    Erisco controversy: Trial of food reviewer stalled

    Trial
    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The trial of Mrs Chioma Okoli, charged with allegations bordering on her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste, was, on Thursday, stalled at a Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The matter, fixed for trial, could not proceed because the trial judge, Justice Peter Lifu, went on an official assignment.

    Although Justice Lifu sat today, he however rose after taken some cases to attend a conference.

    The trial was subsequently fixed for June 19 on counsel agreement

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okoli was, on May 31, admitted to N5 million bail with two sureties after spending few days in a correctional centre following her arraignment on two counts on May 28.

    NAN reports that Mrs Okoli is being charged over her online commentary on Erisco Foods Limited’s tomato paste which the police alleged violated the Cybercrime Act, 2015.

    She pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

    The police had alleged that initial investigations revealed significant evidence suggesting Okoli’s involvement in breaking existing laws, especially concerning the appropriate use of cyberspace.

    On Sept. 17, 2023, Okoli shared a Facebook post stating that she purchased Nagiko Tomato Mix from Erisco Foods, the day before and found it utterly sugary.

    She mentioned that she normally buys Gino or Sonia brands, but they were out of stock.

    Her post generated reactions and forced the management of the company to involve the police through a petition to the I-G.

    The controversy also prompted scrutiny of the product’s registration, prompting the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to carry out an inspection on the Erisco Foods’ Nagiko Tomato Mix’s registration in 2021.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • FG donates 1,005 metric tons of grains to Benue

    Donation
    By Emmanuel Antswen
    Makurdi, June 13, 2024(NAN) The Federal Government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has donated 1,005 metric tons of grains to Benue State.
    Performing the ceremony on Thursday in Makurdi, the Director General (DG), NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar said the grains were part of the 42,000 metric tons of assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve released by President Bola Tinubu.
     Umar said the assorted food commodities released included maize, millet, sorghum, and garri.
    Represented by North Central Director, Mr Bashir Garaga, the DG said after sharing the commodities Benue got  897MT of maize (17,940 bags of 50kg) and 108 MT of garri (4,324 bags of 25kg).
    She said the federal government had a sharing template that must be followed adding that all the Local Government Areas must receive equal share of the grains.
    “Please note that membership of the Committee in each LGA is made up of the Chairman of the LGA, State Emergency Management Agency, a Traditional Ruler, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.
    “ Others are the Faith-Based Organizations (JNI & CAN), Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Women Associations, Persons With Disability Groups, Youth Associations, Principals of Boarding Schools, Civil Society Organizations and the Media.
    “It is worthy of note that based on the allocation table, Benue State has been allocated: 897MT of maize (17,940 bags of 50kg) and 1O8MT of garri (4,324 bags of 25kg)
    “Also, based on the directives of Mr President, 20 per cent of the food items due for each LGA should be given to religious organizations (JNI & CAN) and 3 per cent to be given to boarding schools in the LGAs.” she said.
    Receiving the grains, Gov Hyacinth Alia commended President Tinubu for his continuous support for the needy in the country.
    Represented by his Principal Private Secretary (PPS), Dr Emmanuel Chenge, the governor said that the state government was working assiduously to ensure that in no distant time, Benue would feed not only her citizens but the world.
    Alia said his administration was working tirelessly to encourage all Benue people to go back to their famers for improved agricultural produce by supporting them with improved seedlings and farm inputs.
    Earlier, the Acting Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr James Iorpuu, said the event was the official handover of Federal Government grains through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to the state.
    Iorpuu said the event was a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to supporting and uplifting Nigeria citizens in times of need.
    He said NEMA’s dedication and proactive measures were vital to the well-being and resilience of Benue communities.
    “Benue State, known for its rich agricultural heritage, has faced significant challenges in recent years, including herder’s farmer’s crisis and devastating floods that have disrupted lives, displaced families, and severely impacted our agricultural sector.
    “Despite these challenges, the resilience and strength of the people of Benue have shone through.
    “Today’s presentation of grains is more than just an act of giving; it is a beacon of hope and a step towards recovery and rebuilding.
    “The grains we receive today will provide essential sustenance to thousands of families, alleviating hunger and offering relief to those most affected by recent adversities.
    “This generous support will help stabilize our communities and provide a foundation upon which we can rebuild our lives and livelihoods.”he said
    He said SEMA would ensure fair and efficient distribution of the grains to the most vulnerable members of the communities and urged the people to remain hopeful and united for better days were ahead.
    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Tersoo Ahule, commended President Tinubu and Gov Alia for remembering them at their times of need. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    AEB/MNA
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu
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  • Eid-El-Kabir: NSCDC deploys 5,112 personnel in FCT

    Personnel

    By Kelechi Ogunleye

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 5,112 personnel to beef up security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) toward Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer in FCT, Mr Babawale Afolabi, on Thursday in Abuja.

    According to the Afolabi, the NSCDC Commandant in FCT, Dr Olusola Odumosu, has directed officers and men of the corps to ensure the six area councils in the territory are adequately protected.

    He said that, to ensure a hitch-free celebration, emphasis was placed on protection of sensitive locations, soft targets, black spots and flash points  prone to criminal activities.

    “ We have deployed all our special forces such as the Armed Squad, Intelligence and Under Cover Officers, Counter Terrorism Unit, Female Strike Force, Special Crack Squad (operation Adaka-su), and Agro Rangers to ensure  maintenance of law and order,” the official said. 

    Afolabi warned miscreants, vandals and other mischief makers to steer clear of critical national assets and infrastructure.

    He said that the corps would not hesitate to bring the full wrath of the law on anyone caught or found culpable.

    He cautioned against burning of tyres on roads, saying that it affected the integrity of roads and, therefore,  constituted an act of vandalism.

    He urged the personnel to be committed, vigilant, responsive and resolute in  ensuring a territory devoid of security breaches or threats.

    “There is no room for carelessness or over zealousness while carrying out your duties.

    “Operational order must be followed to ensure professionalism on your part,” he said.

    He assured the residents of continuous synergy with sister agencies to provide adequate security.

    The commandant felicitated Muslim faithful in FCT as they would celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, and prayed  that the Almighty would accept their sacrifices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    KAYC/CHOM/IGO 

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Pro-Democracy Groups laud Abbas leadership stride

    Pro-Democracy Groups laud Abbas leadership stride

    Leadership

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Coalition of Pro-Democracy Organisations  have commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas leadership stride in one year in office.

    Mr Okwa Dan who spoke on behalf of the coalition at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, hailed Abbas for the passage of key bills.

    He commended the speaker for successful oversight of  the executive agencies, and effective representation of constituents’ interests among other notable achievements.

    Dan said Abbas made significant strides in legislation, oversight, and representation, aligning with the principles of democracy and the welfare of Nigerians.

    He also commended Kabiru Bichi, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation for his committee`s outstanding performance.

    Dan said this  had reshaped public engagement by emphasising the inclusive nature of the legislative process.

    He said that the speaker had precipitated a paradigm shift in the legislative agenda of the parliament, reinvigorating its purpose and direction.

    According to him, his resolute commitment to addressing the most pressing and pervasive societal issues, have shaped a legislative agenda responsive to the needs of the citizenry.

    He said Abbas had demonstrated unwavering dedication to the principles of accountability and responsibility in oversight function.

    He added that he had steadfastly championed the cause of transparency and efficiency in government operations.

    “He has ensured that public agencies operate with the highest level of transparency, accountability, and prudence in the utilisation of public resources,“he said.

    Dan said this had helped boost public trust in the government and reinforcing the sacred principles of good governance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/GOM/JPE

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    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Joseph Edeh

  • Imo Assembly seeks urgent rehabilitation of Emekuku/Emii/Ulakwo road

    (more…)