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UN: Major reform in agriculture needs to meet climate targets

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Climate
Rome, Oct. 17, 2016 (dpa/NAN) A major shift in global farming practices, including greater efforts against deforestation and subsidies reform, is needed to meet climate change reduction targets, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warned on Monday.

Agriculture accounts for at least one-fifth of greenhouse emissions, FAO noted in its State of Food and Agriculture 2016 report.

FAO issued the report before the Paris Climate Agreement will be due to come into force.

It said that the Paris target of curbing the temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

“The challenge is to reduce those agriculture emissions while meeting unprecedented demand for food.

This could be achieved by “putting a halt to deforestation and forest degradation.

“Governments has decided to shift existing subsidies worth 560 billion dollars in 2015 to developed and major developing countries towards more sustainable farming, “FAO director Jose Graziano Da-Silva said.

The report said that status quo on subsidies can “perpetuate unsustainable production practices rather than those that promote resource-use efficiency, soil conservation and the reduction in the intensity of agriculture’s own greenhouse gas emissions.

More modern farming methods, supported by targeted aid to farmers in the developing world include the use of nitrogen-efficient crops.

Others are water-conserving alternatives to flooding of rice paddies and better feeding of livestock – could also help, the Rome-based agency said.

FAO warned that “there was no simple” technological fix.

It called for a general “reorientation of agricultural and rural development policies,” also advising a shift in diets away from carbon intensive foods such as meat.

According to FAO, global food demand is set to rise by at least 60 per cent from 2006 levels, while climate change may result in 35 million-122 million more people going hungry.

It said this mainly will be due to weather-related damage to farming incomes. (dpa/NAN)
OYE/AFA
Edited Damilola Oyewole/Felix Ajide
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Impact
Lagos, Oct. 17, 2016 (NAN) Veteran Musician, “Daddy Fresh’’ born Innocent Onyemuwa, on Monday urged upcoming musicians to focus more on creating songs that would make meaningful impact in the nation.

Daddy Fresh, who pioneered Reggae music in Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos, alongside “Daddy Showkey’’and “Baba Fryo’’, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the music industry was still evolving.

“Thank God for the current rave of music in Nigeria today, it shows that we’ve got what it is to compete with the western world and thank God our boys are actually killing it, our ladies are killing it also.

“It gives me hope that our future, that tomorrow Nigeria will be at the top because we’ve got all it takes, good rappers, good singers, we’ve got our representatives.

“The artistes, they are trying though, but I have this little problem with their stereotype kind of lyrics, their content, but whichever way they are rapping real good, and I thank God it’s moving really fast.

“I’m not really down with their monotonous kind of lyrics, everybody talking about one thing, `wind your waist`, the x-rated words and sometimes there’s too much repetition and I’m not okay with that.

“I want us to be more creative, though I’m not saying they are not trying; creativity is going to give us what we are looking for to stand out internationally,’’ he said.

Daddy Fresh, who made his mark with his hit track “Eleru gbeeru e’’ in the mid-1990s, told NAN that he was back with a new single titled: “Winchiwinchi’’.

“Winchiwinchi’’, as a song, I’m actually talking to individuals too, because whoever it is that doesn’t want the progress of his brother -man or his sister is a “winch’’.

“You that seize the opportunity meant for your brother-man to get to that top and you decided to be a stumbling block, you’re a winch. `Winch` I call it in pidgin English, not witch.

“You as a government, you as a leader and you don’t want the upliftment of your citizens, you are a bigger winch.

“That is what the song is actually talking about here.’’ (NAN)
BAG/ERO/PDE
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(Editing by Emmanuel Okara/Peter Ejiofor)

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Irrigation
By Mohammed Mamman
Damaturu, Oct. 17, 2016 (NAN) The Yobe Government on Monday said that it had set aside 1,500 hectares of land in Nguru and Giedam for rice, wheat and vegetable cultivation, under the irrigation scheme.

Mr Mustapha Gajerima, the Commissioner for Agriculture, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu, as part of activities to commemorate the 2016 World Food Day.

“Over 4,000 youths will be engaged to cultivate rice, wheat and vegetables, to complement rain-fed agriculture, and guaranty food security in the state,” he said.

The commissioner cautioned farmers against hurriedly selling their newly-harvested produce.

“Farmers are advised against falling prey to cheap prices, from people buying the newly-harvested grains, to hoard and resell later at exorbitant rates.”

Gajerima said the government was working toward resuscitating the state’s grains reserve programme, by buying the excess commodities from farmers, and to sell to the public at subsidised rates at times of need.

He said that such arrangement would help in stabilizing the price of foodstuffs in the state.

In a related development, some Damaturu residents have urged the Federal and Yobe Governments to resuscitate the Strategic Grains Reserve Programme, to promote food security in the country.

Malam Aisami Bukar, a civil servant, said that government at all levels should revive the grains reserve programme, to save food for the rainy days.

Also, Halima Alkali, a housewife, urged government to introduce policies and programmes that would fill the gap created by the ban on importation of rice into Nigeria.

“Government should support farmers to engage in irrigation farming, buy the excess grains for storage in the reserve, to secure the food needs of the country.
“The excess commodity should be exported to generate revenue,’’ Alkali said.

Meanwhile, Malam Usman Mustapha, an irrigation farmer on the Nguru wetlands, said the area had abundant agricultural potentialities that could feed the North-East sub-region. (NAN)

MM/FLP/BOS
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Edited by Folorunso Poroye/dele bodunde

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Rangers
By Emmanuel Acha
Enugu, Oct. 17, 2016 (NAN) Enugu State Government will host Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers International FC of Enugu on Tuesday, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Godwin Udeuhele, has said.

The Flying Antelopes defeated El-kanemi Warriors 4-0 on Oct. 2, to win the 2015/2016 NPFL and end their 32-year wait for silverware.

The victory also means that Rangers have now won the league title seven times, equalling a record set by former champions, Enyimba.

Rangers have won the cup in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1984 and 2016.

Udeuhele, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Enugu, said the move was to appreciate the resilience of the club in breaking a 32-year jinx.

He said the ceremony would hold at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, where the club’s injured player, Ifeanyi Egwin, was recuperating from the bone fracture he sustained on the final match day.

“The Enugu State Government will be at the orthopaedic hospital host International Rangers FC. The venue was chosen because we cannot bring them to the Government House with Egwin still lying in the hospital.

“The governor, out of his kind heart, directed that the celebration be moved to the hospital for Egwin to know that we are willing to show him solidarity.

“We cannot abandon him. This is in addition to other things that the governor has done for him,’’ Udeuhele said.

NAN reports that Egwin had a successful surgery at the hospital, following a double leg fracture he sustained during the 2015/2016 NPFL final fixtures at the Nanamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

The player has had two surgeries on the affected leg and is expected to stay on the sidelines for four months according to medical reports. (NAN)
EOA/ENN/PDE
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(Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Ejiofor)

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ICRC
By Isaac Aregbesola
Abuja, Oct. 17, 2016 (NAN) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has budgeted 136 million Swiss francs (about 138 million dollars) for humanitarian services in the Lake Chad Region in 2016.

ICRC President, Mr Peter Maurer, made disclosure in a statement issued by ICRC Media Unit, Abuja Office made available to newsmen on Monday.

He said that the organisation conducted `substantial humanitarian activities’ throughout the region in the year.

He added that the organisation had delivered food to hundreds of thousands of displaced people around the region.

“Over the first half of this year, the organisation delivered food to over 500,000 displaced people.

“Its overall budget allocated to the region in 2016 amounts to 136 million Swiss francs,” he said.

The president called on the international community to urgently address “the vast human tragedy” around the world, especially in the region.

He called for more sustained and long-term international efforts to address the massive needs in the four countries affected by violence in the Lake Chad area.

Maurer expressed concern at the deplorable condition of no fewer than 30,000 displaced people in Garin Wanzam village in Diffa Region in Niger, which he visited recently.

He said that the displaced persons, who were dependent on humanitarian aids, were still fearful of returning home.

“The village of Garin Wanzam is just one example of the vast human tragedy playing out across the entire Lake Chad region, where some 2.6 million people have been driven from their homes.

“Over six million people are caught up in a daily struggle to put food on the table,” Maurer said.

He called on all parties involved in the regional conflict to protect and respect civilians, detainees and the wounded, based on their obligations under International Humanitarian Law. (NAN)
IAA/COF/AEA
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(Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Archibong Asuquo)

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Kidnapping

By Lydia Ngwakwe

Lagos, Oct. 17, 2016 (NAN) The flag bearer of the National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 presidential election, Mr Martin Onovo, has told the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the increasing spate of abductions in the country.

Onovo, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday, said that showing more commitment was crucial to ending the menace of kidnapping nationwide.

He was speaking against the backdrop of increasing cases of abductions of people, including school children in parts of the country.

“We need to improve the security architecture and that cannot be done without a clear direction and commitment of the political leadership.

“You must get the best people into critical positions so that you get excellent results.

“The first step to an excellent system is to put your best hands in those critical positions to deliver the excellent result you want– it is about people and processes.’’

According to him, leadership is what puts crime in its place.

He said that Anambra had practically tackled and brought kidnapping to an end, advising President Muhammadu government to use the Anambra method to solve the problem.

The former presidential hopeful argued that increase in crime did not just come from weakness in security architecture, advising that preventive measures should also be embraced.

He noted that in any country where unemployment was on the increase, crime would also be on the rise.

The politician said it was important to have a leadership that was morally and mentally competent to tackle serious crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery.

He suggested that people indulging in kidnapping should be imprisoned for life when caught. (NAN)
LED/COO/SN
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Edited by Cecelia Odey/Silas Nwoha

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Rape
By Teniola Ibitola
Lagos, Oct. 17, 2016(NAN) Two men who allegedly had unlawful sexual intercourse with a 19-year-old girl were on Monday brought before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The accused-Adekunle Adesanya, 27, and Tolomo Utele, 36, are being tried on a two-count charge of conspiracy and rape.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Standing in for the prosecution, Sgt. Helen Obas, said the offences were committed on Aug. 8 at about 9.00 p.m. at Arobadade St., Bariga, Lagos.
Obas alleged that the duo way laid the accused and raped her despite her pleas.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 258 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 258 prescribes life imprisonment for rape.
The Magistrate, Mrs Bola Folarin-Williams, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two responsible sureties in like sum one of whom must be a blood relation.
She adjourned the case till Nov. 10 for mention. (NAN)
OAT/YMU/TA
Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi

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Containers
By Uche. Eletuo
Lagos, Oct. 17 2016 (NAN) The Executive Director, Eko Support Services Ltd. Mr Sani Edu, on Monday decried the economic disadvantages of returning containers in empty form to countries of origin.

Edu made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said that the trend, common in Nigerian ports, should be reversed to revamp the nation’s fortunes.

According to him, Nigeria is losing a lot by returning containers empty to countries of origin.

“We are not meeting the international maritime transport stipulation as regards return of containers.

“Nigeria is lagging behind in the 40-40-20 per cent arrangement of container transport,’’ Edu said.

According to him, at least 40 per cent of containers which enter the country ought to go back with goods from Nigeria but that is not the case as 80 per cent of containers are returned empty.

He said that this is“ without recourse to exportation of Nigeria’s abundant commodities that are in high demand overseas.’’

“Domestic barriers that hinder exporters from making use of the empty containers should be dismantled,’’ Edu said.

He called on the Federal Government to reverse the ugly trend by entering into trade agreements with countries that could encourage Nigeria’s exports.

The maritime practitioner urged government to change the lop-sided transaction in order to advance the nation’s fortunes.

“With good political will, we can balance the trade pattern and create the much- needed job opportunities for youths,’’ Edu said. (NAN)
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(Edited by Adeleye Ajayi)

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Enterprises
By Ajibola Olaniyi
Osogbo, Oct. 17, 2016 (NAN) An economist and social critic, Dr Akin Babalola, on Monday said that developing small enterprises will reduce unemployment.

Babalola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo that the small scale enterprises sub-sector could employ a large amount of labour, if developed.

According to the economist, the basic strategy for economic growth and development in any developing country is small scale enterprises where individuals contribute according to their economic strength.

He noted that capitalism gave room for individual contributions to national economic growth.

“The capitalist system of government anywhere in the world promotes individualism.

“It tends to bring out creativity in every member of a political enclave with sizeable Gross Domestic Product (GDP),’’ he said.

Babalola added that capitalism curbed joblessness in no small way, as long as priority would be given to small businesses which served as the bedrock of the macro-economy in developing nations.

“This has made scholars in different parts of the world to canvass for development of small scale enterprises in emerging economies, especially third world countries where GDPs are not enviable,’’ he said.
Babalola said that development of small enterprises would boost national economy and contribute immensely to the development of the real sector.

He called on policy makers to formulate policies that would favour small enterprises and improve living standards of commoners.

He said that the economic conditions of individuals in a particular political environment would determine their consciousness.

Babalola added that individuals’ consciousness could be improved by developing the smallest economic units. (NAN)
DOO/COF/IGO
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Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Ijeoma Popoola

Niger Delta Youths laud President Buhari for restoring Nigeria’s lost image

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Rebuilding
By Lizzy Agbaji
Abuja, Oct. 17, 2016 (NAN) The Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM), Ondo State Chapter, on Monday commended President Muhammad Buhari for restoring Nigeria’s lost image through his fight against corruption.

The commendation is contained in a statement signed by Mr Agbejoye Adetoye, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

It said that Buhari’s administration had within one year, restored the image of the country, which was lost for decades in the eyes of the international community.

The group also appreciated the president for injecting integrity and discipline in the conduct of public affairs.

“The record our President has created in just one year of administration is clear. Every living Nigerian can testify that he is living up to his campaign promises.

“I can still remember one of his sayings, “If Nigeria refuse to kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.

“We want to urge Mr President to continue his good work and we would be solidly behind him,” it quoted Adetoye as saying.

It solicited the support of Nigerians in the current efforts to end insurgency and rescue all the abducted Chibok girls.

The group urged the president to nominate a youths from Ondo into the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission.(NAN)
LIZ/COO/MZA
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Controlled by Maharazu Ahmed