WordPress

Blog

  • CITAN President, others proffer ways to check inflation rate

     

    Inflation
    By Simon Akoje

    Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Some experts have urged the Federal Government to support the establishment of more refined petroleum plants and agricultural intervention schemes in the country.

     

    According to them, this will help check the rising inflation rate and ameliorate the current economic hardship.

     

    They expressed their views in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday.

     

    Mr Samuel Agbelaye, President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), emphasised the importance of having more refined petroleum plants locally to control inflation.

     

    “The establishment of the Dangote refinery and other privately-owned petroleum plants will enable the country to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce the volume of foreign exchange expended on imports.

     

    “Consequently, Nigeria could become a net exporter of refined petroleum products, earning more foreign exchange in the process,” Agbelaye said.

     

    He noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cannot continue to raise interest rates in an attempt to curb inflation due to the country’s unique economic circumstances.

     

    He added that the federal government should prioritise budget allocations to avoid excessive spending on recurrent expenditures while neglecting capital investments.

     

    “This often exacerbates the current inflation rate because the bulk of disbursements usually do not reach the productive sectors,” Agbelaye explained.

     

    Mr Nnamdi Ifenkwe, Project Coordinator, NISI Agro Allied Services, called for more intervention schemes for farmers.

     

    This is where farmers will be issued soft loans to purchase improved seedlings and receive technical support from agricultural non-governmental organisations.

     

    “This will ensure that the country achieves self-sufficiency in food production and addresses the exorbitant costs,” Ifenkwe said.

     

    He noted that all levels of government should invest more in modern storage facilities to curb post-harvest losses in rural areas.

     

    He added that the federal government should continue to address the insecurity hindering farming in many agrarian states.

     

    “This will enable more youths to engage in mechanised agriculture to earn a living, especially now that there are more innovative ways to enhance agriculture and its entire value chain,” Ifenkwe said.

     

    Dr Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), said that government should entrench fiscal discipline to curb the nation’s rising inflation rate.

     

    “This, particularly, at the sub-national levels of government, where public funds are often not judiciously used, this exacerbates the rising inflation rate because funds are not injected into key sectors of the general economy,” Yusuf said.

     

    NAN reports that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose by 0.26 percentage points to 33.95 per cent in May from 33.69 per cent in April.

     

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) disclosed this in its Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for May 2024.

     

    NBS also reported that food inflation increased to 40.66 per cent in May from 40.53 per cent in April.

     

    On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 11.54 percentage points higher compared to the rate recorded in May 2023, which was 22.41 per cent. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    STA/AWA
    =========

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Man, 46, docked over alleged N3.2m fraud in Ibadan 

    Fraud

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

    Ibadan, June 24, 2024 (NAN) A 46-year old man, Saheed Adebayo, was on Monday docked before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan over an alleged N3.2 million fraud.

    Adebayo, with no fixed address, is being charge with stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty.

    The Police Prosecutor, Insp Femi Oluwadare, told the court that the defendant committed the offence between June 30 and Dec. 2022, at Kuola, Ibadan.

    He said that Adebayo was engaged to supervise six commercial motorcycles belonging to the complainant, Ayomikun David.

    Oluwadare further said that the six motorcycles valued N3.2 million, were given to motorcyclists with an agreement to make daily returns to the complainant through Adebayo.

    The prosecutor said that the defendant refused to give the returns to the complainant and owner of the business, but converted the money for his personal use.

    He said that the offence contravened Section 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

    The Magistrate, Mr Maruff Mudashiru, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1 million with two reliable sureties in like sum.

    Mudashiru adjourned the case until Aug. 12, for hearing. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CC/FEO/AZU

    ==========

    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu and Azubuike Okeh

     

  • Georgia putting EU path at risk, bloc’s top diplomat says

    Georgia putting EU path at risk, bloc’s top diplomat says

    Diplomat

    Luxembourg, June 24, 2024 (dpa/NAN) EU foreign ministers are considering a response to Georgia’s recently passed law that tightens rules for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in receipt of foreign funding, top EU diplomat Josep Borrell.

    Borrell on Monday said, if further measures of the same kind were taken, then “the door to the European Union would not be open.’’

    The legislation requires independent media and other civil society organisations to register as “foreign agents’’ and submit information to the state if they receive more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad.

    The ruling Georgian Dream party justified the law as being in service of greater transparency and boosting Georgian sovereignty.

    Mass protests and the intervention of the EU and the United States, which both oppose the law, failed to move the government.

    Opponents believe the law will serve to silence organisations critical of the government in a way similar to what has happened in Russia.

    EU foreign ministers are debating a range of responses, including a freeze on high-level meetings and channeling EU funding directly to NGOs in the country.

    But there are also concerns about provoking the Georgian public, which remains solidly pro-EU.

    “It is really important to keep them engaged towards the EU,’’ Romanian Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu said.

    Speaking at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis however said the options currently under consideration do not go far enough.

    He also said that halting Georgia’s progress towards the EU needs to be considered. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    UMD/HS

    ==

    Edited by Ummul Idris/Halima Sheji

     

     

     

  • 3 Division inter-brigade competition begins in Bauchi 

    3 Division inter-brigade competition begins in Bauchi 

    Competition

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The 3 Division Nigerian Army on Monday commenced the 2024 Inter-Brigade competition for Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) in Bauchi.

    Brig.-Gen. Emmanuel Egbe, Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, declaring the competition opened, said it aimed to enhance physical fitness, firing skills, encourage esprit-de-corps among the troops and improve the standard of battle readiness.

    Egbe said that the competition was between the 6 formations in the division, which included 6 brigade Taraba, 23 brigade, Yola, 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, 43 Division Engineers, Jos, 53 Signals brigade, Jos and 3 Division Garrison, Jos.

    According to him, the competition will feature drill combat swimming, map reading and navigation, shooting competition as well as combat run and obstacle crossing.

    He said that the competition, which was being organised under the guidance and direction of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar was in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    ”This Philosophy is to Transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment.

    ”I have made all necessary arrangements to provide participants with the needed environment to make them comfortable to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship in 33 Artillery Brigade,’’he said.

    Egbe urged the umpire of the competition to be fair to all participants, so that at the end, the best would emerge.

    He appreciated the GOC, and the Commander Operation Safe Haven for choosing the Brigade to host the competition.

    He also appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for his support, interest and commitment to ensure officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army train in a competitive manner.

    In a remark, Alhaji Abdulhamid Bununu, Bauchi State Commissioner for Internal security appreciated the Nigeria Military for securing the nation.

    He assured them that the administration of Gov. Bala Mohammed would continue to support security agencies for their doggedness in keeping the country safe. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/DCO/AMM

    ============

    Edited by Deborah Coker and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • Expert advocates agricultural innovation, technology to drive productivity

    Prof Olalekan Akinbo

     

    Expert advocates agricultural innovation, technology to drive productivity

    Technology

    By Sylvester Thompson

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Prof.  Olalekan Akinbo, expert at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), has called for adoption of agricultural innovation and technology to increase agricultural productivity, sustainability and growth in the agricultural sector in Nigeria.

    Akinbo, Technical Lead, Genome Editing Programme of AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

    The expert said agricultural innovation and technology adoption play a crucial role in transforming the agricultural sector.

    He said farmers can increase their productivity, enhance food security, and contribute to rural development by embracing innovative technologies

    “Nigeria, blessed with a large agricultural base, promoting innovation and technology adoption, is key to addressing challenges, such as low productivity, post-harvest losses and limited access to markets.

    ” Agricultural innovation and technology adoption can significantly increase productivity by improving farming practices, enhancing crop yield and optimising resource utilisation ,” Akinbo said.

    According to him, genome editing is an example of innovative technology that can boost productivity and efficiency in Nigerian agriculture.

    The expert said that with a growing population and increasing food demand, ensuring food security was a critical challenge for Nigeria.

    Akinbo said that sustainable agricultural practices were essential for preserving the environment, conserving natural resources and mitigating climate change. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SET/NNO/JPE

    ===========

    Edited by Nick Nicholas/ Joseph Edeh

     

     

  • Court remands 3 over alleged armed robbery, murder

    Murder
    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
    Ibadan, June 24, 2024 (NAN) An Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on Monday remanded three men: Kehinde Olagbemiro 55, Kunle Oguntoye, 45 and Morakinyo Mukaila, 57, in a correctional facility in Ibadan over alleged armed robbery and murder.
    The deendants, whose addresses were not provided, were charged with conspiracy, armed robbery and murder.
    The Magistrate, Mr Maruff Mudashiru, did not take the plea of the defendant for want of jurisdiction.
    He directed the police to return the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), pending legal advice.
    He, thereafter, adjourned the case till Sept. 2 for mention.
    The Prosecutor, Insp Femi Oluwadare, told the court that the defendants committed the offences between March 25 and June 3 at about 2.00 a.m. at Rhuoga Energy Ltd., Igboora, Oyo State.
    Oluwadare said that the defendants and others at large robbed the aforementioned company of its earthen and terminating wires worth N15 million, while armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.
    He said that the defendants also unlawfully caused the death of one 56-year-old Lukman Adejumo and Fatai Jimoh, both security guards with the company, by tying them with rope on their hands, legs and neck.
    According to him, the offences contravene Sections 516 and 319 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CC/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Low rainfall compels Gombe farmers to relocate to Taraba

    Rainfall

    By Hajara Leman

    Gombe, June 24, 2024 (NAN)Some farmers in Gombe State have started moving to Taraba for cultivation of crops while others are seeking for divine intervention as the state records historic low level of rainfall.

    Investigation carried out by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the state on Monday reveals that some farmers embarked on early planting despite warnings from meteorologists against such decisions.

    NAN reports that farmers from Billiri, Kaltungo, Shongom, Balanga and some parts of Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Areas of the state were among those insisting in early planting.

    NAN further learnt that some farmers from Gombe, Dukku and Akko council areas had yet to embark on planting.

    Mr Banyula Hala, the Chairman All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Gombe State, said the low rainfall due to effect of climate change had become a cause for serious concern.

    Hala said the situation might impact negatively on productivity in this year’s wet cropping season.

    “The low rainfall will affect wet farming this year but since rains are from God; farmers should turn to God and be optimistic that in a week time or thereabouts, there will be more rainfall.

    “Some farmers have planted while some are yet to plant; those who planted, could not get enough rainfall; so, the seed didn’t germinate as expected, and they would have to replant,” he said.

    The AFAN chairman said that some of the farmers comprising Christian and Muslim faithful from the state had started organising special prayer sessions for improved rainfall.

    Hala said many farmers had migrated to Taraba State because the weather was better than that of Gombe.

    The AFAN chairman, therefore, advised farmers in the state to remain calm.

    “As long as we are praying for rain let us be patient and see what God will do for us,” he said.

    Mr Usman Adamu, the Secretary of Soyabeans Farmers and Marketers Association, Gombe State Chapter, said his members had planted their crops in Billiri, Balanga, Akko, and Kwami council areas despite the low rainfall recorded in the state.

    “Since rainfall is something that is beyond the government, we must pray for rainfall, and that is what we are doing now,” he said.

    Mr Ibrahim Abubakar, an extension worker with Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN) Special Project in Gombe State, said most farmers were not ready to plant because of the low rainfall.

    Abubakar said most farmers in Akko LGAs had complained that rainfall had only been witnessed once in the last one week.

    “My concern is that it will affect productivity this year because farmers do not have enough water to plant as well as to apply fertilisers,” he said.

    For Alhaji Usman Kabiru, a retiree who embraced farming business in Gombe, said he had migrated to Taraba State (Southern part of the state) to embark on his farming activities because of the poor rainfall in Gombe.

    Kabiru said many farmers from the state had relocated to Taraba to rent farmlands and cultivate them for better yields.

    He lamented the impact of climate change which he said was responsible for the rainfall pattern being witnessed in the state.

    Kabiru said that the dry spell that happened last cropping season in Gombe State made most farmers to incur huge losses and were unable to get back their investments which further pushed so many farmers to Taraba in order to avoid unnecessary losses.

    “With the rainfall uncertainties in Gombe, many farmers relocated to Taraba because inputs are expensive so no one wants to take the risk associated with low rainfall.

    “As it is now, many farmers in Taraba south are almost ready to harvest their crops while some of their counterparts in Gombe State have yet to plant,” he said.

    NAN recalls that during the inauguration of fertiliser distribution and sales for 2024 wet season on June 20, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State urged farmers and all stakeholders to pray more for God’s intervention for more rainfall in the state.(NAN)

     

    HUL/AOM/CJ/

    =========

    Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed and Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

  • FG advocates diaspora engagement in health sector

    FG advocates diaspora engagement in health sector

    Health
    By Abujah Racheal
    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Federal Government has urged Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) to prioritise the dual responsibilities doctors bear in serving their host countries and contributing to the transformation of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

    The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, made the call at a recent gathering to showcase the unity and dedication of Nigerian medical professionals residing abroad.

    The information is in a statement signed by the minister, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

    Alausa listed challenges faced by Nigeria’s health sector to include inadequate funding, brain drain and insufficient health insurance coverage, and detailed a strategic 4-point agenda aimed at addressing the issues.

    He stated that “this agenda focuses on improving governance structures, health outcomes, unlocking healthcare value and ensuring health security for all Nigerians.

    “Significant progress has been made under this agenda within the past year, including doubling enrollment in medical fields, increasing nursing school enrollment and streamlining clinical trial approvals.

    “The establishment of University of Allied Health Sciences in Enugu and efforts to strengthen regulatory agencies underscores the commitment to building a robust healthcare system.”

    He emphasised the role of Nigerian physicians in the diaspora and urged them to leverage on their expertise in advanced medical technology, research and patient care to support healthcare improvements in Nigeria.

    He added that “collaborative initiatives such as medical education partnerships, manpower synergy with tertiary hospitals and the adoption of primary healthcare centres are key areas of potential cooperation.”

    He urged the ANPA members to participate in the Healthcare Professionals in the Diaspora (HPD) Engagement Programme, aimed at fostering sustainable contributions to Nigeria’s health sector.

    He expressed confidence in the support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in prioritising healthcare and involving Nigerian health professionals globally.

    The minister also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ANPA and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in the pursuit of accreditation of Nigeria’s undergraduate medical education by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).

    He said that “with the MoU, the country is closer to stabilising and improving the skill set and capacity of the healthcare workforce.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AIR/HA
    =======
    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • My St. Petersburg Forum participation will benefit youths—Okafor

    My St. Petersburg Forum participation will benefit youths—Okafor

     

    Mr Val Okafor, a youth development personality

     

    Impact

    By Aderogba George

    Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) A youth development professional, Mr Val Okafor, says his participation at the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Russia will impact positively on the country’s young population.

    Okafor, the Nigeria’s representative at the economic forum, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

    NAN reports that over the past 26 years the Forum has cemented its status as a leading international event focusing on key issues on the global economic agenda.

    “It provides a platform for participants to exchange best practices and expertise in the interests of sustainable development.

    “I was a delegate from Nigeria, selected by Friends for Leadership (FFL), an international network of the next generation leaders and entrepreneurs.

    “This network share the best Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) practices and working solutions to bring them into effect to local communities globally.

    “By bringing the SDGs best practices to Nigeria, which I will soon expand will positively impact on the young population of Nigeria,” Okafor said.

    At the Forum, Okafor joined global leaders and experts to discuss and address pressing economic challenges.

    “My representation of Nigeria at the Forum marks a significant step in promoting youth development on a global stage.

    “By participating in this prestigious event, I have gained valuable insights and connections that will further enhance my impactful initiatives.

    “It will further strengthen my role as a Programme Officer at Guardians of the Nation International (GOTNI), a leading youth leadership development organisation in Africa.

    “My involvement promises to bring back innovative strategies and partnerships’’, he said.

    According to him those partnerships will contribute to Nigeria’s economic resilience and the flourishing of its youth, paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AG/CMY/KUA

    ===========

    Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Uche Anunne

  • Vatican names Prelate Georg Gänswein as ambassador to Baltic States

    Vatican names Prelate Georg Gänswein as ambassador to Baltic States

    Ambassador

    Rome, June 24, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The German Catholic Prelate Georg Gänswein, the former long-time personal secretary to the late Pope Benedict XVI, has been assigned to serve as the Vatican’s ambassador to the Baltic states of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.

    Gänswein, 67, has a strained relationship with Benedict’s successor and the current pontiff, Pope Francis.

    Last June, Pope Francis transferred Gänswein away from Rome and back to his German home town of Freiburg, but did not assign him any new duties or an official office.

    The Vatican announced Gänswein’s new assignment as Apostolic Nuncio in Vilnius on Monday.

    Tensions between Gänswein and Pope Francis broke into public view after Gänswein published a book, “nothing but the Truth: My Life Beside Benedict XVI, immediately after the former pope’s death in December 2022’’.

    In the book, Gänswein expressed his disappointment with Francis and published some private letters.

    The current pope reacted by accusing Gänswein of spreading untruths and showing a “lack of humanity.’’

    Pope Francis also accused Gänswein of having used Benedict XVI, who was born in Germany as Josef Ratzinger and resigned as leader of the Catholic Church in 2013.

    Following his resignation, he held the title of “pope emeritus’’ until his death. (dpa/NAN)  (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/AMM
    ========

    Edited by Cecilia Odey and Abiemwense Moru