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The Federal Government has said food items to be imported into the country in the next 150 days will be subjected to recommended retail price to bring down the high cost of food in Nigeria.
This came on a day the lawmaker representing Borno South senatorial district, Senator Ali Ndume, alleged that the food crisis in the country was further worsened by the fact that President Bola Tinubu was not accessible to be advised by lawmakers and even cabinet ministers.
Recall that the government a few days ago, suspended import duties and taxes on food items, such as rice and wheat, among others.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who disclosed this on his X (formerly Twitter) handle yesterday, said having suspended duties and taxes on food items, the Federal Government will take a step further to subject items to be imported to what he described as the recommended retail price.
He also assured that the prices of food items in the country will crash in the next 180 days, and pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with the government.
The minister said: “Our administration has unveiled a series of strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting our nation. These measures will be implemented over the next 180 days, including 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities
“It also includes 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.
“Imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price, RRP. We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition.
‘’The government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption.
“The Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize. These semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.’’
The minister stated further: “There will also be engagement with relevant stakeholders to set a GMP and purchase surplus food commodities to re-stock the National Strategic Food Reserve; Ramp-up production for the 2024/2025 farming cycle
“Continued support to smallholder farmers during the ongoing wet season farming through existing government initiatives; strengthening and accelerating dry season farming nationwide.’’
The minister also explained that over the next 14 days, the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit, PFSCU, and the Economic Management Team, EMT, will, in collaboration, meet with respective agencies to finalize implementation frameworks for the new policy of making food cheaply available for Nigerians.
‘’We will ensure that information is publicly available to facilitate the participation of all relevant stakeholders across the country,’’ he added.
We can’t see President to advise him on food crisis —Ndume
Meanwhile, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno. South, yesterday on a BBC Hausa Service interview, said the biggest problem confronting members of the National Assembly is the alleged closed-door policy of the government, where even some members of Tinubu’s cabinet cannot see the President, let alone lawmakers who intend to see him and discuss issues pertaining to their constituencies, including the food crisis.
Senator Ndume also warned that unless steps are taken against widespread hunger in the country, malnutrition will affect many in Nigeria, stressing that it has already affected children in the North-West.
The lawmaker, who noted that a UN report had warned that 82 million Nigerians would find themselves hungry without food in the next five years, said: “We are afraid that one day, a person may go to the market with money and be confronted with a situation where there won’t be food to buy.
“If hunger persists, it’s the children that suffer most, the children lack food for healthy growth. This is a situation you find in places where there is war or famine.
“We’ve seen how it happened in Niger and South Sudan where children have died. Now the situation is rearing its ugly head in Nigeria.”
He expressed worry that the previous government had food banks for emergency needs but lamented that such food banks are no more.
“This is a matter of serious concern and something should be done quickly about it,’’ Senator Ndume said.
When asked why he couldn’t meet the President and talk to him over such matters privately instead of talking to the media, he alleged that it was extremely difficult now as “even some ministers cannot see the President.”
[Vanguard]
Olie Watkins came off the bench to score the winning goal to lead England to a 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the semi final of the 2024 European Championship on Wednesday night.
The Aston Villa forward replaced Harry Kane with ten minutes to go before scoring the winner in the 91st minute to lead England into the final of the competition against Spain on Sunday.
Xavi Simons gave Netherlands the lead in the seventh minute with a thunderous finish against the run of play.
Harry Kane restored parity for England from the spot eleven minutes later after he was fouled in the box.
Both sides continued to probe for the winner to no avail before Palmer and Watkins combined to find the winner.
Southgate took off Harry Kane and Phil Foden for Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins in the 81st minute in a bid to add fresh legs to the team.
Palmer found Watkins, who finished expertly with a turn of pace to beat Bart Verbruggen in goal, which sent the England players and supporters into wild jubilations.
It was a disappointing end for Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands, who thought the game was heading into extra time, but Watkins had other plans.
England will now take on Spain in the final on Sunday in Berlin.
Watkins was delighted to be the hero after waiting for the moment for weeks.
He said, “I’ve been waiting for that moment for weeks. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to where I am today. I’m delighted. I swear on my life that I said to Cole Palmer that he’s going to set me up today and I’m going to score. It’s the best feeling ever.
“There’s been a lot of criticism but we’re in the final and that’s all that matters. We’ve got that bounce back factor. Going behind seems to kick us into gear. We’ve won on penalties and come from behind.”
England have now qualified for a second consecutive European Championship final after losing in 2021 to Italy at Wembley.
Abel Damina, the esteemed Senior Pastor of Abel Damina Ministries International and a prominent YouTube cleric known for his profound and contentious perspectives, recently dished out profound explanation of why he adamantly argues that God cannot be boxed into Christianity.
In a recent fiery sermon on his YouTube channel, Pastor Abel Damina shook the foundations of conventional belief. He boldly challenged the notion that only Christians can make heaven, asserted with unwavering conviction that believers were granted entry into heaven long before the inception of Christianity itself.
Damina provocatively argued that the label “Christianity” was bestowed by non-believers and was not used by biblical figures like Jesus Christ, David, or Abraham. According to him, these revered figures were simply believers or disciples, not “Christians” as we understand today.
His audacious statements sparked a volcanic eruption of reactions among his fervent congregation and beyond.
The explosive excerpt from Pastor Abel Damina’s sermon, where he boldly asserted that God is not a Christian, set the internet on fire with outrage and astonishment.
Critics and believers alike hurled fiery criticisms at the charismatic preacher, accusing him of heresy and challenging the very foundations of orthodox Christian doctrine.
SEE REACTIONS BELOW
In a scintillating display of spiritual warfare broadcasted live on Facebook, Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry unleashed a blistering rebuttal against Pastor Abel Damina’s criticisms.
With unbridled passion and unwavering conviction, Prophet Jeremiah took aim at Damina’s outspoken objections, particularly targeting Damina’s disdain for his anointing soap—a product widely revered for its alleged capacity to confer divine favor.
SEE VIDEO BELOW
Media
Actress Toyin Abraham has denied she arrested a Twitter user’s mother.
The user had taken to the social media platform to claim the filmmaker arrested his mother illegally.
However, Abraham set the record straight, stating that she only made a report at the cybercrime unit due to threats to her life and family.
According to her, the user’s friend, Ayo was arrested for alleged bullying and defamation.
Abraham emphasised that she did not arrest the user’s mother, contrary to the claims made.
She also clarified that she deleted related tweets after the issue was resolved.
The Twitter user had claimed that his mother was picked up from her shop to Panti police station but Abraham maintained that she did not initiate any arrests.
This development comes amid growing concerns about online bullying and harassment.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the boundaries of free speech and the need for responsible social media usage.
An X user Danny wrote: “Hello @toyin_abraham1, you will have to send the police to pick all of us. You are very shameless”.
Replying to him, Toyin stated that he can abuse all and call her names, and it would be okay but where she draws the line is when people curse her kids and lie.
“You can abuse and call me names; it’s fine, and as I said, I will accept and take it cos I’m in the public eyes, but cursing kids and lying is what I won’t accept, and lastly, I never and will never arrest anyone’s mother. I made a report on cybercrime as a citizen. I made my report at cybercrime cos the threat to life and curse and threat on my family were beyond what I can take, as for me, abuse me, insult me please, say anything to me please,” she responded.
The X user, Jeffery further alleged the movie star picked up her mom from her shop.
“It’s one thing to make a tweet, and you arrest me. It’s another thing to arrest me for not even making a single comment, @toyin_abraham1. You picked my mom up from her shop to Panti police station for something I didn’t even do. God will judge you,” he tweeted.
Toyin replied, : “Lying on my head comfortably now, the world won’t see this if I react how, they will say something else. I never arrested your mum. Your friend Ayo was arrested for bullying and cursing and defaming my family, and mum went there saying she won’t leave without him”.
Another tweep, Uchenna, questioned why the movie star deleted some of her tweets to which she replied was no need to beat around the bush.
Mr Macaroni, the Nigerian skit maker, has advised fellow celebrities to seek justice in court whenever they are defamed.
In a post via X, the content creator said it is wrong for notable Nigerians to ask the police to arrest their social media critics.
Macaroni, in the lengthy post, argued that he has been “insulted and defamed by APC supporters” on social media but “never resorted to involving the police”.
The movie star also called on his colleagues to stop using their friends in government to “illegally detain citizens”.
“If anyone insults you or defames your character, go to court and seek justice. APC trolls insult me and tell so many lies against my person,” he wrote.
“I have never for once used the police to illegally arrest or detain anyone and Never will I. There is serious danger in using the police to illegally detain citizens.
“I hope those of you supporting this abuse of power won’t cry foul when you or your loved ones are the victims.
“To be clear, this is not to support online bullying and harassment. I strongly condemn it and believe that those involved should be made to face the consequences of their actions.
“I am a victim myself and I know how mentally damaging it is. But go to Court and seek Justice like the rest of us do.
“Don’t use your friends in government to illegally detain citizens. It may favor you now, but think about tomorrow when you no longer have that power or the closeness to that power.
“It might not be you, it might be someone you care about. What will become of us if everyone takes law into their own hands?”
The post followed after Toyin Abraham, the actress, was accused of ensuring the arrest of an X influencer identified as Big Ayo and his mother over defamatory claims.
Big Ayo was said to have alleged that Abraham received money from President Bola Tinubu to address her husband Kolawole Ajeyemi’s baldness — a claim she vehemently denied.
The award-winning actress, however, clarified that she did not get Ayo’s mother arrested but merely reported a case to the cybercrime unit, not the police.
She added that she can tolerate name-callings, but will not condone lies and insults targeted at her children.
Burna Boy, the award-winning Nigerian singer, will celebrate the fifth anniversary of ‘African Giant‘, his fourth studio album, next week.
On July 15, the ‘City Boys’ hitmaker will be hosting a concert in London, the United Kingdom, to commemorate the fifth anniversary of his album.
The show is sponsored by YouTube Music Nights.
Released in July 2019, ‘African Giant’ won ‘album of the year’ at the All Africa Music Awards and was nominated for ‘best world music album’ at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.
In December 2023, the body of work was listed on Rolling Stone’s ‘500 greatest albums of all time‘.
‘African Giant’ secured the number 330 spot, making it the best Nigerian album on Rolling Stone’s list.
It features hit tracks such as ‘On The Low’, ‘Gbona’, ‘Dangote’, ‘Killin Dem’, ‘Spiritual’, ‘Gum Body’, Anybody’, ‘Collateral Damage’ and ‘Wetin Man Go Do’.
Born Damini Ogulu, Burna Boy started to gain fame after releasing ‘Like to Party’, the lead single from his debut album ‘L.I.F.E’ (2013).
In 2021, the Afrofusion singer set a record in Nigeria after his fifth album ‘Twice As Tall (2020)’ won the ‘best world music album’ category at the Grammys.
Burna Boy claimed he brought the Afrobeats genre to the mainstream in 2020.
He also mentioned 2Baba, Timaya, D’banj, Larry Gaaga, and Wande Coal as the artistes who impacted his career.
Serie A club, AS Roma are targeting a move for OGC Nice forward,Terem Moffi, DAILY POST reports.
Roma are looking for a new striker to replace Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgium international has returned to Chelsea following the conclusion of his loan.
According to LaRoma24.it, the Giallorossi have lined up Moffi as a potential replacement.
The Nigeria international was signed by Roma director Florent Ghisolfi from Lorient during his time as Nice sporting director.
Moffi registered 11 goals and two assists in 32 appearances for Nice last season.
Ahmad Lawan, a former president of the senate, says there will be mass protest if the three arms of government do not work together to reduce food prices and high electricity tariffs.
Lawan was contributing to a debate on a motion sponsored by Sunday Karimi, senator representing Kogi west.
Karimi’s motion was on the need to tackle “food insecurity”.
The former senate president said Nigerians must not be taken for granted in the face of worsening economic hardship.
“If we don’t take urgent actions on increased food prices and electricity tariffs, we will not like the actions we will see on the streets,” Lawan said.
“We cannot take the people for granted for too long.”
Earlier, the Kogi west senator said price of food staples have risen by over 300 percent, following the removal of subsidy on petrol.
“Insecurity in food-producing regions, bad roads, increase in the cost of transportation attributable to the removal of fuel subsidy and depreciation of the value of the naira, are possible factors that have contributed to the increase in prices of food items, household commodities,” he said.
“The greater percentage of the increase in prices of food items and consumables is not only due to these factors but to the zest of the merchants, traders, and retailers to make supernormal profits.”
The senate asked the relevant government ministries and agencies to tackle the problem.
The motion was adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Reps query minister for allegedly spending N45m on new year party, N1.5 million for vehicle fuel
AFOLABI
The House of Representatives has queried the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, for spending unrelated expenditures, including N45 million for a new year party, N20 million for sanitary pads.
Others include N1.5 million for vehicle fuel.
Rep Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, led the interrogation of the Minister, over the non-payment of N1.5 billion to contractors in spite of the fund release in Abuja.
She said that the investigative hearing was aimed at uncovering the truth and not witch-hunting the Minister and the officials of the ministry.
The committee also investigated alleged diversion of funds meant for contractor’s payments, following a petition from contractors.
The committee also sought clarification on funds appropriated for the African First Lady’s mission and the whereabouts of the N1.5 billion meant for contractor payments.
The minister however denied the allegations of misappropriation, overspending, and non-payment to contractors.
The procurement officer confirmed contractors’ claims, and the Director of Finance and Administration acknowledged only paying approved contracts.
It would be recalled that the committee had at its last sitting summoned the minister to appear before it to explain the rationale behind the non-payment.
The committee also ordered the stoppage of all 2024 contract processes by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs until the whereabouts of the money for the said contracts are determined. (NAN)
Media
VIDEO: Women affairs minister and reps engage in a heated debate over alleged corruption pic.twitter.com/Y8bfnvzqvJ
— TheCable (@thecableng) July 10, 2024
Reality TV star Nina Ivy has announced she is undergoing breast reduction surgery.
In a post on Instagram, she shared excitement and relief, stating that she has been waiting for this moment her entire life.
After having two children, Nina Ivy said she has struggled with feelings of insecurity and discomfort related to her breast size.
She said she was looking forward to regaining her confidence and feeling more at ease in her own body.
“I’ve been waiting for this day my entire life, and finally, the time is here. After 2 kids, I’ve never really felt comfortable and confident about my breasts, and I am super excited to make a change. Finally, a new life,” she wrote..
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It is a tale of woes as an acute scarcity of one of Nigerians’ most popular staple foods, bread, has hit Kaduna, Katsina and Kano States.
Checks by the Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) revealed that the most-favoured staple was now as scarce as petrol or the highly-prized precious metal, Gold.
It was observed that whereas the commodity was very hard to come by, its prices have hit the roof.
Many of the residents could no longer afford their darling food, as such had turned to other not-too-cheap alternatives like noodles, millet porridge and bean cake, as well as bread and beans, among others.
The prices of the commodity have also been increased by between 20 to 40 per cent.
Many shop owners and consumers have vehemently lamented the obnoxious development, appealing for an urgent action to redress the ugly trend.
One of the bakers told NAN in Kaduna, “”It is not that we are on strike, but we have had to stop production since 1st July, 2024.
“This unfortunate development was necessitated by the scarcity of wheat flour and its high cost, as well as sugar, oil and other additives.
“For instance, in June, we were buying a 50kg bag of flour for between N53,000 to N55,000, but it has now regrettably skyrocketed to between N67,000 to N70,000.
“How can we produce bread and also break even under this precarious situation?, “he told NAN anonymously.
Some bread sellers and consumers in Kaduna State decried the scarcity of bread around the state metropolis, saying that it had affected their businesses and daily lives.
Haidar Basiru , a tea and bread seller, said he usually buys 100 loaves of bread but due to the ongoing paucity, he was able to get only 30 loaves, which had finished already.
” The bakeries are saying they are on strike due to a hike in flour and sugar.
“This development has seriously affected our businesses as we usually operate in the mornings and evenings.
” But, from the look of things, we may not come out in the evening due to bread shortage.
“In fact, most of my colleagues operating around this axis in Kasuwan barci have not opened today, “he said.
Similarly , Mrs Kafayat Sadiq, a provisions seller, stated that she couldn’t get bread to stock in her shop since Tuesday, saying that her supplier had complained of the high cost of flour.
Abdullahi Muhammad, a bread consumer said, “I went to the shop in the morning to buy bread, which would be eaten as breakfast in my house but unfortunately, I couldn’t get it.”
” I had to buy spaghetti for the children to eat and go to school since there is no bread;
”I hope the issue would be alleviated soon.”
A resident of Funtua, Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State, Aliyu Idris, told NAN that the prices of bread have also gone up in the state.
He said, ”For instance, a loaf of bread that was selling for between N 200 before now goes for N 400. This has affected all the sizes of the bread.”
Idris also stated that tea sellers and shop owners were now finding it very hard to get the commodity for sale to their customers.
In Kano State, a resident of Kano also corroborated the unfortunate scenarios in Kaduna and Katsina States, saying,’ a loaf of bread formerly selling for N600 before now goes for N 800.”
”Also, a loaf of sliced bread that was selling for n 1200 before is now selling for N 1600,” Haruna Salisu told NAN.
(NAN)
The House of of Representatives was on Wednesday thrown into a mourning mood following the death of a member, Hon. Akinremi Olaide popularly known among members and his supporters as Jagaban.
Akinremi was said to have died in the early hours of Wednesday at 51 after complaining of a slight ailment.
He is the third member of the House to have died since the inauguration of the House on June 13, 2024.
Spokesman of the House, Hon. Akintubde Rotimi, confirmed the death of Hon. Olaide who represented Ibadan North Federal constituency of Oyo State.
A statement in Abuja, Rotimi said the APC lawmaker who served as Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions, passed away on Wednesday.morning after a brief illness.
According to him: “Until his demise, the Oyo legislator was a dedicated public servant known for his unwavering commitment to the development of his constituency and the country at large. His passion for service, coupled with his deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of his people, earned him the endearing title of ‘Jagaban.’
“Throughout his tenure, he was a staunch advocate for policies and initiatives that promoted social welfare, economic growth, and scientific research. His contributions to legislative debates and his active participation in committee activities were a testament to his dedication and hard work.
“Rep. Akinremi was as much a grassroots politician as he was an astute statesman who leveraged his goodwill and network of relationships to attract positive impact to the people of his constituency.
“He built friendships by being intentional about reaching out and sending goodwill messages to all colleagues at special occasions, fostering camaraderie and unity within the House.
“As a ranking member, Rep. Akinremi had keen institutional memory and was a mentor to many first-time parliamentarians, guiding them with wisdom gained from his extensive experience in legislative affairs.”
He said Speaker Abbas Tajudeen expressed his profound sadness over the loss.
He quoted the Speaker as saying that “Rep. Akinremi Olaide Adewale was a beacon of dedication and service. His contributions to our legislative work, especially in the area of science and research, were invaluable. His passing is a great loss to the House, his constituency, and the nation. We will miss his leadership, wisdom, and the unique passion he brought to his work.
“The entire House of Representatives mourns this significant loss and extends its heartfelt condolences to the Akinremi family, the Ibadan North Federal Constituency, the Government and People of Oyo State, and the entire APC family. Rep. Akinremi’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who had the privilege of working with him and benefiting from his leadership.
“We pray that the Almighty grants his family and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace”.
Health workers in Kaduna State have suspended the five-day warning strike they began on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the workers embarked on the strike to press home demands for the improvement of their welfare package.
This is contained in a communique signed by the State Secretary, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nassa Yashi, issued on Wednesday in Kaduna.
He said, ”The health workers engaged in a frantic and meaningful discussion with the government, which resulted into the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
”The suspension is to also give room for more negotiations and await the government to fulfill her own side of the MOU.
“The strike is hereby suspended and the workers are expected to resume their normal duties immediately.
” The state administrative council (SAC) sincerely appreciate your massive support and resoluteness in making this struggle for the betterment of our welfare a huge success.”
Yashi assured of their readiness to represent their members, adding, ”and to do that very well without fear or favor.
” Do not forget, it is suspension, meaning if the promises made are not fulfilled, we shall resume the industrial action at the appropriate time.”
(NAN)
Bashir El-Rufai, son of the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has sent a cryptic message to President Bola Tinubu over his reelection in 2027.
Bashir specifically said that nobody is too big to be elected out of office by the people, warning that it will happen with no consequences.
He said that people should forget all the intimidations flying up and down, saying they should be patient.
In a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Bashir seemingly referred to Tinubu, when he said that even the IMF and the World Bank will not save the “people” when the time comes, adding quickly: “Political strategist una. That one na for Lagos.”
Recall that Tinubu was largely referred to as a master strategist during the 2023 presidential campaign.
DAILY POST recalls that the younger El-Rufai’s father has been enmeshed in alleged misappropriation of public funds while serving as a Kaduna State governor.
He said: “Nobody is too big to be elected out of office by the people. It will happen & wallahi nothing will happen. So forget all these intimidations flying up and down. Let us be patient.
“Even IMF & World Bank no go save una that time. Political strategist una. That one na for Lagos.”
Following up his earlier post, Bashir said he didn’t mention any name, doubling down on his stance that nobody will force him to support utter failure of governance disguised as useless, dangerous ethnocentric political strategy.
“I didn’t call names o, but due to their guilt, they already know who is being spoken about. Wallahi, none of you will force anyone to support this utter failure of governance disguised as useless, dangerous ethnocentric political strategy.”