Following the decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, and the unification of the foreign exchange market by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Small Scale Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria, has urged the Federal Government for inclusion in the palliative measures being distributed across the country.

The President of the female farmers, Mary Afan, lamented that it was no longer news that the prices of transportation, food prices, goods and services had increased.

Afan, at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, cried out that smallholder farmers had been forced to reduce the size of their farmlands due to the high cost of input and transportation.

The farmers’ association requested that the Federal Government should provide immediate palliative measures, improved seeds and farm input for dry season farming; targeted transportation subsidies to smallholders; support for climate-smart agriculture; market access enhancement; and improved agricultural funding amongst other things.

She said, “While we acknowledge the move of the federal and state governments to provide palliatives for citizens as succour for these very challenging times, we are deeply concerned that there is no strategy or framework in place to capture farmers, especially women farmers in the distribution of palliatives. Most worrisome is that there seem to be no palliative measures such as inputs, improved seedlings and seeds to encourage farmers to increase production.

“Sadly, the removal of fuel subsidy and other government policies have brought forth significant challenges for our nation’s agriculture and drive for food security. The ensuing rise in the cost of farm inputs and transportation has had profound implications, particularly on smallholder women farmers who are the backbone of our agricultural industry.”

Afan further noted that the removal of fuel subsidy which has led to an undeniable increase in transportation costs, is unduly affecting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who rely on affordable means of transportation to move their produce from the farms to the market.

The SWOFON president added, “In the wake of the impact of this policy direction of the government, farmers, in general, have been unable to access farm inputs such as fertilizers, seedlings, and agrochemicals which are usually sold in urban and semi-urban areas. The movement to markets has been difficult. Processing of farm produce especially those that require petrol-powered engines has also been paralyzed by this policy direction.

“Similarly, this new reality is further compounding the woes of smallholder women farmers in Nigeria who are still grappling with the high cost of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs whose prices has since become exorbitant following the Russia and Ukraine war. Consequently, the new policy move of the federal government has also severely affected the prices of farm inputs, causing them to become even furthermore exorbitant.

“Since the announcement by Mr. President, the average cost of farm inputs has risen by 71%. Farm labor cost has also risen by 149% not forgetting transportation cost that has risen by over 130%.”

Similarly, the Vice President of the association, Grace Disa said farmers were witnessing a challenge that requires the prompt attention of the federal and state governments.

Disa noted that if the issues were left unaddressed, the increased burden on us the farmers could lead to food insecurity, severe nutritional deficiencies, high poverty levels, and a further decline in farmers’ already challenging economic situation.

She stated, “For example, before the kick-off of the new policy regime, farmers pay between N800 to N1200 from their farms to the market. Now we pay N2000 to N2500. The cost of fertilizer (Urea and NPK)at the market now sells for 28,000 and 35,000 respectively which was sold for 17,000 and 30,000 before the policy of the government set in.

“As an umbrella body for smallholder women farmers in Nigeria, we have received and keep receiving reports of the challenges smallholder women farmers are facing in their various states. While many small-scale agricultural ventures have closed up, many more smallholder farmers are on the verge of losing their livelihood.

“Aside from the impact of the petrol subsidy removal, the effect of climate change has posed an imminent threat to food production and consumption in Nigeria.

“Smallholder women farmers are unduly affected by the adverse impacts of climate change, such as erratic rainfall, extreme temperatures, and flooding. This further compound the difficulties women farmers face due to the subsidy removal, making it imperative for the government to adopt resilient and climate-smart agricultural practices and roll-out of interventions.”

“For Nigeria to be food secure, we must work in synergy and support the frontline officers (women farmers) who are working tirelessly to ensure that there is food on our table. We must consider the farmers in the planning and design of program and deliberately target them during interventions. Our slogan says it all – No farmer, No food on the table, no nation. “

Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has slammed Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president, Luis Rubiales, for kissing Women’s World Cup winner, Jenni Hermoso.

Rubiales grabbed and kissed Hermoso on the lips on the podium during the trophy presentation ceremony of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, after Spain beat England 1-0 to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Prime Minister Sanchez insisted Rubiales will continue to clarify his action, saying his apologies were not enough.

“Apologies are not enough considering the magnitude of the incident,” Sanchez said.

“What we saw was an unacceptable gesture, Rubiales’ apologies are not enough, I even think they are not adequate. He has to continue taking steps to clarify what we all saw,” Sanchez told a press conference on Tuesday.

Yolanda Diaz, the second deputy prime minister of Spain, has also criticised Rubiales and has demanded his resignation as “a woman has been harassed and assaulted”.

Meanwhile, Irene Montero, the Minister for Equality, perceived the incident as a “form of sexual violence”.

Hermoso admitted she “did not like that” but later spoke out in defence of Rubiales, dismissing his actions as a “totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings”.

She further stressed that the official’s “behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.”

Despite the apology, Rubiales stands on shaking ground and it remains to be seen if he remains in his role as RFEF president amid growing pressure from Spanish politicians.

THE Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, Monday, asserted that the current palliative measures rolled out by President Bola Tinubu will not solve problem of food insecurity, and other challenges.

Zulum made the assertion in a remark during the assumption of office by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security and Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari and Senator Aliyu Abdullahi respectively.

He said: “It is clear that palliatives will never solve our problems because these are shorter terms solutions, we must look for medium and longer-term solutions that would address insecurity, food insecurity in Nigeria.

“Therefore, the only alternative we have is to invest in commercial agriculture, modern agriculture, irrigated agriculture, green technology, emerging technology, harvesting rain water, and among others.

“That is the only solution. Our population is growing in quick geometric direction while our food supply is dwindling, and unless something is quickly done we will never get rid of these problems.

“Therefore, it is my sincere hope that the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security and indeed the technocrats that are here to put heads together with a view of repositioning the nation’s industry.”

He also added that with the vast arable land Nigeria has with enough water bodies therefore he wish to see the Ministry takes the challenge to ensure food security including availability of food in terms of quantity and quality.

Retired General Abdulsalami Abubakar, leading the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) delegation to Niger Republic, has conveyed optimism about a peaceful resolution to the recent coup, emphasizing dialogue over warfare.

Abubakar briefed reporters in Abuja on Tuesday after discussions at the Presidential Villa, presided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current ECOWAS Chairman.

The session also saw attendance from the ECOWAS Commission’s President, Dr Omar Touray, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

Following his discussions with Niger’s deposed President, Mohamed Bazoum, and the junta’s leaders, Abubakar reported that he has passed on the stipulations of the Abdouramane Tchiani-led military regime to ECOWAS, marking the beginning of correspondence between the regional organization and Niger’s military.

He said the line of contact opened by ECOWAS through his appointment as envoy had been very fruitful, expressing hope that something concrete would soon come out of it.

Abubakar said, “As you are aware, the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government have made me an envoy to Niger Republic and we were there over the weekend to see the military people and discussed to find a way out of the lacuna we find ourselves.

“So, that’s why I’m here this afternoon, together with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, to give a report back to Mr. President on our discussions in Niger. I must say that our visit to Niger has been very fruitful and that it has opened an avenue to start talking and hopefully, we’ll get somewhere.”

Abubakar, speaking on the differences in the opinions of ECOWAS and the Niger coup leaders about a quick return to democratic rule, said, “Well, like I said, we’ve started talking, they have made their own points and then I made my report to the Chairman of the ECOWAS Heads of state and President. He will now consult with his colleagues and then we’ll get somewhere hopefully.”

Asked if there was any possibility of avoiding military action, he said “Hopefully diplomacy will see the better of this. Nobody wants to go to war, it doesn’t pay anybody, but then again, our leaders have said if all fails and I don’t think all will fail, we’ll get somewhere we’ll get out of this mess”.

INTERNATIONAL technology company, Google, through its philanthropic arm, Google.org, has announced a N1.2 billion grant to “Mind the Gap” initiative that aims to equip 20,000 Nigerian women and youths with vital digital skills.

According to an official statement released by Google, the investment aligns with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s commitment to create one million digital jobs.

The programme will offer training in diverse areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, web development and mobile app development, utilising both online and in-person delivery methods.

The digital skills opportunity is open to participants from all over Nigeria. The initiative seeks to engage those with a strong interest in digital technology, a promising academic background and a dedication to uplifting their communities.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, at the pronouncement event in Abuja, said, “We need to think outside the box and pave the way for more job opportunities. As a nation, we must walk the talk. It is straightforward to discuss ambitious plans, but the real challenge lies in bringing these ideas to life. I want to assure Google and all our partners that this administration stands ready for collaboration. Nigeria is open for business. Our current president is deeply committed to leaving a legacy that will make Nigerians proud for generations to come. We have a unique opportunity to harness the potential of our huge youth population to create millions of jobs in the digital sector.

“With a larger English-speaking populace than many countries in Africa and beyond, Nigeria stands out. We may have missed out on the agricultural and industrial revolutions, but we are now in the knowledge-driven, post-industrial age.

The potential we have is immense and we are uniquely positioned to bridge the anticipated global talent gap. Our intent to partner with Google is clear and unwavering. We seek to work hand-in-hand with you for the betterment of our nation.”

The initiative consists of three components. The first is the ‘Digital On-boarders Programmme,’ aimed at equipping 5,000 youths not in employment, education, or training with the necessary digital skills, followed by their integration into consumer-centric businesses across 12 states in Nigeria.

The ‘Arewa Tech4Ladies’ programme will provide digital learning for women in four semi-urban and rural communities in Kaduna State. Through this, 5,000 women and girls will be trained in areas such as data science and artificial intelligence. The final pillar is the ‘Engage Nigeria initiative,’ which is designed to offer training and mentorship to 10,000 prodigious young talents across the nation, supporting the growing creative industry.

Olumide Balogun, Google Nigeria’s Country Director, in his remarks at the event said, “We see immense potential in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. Digital technologies aren’t just tools, they are gateways to countless opportunities.

“With these platforms, our dynamic youth can step forth, becoming pivotal players in the digital economy. Our grant from Google.org is not only an investment but a testament to our belief in Nigeria’s bright future. We are honoured to support the Federal Government’s admirable goal of creating one million digital jobs and will continue to be steadfast partners in this transformative journey.”

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, Engr. Aliyu Abubakar Aziz to commence on 90-day pre-retirement leave with effect from August 24, 2023, leading to his eventual retirement from service on November 24, 2023.

The President has also approved the appointment of Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote to serve as the Acting Director-General/CEO of NIMC for a 90-day period, with effect from August 24, 2023, after which, a full term of four years will begin as the substantive NIMC Director-General/CEO, beginning on November 24, 2023.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajiri Ngelale.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub to serve as the Director/CEO of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC).

This follows the recent expiration of tenure of the former DTAC Director/CEO, Dr. Pius Osunyikanmi.

According to the statement, the appointment takes immediate effect.

The Canadian Housing Minister, Sean Fraiser, has said Canada is currently faced with the increasing cost of accommodation and the government might limit international students visas which have skyrocketed in recent years.

Fraiser made this known to reporters on Monday, on the sidelines of a cabinet retreat in the Atlantic province of Prince Edward Island, Reuters said.

When asked if the Canadian government could consider imposition on the number of students, Fraiser said, “I think that is one of the options that we ought to consider.”

“We’ve got temporary immigration programs that were never designed to see such explosive growth in such a short period of time,” he added.

There were more than 800,000 foreign students with active visas in 2022, up from 275,000 in 2012, as Canada has become a popular destination for international students since it is relatively easy to obtain a work permit.

Fraser, who was immigration minister before taking up his job last month, said the sharp rise in the number of students was putting pronounced pressure on some housing markets.

The official opposition Conservative Party, ahead in the polls of a federal election that must be held by October 2025, said the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is not doing enough to address the housing issue.

Canada, which has a population of around 39.5 million people, plans to take in a record 500,000 new permanent residents in 2025. Fraser said limiting the number of newcomers was not the answer, according to Reuters.

The African Union has announced the suspension of Niger Republic over the toppling of the democratically elected government by a military junta.

The continental body made the announcement on Tuesday.

It disclosed that the suspension will remain in place until civilian rule is restored in the sahel nation.

The union also said it would assess the implications of any armed intervention in the beleaguered West Africa nation.

The Peace and Security Council “requests the AU Commission to undertake an assessment of the economic, social and security implications of deploying a standby force in Niger and report back to Council,” the bloc said, following strong differences on the matter.

Army officers had ousted President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, prompting the West African regional bloc ECOWAS to threaten to use force to reinstate him.

The Economic Community of West African States — agreed to activate a “standby force” as a last resort to restore democracy in Niger.

It has said it is ready to act, even as it continues to pursue hopes for a diplomatic solution.

The AU last week held a meeting on the political impasse against a backdrop of differing views within the bloc over any military intervention.

The coup has ramped up international concerns over the Sahel, which faces growing jihadist insurgencies linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

Niger is the fourth nation in West Africa since 2020 to suffer a coup, following Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali.

The juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali have said that any military intervention in their neighbour would be considered a “declaration of war” against their countries.

The coup is the fifth in Niger’s history since the poor landlocked state gained independence from France in 1960.

Bauoum’s election in 2021 was a landmark, opening the way to the country’s first peaceful transition of power.

He has been held with his family at the president’s official residence since the coup, with growing international concern over his conditions in detention

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to meet its demands or risk “industrial disharmony.”

MDCAN made this known in a communique signed by its President, Dr Victor Makanjuola, and Secretary-General, Dr Yemi Raji on Tuesday at the end of its extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting which was held virtually.

The NEC said it was displeased by the non-implementation of the jointly agreed upward review of CONMESS and the introduction of Accoutrement allowance with the Nigerian Medical Association, as the released circular only captured the percentage increase on the basic salary, as against applying it to both the basic salaries and all allowances except hazard allowance.

The statement noted that the error in the review has resulted in the clinical lecturers (Honorary Consultants) being completely barred from benefiting from the upward review.

The commencement date for the new circular was agreed to be January 1, 2023, rather than June 1, 2023.

The Association said, “We believe this error will be corrected without delay. The recent upward review of CONMESS did not take into consideration the consequences of the fuel subsidy removal and exponential inflation that has pervaded our socio-economic space in the past three months.”

Despite the association’s decision to continue engagement and negotiations with the National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWS) for over two years regarding the correction of shortfalls in remuneration for Clinical Lecturers (Honorary Consultants), the issue has yet to be addressed conclusively by the Federal Government, the statement lamented.

The council stated that it observed the non-universal adoption of CONMESS for all medical and dental doctors regardless of which government agencies they work with.

Furthermore, the council lamented the failure of the government to appreciate the magnitude of the impacts of brain drain in the health sector, as exhibited by the refusal of the National Council on Establishment to approve the Federal Ministry of Health’s proposal on the upward review of the age of retirement for the Medical and Dental Consultants and other health workers.

The council also stressed the failure of the government to resolve the ongoing disputes with the National Association of Residents Doctors and its attendant impacts on access to health care by Nigerians, and the kidnapping of doctors in the country.

The consultants however, said they are demanding the immediate review of the newly revised CONMESS circular and issuance of a new circular that would reflect the agreed percentage on both the Basic Salary and other allowances, apart from hazard allowance, adding that the review will ensure that the clinical lecturers will benefit from the upward review.

It said other demands include, “A call for the correction of the error of commencement of the implementation of the upward review of CONMESS from June 1, 2023, to January 1, 2023.

“The upward review of the CONMESS should take into consideration the impacts of the fuel subsidy removal and the high inflationary trend that is currently being experienced.

“Demand for the immediate implementation and circularisation of the agreed modalities for correcting the shortfalls in remunerations of Clinical Lecturers (Honorary Consultants).

“An appeal for the universal applicability of CONMESS to all medical and dental doctors, particularly those in public universities,” it added.

Furthermore, the medical workers said, “The attention of the government is once again called to the impact of brain drain in the health sector, which is contributing to burnout among our members and inadequate healthcare workforce to cater to the health of Nigerians.

“We, therefore, demand the immediate implementation of the upward review of retirement age to 70 years for Consultants and 65 years for other Health workers, as an immediate measure to bridge the ongoing massive brain drain.

“We appeal to the government to as a matter of urgency resolve all the contending issues with NARD, to ensure that the government hospitals return to normal operation for optimal healthcare delivery immediately.

“We call on the government at all levels, as well as the security agencies to do all within their powers, to ensure the safety of our members and other Nigerians while effecting the immediate and safe release of those currently held captive by kidnappers.

“The NEC hopes that all these issues will be satisfactorily resolved within the next 21 days, failing which it can no longer guarantee the present relative industrial harmony within the government hospitals and our medical schools”, it said.

The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Abubakar has requested for a scheduled timeline from the service chiefs to curb the worrisome situation of insecurity across the country.

The new ministers stated this on Tuesday while addressing journalists on the occasion of the assumption of office at the Ship House, Ministry of Defence, Abuja, barely 24 hours after being sworn in as cabinet members.

Badaru assured the public that for the sake of the country, he and the minister of state could not afford to betray the trust given to them by President Bola Tinubu.

The Minister noted that the president demands the restoration of peace and safety across the country, and such would be demanded from the service chiefs.

“The president is a goal setter, an achiever, and a thinker. The president is a macro manager, and he would be on our necks to deliver on security, and I will do the same. As time goes on, I will engage you as individuals and groups. The president is ready to give us all the support to do this.

“From now on, I will ask the service chiefs to give me a timeline and requirements on how we will begin to solve this problem of insecurity.

“He will be monitoring us, and he doesn’t have the patience to work with lazy people. So, all our jobs are at stake, we must therefore deliver for the country,” he said.

The Minister stressed the necessity to deliver the task, noting that security was imperative for the economic growth of the country.

Reacting, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle said the Ministry would closely work with international partners to acquire technology and expertise to enhance the defence capabilities.

Matawalle added that the ministry would address the root causes of conflicts, promote social cohesion, and foster economic growth.

“We must address development. By investing in education, healthcare, job creation, and infrastructure development, we can create an environment where extremism finds no fertile ground to thrive.

“We will collaborate with relevant ministries and agencies to implement programs that address the socio-economic disparities that often fuel conflicts,” he said.

On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa expressed the willingness of the armed forces to partner with the ministers in their tour of duties.