FEATURES
Hardship: Tinubu Can’t Perform Magic, Economy’ll Improve Towards End of 2025 – Primate Ayodele
Admin
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has revealed when the economy will improve.
He said President Bola Tinubu cannot perform magic to ameliorate the current economic downturn Nigerians are facing.
He said the economy will improve towards the end of next year.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele warned that things might go worse if the government fails to do the needful.
He stated that the reason the economy will not be better is because the government has failed to listen to instructions that can take the country out of its present predicament.
“Let us be sincere with ourselves, both APC and PDP have failed Nigeria but the highest percentage goes to APC.
“The blame is on Tinubu because the situation got worse when it got to his turn. Nigerians should be aware that things will not get better this year.
“Tinubu cannot perform any magic and if at all things want to get better, it will be towards the end of next year.
‘’If we continue to pray and the government doesn’t do the needful, it will still lead to the same thing. For example, the palliative the customs did was a failure because it wasn’t planned.
“Why must they even wait till now before sharing it to people? What about the ones they have been seizing all these while?
“Why can’t they send them to all the states of the federation without middlemen and do it the right way?’’
Ace economist and chieftain of the Labour Party, Pat Utomi, has issued a stern warning that the naira may fall to N10,000 per dollar if nothing is done urgently.
Utomi gave this warning on Sunday at an event organised by activist Dr Moses Paul to mark the first anniversary of the 2023 presidential election.
He said the country was going down very fast because those in authority seem to be far from the people.
“Our country is dying before us; it is dying because the people don’t believe that those in authority are representing them and those in power don’t feel the people.
“They don’t act for the people and everything is running away. Going down very fast.
“This is like claiming this moment and acting like citizens to make this country work right now.
“We must not wait for the next election (2027) before we act, we need to take back our country right now.
“We need to take charge now because we know what to do that they don’t know what to do. If we don’t create our own security system, there will be no production, and if there is no production, the naira will reach N10,000 per dollar, I assure you.” he said.
The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria has announced that it is poised to begin a nationwide strike on Tuesday, February 27.
In a statement on Monday announcing the strike, the National President of AMBCON, Mansur Umar, said unless the Federal Government honours the agreement made with the association in 2020, the strike would commence.
It also called for the temporary suspension of all types of taxation on the bakery industry at the federal, state, and local government levels.
“The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria have critically accessed the state of our business operation, consequently demand the liberalisation of flour and sugar importation, reduction or total removal of import duties on major baking materials such as flour, sugar, butter, yeast, etc as applicable to other commodities as have recently been done by the Federal Government and provision of concessionary forex exchange to flour millers and other stakeholders as well as reduction of tariff on imported wheat and sugar,” it said.
It also called for the setting up of a price control and monitoring committee as allowed by the constitution as amended and other conditions that will enhance the ease of doing business in the country.
Drinkable water, a very important lubrication for the body system, has gone through many prices in the past few years, as Nigerians grapple to meet up with the increasing high cost of living.
Now, a bag of sachet water that was sold for N50 naira is now N500 in some areas.
Those who purchase water in less quantity now buy a sachet or two for N50.
Even the well-to-do Nigerians have gone through various means to cut costs in the area of water consumption.
Some have dumped bottled water, which now costs N300 per bottle in some cities; they now improvise by carrying sachet water in used bottles.
Some have resorted to boiling borehole water and sieving it into empty used bottles after it cools off.
This has reduced patronage and, subsequently, dropping the income of beverage hawkers.
Economy&Lifestyle discovered that to make ends meet, these hawkers have now returned to iced water (water poured in white nylons and refrigerated or added to block to get cold), as it was years back, which comes cheaper and affordable.
Such sellers are seen in school vicinities, market places and motor parks in smaller towns and cities in the country.
Mrs. Dorathy Ehis, a seller of sachet and bottled water in Benin said she had to improvise by selling ice water to increase sales.
“I never thought ice water would be sold in Nigeria again since the 90’s.
“But the continuous increase in the price of sachet and bottled water has left many drinking borehole water.
“My sachet and bottled water business is not moving at all.
“A bag of sachet water is sold for N500 here. It was sold for N300 a few months ago.
“In a day I sell 40 bags of pure water because those hawkers used to buy from me. But now, they only buy a few.
“So I added the selling of ice water which goes for three N20 because of the cost of nylon and boiling of borehole water before icing it.
“People bought it in large quantities to my surprise.
“Those women hawking water, request more for ice water than sachet and bottled water.
“If you go to the village markets on market days, you will find people hawking ice water and many buying it.”
Mrs. Sandra Momoh, a snack and water seller said: “I sell snacks and water outside a public school.
“Students cannot afford a sachet of water for N50.
“Also if you sell two sachet water for N50, you will run a loss because a bag is N500.
“So I had to improvise by selling ice water to increase patronage.
“I prepare the water by boiling it and when it cools off, I tie it in transparent nylons. Then I refrigerate them. When there is no electricity supply, I use ice blocks to make them chill.
“I sell it for N10 and they patronize me.
“I prepare up to 200 ice water daily and also ensure that the process of preparing the water is hygenic.”
Mr. Folawe Afolayan, a microbiologist, commended the initiative but expressed worry about the possibility of increased water borne diseases such as diarrhea due to unsafe and unclean water.
“It is a good innovation because I remember then in the 80’s and 90’s nobody was interested in sachet water but ice water.
“However, most borehole water are contaminated from the ground they are dug from ground to the septic tank which many do not clean.
“Drinking of unclean water can cause increase in waterborne diseases such as diarrhea.
“It is better for the government to look into the cost of producing clean water thereby making it accessible and affordable to the masses to save lives and avoid spending money on drugs to treat a break of water borne diseases.”
According to World Health Organization (WHO), 2022 State of the world’s drinking water report, “Unsafe drinking water is a driving factor behind the more than 1.5 million people who die every year from diarrhoea, most of them infants and small children.”
“Every one of these preventable deaths is a tragedy.
“Meeting the Sustainable Development Goal target of universal access to safe drinking water by 2030 will require countries and multilateral organizations to quadruple their investment – a small price to pay for the millions of lives saved.
“The progress we have made on increasing access to drinking water is fragile.
“Safe water is not a one-time investment. It requires monitoring and upkeep.
“At the same time, external factors threaten to roll back the gains we have made.
“Climate change is driving water scarcity and droughts, while flooding disrupts supplies and devastates communities. Pollutants threaten both human health and entire ecosystems.
“Urbanization and population growth are limiting the ability of cities to deliver water to the millions of people living in informal communities and slums, while in rural areas, low quality services, waterpoint breakdown, and distant, contaminated water sources are a daily reality.”
Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold, during a recent performance, took the time to acknowledge and honour people battling sickle cell anemia.
The vocalist shared a heartwarming message with the audience, particularly addressing those who have triumphed over the challenges of living with sickle cell disease.
Adekunle Gold revealed that he has been battling with sickle cell disease since birth but has successfully managed to lead a fulfilling life.
Adekunle Gold honours sickle cell survivors, reveals personal battle at concert
Despite his diagnosis, the singer expressed his gratitude for not only being able to cope with the condition but also for achieving success on the global stage.
He shared that despite a lifelong battle with sickle cell anemia, he has never let it hinder his career, emphasizing that he has never experienced significant health setbacks while performing worldwide.
During his heartfelt message, Adekunle Gold encouraged others affected by sickle cell disease to remain resilient and determined in pursuing their life goals.
Drawing from his own experiences, the singer urged individuals not to let the illness become a barrier to their aspirations and dreams.
The artist expressed his gratitude for his ability to manage the disease, acknowledging that the journey has not always been easy, but he remains thankful for his overall well-being.
As a symbol of solidarity and support, Adekunle Gold dedicated his performance of the song “5 Star” to sickle cell survivors
The celebrity boxing match featuring prominent Nigerian actors Rykardo Agbor and Kelvin Ikeduba is making waves in the news, fueled by video footage circulating online.
Recently, the duo engaged in an electrifying entertainment event known as the “Celebrity Global Fight Concert,” held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the esteemed Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
In clips circulating across various platforms, Kelvin and Rykardo can be seen unleashing a barrage of unconventional moves within the confines of the boxing arena..
Their playful exchange of light jabs ignited a frenzy of excitement among spectators, fueling an array of animated reactions from fans across the board.
SEE VIDEO BELOW
Media
With the September 21 Edo State governorship election looming, the newly emerged governorship candidates from the three major political parties who may likely succeed the incumbent governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki; capturing their strengths and weaknesses.
Last week, Edo State was a beehive of activities following the primaries by the three major contending political parties in the upcoming September governorship election. On Thursday, February 22, The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state chose Mr. Asue Ighodalo as its standard bearer.
Ighodalo emerged as a candidate after defeating six other aspirants namely; the state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu; Osaro Onaiwu, Anselm Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Arthur Esele, Martins Ihomoibhi and Hadizat Umoru. While Omosede Igbinedion withdrew from the race weeks before the election, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama declined to continue, citing irregularities in the process by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party for his withdrawal
The following day saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP), elect Mr. Monday Okpebholo and Olumide Akpata as their candidates respectively. While Akpata defeated Kenneth Imansuangbon, Prof. Sunday Eremosele Eboh, and Sergius Ogun to become the LP candidate, Okpebholo floored Dennis Idahosa and Sunday Anamero Dekeri to pick the APC ticket in a rescheduled primary.
The emergence of the three candidates will definitely turn the race into a battle royale because of their respective calibre and personalities. Two of the candidates, Asue and Okpebholo are from the same Edo Central senatorial district, while Akpata is from Edo South.
No doubt the emergence of Akpata in a contest for which the PDP and APC have chosen their candidates from the super minority Edo Central Zone (Esan) has created the fear of a possible massive disruption in the governorship contest. Many believe that his choice of running mate from Edo North will aid his planned upset of the governorship election equation.
Asue Ighodalo
Ighodalo is a consummate lawyer and successful businessman. He is a founding partner of Banwo & Ighodalo, a leading corporate and commercial law firm. His core areas of practice are corporate and project finance, securities and capital markets, energy and natural resources, and mergers and acquisitions. His early education was at King’s College, Lagos; and the University of Ibadan. Today, as Chairman of several top-notch organisations, Asue has had a remarkable journey, successfully led numerous high-stake negotiations, advised on critical legal matters, and directed strategic initiatives that have transformed organisations and achieved remarkable outcomes.
Born with a distinctive rarity and resolute devotion to justice, Asue embarked on a mission that birthed what has now become his legacy. He obtained his first degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan, a law degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and was admitted into the Nigerian Bar in July 1985.
Ighodalo is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (past Chairman of the Section on Business Law 2014-2016), International Bar Association (Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law Section (SEERIL)), Association of International Petroleum Negotiators, Institute of Directors Nigeria, Commercial Law and Taxation Committee of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
He was the Chairman, Board of Directors, Sterling Bank Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Levene Energy Group Limited, Edo State Investment Summit, DO II Designs Limited and Global Mix Limited. He also sat on the boards of Mainstreet Technologies Limited (ownership company of MainOne Cable Limited), Cardinal Stone Partners, Okomu Oil Palm Plc, Christopher Kolade Foundation, Boff & Co. Insurance Brokers, Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (NGO focused on the development of healthcare practitioners) and Kashim Ibrahim Foundation, Kaduna (NGO focused on the leadership development of Nigerian youths).
He is the immediate past Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) and he also served on the Board of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, May 2017-May 2021, and was Chairman of Dangote Flour Mills Plc. Throughout the administration of the former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, he was a member of the state Economic Team chaired by the incumbent, Godwin Obaseki, as well as the Chairman of Obaseki’s Alaghodaro, which in Benin parlance means progress.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ighodalo is a compassionate and philanthropic individual, channelling his success towards making a positive impact on society.
He has authored many articles in leading law publications and also delivered presentations on diverse subjects including a biannual seminar on ‘Contemporary Political History of Nigeria’ at the Nigerian Leadership Initiative Future Leaders class and the Kashim Ibrahim Fellowship (KIF) class. He also lectured on the roles and duties of directors and corporate governance at the Lagos Business School and the Institute of Directors. He was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate of Economics by the Edo University, Uzairue in November 2021.
He is ever-learning and seeking continuous growth through training and certifications. They include International Institute for Management Development (IMD)- (2023), Stanford Directors’ College – (2019), INSEAD International Directors Programme (2016), Harvard Business School – Making Corporate Boards More Effective (2015), Aspen Institute -Nigeria Leadership Seminar (2006), Harvard Business School – Governing for Nonprofit Excellence (2004) and Georgetown University – Georgetown Leadership Seminar (2003).
Strengths: Ighodalo will bring his wealth of business acumen to bear in handling the day-to-day affairs of the state; the likelihood of getting enough resources to prosecute his election being Obaseki’s preferred choice to take over from him; and the choice of a running mate coming from the south district will be of great advantage to his victory.
Rumours already have that he will pair with the current Secretary to State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, a formidable political figure from the area who many see as the only face of the Obaseki administration and a likeable fellow with the innate ability to galvanise votes because of his uncommon magnanimity and empathy which cut across every political divide. Ighodalo also possesses a very eloquent and persuasive voice.
Weaknesses: Although he sees himself as a unifier, some persons, however, perceive him as a continuation of Obaseki’s governorship style that lacks a human face. Others think that he is not a thorough Edo homeboy.
Monday Okpebholo:
Elected into the Senate last year to represent Edo Central District, he came from the background of an entrepreneur. He was born in Udomi-Uwesan, Irrua, Esan Central Local Government of Edo. Okpebholo whose name also coincides with his ancestry, was popularly nicknamed Akpakomisa from childhood because of his survival of the tough times occasioned by the numerous waterborne diseases at the time. That nickname strikes the typical Esan man to his marrow as it connotes unanticipated toughness, especially his ability to survive the difficulty at that time when many children couldn’t survive the diseases. He won the Senate seat and now the APC governorship ticket to the consternation of many.
Okpebholo came from a humble and hardworking family. He was born on June 12, 1962, and attended Uromi Elementary School in Edo. Thereafter, he went to Uromi Grammar School, where he excelled both academically and socially. He then attended the University of Benin, where he studied Agricultural Economics and bagged a Bachelor’s degree in 1986.
Strengths: Belongs to the ruling party at the national level to mobilise resources. Will also get support from his senatorial district. A good mobiliser of both human and material resources, generous.
Weaknesses: The harsh APC economic policy and lack of vision of his party at the national level may not persuade Edo voters enough to support his gubernatorial ambition. Will experience divided votes by virtue of his senatorial district being the least with voting strength. Other prominent members of his party may sabotage his election victory because of the circumstances that threw him up. The choice of a running mate may also work against him.
Olumide Akpata:
Born on October 7, 1972, Akpata is a legal practitioner and politician. He was a senior partner and the Head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group at Templars, a renowned commercial law firm in Nigeria until his resignation on August 31, 2023, to enable him to pursue his political ambition.
Olumide surprised many in July 2020 when he became the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) after he defeated several Senior Advocates of Nigeria to become the first non-SAN in 28 years to clinch the position.
Strengths: Comes from a prominent Benin family of Justice Ephraim Akpata, Tayo Akpata and Senator Akpata during the Second Republic. An eloquent and motivational speaker, and manager of men and materials. The only person from the three leading candidates to come from the Edo South senatorial district with the highest single voting population. Has the backing of youths because of his age. His party, Labour Party won the February 25 presidential election in the state.
Weaknesses: The choice of a running mate may be a drawback. If he chooses one from the central district, that may deplete the votes coming from that district. The northern district may not favour him either because it is the stronghold of the APC leader, Adams Oshiomhole. It is also not clear how he hopes to raise funds to prosecute the election.
For now, the people of Edo are carefully watching where the pendulum will swing by the time campaigns start leading to the election in September.
[TheNigeriaLawyer]
The National Leader of the Pan Yoruba Socio-Political Group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with the present administration and refrain from engaging in protests or actions that may escalate tensions across the country.
Pa Fasoranti, who acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians, however declared that “it is important to recognize that these economic measures, although difficult, are part of a larger strategy aimed at restoring economic prosperity and stability to Nigeria.”
He said this in a statement he issued and signed in Akure, the Ondo state capital.
The Yoruba leader specifically asked Yorubas to shun any protests and rallies called over the economic hardship being faced by Nigerians.
He appealed to Yorubas at home and in the diaspora to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu some time to address the challenges being faced by Nigerians.
While appealing to Nigerians against rallies and protests, the Elderstatesman said they may lead to disruption of social and economic activities of citizens and lead to avoidable death.
According to him “As the National Leader of Afenifere, and leader of the Yoruba, I address all and sundry today with a deep understanding of the challenges our dear country is going through at this critical time.
“The outcry over the hardship, hunger, and price hikes is not unexpected.
“However, we must come to terms with the realities of our national challenges, which the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is striving to resolve.
“The government’s commitment to implementing these measures is a testament to its dedication to addressing the root causes of our economic challenges, inherited from the ills of the previous years.
“As a responsible leader, I appeal to every Yoruba man and woman, young and old, and our fellow citizens across the nationalities, to exercise patience and refrain from engaging in protests or actions that may escalate tensions.
“Understandably, the immediate impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms is challenging to everyone, but it is crucial to give the government the necessary time to realise the intended benefits.
“It is important to note that the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira is not undertaken lightly, as we all know the great damage done to our national prosperity through the nefarious activities of the agents of darkness within the oil and financial sectors.
“These measures by the Federal Government, though painful in the short term, are designed to create a more sustainable economic environment that will benefit us all in the long run.
“It requires collective understanding and resilience from every citizen as we navigate through these challenging times.
“We cannot afford a preference for the euthanasic approach of painless death of our nation, where we are propped up with loans and subsidies until a total collapse into a failed nation, while we have the opportunity of painful healing through treatment with multiple surgeries that will guarantee not just our survival, but restored health, vigour, and thriving life.
Fasoranti said that “We must endure today’s hardship for tomorrow’s prosperity.
“I implore you to trust in the government’s commitment to the welfare of our nation. Let us engage in constructive dialogue and contribute positively to the ongoing economic reforms.
“Join me in appealing for unity and understanding among our people. Together, we can weather this storm and emerge stronger as a nation.
“I want to assure you as the Leader of Afenifere, that we are actively engaging with the government at different levels to address the concerns of our people.
The Yoruba leader said that “Let us remain steadfast, patient, and united in the face of these challenges, confident that our collective resilience will pave the way for a more prosperous future.”
The private residence of the Minister of State of the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, located at Asokoro, was on Sunday gutted by fire.
The Acting Director of the FCT Fire Service, Amiola Adebayo, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.
Adebayo stated that the first floor of the building was completely razed by the fire.
He explained that the fire had started at about 9:45 am, but said officers of the Service arrived at the scene some minutes after they had received a running call after responders had tried to reach the Federal Fire Service.
A running call means that rather than calling the Emergency line of the Fire Service, responders had insisted on going to the office to get the attention of the firemen.
“The fire was discovered a few minutes to ten, maybe around 9:45 am. We received a running call around thirteen minutes after ten, so we followed the person who came to call us to the fire scene.
“All of them were on the ground floor. They did not discover the fire on time, and they didn’t call the Fire Service. It was a running call that came to us. From our findings, they say they called the Federal Fire Service, but they didn’t respond on time, that’s when the running call came to our office.
“On reaching there, we saw that the first floor, the upper floor was completely engulfed in fire. So what we could do is just to prevent the fire from spreading to the ground floor, and the adjacent structures. No lives lost”, he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire was yet to be determined, although the media assistant to the minister, Austin Elemue, also confirmed the incident.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on Sunday said that two of its transmission towers, T377 and T378, along the Gombe–Damaturu 330kV transmission line were vandalised.
A statement by the TCN General Manager Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, noted that the act, perpetrated by insurgents, resulted in a load loss of approximately 5MW.
She said the vandalization of the line occurred on 23 February.
“At approximately 9:35 p.m. yesterday, the Gombe – Damaturu 330kV transmission line experienced a trip. Following initial checks, TCN engineers from the Bauchi regional office attempted the restoration of the line but it tripped again, prompting the dispatch of TCN’s linesmen and security operatives to trace the fault. The team then discovered the two collapsed towers, T377 and T378,” Ms Mbah said.
In the interim, she said TCN has arranged to temporarily supply electricity to Damaturu from the Potiskum Transmission Substation.
Meanwhile, she added that arrangements are underway to mobilize contractors that will re-erect the vandalized transmission towers and restring the 330kV line affected by the incident.
“TCN condemns this act of sabotage and is again calling on relevant authorities to intensify efforts in the protection of power infrastructures.
“We are committed to working diligently to expedite the restoration process and minimize the impact of this unfortunate incident on the power supply to the affected areas,” she said.
In recent times, vandalism of the transmission infrastructures and distribution equipment has been a common occurrence.
Earlier in December last year, the TCN said that its Gwagwalada-Kukwaba-Apo 132kV Transmission line 1 had been vandalised between Towers 23 and Tower 25.
Ms Mbah said the vandalisation of the line is suspected to have taken place at about 1 a.m. on Sunday, 10 December.
On 22 December 2023, the TCN said one of its towers around Katsaita village in Yobe State was vandalised.
The company said the vandalisation brought down the 330kV transmission tower which pulled down tower T373 along the same transmission line route.
The TCN had earlier in February said that its tower number 388 along the Jos-Bauchi 132kV Single Circuit transmission line was vandalised.
The company said the vandalisation of the line is suspected to have occurred on the 1st of February, at about 10 p.m.
The company explained that the incident led to a power outage in Yobe and Borno states.
More...
The National Bureau of Statistics has listed the top ten states with the most internet users in the country.
A check on the NBS database on Sunday revealed that the number of internet subscribers stood at 163.8 million as of December 2023.
It added that as of the end of the fourth quarter of 2023, data on internet usage across the country reveals fascinating insights into which states are leading in digital connectivity.
This figure means that internet users in the country have witnessed significant growth as more citizens have gained access to the internet despite the hardship orchestrated by the removal of subsidy and floating of naira, among others.
THE LOUNGE: Man Asks For Divorce To Marry Office – Lover After Getting Educated By Wife0.00 / 0.00
Last year, it was reported that internet users were about 154.8 million, a 1.35 per cent compared to the previous year (2021) which stood at 141.9 million.
The bureau said the upward movement marked a 9.07 per cent growth in internet subscribers for the sector in the period reviewed.
“On a quarter-on-quarter basis, this grew by 1.35 per cent,” NBS added.
Meanwhile for Q4 2023, Based on the NBS data, here are the top 10 states with the highest number of internet users in Nigeria:
- Lagos has 18.9 million internet users.
- Ogun has 9.5 million internet users.
- Kano has 9 million internet users.
- Oyo has 8.4 million internet users.
- Kaduna has 7.4 million internet users.
- FCT has 5.8 million internet users.
- Rivers has 5.6 million internet users.
- Adamawa has 5.4 million internet users.
- Katsina has 4.6 million internet users.
- Delta has 4.4 million internet users.
The price of a 50kg bag of foreign rice has surged to over N88,000 across major stores in Nigeria, which is 22.2% higher than the N72,000 recorded earlier in the month.
In the same vein, locally made rice increased by almost the same rate (21.8%) to N67,000 in just less than a month. This information comes from findings by the Nairametrics Research team. Compared to the same period last year, the price of foreign rice has increased by 244%, while local rice has witnessed a 209% price increase in the same period.
During a conversation with Mrs. Olanike, a rice dealer at Daleko market in Lagos, she explained that the recent rise in the price of local rice has been largely driven by the surge in the price of foreign rice, which is a result of the depleting value of the naira and the continuous ban on the item.
It’s worth noting that the exchange rate between the naira and other currencies has depreciated significantly in recent times, losing over 45% and 30% year-to-date at the official and parallel market, respectively.
Food inflation at over 18-year high
Recent inflation data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that food inflation rose to 35.71% in January 2024, the highest level since August 2005.
According to the NBS, food inflation in January was driven by increases in price of bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, oil and fat, fish, meat, coffee, tea, and cocoa.
- Meanwhile, a further analysis shows that imported food inflation rose to 26.3% from 24.9% recorded in the previous month. This represents the highest rate recorded since January 2012 as FX volatility as well as low agricultural production drive surge in food prices.
- Also, GDP data has indicated slow growth in the Nigerian agricultural sector in the last two years, hampered by insecurity, impact of global supply chain issues on fertilizer and seed supply, climate change, and flooding.
- Notably, the agricultural sector only grew by 1.13% in 2023, in contrast to 1.88% recorded in the previous year.
Drivers of food inflation in Nigeria
In an exclusive interview with Ibrahim Maigari, the founder and CEO of RiceAfrika, a tech-driven agriculture optimization service provider, he highlighted some of the factors contributing to the hike in the price of rice in the country.
- He stated that a significant backlog of unmet food demand in the past three years as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, insecurity, Russia-Ukraine war, and flooding is the major driver of food inflation in Nigeria.
- “The flood in 2022 destroyed about 8.6 million metric tonnes of 14 variety of crops in the country,” he said. In addition to the dwindling production of food in the country, the rising cost of transportation caused by the removal of petrol subsidy has impacted the final cost of food. “To transport a truck of food items from Maiduguri to Lagos has risen to almost 6 million from less than a million,” he added.
- He also added that the cost of harvesting a plot of farmland has increased from an average of N90,000 in 2022 to about N230,000, representing 156% increase in two years.
On the solution
Ibrahim Maigari suggested a combination of seven strategies to drive down the price of food items and improve production in the country, which he termed as the Farm Easy Operating System. According to him, a wholistic approach is required to address the issue of food security in Nigeria.
- According to Mr. Ibrahim, this approach requires improved land preparation. He noted that 80% of farmers in Sub-Sahara Africa prepare their lands manually, which impacts the level of productivity of the farmers. He also added that access to high-yielding seeds, will improve food production in the country, citing that 82% of farmers in the region plant grains rather than actual seeds, which is less yielding.
- He pointed to the lack of quality chemicals as a major stumbling block in Nigeria’s agricultural practices, which has resulted in several losses for the farmers. He opined that the availability of quality chemicals in the process of planting and weeding will improve agro-yields in the country.
In addition, timely delivery of fertilizer is essential to ensure improved food production in Nigeria. The best time to deliver fertilizer to farmers is between March and April, however, what we notice in most times is that the farmers take delivery of these fertilizers around June and July, which is supposed to be a time for harvesting.
The others as highlighted by Mr. Ibrahim include best agronomic practices, adoption of mechanized family as well as access to market.
Bottom line
The problem of food inflation continues to be a major bane to most Nigerians, who already spend about 55% of their household expenditures on food items.
The recent trend of high inflation has significantly eroded the purchasing power of average Nigerians and the government will need a combination of policies to urgently address the food crisis in the country.
[Nairametrics]
The leading political parties for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State may have concluded their primaries in line with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but tumultuous end to these primaries have placed uphill tasks ahead of them as the election draws nearer, Daily Trust reports.
While each party – the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Labour Party (LP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) – has been having different internal crises before the primaries, observers had expected that the leadership of the parties would find a way around these crises, but these had only further complicated the issues as parallel primaries across these parties produce at least two candidates for each of the party.
Before the election, INEC had warned the 16 of the nation’s 18 registered political parties that had met the deadline to notify the commission of their dates and modes of primaries, to be wary of illegalities.
Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, had urged the parties to avoid unnecessary postponement, arbitrary changes of venues of their primaries, wholesale change of delegates’ list or the submission of names that did not emerge from valid primaries as candidates for the election.
He warned the parties to also avoid rancorous primaries that lead to the breakdown of law and order often as a result of non-adherence to the provision of their constitutions and guidelines.
“These are some of the issues that lead to a large number of pre-election litigation. The schedule (dates and modes) of primaries proposed by the political parties has been uploaded to the commission’s website and social media platforms for public information,” Olumekun said.
But if the leading parties in the election heard the warning from the electoral umpire, the processes and outcomes of their primaries have suggested otherwise, pundits said.
This is especially as top contenders in the race have refused to concede defeat and are considering various means of getting “justice” including the legal option, which many, including INEC, have said has become a major bane to the election process.
For the APC, the eventual of its fresh primary election on Thursday, Senator Monday Okpebholo is believed not to be the preferred candidate of a former governor of the state and erstwhile national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, who is said to be the APC godfather in the state.
There are fears that if the fallout from the primary is not properly handled, Oshiomhole, his perceived anointed candidate, Dennis Idabosa and 10 other aggrieved aspirants might work against the APC in the election. Recall that the APC is angling to reclaim the state from the PDP after a similar internal crisis led it to lose control of the state in the run up to the 2020 election.
Recall that the APC had held its first primary poll on February 17, but the exercise turned out to be an embarrassment for the party as three candidates emerged from different locations of parallel primaries in Benin, the Edo State capital.
They were a member of the House of Representatives, Dennis Idahosa, Oshiomhole’s candidate, who was declared winner by the chairman of the APC primary election committee, Governor Hope Uzodimma, at Protea Hotel in Benin City.
Senator Monday Okpebholo was also declared winner by the Returning Officer for the election, Dr Stanley Ugboaja, at the residence of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Similarly, the local government returning officers for the APC governorship primary election declared Anamero Sunday Dekeri, winner of the contest. There was drama as each of them was demanding for a certificate of return until the APC top echelon rescheduled a fresh exercise for last Thursday.
Eventually, Senator Monday Okpebholo won the ticket at the primary chaired by Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, who replaced Uzodinma after protests from stakeholders. But Senator Okpebholo’s emergence as APC candidate for the Edo election has triggered tension as other aspirants are not willing to support him.
Daily Trust had reported how Idahosa stormed the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Saturday, where he submitted his protest letter to the APC appeals committee saddled with the responsibility of looking into the grievances of various aspirants after the primary.
Addressing newsmen, Idahosa threatened to sue the party if he does not get “justice” and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to wade in.
He said, “I just want to go through the process, having exhausted the party’s resolve mechanism, I will go further, I will seek justice in the court of law and I will not allow this to stand.”
But despite Idahosa’s protest, the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, issued a certificate of return to Senator Okpebholo as the party’s candidate for the election on the same day.
Some APC stakeholders said the party’s top echelon must resolve issues with Oshiomhole, Okpebholo as well as the other aspirants for the party to go into the election as a united house.
PDP
The PDP primary was also characterised by drama as Governor Godwin Obaseki, the deputy governor, Philip Shaibu and other aspirants engaged in supremacy battle.
There were 10 governorship aspirants in the race – Shaibu, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Anselm Ojezua, Felix Akhabue, Martin Uhomoibhi, Hafia Hadizat Umoru, Omosede Igbinedion, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, Arthur Esene and Asue Ihgodalo.
For the party, which hopes to retain the governor seat, crisis started during the ward and local government congresses supervised by a three-man committee, led by Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State. After the congress, nine aspirants excluding Ighodalo petitioned the congress appeal panel, alleging irregularities.
Though Governor Obaseki didn’t deny or confirm Ighodalo as his preferred candidate, his actions and body language told the story, pundits observed. For instance, during the ward and local government congresses, party members loyal to Obaseki emerged as delegates for the primary.
On February 22, the party conducted two parallel primary elections with one held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, while the second primary took place at the deputy governor’s lodge also in Benin.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State who served as committee chairman and chief electoral officer, declared Ighodalo winner of the PDP primary at the Ogbemudia Stadium with 577 votes, while Shaibu was declared winner of the primary by the local government returning officer, Bartholomew Moses, at the deputy governor’s lodge with 300 votes.
Observers noted that members of the party loyal to the deputy governor, who form the major block of PDP leaders that have been at war with Governor Obaseki for the control of the party, after they were denied entry into the Ogbemudia venue of the primary moved to another venue and elected Shaibu at a parallel primary.
But the deputy national publicity secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, in a telephone interview with Daily Trust yesterday said the party recognised Asue Ighodalo as its only candidate for the election.
LP
The process leading to the emergence of the LP candidate was not in any way better than that of the APC and the PDP in terms of intrigues and drama.
Pundits have said, the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure, the state chairman Kelly Ogbalu, and the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, Neda Imasuen, were rooting for different aspirants.
The aspirants were Olumide Akapta, Kenneth Imansuangbon, Professor Sunday Eromosele and Sergius Ogun. But following the intrigues, two venues – Uyi Hotel and Bishop Kelly Centre – were announced for the primary election.
Imasuagbon and his supporters, it was learnt, went to the Uyi hotel for the election while the party executive and primary election committee from the NWC went to the Bishop Kelly Centre to conduct the primary.
Imasuagbon later made his way to the Bishop Kelly centre venue where Akpata emerged as candidate of the party after polling 316 votes.
Meanwhile, the Lamidi Apapa faction of the national leadership of the party, has submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Anderson Uwadiae Asemota and Monday Ojore Mawah, as governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the party for the September 21 election in the state.
But the leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has said a letter to INEC by a “dissident group and former members” of the party led by one Lamidi Apapa to recognise Anderson Asemote and Monday Mawa as the governorship and deputy governorship candidates does not emanate from the party.
National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, said on Sunday in a statement that the letter in circulation is handiwork of “fraudulent and desperate” people seeking for recognition and also unrelentingly working towards obtaining by tricks from unsuspecting Nigerians as they have done in recent elections.
It’s a bad omen for democracy – Analysts
But reacting to the developments, a political analyst, Jackson Lekan Ojo, said what happened in Edo is shameful and a bad omen for the country’s democracy.
He said, “This is not good for democracy and it is making us become a laughing stock in the comity of nations. With all these happening, how do you expect America, the father of democracy, Britain and every other one to look at us? They won’t look at us to be doing anything meaningful.
“If the internal party democratic system is not there, then this is exposing us to the whole world what we are doing. It is a shameful act. If it were only one political party, in this case, we would have said maybe it’s the fault of the party. But this is across party lines; it’s a systemic problem.
“Honestly, it is a shameful thing and if the primary is a sham like this, what do you expect the general election to be? This is shameful!”
Similarly, a professor of political science at the University of Benin, Eddy Erhagbe, in a telephone chat with Daily Trust said what transpired is disturbing and not good for politics and the parties involved.
On his part, Dada Ayokha, a lecturer and media consultant, said the development shows lack of internal democracy despite efforts by INEC and electoral laws to sanitise the system.
[DailyTrust]
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported that its operatives are in the process of identifying individuals belonging to an organized criminal network responsible for the recent smuggling of two containers containing illegal drugs, along with assorted arms and ammunition. The items were imported from Durban, South Africa to the Tincan seaport in Lagos.
According to NDLEA, among those already arrested as members of the syndicate are: a clearing and notification party of the two containers, Falowo Samuel Kayode; a dock worker, Anjorin Idowu and Uzairu Ahmed Iguda, who is in charge of the Five Star terminal at the port.
It said investigations revealed that the three suspects conspired with the agent and notify party, Falowo Samuel Kayode, to remove the 192.7kg Colorado, pistol and rounds of ammunition from the container to an empty container in the terminal.
The agency also said another dock worker at the terminal, Mohammed Muktar Sule (alias organizer) who is equally linked to the syndicate is currently at large.
This was made known in a statement issued by Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, on Sunday.
Babafemi disclosed that the Agency had requested for a 100 percent joint examination of two containers marked MSCU 4581770 and TRHU 7968071 from South Africa based on credible intelligence.
He said the exercise was conducted with other stakeholders on January 18 and 19, 2024, during which 56.39kg cocaine and 795kg Colorado, a synthetic strong strain of cannabis, among other illegal items, were recovered from the containers.
Babafemi disclosed that the latest seizure brings the total recovered from the two containers to 56.39kg of cocaine and 987.9kg of Colorado, with a combined weight of 1,044.29kg.
“Investigations have also revealed three kingpins believed to be based in South Africa and connected with the importation of the containers. They include: Odeyemi Taiwo Emmanuel; Akinyemi Olayinka and Adebayo Adewole Emmanuel, who are now on the Agency’s wanted list,” he added.
Similarly, NDLEA in Edo State on February 20 raided a drug joint under powerline off Etete Road, GRA Benin City, where they arrested a salesgirl, Jessica Destiny, 24, and recovered assorted illicit drugs.
The agency stated that a follow up operation the following day led to the arrest of the owner of the joint, 36-year-old Ibrahim Sani, who is the Commander, Arewa Association Vigilantes in the area.
It further disclosed that a consignment of 179kg cannabis was recovered by operatives at Badagry Waterside, Lagos on Wednesday, February 21. A 67-year-old grandpa, Rafiu Ogunro was nabbed on Thursday 22nd February, at Magbon, Ogun state with 57kg cannabis, 2,700 pills of tramadol, and 231 bottles of Codeine syrup, weighing 2.31 litres.
Announcing further interceptions and seizures made by the NDLEA, Babafemi said: “In Borno, a 25-year-old lady, Zara Mele was arrested with quantities of cocaine and heroin at Baga check point on Tuesday February 20, while Usman Shuaibu, 26, and Mohammed Lawan, 22, were also nabbed with quantities of the same class A drug at Meri and Babban Layi areas of Maiduguri the same day, respectively.
“No less than 44,820 pills of opioids being taken to Zamfara state by Tasiu Mohammed, 25, and Abubakar Tanko, 54, were intercepted along Jega-Sokoto road by NDLEA officers in Kebbi state, while a farmer Ali Abdulhamid, 35, was arrested in his farm where he grows tomatoes and some stems of cannabis sativa weighing 73 kilograms at Bakin Kasuwa village, Birnin Yero area of Igabi LGA, Kaduna state.
“Two suspects: Shuaibu Ahmed, 38, and Tanimu Abdullahi, 29, travelling in a commercial bus from Lagos to Kano with 99 blocks of cannabis weighing 37kg were intercepted by NDLEA officers along Kwali-Gwagwalada express road, Abuja on Monday, February 19, while one Michael Okefi was arrested at Upper Iweka area of Onitsha, Anambra state with 483 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup concealed in two 50-litre kegs. A follow up operation led to the arrest of the actual owner, Osinachi Jasper.
“At least 540 grams of cocaine concealed in canvas shoes heading to the UK were intercepted at a courier firm in Lagos on Friday, February 23, by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation, DOGI.
“Equally, a consignment of tramadol 225mg hidden in ladies headgear going to the UK was also seized the same day at the courier house, while another parcel containing ecstasy concealed in a body cream container meant for Cyprus was also intercepted.
“In Kano state, different quantities of opioids and other illicit drugs were recovered from at least 12 young men arrested in parts of Kano between Monday 19th and Friday 23rd February. Some of the suspects include: Yusuf Abdullahi,20; Usman Muh’d,18; Sadiq Jibrin, 20; Ibrahim Lawan, 25; Ukasha Usaini,19; Sahabi Lamini,15; Isiyaka Mohd, 28; Bashir Ayuba,36; Ahmad Idris,18; Abubakar Sani,29; Bashir Mohd, 21 and Udochukwu Ezekiel, 35”.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the officers and men of the Tincan, Lagos, Edo, Ogun, Kaduna, Kano, Anambra, Kebbi, Borno, and FCT Commands of the Agency for their balanced efforts in the past week.
Marwa equally applauded their counterparts across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures thus creating parity between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities.
