The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Thursday said market associations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are responsible for the persistent hike in the price of food commodities.
The Acting Executive Vice Chairman (FCCPC) Dr Adamu Abdullahi, stated this in Abuja during a one-day webinar with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Consumer Protection Groups (CPGs) themed “Collaboration for competition and consumer protection.”
Abdullahi said that although insecurity is a major problem in food production, some individuals in the market have become dictators in the supply and distribution chain of food products into the market.
He said, “We are not a price regulatory agency, but there are some sharp practices in the market that we have to ensure they don’t occur. Issues like price gauging and cartel must be addressed.
“Every market now has associations for different products. Farmers who are not members of the association are prevented from entering the market which defeats the essence of a market. These associations have evolved into cartels and they now decide the price of food products.
“But they go beyond price fixing. Now they decide the rate of food supply into the market to create scarcity and inflate the price of available products.
“These are issues we have found out and have taken action against. We have warned the Abuja Market Management and the Chairman of the Local government on the association practices which are against the law.”
Speaking further Abdullahi noted that a market survey done by the commission in collaboration with the National Consumer Advocacy Group discovered that increase in prices of food was caused by faulty vehicles, and diesel prices amongst others.
He added, “Farmers provide incentives above N100,000 for various payments at checkpoint, local government along the way before their product gets to their destination for sale.
“Most of the Vehicles used for transportation are all dilapidated and along the way, they may have breakdowns. For instance, a faulty vehicle transporting perishables like tomatoes if broken down will lead to waste on the product. A farmer transporting the next batch will increase his price to cover up for the earlier loss encountered.
“The issues of the price of fueling and diesel are affecting products. To make matters worse there, are no standard roads leading to farms or small markets. So, farmers have to use a more expensive product which is petrol to transport the goods in smaller vehicles to the small market.
“When they get to the small market, the foods are then moved to diesel trucks, and trailers to transport the products to the urban markets and beyond.”
Speaking on the federal government’s plans to address the cost of transportation, Abdullahi said through the implementation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), traders and farmers would save at least 60 per cent of the cost of fueling these vehicles.
Abdullahi assured of the commission’s commitments to control market politics and price gauging.
Spotify, a global music streaming platform, has announced Nigerian music sensations, Ayra Starr and Tems, as the most streamed Nigerian artists globally.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, announced this in Lagos on Wednesday.
Okumu said that the top 30 artists who had gained the biggest global numbers were revealed in Spotify’s music global impact list for 2024.
She said that Rauw Alexandro and Ayra Starr’s Santa came top of the list, and Ayra Starr’s Comma emerged second while Tem’s Love Me Jeje, came third.
According to her, Luciano and Omah Lay’s Another Vibe came fourth; Savage and Burna Boy’s Metro Booming Just Like Me clinched the fifth most streamed while Tyla and Tems’s No.1 came sixth.
“Spotify has unveiled its global Impact List in Nigeria, recognising the top 30 tracks from Nigeria with the biggest global impact on Spotify over the first half of 2024.
“The list recognises Nigerian tracks that have had the most listens from outside Nigeria in the first half of 2024, and were released between January 1 and June 30.
“Usher and Pheelz’s Ruin is the seventh Nigerian most streamed across the globe, Reis B and Tempoe’s Pretty Girl came eighth and TitoM, Yuppe, Burna Boy and S.N.E’s Tshwala Bam, clinched the ninth position.
“Ayra Starr and Giveon’s Last Heartbreak Song is the tenth, Victony’s Everything came 11th, Aya Nakamura and Ayra Starr’s Hype emerged 12th most streamed while Tems and J.Cole’s Free Fall, came 13th.
“Nigerian music, especially Afrobeats, has captivated global audiences with its infectious rhythms, compelling storytelling, and innovative sound fusions.
“Its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries is truly remarkable. At Spotify, we are thrilled to witness and support the continued evolution of this vibrant scene,” she said.
Okumu noted that female artistes, particularly Ayra Starr and Tems, were leading the charge with top-ranking hits following their recent album releases.
She said that the list also underscored the prevalence of international collaborations, with eight of the top ten tracks featuring partnerships with global superstars.
According to her, these collaborations range from Pheelz with Usher to Burna Boy with 21 Savage and Metro Boomin, which demonstrates the cross-cultural appeal and growing global impact of Nigerian music.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other top Nigerian artistes include 14th– Usher, Burna Boy – Coming Home; 15th— Ayra Starr, Seyi Vibez – Bad Vibes, among others.
Actor Saidi Balogun has voiced his support for Toyin Abraham, stressing that celebrities have the same rights to protect their mental well-being as anyone else.
He highlighted the hypocrisy of criticizing celebrities for actions like involving the police in defamation cases, which non-celebrities frequently do.
Balogun argued that celebrities should have the same freedom to express themselves and safeguard their mental space as everyone else.
He wrote on Instagram, “You use police to arrest your neighbours for the most minor reasons; e reach celebrity turn, you say it’s bullying. Stop the emotional blackmail. Celebrities are humans, just like you. You are free to say what you like, right? Let celebrities be free to take whatever actions they want to protect their mental space. Freedom should not be selective. God bless.”
His post comes amid the controversy surrounding Toyin Abraham’s petition to the police against a social media user who defamed her, which was misreported as an arrest.
Reggae dancehall singer Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, popularly known as Patoranking, shared an inspiring story of his journey from poverty to stardom, urging youth to leverage their talents to uplift their communities and Africa as a whole.
Speaking at the launch of the Timbuktoo Fintech Hub in Lagos, where he was unveiled as the UNDP Goodwill Africa Ambassador for Youth Innovation, Enterprise, and the SDGs, Patoranking recalled his humble beginnings in the Ebute Metta urban slum in Lagos.
He spoke of hawking on the streets with his father to make ends meet, yet remaining focused on his goals despite the challenges.
The Afrobeat artist, who has collaborated with musicians from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, and beyond, highlighted the importance of harnessing talents to drive positive change.
He said: “I hawked on the streets of Lagos with my father. Many years ago, I used to sell on this street [Kings Way road]. It used to be a very hot spot for trading. Many years later, everything that I pictured I wanted to become, the man I wanted to become is who I am now. So when I was driving down to this place it was a little bit of a teary moment for me because I saw myself [on this road].
“That is why I have songs with artists from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana and so on. I accept to be the UNDP Goodwill Africa Ambassador for Youth Innovation, Enterprise, and the SDGs. Today, I am not just an artist, I am a voice for many African youths who desire to make Africa work for themselves and their communities.”
Super Falcons of Nigeria midfielder, Jennifer Echegini, has completed her move to the French D1 Arkema side, Paris Saint-Germain women’s club.
Jennifer Echegini started her football development at SCE Nijmegen, a club in her country of birth, the Netherlands.
The 23-year-old midfielder went on to play for Charlton Athletic, Millwall Lionesses, and Arsenal youth club.
Between 2019 and 2023, Echegini played college football in the United States at Mississippi State Bulldogs, and at Florida State Seminoles.
Italian Serie A women’s club, Juventus, gave the midfielder her first professional contract in 2024.
Months later, Juve decided to sell her to Paris Saint Germain women’s club for an undisclosed fee after scoring 10 goals in 16 games for the Italian side.
After completing her move to the French club, Jennifer Echegini said: “I am experiencing a great moment in my career today. Signing for Paris Saint-Germain is a huge source of pride. I am very proud to join a club that is recognized around the world for its ambition and excellence.
“I can’t wait to get started and I can’t wait to give the best of myself to try to win, with my teammates and for the supporters, as many trophies as possible.”
Note that Jennifer Echegini is part of coach Randy Waldrum’s Super Falcons Olympics squad. The Falcons are currently preparing for the tournament in Sevilla, Spain.
A fresh showdown is imminent in the House of Representatives as over 150 aggrieved first-time members are up in arms against the House leadership over alleged marginalisation and exclusion from legislative business.
Already, the embittered federal lawmakers have formed a pressure group, codenamed “Novelty Group,” as a veritable platform for realising their mission and vision.
The group’s inaugural meeting, initially scheduled for Abuja yesterday evening, was abruptly cancelled following the death of a House member, Hon Olaide Adewale Akinremi.
Until his passage, Hon Akinremi represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State on the platform of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
A member of the group told LEADERSHIP last night that a new date for the inaugural meeting would be made public after the mourning period for the departed lawmaker.
An influential APC House member from one of the six states in the country’s South/South geopolitical zone (name withheld) is coordinating the group’s activities.
LEADERSHIP learnt that membership of the dissenting group was growing as of Wednesday night. First-time members constitute about 75 percent of the 360-member House of Representatives.
Findings by LEADERSHIP further revealed that membership of the group cut across eight political parties with membership in the House, and six geopolitical zones of the country.
Information available to LEADERSHIP revealed that members of the splinter group were particularly angered that the House had become an appendage of the Presidency.
One of the lawmakers told LEADERSHIP that his colleagues were aggrieved by the way the House leadership easily buckled to the whims and caprices of the Presidency in passing executive bills and other sundry correspondences from the Presidency.
He said his colleagues were concerned that the leadership had sacrificed their interests, well-being, and welfare due to its romance with the executive arm of government.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas was accused of not acting decisively and assertively enough to guarantee the House’s independence.
LEADERSHIP gathered that members of the group were plotting the impeachment of Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, House Leader Julius Ihonvbere and Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda.
Reliable sources in the House revealed that the protesting lawmakers were uncomfortable with Kalu’s authoritarian tendencies and arrogant postures, especially when he was chosen to preside in Abbas’ absence.
The first-term lawmakers were reported to be after Ihonvbere and Chinda for alleged failure to protect and sacrifice their interests due to pecuniary gains.
Similarly, chairmen of the various House committees also incurred the wrath of the lawmakers for excluding them from the activities of the committees.
They added that the chairmen willfully sidelined their deputies and other members of their committees in carrying out oversight functions and sharing of accruing benefits.
They vowed to ensure a rejig of the House committees to weed out the uncooperative chairmen.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the forum also resolved “to deal with their oppressive first-time colleagues, who were fortunate to be made committee chairmen.”
One of the lawmakers said, “We have passed executive bills in very unusual ways within hours without serious legislative industry, because we are a mere rubber-stamp of the Presidency. That is the way the House leadership, headed by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas presented us to the Presidency.
“Most of the new members are suffering even though we all contested the same election, spending millions. We are treated with disdain as outcasts in the House by the so-called ranking members and our first-time colleagues who are fortunate to be made chairmen of the various committees.
“Nigerians see us all as unmindful of their plight when, in fact, only a few in the leadership cadre benefit from whatever they accuse us of amassing.”
“The executive, especially some ministers, have cornered the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and the CEOs of federal agencies give no damn about us (federal lawmakers),” he stated in a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP.
“Chairmen of committees are now behaving like demi- gods, relegating their deputies and first-timers to the background. And most of these so-called privileged first time and ranking members hardly come to plenary. Some of them supervise and administer as well as confiscate benefits from the federal agencies and parastatals we are supposed to handle together from abroad.
“A particular lady, who is a first-time member and chairperson of House committees of a juicy commission, has been resident in London, from where she solely performs and administers the oversight functions of a committee since our inauguration.
“No member. including her deputy, knows what is happening in the committee and the commission. She occasionally dishes out instructions and gives out nauseating hand-outs from the commission to members of the committee, whom she treats like her aides. We can no longer tolerate this rubbish.
“We now go cap in hand begging colleagues for jobs meant to be allocated to our federal constituencies. We want to show the nation that all is not well and that not all lawmakers are insensitive to their plight.
“The near uprising in the chambers against the retroactive approval of the extension of the 2023 Appropriation Act to December 2024 is a tip of the iceberg.
“We sent back the permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance when the minister did not honour our invitation to interact with us on the 2024 budget implementation to tell the executive arm of government that we cannot continue to be taken for granted.”
“More decisive actions are to follow because the leadership has shortchanged us. Novelty Group is formed to correct all these.”
“We are 150 members now and counting. We are not at peace with the Speaker (Abbas), who has sold us to the Presidency,” he said, adding that both the deputy speaker and the majority leader and minority leader were on their firing line.
“And a rejig of the committees is another mission of our group,” said the House member who craved that his name be not mentioned in print.
When contacted, the House spokesman and chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., claimed ignorance about the formation and existence of the splinter group.
Rotimi, however, added that if such group was ever founded by House members, it would be part of the legislative processes.
“As a member of several first-time parliamentarian groups myself, I can assure you that these groups are formed to advance common interests and facilitate collaboration on legislative issues.
“They are a normal and healthy aspect of our parliamentary process, providing a platform for members to express their views and work together on matters of mutual concern.”
“I must emphasise that I am not aware of any organised effort to “gang up against the House leadership” as you mentioned.
“It’s important to note that approximately 75 percent of the 10th Assembly House of Representatives members are first-time lawmakers, and the Assembly includes representation from eight different political parties.
“The diversity within the House underscores the need for various groups to form and address specific interests and issues collaboratively.
“The House leadership remains committed to inclusive and transparent governance, ensuring that all members, including first-time representatives, are adequately represented and have their voices heard,” Rotimi said in a WhatsApp message to LEADERSHIP.
[Leadership]
Netherlands manager, Ronald Koeman, has slammed suggestions that England have been boring at Euro 2024.
Koeman went further to say Gareth Southgate’s side can beat Spain in Sunday’s final.
The Three Lions qualified for the final, thanks to a 2-1 win over the Dutch on Wednesday night.
England and Southgate have been criticized throughout the competition for their disjointed displays.
But Koeman insists they have enough quality to beat Spain.
He said: “I think England showed great football in the first half after [going] 1-0 down.
“It’s football and maybe if you watch all the matches of them, maybe the Spanish national team are playing a little bit more offensive, with wingers, great football from the back, great ball possession. You need to stop that.
“But England are in the final and they have possibilities to win it, maybe.
“From outside, Spain are playing at a high level but England can stop them. Why not?”
[DailyPost]
- Allegedly paid $665,700 for house•Arraignment likely today in Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) may arraign a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, today for allegedly laundering over N33, 804, 830, 593.73.
Mamman, who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to face 12-count charge, based on offences he allegedly committed during his tenure between August 2019 and September 2021.
The offences border on conspiracy to commit money laundering, and possession and use of known proceeds of criminal conduct.
According to some of the charges, Mamman allegedly conspired with other officials of the Ministry of Power and private companies to “indirectly convert the total sum of N33, 804, 830, 593.73, which was part of the proceeds of unlawful activity”.
The EFCC said the unlawful conversion was a “criminal breach of trust in relation to the funds released for Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government of Nigeria”.
Also, he was alleged to have contravened Section 18(a), 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as Amended), and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
Out of the sum, the EFCC said the former minister allegedly made a cash payment of $665,700(then worth about N200 million) for the purchase and acquisition of a landed property at No. 12A & B Lungi Street, Off Cairo Street, in Wuse II part of Abuja.
The cash was paid to MOHIBA INVESTMENT LTD (acting through Mohammed Asheik Jidda), without going through a financial institution.
The EFCC said Mamman therefore, allegedly committed an offence contrary to Sections 1 and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended), and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act,
He was also alleged to have violated Sections 30(1Xf) and 22(a) of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, and punishable under Section 30(2)(a) of the same Act.
The EFCC said between the 21 day of August 2019 and the 1st day of September 2021, in Abuja, the Ex-Minister indirectly took possession of Houses 93A & B, Ahmed Joda Crescent, Kado, Abuja, which property he reasonably ought to know was derived from the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust in relation to the funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The agency said Mamman committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
He was accused of spending N20million of the project funds to rent a One-Bedroom Apartment in Sammy Court Resort, which sum he reasonably ought to know formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
He was alleged to have between January 20, 2020 and the 31st day of December 2020, in Abuja, through MISBAHU IDRIS, his Personal Assistant as Minister of Power, used the aggregate sum of N130,778,000:00 from the power plants’ votes, contrary to Section 15(2\d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.
The charges were filed and signed by Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika(SAN) ; Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa(SAN); Bikikisu Bala; Suleiman I. Suleiman; Chineye C. Okezie; and Abbas O. Muhammed.
Bearing any change in plan, the ex-minister will be arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho.
[TheNation]
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday, said his administration has started the process of preparing the 2025 budget.
The governor also dismissed the threat by the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the state House of Assembly that he should present the 2024 budget again, saying that having defected to the All Progressives Congress from the Peoples Democratic Party platform on which they got election, their seats remained vacant.
Fubara said this when he received on a solidarity visit, the leadership structure, critical stakeholders, opinion leaders, women and youths of Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas, led by Ogbakor Etche, the apex socio-cultural organisation of Etche Ethnic Nationality Worldwide, at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen, the governor described the recent ranting of the Amaewhule faction as noise-making from delusional folks.
He urged the “25 former lawmakers” to wake up from their slumber, adding that the ship of governance in the state was sailing smoothly.
The lawmakers loyal to the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had been having issues with Fubara over the political control of the state.
After an unsuccessful attempt to oust the governor, resulting in the demolition of the Assembly quarters, the lawmakers announced their defection to the APC, a move the state PDP latched on to declare their seats vacant.
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, granted an interim injunction restraining the pro-Wike lawmakers from parading themselves as legislators in the state.
However, the Court of Appeal in Abuja, on July 4, affirmed Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Holding a session at the state Legislative Quarters on Monday, the court-reinstated lawmakers asked Fubara to re-present the 2024 budget to the Assembly and gave him a one-week ultimatum.
The government, in a swift move, approached the court to restrain the state Chief Judge and others from recognising the Amaewhule-led Assembly, while it also appealed the judgment of the Appeal Court at the Supreme Court.
Foreclosing the idea of presenting the 2024 budget again, Fubara said his administration had commenced preparing details of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, with priority placed on education, healthcare and agriculture.
“Let me assure you that agriculture is an area that we have promised the very special and peace-loving people of Rivers State that our 2025 budget, which we have already started preparing, will address.
“Don’t bother about those people that are delusional. They think we are still sleeping. Let me tell you people so that they can hear anywhere they are.
“I wanted to help them, sincerely because I know them. And I have said it before, these are people that I have helped. I paid their children’s school fees. I paid their house rent. So, I wanted to help them.
“We all knew what happened when they crossed (defected), and how did they cross? Because of our God, for them to make that mistake, they crossed. They are gone, and they are gone. Now, let me tell you: when I wanted to help them, I accepted to help them because we are all one. We disagree to agree as it is said,” he said.
He added, “They thought they were smart. What is holding them is the declaration of their seats vacant as done on December 13, 2023. We are not doing any budget to nullify that decision. It is what will send them to their villages.
“As I am talking to you, I have started preparing my budget for 2025, which I am going to present very soon. And, in that budget, my key areas will be education, healthcare and agriculture.”
Fubara said the three priority areas would ensure that even if more roads were constructed, emphasis would be placed on quality healthcare services for the people of the state.
“Our children need to go to quality schools. Even if they can’t go to private schools, let them go to the public ones that have standards. We need to go to good health facilities owned by the government and get standard healthcare services.
“Even if we cannot afford those private hospitals, when you go to the public ones, you can get the same services with qualified professionals. That is our thinking.
“And when we get to the issue of agriculture, it will address the issue of unemployment. When we start engaging our youths, they won’t have time to be involved in crime. So, our thinking is to secure and protect our state,” he added.
He reiterated that he was fighting nobody as insinuated, adding that being loyal did not mean losing one’s liberty, sense of discretion and doing what was right.
“I want to assure you of one thing: we are not fighting anybody. We appreciate what God has used people to also do in our lives. But, we are not going to rule (govern) this state on our bent knees. We will rule standing this way I am standing.
“If it is only being on our knees to rule that is the way that they will see us as being loyal, then, I will pack my few things that I have here, and go and relax in my house comfortably, because it will be a disaster, not just to me but to everyone in the state and even my generation.
“So, I will continue to stand tall and stand on the side of the truth. Let me thank the President General (of Ogbakor Etche) for bringing your people, the great people of Etche and Omuma together to come and pay us a solidarity visit,” he said.
Fubara urged the people of Etche Nation to sustain their support for his administration because its vision was clear and encompassing to advance the well-being of all Rivers people.
He promised to work with the Nigeria Police to resolve the issue of herdsmen attacks on farmlands and farmers in the area, including the issue of illegal dredging activities.
The Oyeisi Etche, Eze Emmanuel Opurum, promised the support of the Etche and Omuma people to Fubara to ensure his administration succeeded.
President-General of Ogbakor Etche Worldwide, Sir Charles Nwonuala, said the Etche people came to pledge their support, confidence and faith in Fubara and his administration.
The Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, said the Oyeisi Etche, the entire leadership structure, including the 70 academic professors from Etche Nation came together with the women and youths in solidarity with Fubara and his administration.
Meanwhile, the PDP has cautioned the Amaewhule faction of Rivers Assembly to refrain from actions and statements that could disrupt peace and governance in the state.
The party also urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to safeguard democracy, peace, and security in the state.
The National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, insisted on Wednesday that according to the self-executory provision of Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, the lawmakers were no longer part of the state House of Assembly.
“The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the umpteenth time, cautions the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who lost their seats upon defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to desist from actions and utterances that are capable of disrupting peace and governance in the state.
“The party counsels the former lawmakers to wake up to the reality that they are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by the self-executory provision of Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and as such cannot gather or issue any notice to the state governor in the capacity of members of Rivers State House of Assembly,” the statement read.
It said their action seeking to assume the powers of the state House of Assembly was to cause a crisis, undermine and disrupt the democratic and constitutional order in the state.
The party urged the residents to stay vigilant, adhere to the law, and collaborate to ensure ongoing stability, peace, and the delivery of democratic benefits.
[Punch]
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]
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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.