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Nigeria Rich In Solid Minerals, Let’s Collaborate — Tinubu To Ramaphosa

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Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has asked Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa’s president, to deepen the economic relations of both countries.

Tinubu spoke on Monday after meeting the South African leader in New York, ahead of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

According to a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Tinubu said Nigeria and South Africa have the potential to improve Africa’s economic outlook when they partner effectively.

“We have all the human and natural resources required between our nations. We can collaborate in a mutually beneficial way that enriches our populations,” the statement quoted the president as saying.

“South African Mining industries have a role to play in the Nigerian solid minerals development sector. Your business community has done well in Nigerian Telecommunications.

“We have great mineral wealth across our land, and you have good expertise in this area. We expect to deliver jobs and mutually beneficial results in this area as brother and sister countries.”

On his part, Ramaphosa applauded Tinubu’s “brave” economic reforms and agreed that an intentional partnership between both countries will boost their respective economies.

“We are two major economies on our continent, and it is important that we deepen economic ties, particularly in light of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement,” the South African president said.

“We are very keen on the deepening of our economic relations.

“We would love to see Nigeria and South Africa working closely together on a number of issues because whenever we join hands, we have made an impact globally through those joint positions.

“Together, we can move the global south forward. We are a continent that has been plundered. And wealthy nations made so much of it from us, and we must seek out partners who will help us to advance our own interests.”

Ramaphosa also hailed Tinubu’s leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), saying Southern Africa needs to emulate the solidarity being demonstrated in West Africa.

“We believe that we have a lot to learn from ECOWAS and its unity in reaching consensus positions on sub-regional matters. This is something we seek to emulate in the Southern African sub-region in view of events in Mozambique and other areas,” Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa also invited Tinubu to South Africa, following Ramaphosa’s recent visit to Nigeria, as part of efforts to deepen economic ties and the broader relationship between both countries.

While accepting the invitation, Tinubu noted that Africa must oversee its resources to ensure maximum economic returns.

“Our continent is the last untapped ground for accelerated, massive growth and new economic opportunity on earth,” Tinubu said.

“We must be in charge of our own resources, and we must work to use each other effectively to achieve what is best for all of us, Mr. President.

“We look forward to an era of economically productive relationships.”

Tinubu also spoke on the state of democracy in Africa.

“During the end of the Second World War, the Marshall Plan was established for the reconstruction and economic restoration of European nations through Bretton Woods institutions,” the statement quoted Tinubu as saying.

“Where has this presence been for Africa? We have to be careful not to replace the broken shackle of yesterday with a new set of shackles.

“You cannot have a stable democracy in the presence of a poverty of knowledge and a starvation of people.

“Democracy without food on the table is a breeding ground for what will consume us, if care is not taken.

“We must join hands and agree that International Finance Institutions require reform as Africa is not to be a ground for economic scavenging any longer, but it is a place with gifted people that is ready for investment and cooperation.”

Tinubu said Africa must reach a consensus that the hundreds of billions of dollars invested in the continent over the years must meet the specific needs of developing democracies.

BIG STORY

Lagos Lawyer Gboyega Adetunji Delves Into Agriculture, Floats Abundish; A Revolutionary Farm-To-Table Outfit

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Barrister Gboyega Adetunji, a Lagos-based renowned legal practitioner, has ventured into agriculture with the launch of Abundish, a revolutionary farm-to-table service aimed at transforming how Nigerians access fresh, high-quality, and healthy farm produce.

Abundish is committed to offtake directly from farmers and supply to consumers promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring fair market value for produce.

The innovative platform offers a subscription-based model, allowing customers to customize their experience and receive curated selections of fresh, seasonal produce delivered conveniently to their homes.

“I’m thrilled to embark on this new journey, combining my passion for sustainable living and community development,” said Barrister Adetunji, Founder and CEO of Abundish.

“Our goal is to empower farmers, support local economies, and provide healthy, fresh produce to consumers while reducing food wastage and promoting sustainable practices.”

“Abundish is more than just a bridge,” says Barr. Gboyega Adetunji.

“We are a movement bringing fresh, high-quality produce whether cash or food crops directly from the farm to the end consumer, cutting out unhygienic produce, reducing landing costs of produce, and the convenience of doorstep delivery it affords our customers. This does not only benefits our customers, but also supports sustainable agricultural practices, grows the naira and local economies, and also empowers the farmers who nourish our communities.

Reacting to what inspires his diversification, Barr. Gboyega said “I’d always wanted to have my little farm that can cater for at least 80% of my consumption, but then I realized how impactful it would be if this practice could be extended to others, hence the creation of the Abundish brand”

When asked what sets Abundish apart from its counterparts, Barr. Gboyega said, “Abundish offers a unique subscription model, allowing customers to customize their experience and receive a curated selection of the freshest seasonal produce delivered conveniently to their homes. By bypassing traditional distribution channels, Abundish reduces food waste, ensures peak freshness for consumers and the amount of time doing tedious work of purchase and clean up”.

“Abundish offer fresh farm produce at fair market value, championing food security with sustainable practices” he added.

At Abundish, we are not just passionate about delivering farm-fresh produce, we are committed to creating a positive impact on our world. That is why we operate with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in mind, striving for a more sustainable, equitable, and food-secure future.

Join The Abundish Movement, visit www.abundish.info to learn more about Abundish, and subscribe to receive the freshest produce delivered at your convenience.

Follow Abundish on social media platforms for behind-the-scene farm footage, exclusive offers, recipes, and our social impact initiatives.

X (Twitter) – @abundish

Instagram – @abundish

Facebook – Abundish

 

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Governor Fubara Is The “Supreme Architect” Of Crisis Rocking Rivers — APC

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) says Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, is the “supreme architect” of the crisis in the state.

The ruling party is reacting to a comment by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleging plots to take over the government of Rivers forcefully.

Felix Morka, the national spokesperson for the APC, claimed in a statement released on Thursday that the opposition party made the “fake” assertion without addressing the problems facing the state.

According to Morka, Fubara has disrespected the law ever since taking office.

“Quite contrary to the PDP’s misplaced quibbles against Chief Okocha’s comments, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is the supreme architect of the horrific crisis rocking Rivers state,” the statement reads.

“Since assuming office over a year ago, Governor Fubara has displayed reckless disdain for the rule of law and democratic institutions and conducted his government in flagrant violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“In an unprecedented display of autocratic arrogance, Governor Fubara declared the democratically elected Rivers state House of Assembly to be non-existent and, without lawful authority, constituted a bogus and an illegal 3-man sham Assembly in brazen violation of express provisions of the Constitution on the threshold composition of the House of Assembly and in disregard of the separation of powers doctrine.

“The Governor has continued to expend public funds without lawful appropriations by a duly constituted legislature, thereby undermining the will of the good people of Rivers State and their right to effective and accountable democratic governance.”

The APC spokesperson said a “serious and focused” governor would have set a clear programme to conduct local government elections in the state.

Apart from the rift without Nyesom Wike, minister of federal capital territory (FCT), which has torn apart the Rivers house of assembly, the state is witnessing a crisis at the local government level.

Recall that Fubara, on Tuesday, asked the heads of local government administration to assume control of the 23 council areas of the state following the tenure expiration of the chairmen.

Despite the governor’s directive, some former LGA chairmen reportedly attempted to resume duty at the council secretariats but were chased away by youths.

The development sparked political tension in Rivers as residents protested at the LGA secretariats while police officers fired multiple shots into the air to disperse protesters.

Although the governor has sworn in caretaker committee chairs for the LGAs, they have not been allowed to assume their offices.

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HEALTH: Death Toll From Lagos Cholera Outbreak Rises To 21

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The Lagos state government says the death toll from the cholera outbreak in the state has risen to 21.

On June 11, Akin Abayomi, the commissioner of health for Lagos, announced that a probable cholera epidemic in several areas of the city had resulted in five deaths and approximately sixty hospital admissions. The cholera outbreak was declared by the commissioner on Saturday.

Of the 350 suspected cases, 17 have been confirmed, resulting in 15 fatalities.

Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to the Lagos governor on health, gave an update on Thursday following a meeting with members of the Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).

She stated that the increase in cases was expected after the Eid-el Kabir celebration.

According to NAN, she said the total number of suspected infections increased to 401, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers of infections.

Ogunyemi said suspected cases are subsiding across LGAs due to the state government’s intervention and surveillance efforts.

“The ministry of health, in collaboration with the state ministry of environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination,” Ogunyemi said.

“We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on.

“We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education, to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return.

“Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera.”

Ogunyemi advised Nigerians to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever.

She added that treatment for cholera has been provided free of charge at all public health facilities.

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