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We’ll Ensure Grains Released From Food Reserves Get To Poor Nigerians — Agriculture Minister Kyari

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Nigeria’s minister of agriculture and food security, Abubakar Kyari, says the federal government will ensure that grains released from the food reserves reach poor Nigerians.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu, on February 8, directed the immediate release of 42,000 metric tons of assorted food items from the strategic reserves and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria as a short-term response to the rising food shortage in the country.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Kyari said the ministry of agriculture is working together with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to get the index of people and places the food items would be distributed to.

The press conference was organised by Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation.

“On our first federal executive council meeting, we were given the eight-point agenda of Mr President which includes food security; poverty reduction and economic growth; job creation, access to capital; inclusivity of women and youth; of course, the rest is fight against corruption and insecurity,” Kyari said.

“When the eight-point agenda was rolled out, we at the ministry of agriculture and food security came out with our blueprint where we spelt out the immediate, short-term, medium, and long-term plans.

“Currently, we have 53,000 metric tons of grain in our reserves. We have requested to release 42,000 metric tons for a very good reason. We need the 11,000 metric tons for any eventuality or any unforeseen disaster.

“So, the 42,000 tons is in the process of being released and we are waiting for indexes, and we have already started talking and working with NEMA to see that it gets to where it needs to be.

“We are trying to crash down the prices of food, and we are also trying to make it available. So, these 42,000 metric tons of grains will come out to the needy free of charge. So that will go to the needy at no cost at all.

“We have met with NEMA, the DSS, to give us the index; these are who gather the intelligence report on where it is needed the most.”

The minister said the country has about 70 million hectares of arable land but only half of it is currently utilised.

He said the federal government is making plans to provide equipment to clear more land for farming in the country.

  • MPBS Will Inform Nigerians About Government Activities

Speaking earlier at the press conference titled “Ministerial press briefing series (MPBS), the minister of information and national orientation said he would be inviting his colleagues to tell Nigerians about their activities.

The minister said the MPBS is in line with the mandate of his office to manage and enhance the image and reputation of the people and government of Nigeria through a dynamic public information system.

Idris said the series would help to restore trust and amplify policies and programmes of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

He also said the MPBS would afford journalists the opportunity to engage with senior officials of the federal government on behalf of Nigerians.

“Our objective here is to enlighten, inform and educate Nigerians and the world, and to ensure that everyone is carried along through the provision of credible and timely information,” Idris said.

“This is the first in the series, there will be many more of this briefing that will take place, periodically, in the months and years ahead.

“We will continue to strive to refine and to improve our engagement with you, the members of the fourth estate of the realm, and with the Nigerian people.”

BIG STORY

Christmas Celebrations: Police Arrest 23 Suspected Armed Robbers, Hoodlums, Kidnapper, Recover Dangerous Weapons [PHOTOS]

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  • As IGP Commends Officers For Vigilance, Commitment To Safety

 

In furtherance of the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., to commands and formations to emplace unalloyed anti crime strategies towards ensuring adequate safety and security during this festive period, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force across several states in the country have successfully apprehended multiple groups of armed robbers, cultists and hoodlums targeting fun seekers and engaging in gangsterism during Christmas celebrations.

On the 25th of December 2024, at about 1am, the police operatives attached to Lagos State Command, received a distress call that a group of hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons was operating around the Safejo area of Amukoko, Lagos State. The swift response by the police operatives to the scene led to the arrest of 3 of the suspected hoodlums identified as Emmanuel Okoli ‘m’, 20 years, Ogunde Tejiri ‘m’, 20 years, and Emmanuel Orji ‘m’, 18 years, and also the recovery of the weapons they had used in carrying out robbery attacks on innocent funseekers in the area. The police have emplaced intensified searches to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.

In a similar development, Police Operatives attached to Saminaka Division of the Kaduna State Command on 25th December 2024, at about 8pm, successfully apprehended one Sule Muhammad ‘m’, 25 years, who has been actively involved in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Saminaka area. Further investigation led to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle from the suspect. The suspect confessed to being a member of a notorious kidnapping gang who had been evading arrest since the arrest of other gang members on August 16, 2024, until his recent arrest on 25th December 2024. Following cooperation received from Muhammad, efforts are in top gear to apprehend other members of his gang and recover more arms and ammunition in their identified camp. Commendable efforts of the Nigeria Police Operatives have also been witnessed in states including Delta, Ogun Katsina, Benue, FCT and Imo, leading to the arrests of several suspects in various locations during the Christmas celebration period.

The IGP has commended the officers involved in these operations for their vigilance and commitment to public safety, highlighting their display of exemplary dedication in safeguarding our communities, especially during this joyful season. The IGP urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The IGP further assures citizens that the Force is fully committed to creating a safe environment for everyone as they partake in the joy and cheer of the holiday season. As the celebrations continue, the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect all citizens and ensure that the spirit of festivities during this period remains unmarred by criminal activities.

 

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

FORCE HEADQUARTERS,

ABUJA.

27TH DECEMBER 2024.

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BIG STORY

Road To 2027: We’ll Ensure APC Gets Less Than 15k Votes — Kwankwaso

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Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano state, stated that the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) will reduce the influence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Speaking on Wednesday at a meeting with party stakeholders in Tsanyawa LGA of the state, Kwankwaso mentioned that the NNPP aims to ensure the APC receives fewer than 15,000 votes in the 2027 elections.

In the 2023 governorship election, the NNPP garnered 1,019,602 votes, the APC secured 890,705 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came third with 15,957 votes.

Kwankwaso emphasized that the NNPP achieved the “remarkable feat” of over one million votes despite being a new political platform and starting its campaign late.

“Now, it’s our turn to diminish APC’s influence. We will work tirelessly to ensure their votes are reduced to less than 15,000 in Kano come 2027,” Kwankwaso stated.

Kwankwaso, who was the NNPP’s presidential candidate in 2023, urged his supporters to stay united and focused to ensure the party’s success in future elections.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Jigawa State Governor Loses 24-Yr-Old Son A Day After Mother’s Demise

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Tragically, just one day after the passing of his mother, Governor Namadi of Jigawa has now lost his 24-year-old son.

A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel, confirmed that the governor’s son sadly lost his life in a road accident on Thursday.

“To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.”

“With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, announces the passing of yet another member of his family; his dear son Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

“He departed this world this afternoon (Thursday, December 26th, 2024) as a result of a ghastly motor accident along Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road. “The burial rite is taking place at this moment in Kafin Hausa town, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

“A 24-year-old, late Abdulwahab is survived by his parents and many siblings. “To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.”

 

More to come…

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