Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) has announced the approval of 2,000 tractors, 4,000 disc ploughs, 1,200 tractor trailers and other equipment under its National Agricultural Mechanization Programme, NAMP, to promote food security in Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy disclosed this in a statement on his X handle, outlining the outcomes of Thursday’s FEC meeting in Abuja.
He stated that the approval included other assorted spare parts that would boost Nigeria’s food production drive.
“Procurement of 2000 tractors, 4000 disc plows, 1000 disc ridges, 1200 tractor trailers and assorted spare parts. The items to be supplied are for the National Agricultural Mechanization Programme(NAMP) to strengthen national food security.
“Astride DMCC, which has done a similar job in Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa and Togo, will supply all the equipment and will also set up a plant to assemble the machinery, in the second stage of the contract,” Onanuga said.
The development comes after the government had earlier announced a plan to grant a 150-day suspension of taxes, and import duties on rice, wheat, beans and other staple foods to tackle soaring food inflation in the country which rose to 40.66 percent in May.
Also, Tinubu announced on Tuesday the creation of the Livestock Development Ministry. According to the government, the new ministry will tackle farmers-herders age-long conflicts causing food insecurity.
This is as Nigerians continue to groan over high prices of foods in the country resulting in low purchasing power among the citizenry.
Recall that the Food and Agriculture Organization, an arm of the United Nations recently warned that by 2030 about 80 to 82 million Nigerians may slip into severe hunger in the country amid food insecurity.
Nigeria approves release of 2,000 tractors, other farming equipment to boost food security
Nigeria approves release of 2,000 tractors, other farming equipment to boost food security
LeBron, Curry impress as USA romp past Canada in Olympic warm-up
LeBron James and Steph Curry made a winning start as USA team-mates in an 86-72 victory over Canada in a pre-Olympics exhibition game in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
The two NBA superstars are part of a formidable USA basketball roster that will be chasing a fifth consecutive gold medal when the Paris Olympics get under way this month.
James and Curry are playing alongside each other for the first time as international team-mates, and showed glimpses of a near telepathic understanding during Wednesday’s game.
Curry finished with 12 points while James had seven as the US recovered from an early 11-1 deficit to cruise to victory in their final game at home before Paris.
They decamp to the United Arab Emirates for exhibition games against Australia and Serbia next week.
Los Angeles Lakers ace James gathered the USA team for a huddle following a win which suggested the Americans will, unsurprisingly, be red hot favourites for the gold in France.
“We know we can be a lot better but we’ve only been together four days,” James said afterwards.
“All the miscues offensively, and the turnovers. We’ll get better with that — but it starts on the defensive end.
“As long as we defend we’ll give ourselves a good chance to win every night.”
Curry agreed that defense would be the key to the Olympic campaign.
“We can work out the kinks and the timing on offense, but if we compete like that and commit to playing defense, we’ll be fine against anybody,” Curry said.
James, the NBA’s all-time leading points scorer, meanwhile said he had enjoyed joining forces with Golden State star Curry.
“We’re just two guys who love to play the game of basketball,” James said.
“It’s fun. We play the game at a high level but more importantly, we just play the game that we love the right way.”
Curry said winning a fifth consecutive gold would be a team effort.
“We just want to win gold, whatever that takes,” Curry said.
“No matter what your stats are, no matter how many minutes you play — if everybody on the floor commits to just doing what you’re asked to do, we’ll be good.”
AFP
Naval chief extends fight against crude oil thieves by 90 days
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has granted a 90-day extension to the Nigerian Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity, aimed at combating oil theft and related crimes in the Niger Delta region.
The operation, launched on January 6, 2024, has achieved significant successes, including the recovery of stolen products, dismantling of illegal refining sites, and arrest of suspects.
According to Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Naval Information, in a statemeng on Wednesday, the operation has deployed personnel, platforms, helicopters, and UAVs for aggressive surveillance and interdiction operations. The Chief of Naval Staff, represented by Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, announced the extension onboard Nigerian Navy Ship Okpabana at Onne, Rivers State.
Read also: Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Thursday, July 11, 2024
“The successes were immediate and remarkable, including the recovery of massive quantities of stolen products, the dismantling of Illegal Refining Sites, the arrest of suspects, and the seizure of stolen products,” the statement read.
Rear Admiral Samson Bura, Commander Task Group, reported that since the extension in April 2024, 22 suspects have been arrested, 122 Illegal Refinery Sites deactivated, 57 boats and 65 storage tanks seized, and large quantities of crude oil and illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil recovered.
The operation’s achievements have led to the approval of a further 90-day extension, effective from July 10, 2024, to sustain the fight against oil thieves and illegal refining activities.
The post Naval chief extends fight against crude oil thieves by 90 days appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Gov Adeleke sets up implementation committee on staff audit, commits to public service reform
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has set up an implementation committee on staff audit in the state civil service, vowing to pursue the ongoing public service reform to a logical conclusion.
Governor Adeleke made this known during the submission of the final audit report by the state staff audit consultant, Sally Tibot Consult on Wednesday in Osogbo.
According to a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the action committee to be chaired by the Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye, will review and act on the recommendations.
The governor said, “I thank the consultant for finally completing the assignment. Our administration is committed to pursuing public service reform to a logical conclusion.
“We have done a lot to reposition the public service. I am encouraged to drive the reform further because we have the full support of the public servants. I have received several commendations for our emphasis on workers’ welfare.
“We are not only paying salaries regularly but we are repaying inherited salary and pension debts. Our government remains committed to workers’ welfare as a priority.
“Above passion for workers is why we are blocking all loopholes in the salary system. Let me reaffirm that the process is not meant to witch hunt anybody. The process is for our collective good.
“To review and act on the staff audit report, I hereby set up an action committee on the staff audit report.
“The terms of reference of the committee are as follows: study the report and assess the recommendations ;consider the implications of the recommendations on the public service; take action to implement the recommendations; interface with stakeholders to ensure effective implementations; and consider all other issues related to the subject.”
The lead consultant, Saadat Bakrin Ottun said the staff audit was concluded after due diligence and critical analysis of the data gathered during the auditing exercise.
Submitting soft and hard copies of the report, Bakrin Ottun said best practices were applied to prepare the report, noting that the report contained actionable recommendations for further action by the state government.
While thanking the state government for the opportunity, the consultant commended the labour unions for their cooperation and support.
The members of the implementation committee are as follows: “Kazeem Akinleye (COS) — Chairman; Dr. Biyi Odunlade; Ayanleye Aina – HOS; Remi Atolagbe – AG’s Office; Linda Bibilari; Christopher Arapasopo – NLC Chairman; Lasun -JNC Chairman; Fasasi – TUC Chairman; Eniola Omotosho; lyabo Olanrewaju – NLC; Prof Anthony Ola Olusanya; Atoyebi Oyetunde; Adepeju Ogini; – Asst. Secretary; and Bankole Omisore – Secretary.”
Gov Adeleke sets up implementation committee on staff audit, commits to public service reform
Joke Silva celebrates husband, Olu Jacobs, at 82
Veteran Nollywood actor, Olu Jacobs, is celebrating his 82nd birthday on Thursday, barely two weeks after false rumours of his death swept across social media.
Jacobs’ wife, Joke Silva, took to Instagram on Thursday to celebrate the milestone, sharing a video that included the actor in a customised house coat as she showered him with prayers.
She wrote, “82 just like that. Agba ko ni nira l’agbara Jesu.
“Happy birthday and have an amazing year ahead, my darling… Sir J of life _olujacobs (loving his customised housecoat).”
Celebrities and fans have since begun to congratulate Jacobs on social media.
Commenting on Silva’s post, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde wrote, “Happy birthday to a legend, a father to the industry, an outstanding actor, an incredible soul.”
Osas Ighodaro wrote, “Happy Birthday, legend! God bless you immensely.”
Chioma Akpotha similarly wrote, “A living legend ! Happy birthday, Sir. We love you.”
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God is not a Christian, says popular Nigerian pastor
Popular pastor, Abel Damina, has explained why God is not a Christian while charging his congregations to stop believing that only the people who are Christians will go to heaven.
Damina, the senior pastor of Abel Damina Ministries International, made this known during one of his sermons on Monday.
He chided Christian believers who thought Christianity was the only religion that could take one to paradise to discard their position, as he further hinted that Jesus was not even a Christian.
According to him, biblical characters like Abraham, David, and Jesus Christ did not use the term “Christianity,” but instead unbelievers, adding that these holy people were merely disciples or believers, not “Christians” in the traditional sense.
He said, “Many of you think God is a Christian. God is not a Christian. Many of you think if you are not a Christian, you won’t go to heaven, lie. People went to heaven before Christianity started. Christianity started in Antioch in the Book of Acts. That should humble you a bit, and you should start adjusting your theology.
“And it is unbelievers that gave the name Christianity that you are carrying as a condition to go to heaven— unbelievers who watch the people who were adherents of Brother Paul’s teachings. After teaching for some time, they saw the transformation that had happened to these people. Before then, they were called believers and almajiris. They were disciples of Paul.
“Then the people said instead of calling disciples, the transformation we see in them is that they look like Christ, so let’s call them Christians. But before then, many people went to heaven, including the thief on the cross. So, you don’t have to be a Christian to make heaven.”
He alluded to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Abel, Isiah, and David, including Jesus, not being Christians during their lifetime.
Damina is known for his controversial views on salient issues in his sermons, most of which require other pastors to speak up.
Recently, The According reported that he was knocked for his comment on the remedy to porn addiction.
He advised porn addicts not to struggle to stop pornography but should keep watching while listening to the word of God at the same time.
“Don’t struggle to stop watching the porn. Don’t struggle at all. Just keep watching the porn. As you are watching the porn, spend more time hearing the ‘word’. If you watch porn for one hour, spend three to four hours hearing the word of God.
“Take note. Go get all my teachings on Christ. Just keep learning and learning. After a while, you will find out that your appetite for porn is dying, and the appetite for the word of God is growing. Before you know it, when you see porn, you will be irritated.
“Word of God will kill that appetite completely and give you a healthy appetite. That’s what to do. Don’t try to stop. In fact, keep watching, but spend more time studying God’s word, and you will find out that before you know it, your desire for porn would be gone,” the pastor stated.
This, however, was greeted by dissension, especially from enraged conservative Christians on social media who believed that the pastor was encouraging people, mostly addicts, to sin.
A prominent pastor, Gideon Odoma of the Fortress Ministry, countered Damina’s submission while labelling pornography as a perversion.
“Christains have trivialise sexcapades. The things God call iniquities, we must never call it flexing,” he said.
Pro-Wike lawmakers’ seats remain vacant, I won’t present budget – Fubara
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.
Tinubu caged inside Presidential Villa, says Ndume
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), has claimed that President Bola Tinubu is unaware of the current situation outside the Presidential Villa.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, Ndume alleged that the President has been fenced off and caged by certain forces.
Ndume expressed concern over the lack of appreciable action by the President in addressing the security challenges plaguing the country.
He stated that Nigerians are increasingly frustrated by the Tinubu-led government’s perceived failure to tackle poverty, insecurity, hunger, and other pressing issues.
“Mr President is not in the picture of what is happening outside the Villa. He has been fenced off and caged. Many of us won’t go through the backdoor to engage him.
“Now, they have stopped him from talking, and he doesn’t have public affairs managers, except for his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, who writes press statements. Nigerians are getting very angry,” Ndume said.
He also highlighted the urgent need for the government to address food scarcity, warning that the unavailability of food could exacerbate the current crisis.
“The government is not doing anything about the food scarcity, and it needs to act urgently. We don’t have food reserves. A food crisis is the worst crisis any nation can encounter. If we add that to the security crisis, it will be severe,” he said.
Ndume urged the President to become more aware of the realities facing the nation.
“The President should wake up. It seems he isn’t in the picture of what is happening because he has been caged off by plutocrats. He should open his doors and meet those who will tell him the truth,” he added.
He said, “Unfortunately, the people who will tell him the truth won’t struggle to meet him. I am very worried, not only for the President himself but for myself.”
On the issue of the farmer-herder crisis, Ndume criticised stakeholders for not being sincere in addressing the problem, noting that contributions have often been driven by ethnic sentiments.
In an earlier interview with BBC Hausa on Wednesday, Ndume pointed out that the Federal Government’s inability to address these issues remains a significant challenge.
He further alleged that some ministers are unable to meet with Tinubu to discuss important matters.
“The major problem with this government is that its doors are closed, to the extent that even some ministers cannot see the President, not to mention members of the National Assembly, who do not have the opportunity to meet with him and discuss the issues affecting their constituencies,” Ndume said.
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Thursday, July 11, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. EFCC to arraign ex-power minister, Sale Mamman for alleged N33bn fraud Thursday
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will arraign the ex-Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, for alleged N33 billion fraud at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday.Read more
2. Agric minister says food prices to crash in 180 days, lists six strategies adopted by govt
Following a spate of hunger and hardship protests by Nigerians in different parts of the country, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has assured that food prices would begin to crash in 180 days.Read more
3. Supreme Court to rule on local council autonomy Thursday
The Supreme Court will deliver judgment on the suit seeking full autonomy for the country’s local councils on Thursday.Read more
4. ECOWAS Court orders Nigeria to pay #ENDSARS victims N2m each
The Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice on Wednesday ordered Nigeria to pay N2 million each to some victims of the October 2020 #ENDSARS protests in Lagos.Read more
5. Senator Ndume alleges Tinubu’s closed-door policy hampers governance
The Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South), on Tuesday, criticized President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style, suggesting that his closed-door policy has contributed to the country’s woes.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Wednesday, July 10, 2024
6. CJN vows to crack down on ‘errant’ judges as conflicting court orders plague judiciary
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola, has launched a scathing attack on the issuance of conflicting court orders, calling it an “unpalatable cocktail” that “mocks” the justice system.Read more
7. MTN, Glo, other telco lobby NCC to give permission for tariff increase
Telecommunication operators including MTN Nigeria, Glo and others have appealed to the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC for permission to increase their tariff.Read more
8. Nigeria’s crude oil production increased to 1.27mbpd in June —OPEC
Nigeria’s average daily crude oil production increased to 1.27 million barrels per day (mbpd) in June 2024, fresh data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has shown.Read more
9. Nigerian govt declares man wanted for defiling 3-year-old daughter
The Federal Government has placed a N1 billion bounty on one Magnus Okpalannadi who allegedly defiled his three-year-old daughter.Read more
10. Late Watkins winner sends England into Euro ’24 final
A late goal by Ollie Watkins has sealed a 2-1 victory for England over the Netherlands in their European Championship semifinal clash on Wednesday night.Read more
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King Charles wishes England well for Euro final
Britain’s King Charles congratulated England for their last-gasp 2-1 victory over Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final on Wednesday.
He, however, hoped there would be less drama in the final with England winning without needing late goals or penalties.
Substitute Ollie Watkins scored in the 91st minute to send England through to their second successive European Championship final after beating the Dutch in an exhilarating encounter.
With the match looking set for extra time, Watkins received a pass from fellow sub Cole Palmer and fired a sweet strike into the far corner.
“My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the UEFA European Championship.
“We also send our very best wishes for Sunday’s match,” he said in a message to England coach Gareth Southgate and his players.
“If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama.
“I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated! Good luck, England.”
England, who had needed penalties to beat Switzerland in the quarter-finals and scored with all five of their spot kicks, face Spain in Sunday’s final, three years after losing to Italy in the 2021 decider.
Reuters/NAN
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