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Enugu distributes N4.6bn agro inputs, MSMEs grants

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Enugu distributes N4.6bn agro inputs, MSMEs grants

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has launched the distribution of inputs and grants valued at over N4.6bn to farmers, communities, and IT startups in the state.

This, the governor said, was part of his efforts to enhance food security, promote agro-industrialisation, and support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises development.

During the symbolic flag-off ceremony held at Okpara Square in Enugu, on Thursday, Mbah stressed the importance of empowering small-scale entrepreneurs for sustainable economic growth.

He described the entrepreneurs as the backbone of economic development that required support through key enablers.

The governor announced that 12,000 smallholder farmers would receive a bag of fertiliser each, courtesy of the Federal Government’s donation to all states.

Additionally, 51 power tillers worth N2m each would be distributed to farmers across various farming clusters in the state, further demonstrating the administration’s commitment to agricultural development and MSME growth.

“We are also flagging off today the distribution of agricultural inputs to 1,251 beneficiaries across the 17 local government areas. These inputs include rice and bean seedlings, cassava stems, organic fertilisers, and herbicides, among others,” Mbah stated.

In addition, he said the administration would carry out the revamp of several rural roads to facilitate a better network and ensure that the farming clusters springing up across the rural belt of the state did not exist as isolated units.

Mbah put the support to MSMEs at N1bn, with women-owned enterprises getting 80 per cent of the entire sum.

“The value of our entrepreneurship intervention programme being flagged off today is N1bn. This includes the disbursement of N60,000 to over 16,000 beneficiaries, mostly comprising owners of nano-enterprises on a ratio of 80:20 in favour of women.

“Some may indeed wonder why this wide discrepancy. We recognise that much of the brunt of poverty is borne by women. That explains the extra efforts we put into expanding opportunities for the girl-child and women, especially in our rural communities.

“Still under our MSMEs intervention, we are disbursing N400,000 to 187 beneficiaries. Other initiatives in this regard for flag-off include N7.5m each to 10 tech startups, operational grant for solar equipment to 256 beneficiaries, while items, including laptop computers and POS terminals, will be given out to 269 beneficiaries,” he stated.

The governor added that the state was also waging war against open defecation to end the menace by the end of 2024.

“We are launching, as well, a water provision and sanitation-enhancing initiative worth N15m across 135 communities. The total value translates to over N2bn.

“This involves the construction of ultra-modern boreholes, toilet facilities, and provision of power generators. These would be situated in locations like town halls, markets, and schools,” he said.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, enjoined the farmers and other beneficiaries to reciprocate the government’s massive support through the prudent application of the inputs and grants to create jobs, trigger a revolution in the agricultural industry and boost the state’s economy.

In his address, the Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Enugu State chapter, Romanus Eze, assured the governor that the farmers and other beneficiaries would not disappoint the government.

“We have never had it so good. Therefore, we will not disappoint you. We promise you concrete results for to whom much is given, much is also expected,” he said.

NSCDC nabs fake naval rating in Anambra

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NSCDC nabs fake naval rating in Anambra

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command has arrested a suspect impersonating a Nigerian Navy rating and engaging in fraudulent activities in the state.

The suspect, Chukwugozirim Christian, a 39-year-old male from Nnobi in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, was apprehended at the Kwata Junction in Awka on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, by the NSCDC operatives on a routine visibility patrol.

The Anambra State NSCDC Commandant, Maku Olatunde, while parading the suspect at the command headquarters in Awka, on Thursday, said preliminary investigations uncovered that the suspect, had been masquerading as a naval officer, duping innocent civilians and engaging in a string of criminal activities.

Olatunde commended the NSCDC operatives for their vigilance and professionalism in apprehending the suspect.

He said, “On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, our personnel were on patrol to enforce the directive issued by the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, to prevent undesirable elements and undemocratic forces from causing chaos and disrupting the peace among law-abiding residents of the state, particularly during the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest.

“The suspect was observed exhibiting an unusual appearance while impersonating a military officer. His dubious behaviour caught the attention of our operatives, who promptly pursued and apprehended him, subsequently bringing him in for questioning at our office.

“Upon questioning, the suspect alleged to be a naval rating, prompting the command to contact the Naval Base in Onitsha for verification. However, the Naval authorities confirmed that he was an impersonator, with no affiliation to the Nigerian Navy.

“A search of the suspect’s residence yielded a trove of incriminating evidence, including various military gear like a walkie-talkie, a black beret and belt, a complete blue combat uniform, a lanyard, a camouflage top, a matchet, a white naval shirt and a blue belt.”

He added that the parade of the fake naval rating served as a testament to the relentless pursuit of the NSCDC to stop those using the cover of security personnel to perpetrate criminal acts  in  Anambra.

“The corps remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the citizens of Anambra State from impostors and criminals, and we will continue to take decisive action against those who threaten the security and well-being of  Anambra residents,” he added.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC state boss has directed the Intelligence and Investigation Department to launch a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending the suspect’s accomplices, who are currently a large and upon the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect will be charged in court.

He assured the public that the command under his watch would leave no stone unturned in the fight against crimes and criminality in the state,  urging them to remain vigilant and provide the command with timely and accurate information that would lead to the arrest and prosecution of criminal elements.

Canadians split on FIFA penalty

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Canadians split on FIFA penalty

Most Canadians are not exactly outraged by the punishment meted out to the Canadian women’s soccer team over its Olympic drone spying scandal, according to the results of a new poll released Thursday.

Seventy per cent of the respondents to a Leger poll on the Paris Olympic Games said they were either very or somewhat familiar with the scandal, after a member of the Canadian team’s coaching staff was caught using a drone to spy on New Zealand team practices before the start of competition.

“It certainly captured pretty good attention, the fact that Canada got caught using drones to spy on their opponents’ practices,” said Andrew Enns, Leger’s executive vice-president for central Canada.

The team was docked six points and three coaching staff members were given one-year suspensions after the scandal came to light as the Olympic Games kicked off in late July.

Overall, 39 per cent of respondents to the poll said the punishment from the governing body FIFA was fair and 32 per cent said it was unfair.

Canadians who were familiar with the story were more likely to take a position, as 47 per cent agreed with the sanctions, while 39 per cent called them unfair.

Enns pointed out stories about cheating at the Olympics tend to involve the use of illicit performance enhancing drugs—not drones. “It just seemed a little unusual for Canada to get caught in the middle of something like this.”

The six-point sanction was the equivalent of wiping two wins from the three-game group stage, but the team beat the odds to make it to the quarterfinal.

On Saturday, they lost that game to Germany on penalty kicks after neither team scored in regulation or extra time. There has been no suggestion the players had any involvement in the scandal.

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Jumia cuts loss to $20.2m

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Jumia cuts loss to $20.2m

E-commerce platform, Jumia Technologies AG, has reported a reduction of its operating loss by eight per cent year-over-year to $20.2m despite economic challenges.

In a statement, Jumia explained the impact of the volatile economic landscape on its operations, including a decline in revenue and a slight decrease in gross merchandise value.

It stated that it experienced a 17 per cent decline in revenue to $36.5m in Q2 2024. However, on a constant currency basis, revenue increased by 15 per cent.

The e-commerce company attributed the figures to a robust underlying performance despite currency devaluations in key markets.

For Jumia’s gross merchandise value, the company reported a 35 per cent growth in constant currency, though it decreased by five per cent to $170.1m.

The company said its GMV reflected effective adaptation and focus on core strengths, such as optimising product offerings and enhancing customer engagement.

Jumia noted that its strategic cost management efforts yielded significant results, including operating loss reduction by 8 per cent year-over-year to $20.2m, adjusted EBITDA loss decrease by 10 per cent to $16.3m and a reduction in cash burn to $8.7m.

“This efficiency was partly achieved through a 19 per cent reduction in marketing expenses, with a focus on high-return channels like CRM, SEO, and targeted offline initiatives,” the firm stated.

Jumia reported that its efforts at enhancing customer value and experience led to a seven per cent increase in orders year-over-year and a 31 per cent rise in JumiaPay transactions that was driven by greater JumiaPay on delivery penetration and strategic cashback campaigns.

The company expanded its logistics network by opening new warehouses in Nigeria and Morocco to support its asset-light business model.

Meanwhile, Jumia stated that regional currency devaluations affected its GMV and total payment volume, which declined by 7 per cent.

The company observed its lifeline against the currency devaluation came from holding 67 per cent of its liquidity in USD which helped it mitigate some currency risks.

Among other achievements, Jumia stated it ended its commercial agreement with Mastercard Asia/Pacific to explore broader partnerships with other payment service providers to strengthen JumiaPay,

The company noted that its strategic focus led to a 6 per cent quarter-over-quarter increase in quarterly active customers and an improved 90-day repurchase rate for new customers by 262 basis points to 36 per cent.

Jumia declared it remained committed to reducing losses and driving towards profitability as it stated plans to enhance cash efficiency further, targeting reductions in cash utilisation compared to FY 2023.

Jumia said the launch of additional Buy Now Pay Later partnerships in Nigeria was a testament to its intent to strengthen its financial services offerings, facilitating greater consumer access to e-commerce.

“These initiatives, combined with disciplined financial management, position Jumia for continued growth,” the statement read.

Over 44,000 polling agents listed for Edo poll – INEC

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Over 44,000 polling agents listed for Edo poll – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that more than 44,000 polling and collation agents have been submitted by political parties for the upcoming Edo state governorship election.

This was disclosed in a press release issued on Thursday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.

The Edo governorship poll is scheduled to be held on September 21, 2024.

According to INEC, the portal for submitting agent details, which opened on July 17 and closed at midnight on July 30, saw 44,687 agents uploaded by the 17 political parties participating in the election.

This figure represented only 55.6 per cent of the expected 80,410 agents needed for the election.

The submitted agents include 43,043 polling unit agents, 1,452 ward collation agents, 179 local government collation agents, and 13 state collation agents.

INEC noted that while three political parties submitted the details of agents at all required levels, one party did not submit any agents at all.

The Edo State governorship poll election will occur across 4,519 polling units and 211 collation centres, including 192 ward centres, 18 local government centres, and the state collation centre in Benin City.

“For the Edo State governorship election, the portal opened on July 17, 2024, and automatically shut down at midnight on July 30, 2024, as indicated on item 9 on the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the election released almost a year ago in September 2023.

“In Edo State, there are 4,519 polling units and 211 collation centres, comprising 192 ward centres, 18 Local Government centres and the State collation centre in Benin city. A political party fielding candidates in the election is expected to nominate 4,730 agents.

“From the 17 parties participating in the election, the commission expected a cumulative figure of 80,410 agents. However, only 44,687 were uploaded to the portal made up of 43,043 polling, 1,452 wards, 179 Local Government and 13 State collation agents. The 17 political parties nominated 55.6 per cent of the expected number of agents.

“Three political parties uploaded the details of their agents for all levels of polling and collation while one party has no single agent for any level of voting or collation,” the statement in part.

A full summary of the agent submissions by political parties has been made available on INEC’s website and social media platforms for public information.

Police raid criminal hideouts, impound eight motorcycles in Ogun

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Police raid criminal hideouts, impound eight motorcycles in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command announced that it had seized approximately eight motorcycles during raids on criminal hideouts in various communities within Abeokuta, the state capital.

Our correspondent learnt that the division’s operatives, in collaboration with members of other security agencies, carried out the raids on Monday around 9 p.m., shortly after the incident.

It was gathered on Thursday that Olomore, Soyoye, Ibara Orile Junction, Abule Otun, Oke-Ata, Mango area, Ita Oshin Roundabout, Lafenwa market and Mile 2 were parts of communities where the raids were conducted.

This comes after the death of Femi Adeshina, a barber, who was reportedly killed by suspected cultists at his shop on Isale Oja Road in the Kuto area of the state.

The victim was reportedly working in his shop when around eight suspects arrived in the area on motorcycles, fired shots into the air, and fatally stabbed him in the neck and head.

According Metro reported that four suspects —Prince Emmanuel, Nafiu Sadiq, Michael Joseph, and Adebowale Ezekiel— were arrested in connection with the crime.

The command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, told our correspondent on Thursday that operatives from the Lafenwa Division Crime Prevention Unit carried out the raids in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, as part of efforts to crack down on crime in the state.

Odutola said, “During the raids, eight motorcycles were seized and brought to the police station, with four of them being unregistered.

“The raids continued after an incident was reported, but upon arrival, the area was calm. The intelligence agency then searched the area before resuming the raid and search operation.”

She commended the Divisional Police Officer for his dedication to reducing crime in high-risk areas, particularly for maintaining consistent efforts in Olomore and its surrounding regions.

Tinubu orders stiffer actions against illegal miners

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Tinubu orders stiffer actions against illegal miners

President Bola Tinubu has directed the security agencies to intensify their crackdown on illegal miners, which he called “exploiters and scavengers” in Nigeria’s mining sector.

Tinubu said his administration would ensure that companies engaged in mineral exploration prioritised the health and safety of Nigerians and the host communities.

He also expressed concern about the well-being of those living near mining areas and called for safe exploration.

The President gave the new marching orders when he received a presentation titled, ‘Harnessing the Mining Industry for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035,’ by Course 32 participants of the National Defence College on Thursday in Abuja.

“We have challenges of scavengers and exploiters around the country. We must nip that in the bud, and you military officers understand this better than the civil society.

‘‘We expect that through your command, we will have more resources that we need to make sure we have a stable economic environment,” a statement signed Thursday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted him as saying.

The statement was titled, ‘President Tinubu mineral resources exploration must prioritise health and safety of Nigerians.’

The Course 32 Participants were tasked with researching topical national issues, and their findings during their 11-month study focused on the mining industry’s potential to contribute to national security and development.

Responding to the presentation delivered by Colonel Olajide Bello on behalf of the delegation, Tinubu commended their work and reiterated the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy.

‘‘I have listened carefully to your presentation on the theme. Aside from your knowledge of war and security, I could see the intellectual depth of the work done to help the nation, and I must say thank you to all of you.

‘‘I recognise the need for the diversification of the economy, and we have been pushing hard on this. Your involvement will equally promote a better understanding of the issues,’’ the President said.

Tinubu assured the delegation that his administration would ensure the completion of the NDC headquarters in Abuja.

Addressing the health implications of exploration activities during an interactive session, the President expressed concern over the well-being of those living near mining areas.

‘‘We must pay attention to that at the outset by providing medical centres and other facilities that will protect the lives, property and health of Nigerians,’’ President Tinubu said.

In his remarks, Commandant, NDC,  Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the institution, established in 1992 as the National War College, had graduated 2,871 participants since inception.

Olotu said besides participants from 30 African countries, the college has had participants from Bangladesh, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

He said through the President’s magnanimity, the college had embarked on unprecedented infrastructural upgrades, making the institution compete favourably with any other defence college worldwide.

However, the Commandant appealed to President Tinubu to assist in completing the college’s permanent site in Abuja, noting that the institution currently operates from its temporary facility in the Central Business District owing to the non-completion of its permanent site since 2010.

Speaking with the State House Correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, said Thursday’s discussion emphasised a crucial sector in Nigeria’s economy: solid minerals development.

“The presentation was on solid mineral development; they have also recorded measures to improve Nigeria’s solid mineral sector, which is apt following the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu on the expansion of the economy and other sources of income for the Nigerian economy.

“The college is important in researching topical issues that affect the country; they have suggested ways and means to diversify the Nigerian economy through the solid minerals sector,” he stated.

The 111 participants of NDC Course 32 were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as 19 international participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.

The college undertakes in-depth studies on all factors that affect national security and development. The research centre in the college, known as the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, is also designated as the ECOWAS Training Centre of Excellence for Peace Support Operations at the strategic level.

Five die, 15 missing as canoe capsises in Jigawa

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Five die, 15 missing as canoe capsises in Jigawa

No fewer than five persons were confirmed dead when a canoe conveying 20 passengers to cross over the Gamoda River at the Nahuce village in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State capsised.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Shiisu, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday.

“Today, Thursday, August 8,  2024, at about 1200hrs, information from a reliable source revealed that five persons died when the canoe carrying 20 passengers to cross over the Gamuda River in Taura LGA capsised,” he said.

He said upon receipt of the report, a team of policemen in collaboration with divers and Good Samaritans went to the scene for a rescue mission.

“Regretfully, five of the passengers were dead.  Namely, Abdurra’uf Mohammed, 15; Suleman Ali, 20; Shafiu Mohammed, 25 Ado Nafance, 75’; and Alasan Mohammad, 16; all of Taura LGA,” he said.

According to him, intense efforts are being made to rescue the remaining passengers.”

He noted that the Commissioner of Police, AT Abdullahi, condoled with the families and prayed for the departed souls to have eternal peace.

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Equity market sustains recovery with N577bn gain

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Equity market sustains recovery with N577bn gain

The Nigerian Exchange extended its recovery, gaining N577bn on Thursday, driven by buying interest in Unilever Nigeria, Vitafoam Nigeria, and MTN Nigeria Communications.

The All Share Index appreciated by 1.05 per cent, settling at 98,118.30 points from the previous close of 97,098.98 points, as the year-to-date gain rose to 32.09 per cent, the month-to-date gain to 0.38 per cent, and the week-to-date gain to 0.41 per cent.

Market capitalisation closed at N55.709tn.

Unilever Nigeria, Vitafoam Nigeria, and MTN Nigeria Communications led the gainers, each rising by 10 per cent to close at N18.70, N19.25, and N198, respectively.

Investors traded 791.78 million shares in 9,059 deals, valued at N15.126bn.

The volume of stocks traded declined by five per cent, turnover was up by eight per cent, and the number of deals dipped by seven per cent.

The market breadth closed positive as 33 equities gained while 19 equities declined in share prices. Access Holdings recorded the highest trading volume with 116 million shares, followed by Guaranty Trust Holding with 110 million shares and Abbey Mortgage Bank with 50.7 million shares.

On Wednesday, the Nigerian equity market gained N97bn after two days of consecutive losses. The recovery was driven by the appreciation recorded by Red Star Express, Oando, RT Briscoe, and 24 other stocks.

The All Share Index appreciated by 0.20 per cent, closing at 97,098.98 points, up from the previous close of 96,928.52 points.

Globally, markets also saw a broad recovery after a sharp decline earlier in the week.

According to Reuters, stocks rebounded following a significant drop in the Dow and S&P 500 on Monday.

Sanwo-Olu seeks education, skills for marginalised citizens

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Sanwo-Olu seeks education, skills for marginalised citizens

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for more investment to ensure that marginalised citizens have access to education and vocational skills.

The governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Economic Budget and Planning, Ope George, stated this on Thursday during the closeout event of the “Leave No One Behind” initiative held at the Correctional Centre for Girls, Idi-Araba.

The governor noted that the initiative by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy and the Ministry of Youth and Social Development had been targeted to equip 20,000 women and girls in waste recycling skills.

He said, “The Leave No One Behind initiative has set a precedent but our work is far from over. We must continue to advocate and implement policies that support the circular economy.

“We must also continue to invest in education and skill development for marginalised communities and continue to strive for a world where no one is left behind. To the girls and women who have completed the programme, I say this, you are the future of Lagos.”

In his presentation, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said, “The initiative has impacted the lives of about 100 women and girls in this pilot phase with the potential and we hope to scale up to 20,000 by providing a source of income and skills for business development.”

Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs Titilayo Oshodi, noted that wealth and job creation, as well as reduction of carbon emission, could be achieved through “innovative circular economic practices and ensure that their benefits extend to those who are in marginalised communities.”

The European Institute for Gender Equality describes marginalised people as different groups of people within a given culture, context and history at risk of being subjected to multiple discrimination due to the interplay of different personal characteristics or grounds.

These characteristics include sex, gender, age, ethnicity, religion or belief, health status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, education or income, or living in various geographic localities.

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