Uba Maigari, the Minister of State for Steel Development, has outlined recent federal government actions aimed at alleviating the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
During a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Jalingo, Taraba State, Maigari highlighted the distribution of rice and fertilizers to state governors and the recent approval of a new minimum wage as key measures.
Maigari stated, “The president directed the release of rice and fertilizers in large quantities directly to state governors, whether they are PDP, APC, or APGA. I think you should, as journalists and professionals, do your job by asking state governors, starting from our brother here. He has taken delivery of fertilizers the federal government sent to governors, and there is also rice delivered to governors across the country.”
He added, “These are some of the remedial measures, including the new minimum wage which has just been signed into law, before the long-term economic programmes and policies of government begin to benefit all. We are not happy with food shortages, which is why the FG has taken these measures.”
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Maigari also urged Taraba youths and supporters of the upcoming protest to remain focused and avoid being manipulated by divisive forces. “As a government, we are not against protest because we are democrats, but we are appealing that the youths should be patient and avoid being used by proponents of division.”
Dr. Aminu Jauro, Chairman of the Taraba State ALGON, also called on residents to avoid participating in the protest. He praised Governor Agbu Kefas for his efforts, including free basic and secondary education, affordable tertiary education, and the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage.
Jauro remarked, “The proposed protest might undermine these ongoing efforts and paint a picture of disunity at a time when solidarity and support are crucial. I urge the youths, women, clubs, and associations within Jalingo local government to acknowledge and support the positive strides of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, by refraining from participating in the scheduled protest. Let us instead come together to engage in constructive dialogue, work collaboratively, and support the continuous progress of our state.”
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Hunger Protest: FG has given rice, fertilizers to your governor, minister tells residents of Taraba
Gov Nwifuru urges Ebonyi youths to shun nationwide hunger protests
Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru has urged the youths of the state to shun the planned nationwide hunger protest slated for August 1.
Nwifuru made the call on Wednesday at the stakeholders Youth Engagement Summit held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre in Abakiliki.
The governor said his administration is committed to creating an enabling environment that allow the youths to thrive.
He explained that his administration recognizes the importance of youth development and is working tirelessly to provide opportunities for education, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.
He said, “I am aware of the planned protest against hunger and bad governance scheduled to take place across the country including Ebonyi State. While I understand the reasons and concerns that have led to this call to action, I strongly urge you all to refrain from participating in this protest.
“Today is a day set aside to provide governments and other stakeholders in youth development with the opportunity to draw attention to issues that have direct bearing on our resolve to better the lots of our young people.
“This event today is timely and appropriate at this period when our youths are restive and confrontational in their demands for policies that would make them fulfill their life purposes. Today, we gather to listen, to learn and to collaborate.
“I want to hear your ideas, your concerns, and your aspirations. We will work together to address the challenges you face and to unlock your full potential.
“I must seize this medium to reiterate that this administration is committed to the People’s Charter of Needs. This we have done by taking many of our youths out of the streets through our skills development and empowerment programmes.
“I am glad to inform you that most of the Youth Empowerment beneficiaries who got Two Million Naira each are doing very well in their respective businesses. Another batch of our youths will soon get their money.Through gatherings like this, the youths are exposed to leadership training, character development, value re-orientation, conflict transformation and peace building among others.
“By the end of year 2025, 20,000 youths will be trained in mechanized agriculture, small and medium scale enterprises and other varying productive ventures. Expectedly, the state government will provide them with Microcredit facilities; thereby making them self-reliant and viable entrepreneurs with sustainable livelihood.
“It is important for our youths to leverage this opportunity and engage in agriculture which has remained a viable option to white collar jobs.”
Gov Nwifuru urges Ebonyi youths to shun nationwide hunger protests
August 1: Bayelsa APC calls for counter-protests
The All Progressives Congress, APC has urged its members in Bayelsa to shun the proposed nationwide protest, calling instead for a rally in support of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at a news conference in Yenagoa on Wednesday, the state party chairman, Mr Dennis Otiotio, said any APC member found protesting in Bayelsa would be sanctioned accordingly.
Otiotio said the news conference was called to address the nation, particularly members of the party on the position of APC in Bayelsa concerning the proposed protest.
“We are against the proposed nationwide protest, not because people do not have the right to protest, but we are democrats and we are progressives; the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a progressive and a Democrat.
“So, we believe that everyone has the right to freedom of association; everyone has the right to express their grievances peacefully and lawfully.
“We believe that people protesting must protest within the ambit of the law,” he said.
According to him, memories of the EndSARS protest of 2020 and the recent protest in Kenya attest to the fact that protests taken beyond lawful provisions can escalate into violence.
He said the party in Bayelsa, from the ward, through the local government to the state levels, had, therefore, resolved to shun the protest in the interest of democracy and Nigeria.
“I am calling on all our members to stage a solidarity rally to support the government and policies of President Tinubu, that is what we are going to do.
“We have written letters to the Commissioner of Police, Director of DSS and the JTF for the permit to allow us to stage a solidarity rally in support of the policies and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
August 1: Bayelsa APC calls for counter-protests
August 1: Nigerian govt highlights Tinubu’s achievements, begs citizens to shun protest
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, has highlighted the achievements of the Tinubu administration ahead of the planned nationwide protest.
Akume spoke at a World Press Conference held in Abuja on Wednesday where he noted that Nigerians are passing through unintended economic challenges occasioned by a few of the bold policy decisions taken by this administration.
He maintained that economic prosperity for the nation remains the ultimate goal of the administration of Tinubu, adding that it is the engine that drives progress, lifts families from poverty, and builds strong, resilient societies.
He called for peace and stability, insisting it was the cornerstone upon which trust, cooperation and shared purpose are built.
“When peace reigns, policies yield results, businesses thrive, investments flourish, and creativity is unleashed, “he said.
Akume noted that the Tinubu administration at inception in May 2023 inherited an economy in need of urgent, bold and imaginative reforms.
“Policy measures including the removal of an unsustainable fuel subsidy regime had to be taken,” he said.
“This, it must be admitted, has resulted in unexpected adjustments that impact all facets of the economy and our daily lives.”
He claimed the Tinubu administration released the sum of five billion Naira to each state to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy.
”Approved a Wage Award of Thirty-five Thousand Naira for a period of six months to cushion the effect on workers. This award was higher than the minimum wage.
”Signed into law a new National Minimum Wage Act which prescribed N70,000:00. This represents a more than 100% increase from the last minimum wage (30,000) and takes retroactive effect from April, among others.
August 1: Nigerian govt highlights Tinubu’s achievements, begs citizens to shun protest
Edo/Ondo poll: Journalists to get unchecked access to voting, collation centres
The Independent National Electoral Commission has promised journalists unimpeded access and enhanced security for voters and personnel in the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
INEC has scheduled the Edo State governorship election for September 21, 2024, and the Ondo State election for November 16, 2024.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said this during INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with media executives on Wednesday in Abuja.
He urged journalists to continue combating fake news ahead of the elections.
He stated, “It is now 51 days to the Edo State Governorship election coming up on Saturday 21st September 2024. Our preparations are going on in earnest.
“I am glad to report that we have recovered from the torrential rainfall that resulted in the severe flooding of our State Headquarters in Benin City two months ago.
“The damage to the physical infrastructure as well as movable and immovable facilities are being fixed or replaced.
Yakubu stated that political campaigns by parties and candidates are actively ongoing in both Edo and Ondo States.
He expressed concern over a recent incident in Edo State that led to the death of a security personnel but noted that no further incidents have been reported since then.
He added, “Nevertheless, the commission will meet with the security agencies as early as Friday this week under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.
“I want to assure you that security in Edo and Ondo will be a major issue for discussion at the meeting.
“We are as concerned about the safety of your personnel and equipment just as we are about the security of our officials, observers, service providers, and, above all, the voters. We will also work with the security agencies to ensure that accredited journalists are granted unimpeded access to all voting and collation locations.
In his comments, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Chris Isiguzo, reaffirmed the media’s commitment to supporting INEC in maintaining electoral integrity.
He emphasised that the media will continue to collaborate with INEC to promote a transparent, accountable democratic process that reflects the people’s will.
He also highlighted that the partnership between INEC and the media is essential as Nigeria approaches the off-season gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo.
Nigeria faces $200m annual funding gap for immunisation
Nigeria faces an annual funding gap of $200m for immunisation, Director General of the Budget Office, Dr. Tanimu Yakubu, revealed on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Multi-Stakeholders Technical Workshop for the Optimisation of Immunisation Financing in Nigeria, organised by the Vaccine Network for Disease Control in partnership with GAVI and the Global Health Advocacy Initiative, Yakubu emphasised the need for increased public sector funding to address the financial gaps in immunisation.
“Nigeria faces an annual funding gap of $200m out of the required $580m for immunisation. However, considering the public sector’s contribution of only $150m, the actual funding gap is more significant,” Yakubu said.
He noted that without international donors like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, the gap would be $430m, highlighting the country’s reliance on external aid.
“I urge the public sector to increase its financial contribution to justify asking the private sector to do more,” Yakubu added.
The DG Budget Office also proposed legislation to mandate the public sector to achieve self-sufficiency in vaccine production, storage, and distribution logistics, aligning with the current administration’s goals of import substitution, medical industrialisation, and general industrialisation.
To address the funding gap, Yakubu recommended bridging the $200m deficit through increased public sector funding, prioritising the actual funding gap of $430m, and leveraging public-private partnerships to establish local vaccine production infrastructure.
“By taking these steps, we can ensure sustainable immunisation financing and protect our population from future pandemics,” he stressed.
The Chairman of the 9th Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, has noted the importance of prioritising immunisation in Nigeria’s budget allocation.
Speaking at the event, Oloriegbe noted that “Immunisation is not only a health issue but also an economic and security issue. Investing in immunisation can save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and increase productivity.”
He highlighted the need to address the funding gap for immunisation, which currently stands at $200m, and proposed increasing funding for immunisation in the budget, exploring ways to increase revenue generation, and reactivating the bio-vaccine initiative to achieve self-sufficiency in vaccine production.
“Legislators have a critical role to play in ensuring that immunisation receives adequate funding. We must work together to prioritise immunisation and make it a national priority,” Oloriegbe said.
He also recommended removing counterpart funding for vaccines from the current supply chain and prioritising immunisation in budget allocation.
“Let’s work together to make immunisation a national priority and ensure that our citizens receive the necessary vaccines to prevent diseases,” Oloriegbe added.
Also speaking at the event, the Nigeria Coordinator for the Global Health Advocacy Incubator, Dr Emmanuel Hassan, stated that Nigeria is facing a critical vaccine immunisation financing crisis, with outstanding obligations from 2023 still unpaid and the 2024 payment due in June yet to be made.
Hassan urged decision-makers to take immediate action to settle the outstanding payments, emphasising the importance of prioritising health despite the country’s fiscal challenges.
“Health is a crucial aspect of our nation’s wealth, and immunisation is a key pathway to enhancing the health and well-being of all Nigerians,” Dr Hassan said.
The Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Primary Health Care and Disease Control, Sen. Tony Nwoye, also called on the federal government to release counterpart funding for immunisation programmes to address the inadequate funding hindering Nigeria’s fight against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Speaking at the Multistakeholder Technical Workshop for Optimisation of Immunisation Financing in Nigeria, Sen. Nwoye emphasised the importance of immunisation in saving millions of lives annually and urged stakeholders to work together to bridge funding gaps, enhance immunisation coverage, strengthen accountability, and ensure sustainable financing.
He also highlighted the need for local vaccine production, stating that Nigeria’s future depends on a healthy population, and a healthy country is a wealthy country.
The Chief Executive Officer of VNDC expressed optimism that Nigeria can tackle vaccine challenges with the right funding.
The workshop, themed “Closing the Immunisation Financing Gap: Investing in a Healthier Future for Nigeria,” brought together stakeholders from the government, international organisations, and the private sector to discuss strategies for optimising immunisation financing in Nigeria.
UNILAG postpones ongoing second semester exam
Due to the planned nationwide protest, the University of Lagos has postponed the ongoing examination, slated for Thursday and Friday until further notice.
In a circular released by the school on Wednesday and signed by the Head Communication Unit, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the school noted that the management decided to postpone the exams to take preventive measures for the university’s staff and students.
Ibraheem said the university also advises the university community to be security conscious. READ MORE
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N40,000 per 50kg bag of rice already available – Nigerian govt assures citizens
The Nigerian government has assured its citizens that its N40,000 per 50-kilogram bag of rice is already available across locations in the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris made this known while reacting to questions by Journalists during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Minister explained that rice has been distributed across designated locations pending commencement of sales to Nigerians.
According to him, the government is still unveiling modalities to ensure that the sale of the rice will not be hijacked by a few.
He assured that the government would provide Nigerians with details of the centres across the country where they can get the product at the said cost.
“I can confirm to you that the Rice at N40,000 per 50-kilogram bag is available. It will be sold at different centres across the country.
“We will give Nigerians details on the point-by-buy locations of where it’s been sold once the sales kickoff.
“Care is being taken so that it will not be hijacked by those who have money to purchase in large quantities and mop it up with the intended beneficiaries getting it”, he said.
The Minister’s clarification comes amid growing concerns that the product has yet to be available in Nigerian markets for N40,000 per bag.
Recall that the government on Monday announced that the price of a bag of rice has been reduced by 50 percent to N40,000 per 50kg bag while appealing to citizens to shun the August 1, 2024 protest.
N40,000 per 50kg bag of rice already available – Nigerian govt assures citizens
Unknown gunmen kill 54-year-old businesswoman in Ondo
The Ondo State Police Command, on Wednesday, said it had begun an investigation into the death of 54-year-old Olakunbi Adene who was found dead in her residence located at Oda Road Area of Akure, the state capital.
It was gathered that the deceased’ lifeless body was found on her bed in a pool of blood on Sunday, indicating that she was murdered.
It was also learnt that the deceased a few days earlier entertained guests when she celebrated her 54th birthday.
According to a source in the area, the deceased, who had two kids was hale and hearty with no sign of illness before her untimely death.
Speaking on the incident, the deceased’s husband, Dele Adene, said the news of his wife’s demise came as a rude shock.
But he expressed disappointment in the police for not arresting anybody yet in connection with the incident.
Adene said, “I was told that my wife’s corpse was found on her bed in a pool of blood which showed she was hacked to death. I cannot believe that no arrests have been made up till the moment of talking to you. I feel suspects should have been arrested.
“Her phone should be tracked and I don’t know how dwellers in the building did not know such a thing happened in a house with four flats apartment.”
Similarly, the deceased’s daughter, Tejumade said it was one of her uncles that called, on the telephone, to inform her about what happened to her mother.
“I came back from the church and was trying her line, but it was switched off. I later received a call from my mother’s brother who called to inform me that my mother had been killed.”
The remains of the deceased had been deposited at a mortuary in Akure.
When contacted on a phone call, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident as she said an investigation by the command into the case had commenced.
“I am aware of the incident, and an investigation is currently ongoing,” the PPRO stated.
According selected for Google, FT Strategies’ AI launchpad programme
The According Newspapers has been chosen as one of eight organisations from Europe, the Middle East and Africa regions to participate in the Google News Initiative AI Launchpad programme, delivered in collaboration with FT Strategies and Google.
The AI Launchpad is a five-month intensive programme designed to help news publishers develop a responsible and ambitious approach to integrating Artificial Intelligence into their operations.
Out of more than 120 applicants from across the region, The According was selected for its clear goals and readiness to conduct intermediate-level AI experiments.
The programme will guide participating publishers through live experiments and provide access to expertise from the GNI, FT Strategies and other industry leaders.
The aim is to identify areas within each business where AI can enhance existing processes and drive innovation in audience engagement.
Participants will benefit from hands-on experiments, one-on-one sessions with FT Strategies consultants, and opportunities to exchange best practices with other publishers in the cohort.
The Managing Director at FT Strategies, Joanna Levesque, emphasised the collaborative nature of the programme.
“This programme is designed in an exploratory spirit to help demystify AI and catalyse experimentation across your business. At FT Strategies, we seek to guide fellow news publishers with lessons from the Financial Times. In the case of AI, we are working through many of the same questions as you, and look forward to sharing those learnings with you in this programme.
“FT Strategies was founded on the principles of sharing learnings and mutual benefit. In programmes such as this, we are keen to also create a safe space for you to share your ambitions and fears with other publishers,” Levesque said.
The AI Launchpad is part of the Google News Initiative’s broader mission to support journalism in the digital age.
The initiative offers training and resources to help news organisations thrive, focusing on quality independent journalism, financial sustainability, and innovation.
FT Strategies is a specialist media consultancy owned by the Financial Times, with expertise in helping news and media organisations globally, address strategic challenges, drive growth, and innovate using AI, technology, and data.