The federal government has announced the sale of 50kg bags of rice at a subsidized price of N40,000, a 50% reduction from the market price.
This is in an effort to address growing concerns over food affordability and quell planned protests.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this information during a press briefing at the presidential villa on Monday.
According to Idris, 20 trucks of rice have been distributed to each state, with designated centers selling the bags at the subsidized price.
However, the minister failed to provide specific locations where the rice is being sold, raising concerns about accessibility and transparency.
Idris framed the government’s move as a response to protesters’ demands, stating that President Bola Tinubu is “already protesting on their behalf” by addressing food availability and affordability.
Read Also: Keyamo overrules NAMA’s 800% levy increase, cites economic hardship
He said, “The president has listened to the voices of all those who are planning this protest. And the message is that there is no need for it,” he said.
“Indeed, the president is already protesting on their behalf by doing those things that they want a government to do. For example, the effort that the government is making in ensuring that food is being made available.
“The last council meeting here at the briefing, we announced that a number of trucks, 20 precisely, had been given to the state governors for onward distribution to those who actually are in need of them to the poorest of the poor in society and those who are actually in need. Food being made available.
“But the government did not stop there, there is also rice that is being sold at about 50 percent of its cost — a bag of rice is being sold as we speak now.
“This rice has been taken to various centres across all the states of the federation and is being sold at N40,000. Centres have been created so that those who need this rice can go there and buy this rice at N40,000.
“In the first instance, about 10 trucks have been made available to each of these states and indeed this is just the beginning. I know that some of the comments you hear are that it is never enough.
“The government has not pretended that these supplies are indeed enough. But these are necessary first steps that are being made, and more of such interventions are being made in the interim.”
The federal government’s decision to sell subsidized rice comes amidst growing discontent over economic conditions, with protests planned for August 1. By announcing this measure, the government aims to demonstrate its commitment to addressing citizens’ concerns.
However, the lack of transparency regarding the sale locations and the limited quantity of rice available may undermine the initiative’s effectiveness. Critics may argue that this move is a token gesture, insufficient to address the scale of the problem.
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PROTEST: Nigerian govt announces subsidized rice for sale at N40,000
NSCDC begins show of force in Anambra ahead of hunger protest
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, has commenced a show of force in the state ahead of the planned nationwide protests beginning August 1.
The state commandant of the NSCDC, Maku Olatunde, who led the officers and men in the “show of force” in and around the state, on Tuesday, said the exercise was a display of the command’s readiness and commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment and dominate the public space.
Our correspondent observed that the show of force started at the state command headquarters in Awka, the state capital, and covered key routes including Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Ziks Avenue, Regina Caeli Junction, Kwata Junction, New Parts Nkpor, Nkpor-Junction, Borromeo Roundabout, Awka road, DMGS Roundabout, Upper New Market Road, Oguta Road, and ending at the Head Bridge in Onitsha.
The exercise showcased a strong security presence across the various localities visited.
The state commandant declared that the current display of force, which will persist until August 12, serves as a testament to the agency’s readiness and dedication to ensuring the round-the-clock security of critical national assets and infrastructure.
He said, “This proactive measure seeks to preempt and mitigate any potential incidents of vandalism, breaches of peace, and lawlessness that may occur in conjunction with the planned nationwide protest.
“The coordinated display of force with other security agencies in Anambra State, within their respective areas of expertise, sends an unequivocal message that the state’s security machinery is robustly prepared to take firm and decisive action against any individuals attempting to disguise themselves as protesters and compromise the existing safety and security atmosphere.”
Olatunde cautioned youths not to allow themselves to be used to unleash terror on law-abiding citizens and destroy Critical Assets as well as public Infrastructure provided by the government.
He urged citizens to cooperate with the security agencies and report any suspicious activities that would undermine the relative peace in Anambra State.
Meanwhile, the state commandant has cautioned officers and men deployed ahead of the protest against unprofessional conduct, stressing that the command will not hesitate in dealing with anyone involved in misconduct and unprofessional acts.
“In the execution of your lawful duties, I implore you to exercise extreme caution and vigilance. Demonstrate exemplary self-control, eschew trigger-happy tendencies, and avoid confrontations with protesters. Prioritise de-escalation techniques to guarantee a peaceful and serene outcome,” he added.
Asset recovery: Osun govt raids home of former Amotekun Commander
The Osun State Government has revealed that the Asset Recovery Committee has commenced the retrieval of state assets allegedly carted away illegally by top officials of the Adegboyega Oyetola administration. This revelation was made in a statement by Kolapo Alimi, the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, on Tuesday.
The statement also disclosed that the Committee, under the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, began field operations on Monday in compliance with legal requirements and its mandate.
The government’s statement follows claims by former Amotekun Osun Field Commander Amitolu Shittu of an invasion of his home by thugs loyal to the state governor, Ademola Adeleke.
Alimi said, “In an effort to carry out its mandate, the task force visited the residence of the immediate past Osun Amotekun Field Commander, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, in the early hours of Monday, July 29, 2024, recovering three vehicles illegally possessed by him.
“It should be noted that the operation conducted at Amitolu’s residence was a lawful and necessary measure to retrieve vehicles and assets unlawfully retained by him from his tenure as the Osun Amotekun Field Commander.
“During his term, Amitolu was known to have illegally possessed several vehicles that belonged to the government, which had not been returned despite repeated requests.
“It is important to note that the operation was conducted in accordance with legal protocols and was intended to recover these assets for the benefit of the state. The involvement of the Osun Security Joint Task Force (JTF) and Amotekun Corps was part of a coordinated effort to ensure the recovery process was handled efficiently and securely.
“Amitolu’s claim that the exercise was a violation of privacy and an act of political persecution is a smokescreen to divert attention from his own legal and ethical breaches. His assertions that the operation was a premeditated attempt to silence him are baseless and reflect his attempt to politicize a straightforward asset recovery process.
“Moreover, the vehicles in question were clearly documented as state property, and there is substantial evidence to support their recovery. Amitolu’s challenge to provide documents and his threat to seek legal redress are attempts to obfuscate the clear facts and delay justice.
“The government’s actions were fully justified, and the call for scrutiny by security agencies should be directed towards ensuring transparency in all operations, including those involving Amitolu’s activities.
“This recovery effort is part of a broader commitment to accountability and good governance, which the state administration remains dedicated to upholding.”
Meanwhile, Amitolu Shittu, who said that some government officials had conspired against him regarding asset recovery in the state for reasons unknown to him, described the act as barbaric and a flagrant violation of his human rights.
“The Secretary to the State Government and some cohorts carried out the onslaught as alleged. The incident was premeditatedly carried out by Omoyele, with a target to permanently silence me from exposing some issues in the current administration.”
He insisted that it was Governor Adeleke who sent them to his house due to his sincerity of purpose in his actions.
“It is unfortunate that a government known for failure is still targeting people within the state. I have been waiting for this day. I am not surprised; I was expecting them last week, but they did not come.”
The former Amotekun field commander further said he received information about the raid and alerted those who were supposed to be informed.
“Some vehicles were taken away, which I will challenge in court to provide the documents for such vehicles. I thank God they did not accuse me of stealing the vehicles. They did all the auditing and finances, but nothing was traced to me.”
Shittu, however, called on agencies to take note of the onslaught against him and urged for a thorough investigation to uncover the perpetrators.
Asset recovery: Osun govt raids home of former Amotekun Commander
‘You’re a political thug, not an activist’, Netizens tell Igboho for kicking against #EndBadGovernance protest
Social media users have labelled Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho, as a sellout political thug after he kicked against the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest planned for August 1st across the country over the hardship and hunger in Nigeria.
Igboho, in a statement issued late Monday night, had reportedly declared that he is not in support of the protests as they were meant to rubbish President Bola Tinubu’s government.
The message read:
“I, Chief Sunday Igboho, am issuing this press release in response to the planned protests by some unknown & faceless individuals, who are working to disintegrate the country.
’Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assumed office on May 29, 2023, he has implemented revolutionary policies, which his predecessors lacked the political will to pursue. These bold steps have, unsurprisingly, unsettled those who believe it is their birth right to rule Nigeria.
“The Yoruba Nation Movement and I firmly declare that we will not participate in any protest aimed at using the Southwest as a battleground for political upheaval.
“We stand resolute in our belief that the Yoruba Nation will not be a launchpad for disintegrating Nigeria. We recognize that economic hardship is a global phenomenon, not unique to Nigeria.”
However, many X.com users have tongue lashed him for allegedly going against the masses he claimed to fight for while lending support for the government.
READ ALSO:Renewed tension as Sunday Igboho gives Fulani herders ultimatum to vacate South-West forests
Read some of the comments below:
“Sunday Igboho is not a freedom fighter but a political thug.”
Sunday Igboho is not a freedom fighter but a political thug pic.twitter.com/1mxIk1Pjbm
— Ndubisi Nkumeh (@NKUMEH) July 30, 2024
“What do you expect? Igboho has been a tool for the YORUBAS from day one. Sunday Igboho has never been a freedom fighter. I just pity those who died following him. He has filled his purse with evil money given to him by politicians.”
What do you expect? Igboho has been a tools for the YORUBAS from day one. Sunday Igboho has never been a freedom fighter. I just pity those who died following him .He has filled his purse with evils money given to him by politicians.
— Philip Humble (@PhilipHumb49470) July 30, 2024
“Sunday Igboho has become a puppet to Bola Tinubu since his release. Yoruba Nation saying No To Protest is inconsequential. There is nothing the Federal Government can do to stop the peaceful #EndBadGovernanceProtest.
“I repeat, as from 1st of August, 2024 we will begin to #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria and #WeAreNotGoingBack”
Sunday Igboho has become a puppet to Bola Tinubu since his release. Yoruba Nation saying No To Protest is inconsequential. There is nothing the Federal Government can do to stop the peaceful #EndBadGovernanceProtest.
I repeat, as from 1st of August, 2024 we will begin to… pic.twitter.com/wq9dz1aIiN
— ÓLÀdeyforyou (@trendwithola) July 30, 2024
“He suddenly shelved his Yoruba nation ambition as soon as Akanbi became the president, thing were not this bæd under Buhari b4 he was walking all the street with his otumopo vest chanting Yoruba nation, I guess MNK wouldn’t have done same if Obi was declared the president
He suddenly shelved his Yoruba nation ambition as soon as Akanbi became the president, thing were not this bæd under Buhari b4 he was walking all the street with his otumopo vest chanting Yoruba nation, I guess MNK wouldn't have done same if Obi was declared the president
— Avocado (@Shile_matrix) July 30, 2024
“Everywhere people are facing challenges” Igboho says as he urges Yorubas not to join protest over hardship #EndBadGovernanceProtest.”
"Everywhere people are facing challenges" Igboho says as he urges Yorubas not to join protest over hardship
The Federal Government Sunday Igboho Northerners Mercy #EndBadGovernanceProtest pic.twitter.com/7yN4mmoioj
— Box Naija (@BoxNaijaTV) July 30, 2024
“Here’s Sunday Igboho men protesting. I laugh in Yoruba.
#EndBadGovernance”
Here's Sunday Igboho men protesting. I laugh in Yoruba. #EndBadGovernance pic.twitter.com/LggNgyjAEU
— Tony Ajah (@tonyajah) July 30, 2024
“Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has kicked against the nationwide protests planned for August 1 over the hardship in the country.
“Hope is very clear to you now, while Sunday Igboho moves against nationwide protest.”
Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has kicked against the nationwide protests planned for August 1 over the hardship in the country.
Hope is very clear to you now, while Sunday Igboho moves against Nationwide Protest? pic.twitter.com/MxEtJHNRFG
— MAZI EMEKA BRUNO (@EMEKABRUNO1) July 30, 2024
The post ‘You’re a political thug, not an activist’, Netizens tell Igboho for kicking against #EndBadGovernance protest appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Tinubu orders TETFund to construct 72 modern hostels by 2025
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to increase the number of modern hostels in tertiary institutions from 36 to 72 by the year 2025.
The Executive Secretary, TETFund, Sonny Echono, disclosed this during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students.
According to a statement released by the Fund on Tuesday, the president’s directive to the fund followed his plans to ensure industrial harmony in tertiary institutions.
The statement which was signed by the Director, Public Affairs of TETFund, AbdulMumin Oniyangi, noted that Echono also asked students to ensure that public properties on campuses are not destroyed during the planned nationwide protests.
Echono, who stressed the need to ensure a stable academic calendar, said when the President “was told about frequent disruptions in the academic calendar, the president gave specific instructions to the minister that one of your first expectations is for us to have harmony in the sector, so we can have a predictable academic calendar that our students will go to school and know when they will graduate and ensure that that is kept.
“We are also pleased that this same president gave a charge to us at TETFund that we must do everything possible to improve the learning experience of our students, the quality of education we are getting, and improve your welfare on campus.”
Echono disclosed that the fund has commenced the construction of 36 modern hostel facilities in tertiary institutions in 2024 and has been given the directive by the president to increase them to 72 in 2025.
“This year we are doing about 36 of them and are at various stages; many of them have fulfilled the procurement circle. Others are being done through PPP. I was there to launch the one in Akwa Ibom and I have been informed that three others are ready to commence.
“But the good news is that Mr President has directed that we intensify this. So instead of doing 36, next year we’ll be doing 72,” he said.
He also noted that after raising the issue of campus transportation with the president, he directed the fund to work with relevant agencies to convert existing buses to CNG and provide mass transit buses for students on campus as part of TETFund’s intervention for next year.
On the issue of power on campuses, Echono lamented that some universities were charged between N300 million to N400 million as electricity bills in one month, wondering how the institutions can cope if there is no urgent intervention.
He disclosed that TETFund has commenced conversations and held a meeting with people from the Ministry of Power to find a way to address the issue of power supply in tertiary schools.
“It’s going to be one of the major issues we are going to look at when we call our major stakeholders meeting of all heads of schools. We have to put our heads together to see how we need to have alternative power sources that will reduce the burden.
“As I speak, some universities are getting N300 million, N400 million bill for electricity in one month. How can they cope? Some are even rationing; they have light for only four hours a day,” he said.
He further revealed that the president has also directed the immediate payment of four months salary arrears owed Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU.
Politically release Nnamdi Kanu – Igbo World Congress tells Tinubu
The World Igbo Congress, WIC, has urged President Bola Tinubu to politically release Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
WIC said history would document Tinubu’s decision to release the IPOB leader who has been incarcerated since June 2021.
In a statement by its Chairman, Festus Okere and Secretary-General, Chris Ogara; WIC also acknowledged the recent, significant meeting of the Southeast governors, with
distinguished personalities, including the Obi of Onitsha, over Kanu’s continued detention.
The statement reads: “Among their unanimous decisions made public is their resolve to meet President
Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering release of our kinsman, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, which is justifiably
overdue.
“World Igbo Congress is itching to hear the outcome of their agreed meeting. Time is the soul of the world. A prolonged inaction destroys peoples’ hope. Let actions speak louder than voice.
“WIC stands firmly with our governors in this overly concerned matter. We also recognize and salute all persons who have continued, in numerous documented occasions, to support the call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“WIC, again, urges President Tinubu to politically release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. History remains a true account of the past.”
Politically release Nnamdi Kanu – Igbo World Congress tells Tinubu
MTN shuts down offices nationwide over SIM blocking outrage
Telecoms giant, MTN, has shut all its stores and service centres across Nigeria.
This was coming on the heels of an outrage by some of its subscribers across the country after the network provider barred their lines on Sunday.
In a viral video on social media Monday, a mob is seen destroying a barricade fence just outside the MTN office.
The clip showed a large crowd of angry subscribers vandalising the telecommunications company’s office in the FESTAC Town area of Lagos State in response to the network blocking subscribers due to a mismatch in their National Identification Number and SIM registration.
However, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a response to the circulated video on X.com stated that the DPO of FESTAC and his men had successfully restored normalcy and peace at the scene.
“This should not be the way to go!
Reacting on Tuesday, MTN said it would be shutting its shops nationwide today.
“Yello customer, please be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed today, 30th July 2024,” the statement sighted on X read.
Details later…
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European stock markets show mixed performance at opening
Europe’s main stock markets diverged at the start of trading Tuesday, with London down and eurozone indices higher.
The FTSE 100 index dropped 0.2 per cent to 8,279.32 points, while the Paris CAC 40 rose 0.3 per cent to 7,466.46 as data showed the French economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter.
Frankfurt’s DAX index won 0.3 per cent to 18,374.89 points.
AFP
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Cult killings: Three more gunned down in Awka, police keep mum
Three persons were shot dead at different places within Awka, the Anambra State capital on Monday.
This is coming after the shooting at Ifite, which left an unidentified Kogi State indigene, who was said to be a tricycle operator dead.
Monday’s shooting happened in diverse places within Awka, and according to sources, about three persons lost their lives in the incidents.
A journalist, who pleaded not to be named, who notified TVN of the shooting around her area in Ukwuorji, said the incident happened at about 5pm.
“The victim is a private security operative living around our area. He hails from Abagana and was living with his elder sister until his death today (Monday).”
Another source said there were also shootings at St. Faith Cathedral area, close to the popular Eke Awka Market and Amawbia area.
The source said: “That of Amawbia saw the death of a young boy who makes and sells shawarma close to Eke Amawbia market.
“Eye witnesses said four bullets were pumped into his head, while residents scampered for safety.
“The scene of the incident is a pole away from the State CID and the Police Command Headquarters in Anambra State, but the gunmen leisurely drove away without any challenge.
“People are wondering what kind of policing we are receiving in Anambra State. No matter what happened, so long as it is not on their facility, they just keep quiet.”
Meanwhile, the state police command has maintained sealed lips in the face of the killings.
When TVN reached out to the state police command on WhatsApp, seeking reaction to the incidents, the state police command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, did not reply.
There have been various incidences of killings in Awka, which have been attributed to cultism.
The member representing Awka 1 state constituency, Hon Nigeria Henry Mbachu had in the face of the challenge held a security summit in June, bringing together various stakeholders to seek a way out of the killings, but it has persisted.
Analysts say no week passes in Awka without cult clashes, leading to killings.
Cult killings: Three more gunned down in Awka, police keep mum
Police uncover 17 skulls in Ugandan shrine
Seventeen human skulls buried in metal boxes have been unearthed at a suspected shrine in the centre of Uganda, police told AFP on Tuesday.
Children foraging for firewood outside Kabanga village near Mpigi town, about 40 kilometres (24 miles) west of the capital Kampala, made the grisly discovery on Monday, according to local media.
Police said residents told officers there were metallic boxes containing what appeared to be skulls buried in a shrine.
“We swiftly moved in and dug up the place, and so far we have recovered 17 human skulls,” regional police spokesman Majid Karim told AFP.
“We are conducting more excavations to ensure there are no more skulls other than what we have so far recovered,” he said.
He added that the remains were being examined to determine their age and sex, as well as when they may have been buried.
He urged the public to remain calm, saying some residents had been left in shock.
Officers will “investigate the matter to establish the circumstances surrounding the recovery of these skulls and who could be behind this act”, Karim said.
It is not clear how the skulls ended up at the site.
Local media reported residents as saying that people had previously gathered at the location to worship.
Police said the suspected owner of the site is on the run, having been linked to a separate case involving the murder of a prominent traditional Baganda leader, entrepreneur Daniel Bbosa.
The killing in Kampala was reportedly carried out by hired gunmen as Bbosa returned home from work in February this year.
Mpigi district, although densely populated, remains semi-rural, with agriculture dominating local trade.
Coffee and bananas are the major cash crops and staple foods, and there is a major road linking the villages to Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania.
AFP