News

Food Insecurity: Reps Allege No Grains In Public Silos Accros Nigeria

Published

9 months ago

February 20, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…say President Tinubu is been misguided, misinformed

By Gloria Ikibah

Former Speaker of Gombe State Assembly and member representing Yamaltu/Deba Federal Constituency of Gombe state in the House of Representatives, Rep. Inuwa Garba has alleged that there are no grains in the silos owned by the Federal Government in Nigeria.

Rep. Garba, who sponsored a motion on the “Need to investigate the privatisation/concession of Federal Government Silos in Nigeria,” on Tuesday at plenary, said President Bola Tinubu may have been misinformed or misguided on his directives to distribute grains to Nigeria who are in no doubt suffering from the current economic hardship.

Naijablitznews.com reports that as a temporary response to the nation’s growing food crisis and the rising price of commodities, President Bola Tinubu, recently ordered the immediate release of more than 102,000 metric tons of various grain types from the Strategic Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this to State House Correspondents after the final leg of three meetings of the Special Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Rep Garba addressing the media said there was the need to investigate the concession of 22 Silos in Nigeria, if possible reverse the concession and make refunds to the new operators of the consmcessioned silos.

According to the lawmaker, in a country of more than 200m people where petroleum subsidy has been removed, there must be subsidy for agriculture to help cushion the effects of food insecurity currently faced by the nation.

“That is why I said it is very timely to investigate why government, how government, took decision to privatize the silos or services that is meant for the government.

“I feel it is very wrong to privatize the silos or services that is meant for the government to have food security by having food storage in order to support and alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians over a period of time, where there is not only scarcity of food but very high cost of food and scarcity of funds.

“Members of the press, that is why I raised on the floor of the House, to investigate this action of governmentin.

“That is why I said the Federal Government should as a matter of urgency or as a matter of priority, consider subsidizing agriculture to revitalize its economy and ensure food security in Nigeria”, Rep Inuwas stated.

Debating the motion on the floor of the House at plenary, Rep. Garba, noted that in September, 2017, the Federal Government commenced the process of concessioning 22 out of it 33 silo complexes across the country to the private sector to ensure availability of affordable grains across the country;

The motion reads: “Cognizant of the need to scrutinize circumstances surrounding the privatization or concession of Government Silos for Grains Storage in the country considering the vital role these silos play in ensuring food security across the country;

“Also cognizant of the need to investigate the entire process of privatization or concession, including the criteria used for the selection of private entities, transparency in the bidding process to ensure accountability in public administration, and upholding the principles of fairness and equity”.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of priority, consider subsidizing agriculture to revitalize the economy and improve food security in Nigeria.

The House also mandated the Committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Privatization and Commercialization, Public Assets, to investigate the privatization/concession of 22 out of 33 Government Silos for grain storage and other critical national assets in Nigeria and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

News

NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment

Published

39 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of theDecember 4, 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council (FCT) election, Comrade Grace Ike, will flag-off her campaign for the position of Chairman with free eye check for journalists on Sunday, November 24, 2024, by 12 noon.

The exercise, under the auspices of the Grace Ike Campaign Council (GICC), which will be held at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako, Abuja, is expected to attract interested journalists and her teeming supporters across all chapels.

According to Comrade Ike, the reason behind the free eye checks for journalists is based on the critical role their eyes play in their daily tasks as watchdogs and also being a critical organ of the body, there is the need to be attended to and checked by qualified ophthalmologists to boost their productivity.

During the flag-off, the Ike will unveil her campaign management team and itinerary in line with the NUJ FCT Council Election timetable.

The campaign will be anchored on the slogan, “One Voice, New Era” and focused on Accountability, Transparency, Accelerated Development, Capacity Building, New Innovation/Creativity, Improved Welfare & All-round Empowerment for members.

Naijablittznews.com reports Comrade Ike was yesterday cleared by the Credentials Committee and declared elected by the NUJ National as the only candidate for the position of Chairman in the December 4, NUJ-FCT election.

News

President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit

Published

3 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).

President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.

The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.

He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.

The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.

News

HoR to lead historic march, other Key initiatives against gender-based violence

Published

3 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.

According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.

This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.

“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”

Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*

1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.

2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.

3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.

The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.

*Details of the March:*

• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters

Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.

Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.