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Hunger: Govt Sets To Sell Rice N20k Per Bag, Other Food Items At Lower Prices

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As part of the measures to ameliorate the suffering of citizens occasioned by high cost of food items, the Nasarawa State government has reached an agreement with traders and marketers association in the state to buy off their wares and sell them at discounted prices to the people.

Following the agreement, the government has taken custody of more than 2,100 bags of rice from the association for onward sale to the people.

Governor Abdullahi Sule who disclosed this to newsmen said the state government would continue to explore all avenues aimed at alleviating the plight of the people of the state.

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He said he had earlier met with the leadership of the association where he pleaded with them not to hoard food items but rather bring them out for the government to buy.

According to him, the state government will distribute the items to the poor and vulnerable free while selling at affordable prices to those who can afford them.

“We will buy from them and distribute part of the rice free of charge and sell the remainder at a discounted price. We will also buy millet and maize to be shared to people. We want to therefore appeal for the people to remain patient,” he said.

He decried a situation where traders purchase and hoard food items solely for profit maximisation, and urged members of the traders and marketing association to sensitise their members on the ills of hoarding food items, especially at a time when people are finding it difficult to feed.

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“It is high time we came together to help ourselves. It is inconsiderate for someone to hoard food items while waiting for the prices to soar before selling them.

“It is even possible that at the time such a person wants to sell his food items, he may lack buyers because of scarcity of money. It is not good for someone who bought a 50kg bag of sugar at N32,000 to turn around and sell it at N72,000.

“Stop hoarding food items.

Hunger is ravaging the people. If we continue to hoard food items and people continue to die, we would answer before God,” he stated.

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Also speaking, the president, Nasarawa State Traders and Marketers Association, Musa Turaki-Gamji, promised that the union leadership will continue to sensitise traders on the need to support government’s plans to assuage the plight of the people.

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HAJJ! Saudi Arabia releases fresh 2025 rules, bars kids, updated visa policies

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Saudi Arabia has announced fresh changes to the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, including a new restriction barring children from participating.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that the move aimed to protect children from potential dangers posed by heavy crowds during the pilgrimage.

The decision is part of broader efforts to ensure a safer and more seamless Hajj experience.

According to the ministry, the large crowds during Hajj pose serious risks to children, making this precautionary measure necessary.

Additionally, priority for the 2025 Hajj will be given to first-time pilgrims to allow more Muslims the opportunity to undertake this religious obligation at least once in their lives.

● Changes in visa regulations

Starting February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia will issue only single-entry visas for pilgrims from 14 countries, including India, to prevent unauthorized Hajj participation.

Authorities noted that unauthorized pilgrimages had contributed to overcrowding at key sites, making crowd management and safety more challenging.

The updated visa policy aims to improve the overall Hajj experience by controlling the number of attendees.

Saudi authorities continue to refine Hajj regulations to make the pilgrimage safer and more organized.

Pilgrims are encouraged to register through official channels and follow the new guidelines to avoid complications.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia had also introduced significant changes to its visa policy, effective February 1, 2025, limiting travellers from 14 countries to single-entry visas.

This move aims to address concerns over unauthorized Hajj pilgrims entering the country on long-term visit visas.

● Affected Countries

The new regulations target travellers from the following nations: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. As part of the policy shift, the Saudi government has indefinitely suspended the one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits from these countries.

●¡Hajj registration and new payment options

Saudi citizens and residents can register for the 2025 Hajj season via the Nusuk app or the official website. Applicants are required to verify their personal details and register their travel companions.

A new instalment-based payment plan has also been introduced for domestic pilgrims. Payments can be made in three stages: a 20% deposit within 72 hours of booking, followed by two 40% instalments due by Ramadan 20 and Shawwal 20. The ministry clarified that reservations will only be confirmed once the final payment is received.

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EFCC drags man to court for refusing to accept naira as legal tender

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, arraigned Precious Uzondu on a two-count charge bordering on alleged refusal to accept naira as a legal tender before Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

One of the counts read: “That you, Precious Chimaobi Uzondu, on the 10th of December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, refused to accept Naira (Nigeria’s legal tender) by accepting the sum of $5700 (Five Thousand Seven Hundred USD) as a means of payment for a purchase of a Carter diamond bracelet with serial number (12345678) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 20 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Given his pleas, prosecution counsel, Hannatu Naisa, prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a correctional centre.

Counsel to the defendant, Jennifer Achinuagole, informed the court of a pending bail application and prayed the court to adopt the same as her oral application.

Responding, Naisa informed the court about a counter-affidavit and a written address to the application. She prayed the court to accept the same and discount the application by the defendant.

After listening to both parties, Justice Owoeye admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must own landed property in Lagos which must be verified by the court and also swear to an affidavit of means.

The judge also ordered the defendant’s remand in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and adjourned till April 8, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

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SAD ! NYSC Member Beaten To D3ath In Plateau

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Police in Plateau State confirmed that a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Safwan Fade, has died after being attacked by a group of people.

According to report the ugly incident occurred in Pankshin Local Government Area when a group of men stormed a local stadium.

Fadec was serving with the Federal University of Education in Pankshin.

Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, said at the Command’s headquarters in Jos on Tuesday that two male suspects –Samuel Dang Kat and Zatshinen Wubwerwe – have been arrested in connection with the attack.

The commissioner said, “On 23/01/25 at about 07:00am, we received a report from one Umbule Boreng Reuben of Pankshin LGA, who reported that on 22/01/25 at about 06:00pm, one Safwan Adamu Fade, an NYSC corps member serving at FCE Pankshin was reportedly beaten and severely injured by unknown hoodlums at the Pankshin township stadium.

“Upon receipt of the report, I immediately directed the DPO of Pankshin division to lead a team of policemen to the scene where the victim was quickly rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

“The victim was treated and declared stable by the Medical Doctor on duty. The victim was later transferred to Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) as a result of some complications. The victim eventually died in the process.

“In the course of our investigation, two suspects, one Samuel Dang Kat and Zatshinen Wubwerwe, both male, have been identified and arrested in connection with the case. Efforts are being intensified with a view to apprehend the fleeing suspects and charge them to Court.”

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