News

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

Published

7 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

President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request

Published

3 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has endorsed Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, indefinite leave request.

Recall Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, announced an indefinite leave of absence.

He proceeded on the leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.

In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.

He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.

He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.

In a statement posted on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on New Media, Olusegun Dada and signed by the Presidency, Tinubu approved Ngelale’s request.

Tinubu stated that he fully understands his Chief spokesperson’s reason and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

The statement read: “The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.

“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.

“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.

“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.

“During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”

News

Confusion As FG Denies Ownership Of Yacht Spotted In France With Nigerian Flag

Published

3 hours ago

September 8, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

…says it belongs to an undisvcosed private individual

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The presidency, on Saturday, denied ownership of a yacht spotted hoisting Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.

There had been reports of a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government being used for vacation at St Tropez” on social media.

Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, Otega Ogra, in a post on X, said the yacht belongs to a private individual.

The presidential aide said flags used by the president or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht.

Ogra said on Saturday, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht was spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.

“The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed.

It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.

“It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation

News

Constituency Devt: Senator Manu fulfils promise, installs solar energy as alternative source of power for constituents(Photos)

Published

3 hours ago

September 7, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a bid to enhance better life for his constituents, Senator Manu Haruna has facilatated installation of solar energy in Takalafiya community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly fulfilled his promise of ensuring the energy needs of his constituents are adequately taken care of.

This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to addressing the energy needs of his constituents by providing a reliable and sustainable power source.

The solar energy project is expected to improve the quality of life in the community, enabling access to electricity for homes, schools, and local businesses, while also promoting environmental sustainability.

This project is part of Senator Haruna’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Taraba Central.

Manu is also working tirelessly to make sure areas not connected to the national grid are connected within the shortest period possible.