News

Food Scarcity: Reps Move To Host National Summit On Food Security And Nutrition

Published

6 months ago

February 28, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…urge FG to improve short-term food subsidies to dry season farmers

By Gloria Ikibah

As part of its efforts to tackle the dangers of food scarcity across the country, the House of Representatives has resolved to organise a National Summit on Food Security and Nutrition.

In the bid to address the challenge, the House also tasked the Federal Government to improve on short-term food subsidies, assistance to farmers, especially those engaged in dry season farming, improved supply chain control to reduce wastage, and short-term price control.

This resolve was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgen national importance on “Food scarcity in Nigeria, Nutritional dangers and urgent need for more Government remedial measures to address food shortages ahead of the rainy/farming season”, by Rep. Chike Okafor, on Wednesday at plenary.

Leading the debate, Rep. Okafor decried that the spreading issue of food scarcity in Nigeria and the impending nutritional dangers that accompany it, calls for urgent action towards proffering lasting solution to the challenges.

The motion reads: “As we approach the farming season, it is imperative that we take immediate action to avert a worsening crisis and ensure the availability of food and well-being of our citizens.

“The House is aware that the current state of food scarcity in Nigeria poses a grave threat to the health and livelihoods of millions of our people. Insufficient access to nutritious food not only leads to hunger and malnutrition but also exacerbates existing health conditions and undermines the overall development of our nation.

“The House is also aware about the various positive interventions by Mr. President, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), and the commitment of Mr. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas in the 10th National Assembly Legislative agenda for wellness and wellbeing of Nigerians, it is worthy to note that the Rainy and farming season is fast approaching, and the looming specter of food shortages looms large.

“Without adequate remedial measures in place, we risk plunging our country into deeper turmoil, with far-reaching social, economic, and political implications, hence the need for a purposeful gathering and more government import waivers for farming and agricultural equipment in Nigeria.

“The House is worried that Nutrition and Food is the most important existential challenge in Nigeria today, because 24.9 million Nigerians are presently in an acute/critical stage of hunger, and this is considered to be an emergency, while 85.8 million Nigerians have insufficient food consumption and out of this number, 47.7 million Nigerians have a crisis or above crisis level in terms of food-based survival margin.

“The House is also worried that peaceful protests is taking place now in some states with citizens groaning due to hunger and demanding immediate government intervention.

“The House is cognizant that the government needs to increase resources to support smallholder farmers and agrarian communities, ensuring they have the necessary inputs, tools, and infrastructure to enhance food production through short-term subsidies as the Government continues to strengthen the existing food distribution networks and mechanisms to ensure equitable access to essential food items across all regions of the country”.

The House also mandated its Committee on Nutrition and Food Security in conjunction with House Committee on Agriculture Production and Service and Committee on Agriculture College and Institutions to urgently organise National Food Security and Nutrition Summit with a view to address the current shortage of food and nutrition dangers with a view of finding lasting solution to the food crises facing the country.

The House also directed all relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations, and private sector partners to actively participate in the summit and contribute towards the formulation of comprehensive solutions to ensure more Legislative input for Food security and Nutrition for all Nigerians.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committee on Nutrition and Food Security and other relevant Committees to ensure compliance and report back to the House within three legislative weeks.

News

President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request

Published

49 mins 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

54 mins 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

1 hour 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.