News

Tinubu Palliative: Anxiety As 740 Trucks Of Rice Fail to Arrive Most States

Published

4 months ago

July 21, 2024

Only a few states appear to have received the 20 trucks of rice palliative earmarked for each of the 36 states by the Federal Government and the issue is causing anxiety, Sunday Vanguard understands.

A survey at the weekend shows no northern state apart from Kano had received the consignment of rice while in the South-West, only Oyo claimed that the trucks had arrived.

In the South-South, Akwa–Ibom, Rivers, and Bayelsa States’ officials confirmed receiving the latest palliative while others said they had not arrived.

Delta State government said the rice had not been received as of Friday noon while Edo and Cross River States’ officials did not respond to inquiries.

The Federal Government had, last Monday, said it had allocated 740 trucks of rice to the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

Each state including the FCT, under the arrangement, is expected to get 20 trucks containing 1,200 bags of 25kg each and the rice is to be distributed to the most vulnerable in the society.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Minister, who was flanked by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that the President directed the Minister of Agriculture to ensure that food is made available to Nigerians.

He explained that the distribution of trucks of rice was also to ensure that the hardship in the country is ameliorated, adding that it’s expected that the state governors will distribute the trucks of rice to the most vulnerable.

Delta: No rice yet – Ahon, CPS

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Delta State, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed to Sunday Vanguard that the state had not received its share of the palliative.

We received rice –Bayelsa Commissioner

Koku-Obiyai, Bayelsa State Information Commissioner, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, who confirmed receipt of the rice in Yenagoa, the state capital, said, ”Yes, the state has received the palliative.

“I just confirmed from the Chairman of SEMA that the state has received 20 truckloads of 25 kg bags of rice.

“The governor will be informed. In Bayelsa State, we do not distribute palliative along party lines. Everybody is suffering, when I was in the House of Assembly, Governor Diri insisted that everybody should benefit from such distributions.”

Chair of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Hon Walama Igrubia, also confirmed the delivery of the palliative when contacted.

‘A-Ibom received 24,000 bags’

In Akwa Ibom State, the Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, acknowledged receipt of 24,000 bags of 25 kg rice from the Federal Government to cushion the hardship of the current food crisis in the country.

He explained that the state government added another 24,000 bags of 25 kg from the Federal Government to increase the quantity to 48,000 bags to ensure that more families benefit from the intervention.

His words: “Through this food intervention, the government will share 20 bags of rice each to 2,272 villages in the state.

“This is in addition to the over 100,000 families drawn from the social register, who have already received and others who will be receiving free food items from the state government through the Bulk Purchase Agency.

“This food intervention by the government is aimed at cushioning the effect of the hardship currently faced by our citizens, and reducing extreme hunger and poverty as stipulated by Sustainable Development Goal 1.

“However, the long-term and sustainable solution remains the back-to-farm initiative of the state government to boost local food production, which is why the governor declared the first and third Fridays of the month as work-free farming days by the governor.

“Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture has undertaken several strategic interventions, including distributing cassava cuttings, maize grains, pepper seedlings, and coconut seedlings to 135 public primary, and secondary schools, and shared 150,000 cocoa seedlings with cocoa farmers.

“It had also distributed 40,000 oil palm seedlings to oil palm farmers, 80,000 pepper seedlings to vegetable farmers, four piglets, three weaners (goats) to 1,200 livestock farmers, 50-day old chicks with six bags of feed distributed to 700 poultry farmers, and bags of feeds distributed to 200 aquaculture farmers

“These are in addition to the provision of livelihood grants of N150,000 to 1,560 beneficiaries, agricultural inputs (day-old chicks, juveniles, feed, etc), and services to 900 farmers undertaken under the AKCARES Scheme.

“Distribution of the federal and state governments’ food intervention will be done at the local government council headquarters where respective council chairmen will ensure that 20 bags each are safely transported to all the gazetted villages. Dates for the distribution will be announced soon.”

Fubara sets up LOC for distribution in Rivers

In Rivers State, the latest palliative from the Federal Government arrived Lagos on Wednesday.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara revealed that a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) headed by the Caretaker Chairmen of every local government has been set up to distribute the food items to the most vulnerable people in every nook and cranny of the state.

The governor spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, during the joint flag-off of the Federal Government Grain Distribution with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Port-Harcourt.

The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joe Johnson, who confirmed that the state received the palliative to Sunday Vanguard on Wednesday, said, “As a government, we are doing our best to cushion the effect of the hard times on our people.

“Last Easter, for instance, we distributed rice to the most vulnerable people. There are other measures put in place by the government to mitigate the hardship.”

Johnson assured that nobody would compromise the distribution process, and political interest would not determine it.

Katsina: No rice truck yet

In Katsina State, as of noon Friday, the Federal Government’s truck of rice purportedly dispatched to the state was yet to arrive.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Katsina SEMA, Bello Mamman, said he had no idea whether the rice truck was on its way and when it will arrive.

Efforts to reach the DG, SEMA, Hajiya Binta Dagani, for further clarification were not successful.

Mamman advised that we check back on Monday as the DG SEMA was out of the state on official assignment.

Plateau: Consignment yet to arrive

Our correspondent in Plateau State quoted officials as saying they were yet to receive the 20 trucks of rice which the Federal Government promised.

The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, confirmed in a telephone interview that the consignment was yet to arrive.

We have not received any truck yet – Borno SEMA

The North East Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Alhaji Sirajo Garba Maidugu, in an interview with Sunday Vanguard, said his office was yet to receive any correspondence regarding how and when the 20 trucks will be delivered to the states, especially Borno and Yobe.

“Sincerely, our office has not received any correspondence in that regard”, he said.

“We don’t know whether the disbursement will be carried out directly to the state governments or through NEMA but the moment I get information, I will furnish you accordingly. But for now we are yet to be in the picture.”

On his part, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), who is also the Secretary of the Palliative Committee, Mohammed Barkindo, said the state government was yet to receive any truck.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Mohammed Goje’s phone was switched off when Sunday Vanguard tried to reach him to confirm whether they had received the rice consignment.

Kaduna: Officials mum

As of Thursday afternoon, it was not clear whether Kaduna State had received the 20 trucks of rice.

Calls to officials in the state, including the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, to ask if they had received the rice were not answered.

Oyo begins distribution

In Oyo State, the rice consignment had apparently arrived as officials had begun distribution.

The flag-off ceremony featured a symbolic presentation of the rice to Local Government Executive Chairmen for onward distribution across the 33 local council areas of the state.

Governor Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, said the distribution exercise was structured to reach communities in both urban and rural areas of the state, ensuring equitable access and coverage across Oyo.

Ondo: No rice yet

In Ondo State, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said the state government was yet to receive the 20 trucks of rice.

Adeniyan said that once the trucks arrived, distribution would commence.

Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolawole Alimi, said the state was yet to receive the rice palliative.

He wondered if the rice palliative could take care of the excruciating hunger in the land, calling on the Federal Government to resolve the inflationary issues troubling the masses and their purchasing power.

Ogun waits

Ogun State government said it had not received its share of the rice.

In a telephone chat, Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said the state government was awaiting its consignment.

Akinmade added that when the state gets the consignment, it will put in place a committee that will include necessary stakeholders to oversee its distribution.

He assured that the state government will ensure that the commodity gets to the targeted beneficiaries.

Ekiti waits too

Speaking with Sunday Vanguard on Friday morning, Ekiti State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr Taiwo Olatunbosun, said, “I am yet to get an appropriate briefing from the coordinating body on when the vehicle will be in.

“It is when we have that information that we would be able to make appropriate comment.

“I am not sure we already have delivery of the grains but I’m aware that it was announced after the Federal Executive Council meeting that states would be given certain quantities and truckloads of rice, but as soon as we have details of the consignments, I will let you know”.

Kwara in waiting game

Kwara State government, at press time, was yet to receive its 20 trucks of lorry of bags of rice as expected from the Presidency.

Sunday Vanguard gathered from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security that no such consignment had arrived in the state.

“The state government hasn’t received its consignment because we haven’t seen any indication to that effect here”, said a source in the ministry who craved anonymity.

“There is no way such consignment would arrive that our ministry would not be duly informed”.

Meanwhile calls made to the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaiye, were not answered and he didn’t respond to an SMS sent to him on the issue at press time.

Sokoto State officials, on their part, said they were yet to receive their share.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Muhammadu Bello Wamakko, said: “We just heard it but we are yet to receive any circular to that effect from anybody”

Our man in Zamfara State also quoted an official as saying they were yet to receive the rice allocation.

The Director General (DG) Media and Communication to Zamfara State Governor, Malam Nuhu Salisu Anka, told Sunday Vanguard telephone, “We are yet to receive our allocation”.

Kebbi State government, also on its part, confirmed it was yet to receive the 20 trucks of rice approved by President Tinubu.

Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said that as soon as the state government receives the consignment, it will share it with the beneficiaries.

The situation is the same in Benue State where the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Sir James Iorpuu, said they were yet to receive their allocation of 20 trucks of rice.

Iorpuu, however, acknowledged that the agency had received some food palliative from the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, as well as the Northern Governors’ Forum, NGF.

He said: “We have not received the 20 trucks of rice in my office but the Federal Government had sent a different palliative. Some came from the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, and some from the Northern Governors’ Forum, NGF.”

According to him, the state government had already flagged-off the distribution of the palliative from NEMA in Makurdi.

Our correspondent in Niger State also said the rice palliative was yet to arrive in the state as of yesterday morning.

The Public Relations Officer of the state Ministry of Agriculture, Aisha Babadoko, said the ministry was unaware of the palliative.

The Chief Press Secretary to the state Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, when contacted on the issue, also said he was not aware of the delivery of the trucks of rice but promised to find out from the Commissioner of Agriculture but had not as of the time of going to press.

Vanguard News Nigeria

News

See Photos of World’s Tallest and Shortest Women Meet for Afternoon Tea in London

Published

2 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

The world’s tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman met for the first time this week, sipping tea from china cups — and bonding over what they have in common while celebrating their differences.

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands at 7 feet and 0.7 inches, while Jyoti Amge, from India, is 2 feet and 0.7 inches.

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

“You’re so beautiful,” said Gelgi, 27. “Thank you — you too,” replied Amge, 30.

Their meeting, over afternoon tea at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, came ahead of Guinness World Records Day, which is held annually in November to mark record-breaking achievements and encourage people to attempt records. The pair have been honored as “World Record icons” in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.

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“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Gelgi said in a release Wednesday. “She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”

Gelgi said the pair bonded over their love for makeup, jewelry and doing their nails.

Video footage showed them sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches stacked next to them, with the London Eye visible from the window.

Amge said in the release that she was “so happy to look up” and see the world’s tallest woman, whom she called “good-natured.” She added that it was difficult at times for the pair to make eye contact “due to our height difference.”

“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” its editor in chief, Craig Glenday, said in a statement ahead of Guinness World Record Day, which is on Thursday.

“By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us,” Glenday said.

Gelgi’s record-breaking height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

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The primary symptom is growth and bone development that occurs faster than usual, making those affected taller than average. People with Weaver syndrome may have rigid muscles and difficulty extending their elbows or knees.

Gelgi used a walking aid for support during the pair’s meeting. Her case of Weaver syndrome was the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey, according to Guinness World Records.

Weaver syndrome is generally caused by changes in the EZH2 gene, according to the NORD, though the organization notes that some people with Weaver syndrome do not have a mutation in the gene.

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Amge, an actor who played the character of Ma Petite in the television series “American Horror Story,” has a genetic growth disorder that occurs in the early stages of fetal development, known as achondroplasia.

According to Johns Hopkins, the condition causes shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature. While the genetic defect can be passed from parent to child, in about 80 percent of cases, achondroplasia results from a spontaneous mutation that occurs in the developing embryo.

On Thursday, Gelgi shared photos on Instagram of the two exploring London despite the cold weather, posing side by side in front of Tower Bridge.

News

Speaker Abbas Decries Gross Inadequacy In Health Sector Despite Annual Allocation

Published

3 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Reps. Tajudeen Abbas, has lamented that the health sector is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries, despite the considerable amount is allocated annually by the Federal Government.

The Speaker also said alot more needs to be done if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality.

Abbas stated this at a public hearing for four bills organised by the House Committee on Healthcare Services at the National Assembly Complex on Friday.

The Bills are “A Bill for an Act to to Amend the National Residency Training Act 2018”; “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Insurance Authority Act 2021”; “A Bill to Amend the National Tobacco Control Act”; and “A Bill to Establish the Institute of Healthcare Service Administrators of Nigeria”.

The Speaker who was represented by Rep. Obordor Mitema, member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, said it was for this reason that President Bola Tinubu, recognizing the urgency of this situation, prioritized healthcare as one of the pillars of his Renewed hope Agenda for Nigeria.

According to him, this was to revive the country’s healthcare sector and to ensure it receives the necessary support partnerships with the private sector within and outside Nigeria are being explored and hopefully in the not too distant future we shall see vast improvement.

He said, “Though the Federal Government appropriates a considerable amount yearly to the health sector, the amount is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries.

“It is no longer news that despite the committed efforts, the health Sector has sadly over the years faced several challenges associated with outbound medical tourism, emigration of skilled healthcare workers, poor salaries and insufficient budgetary allocation.

“It is also sad to note that even though Nigeria has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa the progress it has achieved in health has been rather slow and disappointing hence, more effort is needed if we are going to be at par with Western countries.

“Indeed more needs to be done if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality.”

Speaker Abbas commended the Acting Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bassey Akiba and the entire members of the committee for organizing this hearing.

He said it is a reflection of their commitment and support to do their quota towards helping Nigerians achieve not only better health but having access to better healthcare.

“We all know the significance of having a Health Sector that works. Western countries have taken bold steps to make their Health sector first class and second to none and we must do the same.

“The House Committee on Healthcare Services and other Health related Committees of the House of Representatives and indeed the National Assembly are fully committed to doing their part by initiating and amending laws that will always be people friendly with the aim of bringing succor and positive changes towards the Health sector in Nigeria.,” he said.

Rep. Akiba, said the healthcare sector in Nigeria over the past few years has gone through a myriad of challenges.

The challenges, according to him, includes the rising cost of healthcare services, financial challenges for providers, preventable medical errors, high mortality rates in both cases, lack of insurance coverage, the need for an improved mental health system, increased demand for personalized care, and a well-regulated health care system among others.

“As parliamentarians, it is our responsibility to discuss critical legislation that will not only shape the future of our nation’s health but impact possibly other people.

“Public hearings are essential because it is one of the crucial avenues used to sample opinions on any matter of public relevance and importance. Like I mentioned, there are four bills.

“Three of these bills are an amendment bill, three of the bills are an amendment bill, and one is an establishment bill. I wish to assure you all that as legislators and members of the Committee on Health Care Services.

“We are conscious of our constitutional and legislative resources towards the people. We are ready to partner with relevant stakeholders and support any genuine effort required to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria,” he said.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said, A Bill to Amend the National Residency Training Act should be dropped for more input by relevant stakeholders.

The Association said the Medical Residency Training Act was a bill primarily sponsored by Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), an affiliate member.

First Vice President of the NMA, Dr Benjamin Oluwatosin, said It was a surprise to them that the primary constituency on the Bill was never contacted for input.

He urged that the Bill be stepped down to get more input of relevant stakeholders.

“So, in solidarity to our affiliate NARD and the validation of the Medical Residency Training Act we strongly advise that this bill be stepped down until every stakeholder involved and primarily NARD and then NMA is on the table from the very beginning,” he said.

Stakeholders who attended the hearing included representatives of the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Committee of Chief Medical Directors among others.

News

Reps Demand Details Of Project Undertaken From Ministry Of Solid Minerals In 2024 Budget

Published

3 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has directed the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to provide details of all projects embarked on in the last year.

The Chairman Committee on Solid Minerals, Rep. Jonathan Gbefwi gave the directive when the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mary Ogbe, appeared before it to defend the 2024 budget.

The committee members expressed displeasure with the inconsistencies in the presentation by the Permanent Secretary and resolved that all documents pertaining to all jobs carried out by the Ministry be made available before next Tuesday.

The lawmakers also queried the Ministry for not capturing most of the projects it embarked on in the presentation it made.

Gbefwi said, “We are expecting the budget and we cannot appropriate if we do not know the true status of the utilisation of what has been given you in 2024.

“We were quite detailed when we sent you then documents we required. You must provide details of all the projects, budget codes, budget items, appropriated amount, contractors, amount awarded, date of award, the status of the projects, the percentage with regards to performance, and the lot numbers among others.

“So all these individual items must be captured in detail in this document so that Nigerians would know how the money that has been appropriated has been utilised.

“There are a number of projects that were not captured in the presentation to the Committee. There was no explanation whatsoever.

“Don’t give us any half baked documents again. Every line must be adhered to. And give us the advertisment that was done, the code the contractors and everything. Even if it is before. FEC. Kindly put it in the remark section. Go and work on your documents again and make proper presentation. Let’s have a comprehensive submission,” he said.

Earlier the Permanent Secretary said a total of N25.05 billion was appropriated as expenditure outlay for the ministry in the 2024 budget.

“This comprised of 894.4 million as overhead cost and 23.15 billion as capital expenditure. The personnel cost of the Ministry was captured in the captured still in the Ministry of Steel Development for 2024 because the personnel separation had not been fully executed.

“On appropriation releases to the Ministry, she said for overhead, the total appropriation is N895, 441, 335. As at October 31st 2024, N745, 367, 779 had been released. Balances as at October 31, is N149, 073, 555. Percentage of releases of the appropriation for the overhead is 83 percent. Expenditure on release is the same amount that has been released. So there is a hundred percent performance. For capital appropriation it is N23, 150, 884, 863. Out of which N2, 724, 818, 977 has been released. 11 percent had been released and percentage performance is 100 percent.

“The Ministry achieved a 100 percent utilisation mainly of non debt recurrent expenditure and the percentage utilisation in capital as at the end October is 11 percent. This is because procurement process is still ongoing and some are awaiting FEC approval. With the bottom up cash plan, works must be executed before payment,” she said.