News

Food Insecurity: Nigeria loses N50n Daily To Importation Of Pineapple

Published

4 months ago

August 26, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

As Nigeria continues to grapple with the issue of food insecurity, an Agriculturist, Ambassador Oluwasegun Alabi has said that the nation loses a massive N50 million daily to importation of pineapples despite producing about 1,607,200 metric tons per annum, placing the country as the eight largest producers of the crop in the world.

According to him, despite Nigeria’s comparative advantage, it still imports pineapple from Ghana and Togo, who are ranked 13th and 16th producers of pineapple in the world by the Food and Agricultural Organisation.

Alabi who stated this at a news conference on Monday in Abuja, said Nigeria was only able to meet 50 percent of its pineapple demand needs annually despite high demand from Asian countries.

He also explained that the pineapple being cultivated in Nigeria does not meet the required standard for industrial use because the farmers failed to complied with good agricultural practices resulting in subpar fruit quality which makes them unsuitable for export and industrial use.

Alabi who is the Chief Executive Officer of Davidorlah Farms, added that without proper processing facilities to package pineapples, Nigerians cannot export value added products such as canned pineapples and pineapple concentrated juice thereby leaving the country out of the global market.

He further explained that Pineapple as the 5th most consumed fruit in the world, holds a unique position as one of the luxury produce items in the global market, and the demand for pineapples consistently exceeds the supply, making it a highly lucrative crop.

According to the expert, despite the growing global demand for pineapples, Nigeria’s agricultural sector is yet to fully tap into this opportunity.

He said: “One of the key challenges is the inconsistency in the quality of produce, stemming from outdated farming practices, stressing that many Nigerian farmers lack access to modern knowledge, resources, and infrastructure required to meet international standards.

“A new discovery has unveiled the incredible versatility of pineapples, revealing that they can be used to produce a variety of items such as clothing, shoes, bags, disposable plates, spoons, and even biofuel. Coupled with the well-known health benefits of pineapples. All these factors has made the demand for pineapple in the world increase immensely.

“With vast, fertile land, Nigeria has the potential not only to meet its domestic pineapple demand but also to become a leading global exporter. However, despite favorable climatic conditions, Nigeria has struggled to position itself as a key plaver in the international pineapple market.

“Instead, the country continues to import pineapples and related products, missing out on potential export revenue and global trade opportunities. Nigeria’s inability to capitalize on its pineapple production can be traced to several key challenges.

“We urge the government to create an enabling environment that fosters business growth and allows the private sector to thrive. To further address the pressing issue of food security crisis in Nigeria, it is essential for the government to further engage the right people in the agricultural sector- individuals, organization with proven track records and a deep understanding of the industry, who can offer informed and strategic advice on how to solve these challenges with urgency”.

News

Gov. Abiodun commiserates with Ondo gov. over death of SSG

Published

1 minute ago

January 5, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commiserated with the Governor and the people of Ondo State over the passing of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tayo Oluwatuyi.

Oluwatuyi reportedly died on Saturday at a hospital in the state from the injuries he sustained in an accident while traveling from Akure to Ibadan, Oyo State, on December 17.

Abiodun, in a condolence letter he sent to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described Oluwatuyi’s death as a great loss to the government and the state at large as he prayed for the repose of his soul.

He said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Mr. Tayo Oluwatuyi, a consummate public servant, thoroughbred professional, and highly conscientious individual whose imprints and strides in and out of the government in Ondo State have been nothing short of phenomenal.

“The news of his death came as a rude shock, but, as in all situations, we recognize that whatever deep affection and love we had for him pales into insignificance when placed side by side with the love of Almighty God, who has chosen this Yuletide period to call him into His bosom, and whose will remains inviolate.

“He was a brilliant administrator and sagacious politician. He was an embodiment of virtues and a strong bridge between the political class and the career officers. His stabilizing role in government will be missed by all.

“On behalf of the Southern States’ governors, I want to sympathize with His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the entire good people of Ondo State over the sudden demise of Oluwatuyi.

“I urge my brother, the State Executive Council, and the family and friends of the deceased to take consolation in the fact that the deceased lived a life of service for which he will be remembered for a long time to come.

“May God repose his soul and grant his immediate family the requisite fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”

News

Gunmen abduct Nigerian Professor, Demand N10m Ransom

Published

7 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Professor John Ebeh, a senior lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State.

The assailants are reportedly demanding a N10 million ransom for his release.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attackers invaded the professor’s residence in Agbeji, a suburb of Anyigba, in Dekina Local Government Area, at about 7 p.m. on Thursday.

According to a neighbor who identified himself as Akpai, “The hoodlums operated in a commando manner. It was swift. We noticed a car trailing him furiously; we took it as one of his friends or colleagues, not until we started hearing gunshots around his gate.”

A family source disclosed that the professor was abducted just as he was about to enter his compound.

“Professor Ebeh was almost at the gate of his house at Agbeji, on his way from the town when the incident happened.

“He had even given out a signal to his people to open the gate of his house when some people emerged suddenly from their hideout and started shooting sporadically.

“Amidst the confusion, someone drove in furiously and blocked his car.

“Some masked people alighted from the vehicle and whisked him away at gunpoint.

“His abductors called the family on Friday night, demanding N10 million,” the source recounted.

University officials have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

However, one of Professor Ebeh’s colleagues expressed shock at the development, saying, “The kidnapping (of the professor) came to us as a shock. I have just visited his family to sympathize with them.”

News

Sad: Ondo SSG Is Dead

Published

8 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, on Saturday died in an auto crash.

The SSG died in the crash which occurred while he was traveling from Akure, Ondo State capital, to Ibadan in Oyo State.

Confirming the incident, Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, stated that Oluwatuyi was hospitalised before he gave up the ghost.

“Hon. Oluwatuyi was a dedicated public servant whose unwavering commitment to administrative coordination, policy advisory, and implementation had a significant impact on Ondo State.

“Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as they become available,” he added.