By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a bid to make rice more affordable for Nigerians, sachets of rice have been reintroduced into the market, following the surge in prices of the staple food.

The media learned that a 50kg bag of local rice now costs between N78,000 to N90,000 in the country, depending on the location and brand.

These values are higher than the average Nigerian’s monthly earnings.

The country’s minimum wage is now set at N70,000, and many institutions, both private and public, have yet to adopt it.

This situation, among other reasons, is why eating rice has been a luxury in many Nigerian households.

The media has further learnt that an indigenous rice producing company, Big Bull, has started manufacturing sachets of their products to enable Nigerian populations to eat rice.

The company fixed the price at N200 per sachet.

In July, a publication by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed continual increase in prices of food items.

According to the release, as of June 2024 , the average price of 1kg beans brown (sold loose) stood at N2,292.76.

This represents a rise of 252.13% in price on a year-on-year basis from N651.12 recorded in June 2023 and a 14.11% rise in price on a month-on-month basis from N2,009.23 in May 2024.

Also the price of Tomatoes (1kg) increased on a year by year basis, with a significant price of 320.67% from N547.28 in June of last year (2023) to N 2,302.26 in June 2024.

295.79% from N 510.77 in June 2023 to N 2,021.55 in May 2024.

On a month-on-month basis, it increased by 52.87% from N 1,322.36 in May 2024 to N 2,021.55 in June 2024.

The highest average price of 1kg of Tomato was recorded in Abuja at N3992.61 while the lowest was in Kebbi State at N1200.

Also 1kg of yam tuber sold highest in Lagos state at N 3,376.54, while Adamawa recorded the lowest price at N1100.

Gombe recorded the highest average price of 1kg Garri white sold loose at N 1,619.27, while the lowest was reported in Taraba at N900.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Gunmen attacked an army checkpoint early on Wednesday at Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area, killing two soldiers.

A military source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the attack occurred around 6:18 am. The gunmen arrived in a white Lexus (350/400) model, although the exact number of attackers could not be confirmed.

Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.

During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.

The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.

(PUNCH)

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A fire outbreak has enveloped the popular Eco Fitness Hub in Gwarinpa, Abuja, with significant damage feared as flames spread rapidly through the facility.

Videos circulating on social media show smoke billowing from the popular Eco Fitness Hub, as an eyewitness reported that the fire had been burning for over an hour before emergency responders arrived.

According to the witness, multiple calls were made to the Federal Fire Service, but the service allegedly took over an hour to respond. The fire was already intense and spreading to a neighboring building by the time firefighters arrived, sources said as they claim that the delay is believed to have caused substantial destruction.

While the Federal Fire Service eventually made it to the scene, concerned netizens’ voiced frustration over the delay, suggesting that much of the property housing the fitness centre could have been saved with a faster response. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities have yet to release an official statement on the incident or an estimate of the damage incurred.

All of the people inside it was learnt, however, escaped before the fire fully engulfed the centre

Updates are expected as investigations continue, and more details emerge regarding the extent of the fire’s impact on Eco Fitness Hub and neighboring properties.