Nigeria Moves To establish National Rice Development Council

January 20, 2022

Nigeria, through the Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish the National Rice Development Council.

Experts are sure that such move would make Nigeria to save about $2 billion dollars on rice importation and improve the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

The passage of the bill followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.

Chairman of the Committee, Abdullahi Adamu (APC Nasarawa West), in his presentation, said that the bill sought to establish a Council that would lead to comprehensive development of the rice sector and the organisation of rice stakeholders to enhance local production of rice in Nigeria.

He explained that the Council would transform the activities of rice farmers, rice processors, millers, researchers, marketers and other important stakeholders across the entire rice value chain, particularly the clusters of smallholder rice farmers and small-scale millers spread all over the country.

“Mr President and Distinguished Colleagues, with our natural comparative advantage in the area of rice production as a country, Nigeria should consider the need to put in place a National Rice Development Council and a fail-safe comprehensive national rice development roadmap that will guide us not only into a regime of self-sufficiency in production, but also for export purposes, employment generation for our teaming youth and growth of our economy.

“The Nigerian rice industry exists in abstract as there appears to be no form of coordination in the absence of a properly structured rallying point.

“Today, we have Paddy Rice Dealers Association of Nigeria (PRIDAN), Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN), Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) and many more.

“This Bill seeks to establish that rallying point and a comprehensive National operational and governance structure for a complete rice value chain process.

“Mr. President and Distinguished Colleagues, this Bill on its own merit will improve government efforts for efficient policy and regulatory framework for the Nigerian Rice Industry; promote enabling business and investment environments for Rice stakeholders; support the growth of the Rice industry in Nigeria and in the sub-region as well as promote the sustainability of foreign exchange earnings put at about 2 billion dollars annually for Rice related importation to the country.

“The framework created by thịs Bill will pull investment into rice production, provide the missing link between rice production and industrialization, provide employment, reduce migration from rural to urban cities and enhance socio-economic activities all over the country.

“Few countries having Rice Council include Rice Council of Tanzania, USA Rice Council, Directorate of Rice Development (India), Rice Association of Thailand, among others,” Senator Adamu was quoted to have said in a statement by the Special Assistant on media, Special Assistant (Press) to the President of the Senate President.

APC Begins Sale Of Nomination Forms For National Offices From February 14

Greenbarge Reporters

January 20, 2022

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that it will begin the sale of forms to aspirants vying for its national offices ahead of the National Convention from Feb. 14.

National Secretary the party’s Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) Senator John Akpanudoedehe, in a statement yesterday, January 19 in Abuja, said: “the APC CECPC at its 19th regular meeting on Wednesday January 19, 2022 at the party’s national secretariat, considered and adopted the timetable/schedule of activities for the February 26, APC National Convention.”

He listed the schedule of activities ahead of the party’s national convention as follows:
“Receiving of the interim report of the National Reconciliation Committee, Jan. 31, 2022.

“Consideration and adoption of Reports of State Congresses – Feb.2, 2022.
“Inauguration of the State Executives – Feb. 03, 2022.
“Sale of forms to all aspirants vying for National Offices at the APC National Secretariat, Feb. 14, 2022.

“Submission of completed forms and accompanying documents at the APC National Secretariat on or before Feb.19, 2022.

“Publication of Sub-Committees – Feb.19, 2022.
“Screening of all aspirants vying for National Offices – Feb.20 – Feb. 22.

“Screening Appeals to hear and resolve complaints arising from the screening exercise – Feb. 23, 2022.

“Accreditation of all statutory and elected delegates to the National Convention – Feb. 24 to Feb. 25, 2022.

“National Convention to elect National Officers to the National Executive Committee (NEC) – Feb 26, 2022

“National Convention Appeal to hear and resolve complaints arising from the National Convention – Feb. 28, 2022”.

The APC scribe at an interaction with newsmen at the party’s national secretariat, had earlier described as fake, reports that the party’s leadership had zoned its national chairmanship position to a particular zone.

Akpankudohede said the report should be disregarded, adding that there was no decision on that.

It was reported that new national executives are expected to be elected at the party’s national convention to manage its affairs which is presently being managed by Gov. Mai Mala Buni-led CECPC.

AFCON 2021: Nigeria Crushes Guinea-Bissau 2-0

Greenbarge Reporters

January 20, 2022

The Super Eagles finished their group stage campaign at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon with an impressive 2-0 win against Guinea-Bissau at the Roumde Adija Stadium, Garoua on Wednesday night.
Super Eagles head Austine Eguavoen made eight changes to his line-up with goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, Tyronne Ebuehi, Jamilu Collins, Kelechi Nwakali, Alex Iwobi, Chidera Ejuke and Umar Sadiq making their first start of the competition.
The former champions dominated the opening exchanges with the Wild Dogs sitting deep.
The Super Eagles however struggled to carve out any meaningful goal scoring opportunities despite their dominance.
Sadiq and Semi Ajayi wasted Nigeria’s best chance in the first half.
The Wild Dogs came to scoring late in the first half with Panutche Camara shot going just wide.
The Super Eagles got a reward for their attacking display when Sadiq netted the opener in the 56 minute following a superb cross from Kelechi Iheanacho.
Watford defender William Troost- Ekong put the game beyond Guinea-Bissau with the second goal 15 minutes from time.
The West Africans will wait for the completion of group stage games on Thursday to know their opponent.
Source: Primptnews online.

Female Lawyer Detained Over Alleged N105 Million Unlawful Deal

Editorial staff

January 18, 2022

A female lawyer, Anumati Stella Ojevwe has been remanded at the Correctional Facility in Sapele, Delta State for allegedly receiving the sum of N105 million from SA-FX Global Investment, being proceeds of unlawful activity.

Ojevwe was arraigned before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). She is facing a 14-count charge of money laundering.

One of the counts reads: “That you Anumati Stella Ojevwe (f) on or about the 27th day of October, 2020 at Delta State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court directly took possession or control of the sum of N20,000,000.00 (Twenty Million Naira) deposited by a cheque number 00000064 belonging to SA-FX Global) into your bank account number 2150009622 domiciled in Ecobank which funds you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of unlawful act of Smart Alban Ike to wit: obtaining by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended in 2012) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to her.

In view of her plea, the prosecution counsel, K.Y. Bello prayed the court to fix a date for trial and to remand the defendant at a Correctional Facility.

Moves by the defence counsel to secure bail for his client orally was opposed by Bello.

Justice Abang ordered the defence counsel to file a formal bail application and adjourned the matter till 30 January, 2022 for hearing.

Source: PM News.

FCT Elections: We’ll Monitor Your Campaigns, INEC Warns Parties

Editorial staff

January 18, 2022

Just about 25 days to the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned political parties to conduct their campaigns in line with the law.

The chairman of the Commission, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, at a quarterly meeting with stakeholders today, January 18 in Abuja , said that in

the next few weeks, the Commission will intensify stakeholder engagements.

He said that the Commission will also engage in “the monitoring of campaigns by political parties and preparations for Election Day activities.”

According to Professor Yakubu, major

activities have already been carried out, including the conduct of primaries and nomination of candidates by political parties.

“Only last week, the Commission presented the register of voters to political parties while the PVCs for new registrants, requests for transfers and replacement of cards have been printed and delivered several weeks ago to our FCT office for collection by voters.

“On this note, I want to draw your attention to the distribution of voters to Polling Units in the FCT, particularly the fact that 593 out of 2,822 or 21% of the total, do not have voters.

“This is because voters failed to take advantage of the expansion of access to transfer to these new Polling Units. The detailed distribution of voters to Polling Units in the FCT is among the documents in your folders for this meeting.”

The INEC boss said that the Commission will use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in the FCT elections which is the second major election after the Anambra Governorship election held in November last year.

“The 68 constituencies in the FCT (six Chairmen and 62 Councillors) covering extensive urban and rural locations sharing border with five States in the North Central and North Western parts of the country is another opportunity to pilot the efficacy of the BVAS in a different geographical, geo-political and electoral context.

“The same technology will be deployed in all forthcoming bye-elections across the country.”

He said for all elections going forward, Polling Unit results will be uploaded in real-time to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

Bandits Are Giving Us Sleepless Nights, I’m Sad – Niger Gov

Editorial staff

January 18, 2022

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has given a rundown of the battle his government has been engaged in with bandits in the state.

The Governor, who spoke to newsmen today, January 18, shortly after given President Muhammadu Buhari an update on the security situation in the State, with regard to banditry activities, kidnapping and cattle rustling among others, said he is sad with the situation.

“In the last few days, there have been a lot of activities in Niger State.

“In January this year alone, we suffered not less than 50 reported attacks and loss of lives, between 1st and 17th January. Within the same period, not less than 300 communities have been invaded by bandits.

“The number of people kidnapped is 200, including three Chinese nationals. We also lost some security personnel. Their number is 25. “Unfortunately, we lost about 165 civilians and 30 local vigilantes. So, it’s a very dire situation that we have been battling in the last few weeks since the beginning of this year.”

Governor Abubakar Bello who said that he is very optimistic with the kind of zeal he had seen from the security agencies and all services, said that there is still a lot of work to do.

“We share borders with Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kebbi States. And these bandits have the habit of hibernating between forests, moving from Zamfara to Kebbi, and Kebbi to Niger. They take advantage of the cattle routes which they already know.

“They move on motorcycles. And most of the areas and communities they attack have no access roads. So, you cannot drive there. So, our response time is slow.

“What I realized is that they have been taking us on a merry-go-round. “When we deal with them in Niger, they move to Kaduna. When Kaduna deals with them, they move to Katsina. They have been hibernating in the forest. Some of these operations need to be handled simultaneously so that we get the result.

“We are not happy and we are sad with the developments in these states. We are doing whatever we can, using kinetic and non kinetic efforts to see that we address the present situation.”

The governor said however that, in spite of gloomy picture “I’m very optimistic that the situation will be addressed. And hopefully, we should get a very peaceful state within the shortest possible time.”

He said that going forward, there will be new strategies that will help the government in the battle.

“I can’t disclose some of these strategies. But basically, the States of Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi would have to work together to address the situation.

“As we go on, we will try to update you from time to time on progress being made in this fight.”

Buhari To Nigerians: Be Patient, Prices Of Food Items Will Soon Crash

Editorial staff

January 18, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has advised Nigerians to exercise some patience as the growing food production in the country, especially expansion in rice farming, will soon bring down prices of food, making it more affordable for all.

The President, who spoke today, January 18, at the official commissioning ceremony of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) Rice Paddy Pyramids at the Abuja International Trade Fair Complex, said that more than 4.8 million smallholder farmers have been supported by Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, with increase in production of 23 agricultural commodities, including maize, rice, oil palm, cocoa, cotton, cassava, tomato and livestock.

“Today rice production in Nigeria has increased to over 7.5 million metric tons annually. Prior to the introduction of Anchor Borrowers Programme (APB), the average production in Nigeria between 1999 to 2015 was less than 4 metric tons annually.

“I am aware that the bags of paddy will be moving straight from here to rice milling plants across Nigeria, which lead to the release of processed rice to the markets by the rice millers. The measure will aid our efforts at reducing the price of rice in Nigeria.

“Before this administration launched the ABP, there were only 15 standard Rice mills in Nigeria. As at today, we have over 50 Standard and integrated Rice mills creating jobs and reducing unemployment. We expect additional significant output when two new mills are started in Lagos and Katsina.”

The President said that the large margins in the business of rice has also encouraged more people to show interest in investing in agribusiness.

“Fellow Nigerians, our gathering here today, is no doubt a testament to the fact that the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme is working. Indeed, these sky-high pyramids which we are gathered here to commission are part of our commitment at achieving national food security and economic diversification through home-grown policies targeted at securing food for all Nigerians.

“As a critical policy of the government, the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme is expected to catalyze the agricultural productive base of the nation, which is a major part of our economic plan to uplift the economy, create jobs, reduce reliance on imported food and industrial raw materials, and conserve foreign exchange.

“In the implementation of the Programme, adoption of high-yielding seedlings, quality inputs and best farming practices were essential features.

“For instance, the improved rice seedlings have helped to ensure our achievement of rice sufficiency, as they are disease-resistant and have an average yield of about 5 metric tonnes per hectare, compared with the traditional national average of 1.5 metric tonnes.

“This has resulted in bridging our rice consumption gap, a significant reduction in rice imports, and saved us foreign exchange,’’ he added.

President Buhari said that the commissioning of the rice pyramids is an indication that the country is making steady and assured progress towards self-sufficiency in food production.

“It is my desired hope and expectation that other agricultural commodity associations that are yet to participate under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme will emulate the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria in supporting our administration’s drive for food self-sufficiency.’’

The President noted that about three years ago, the first set of sky-high pyramids of rice harvests were showcased in Argungu, Kebbi State, which was followed by another set in Minna, Niger State about a year ago and barely three months later in Zauro, Kebbi State, rice pyramids were, again, unveiled.

President Buhari said that in May 2021, the CBN unveiled the first rice pyramids in the South-West of Nigeria in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

“Those events were historic as, first, they remind us of our yester-year’s agricultural commodity pyramids, such as the groundnut pyramids in Kano and secondly, they symbolize that we can produce what we eat.

“The significance of today’s occasion can be better understood by looking at the various economic strides the administration has achieved through agriculture.

“When we assumed the reins of leadership of this country in 2015, the administration identified the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme as an essential policy instrument for achieving economic diversification through agriculture.

“To achieve this, the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme was designed to encourage investments in agriculture and empower smallholder farmers as drivers of transformation in the agricultural sector and as critical enablers of economic growth.

“I am indeed delighted that the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme continues to receive commendations, since its introduction six years ago, as it has become one of the reference points in the administration’s agricultural revolution effort.

“In fact, the Programme speaks loudly in its giant strides as it has increased access to finance by our rural farmers, who before now were virtually excluded from the financial system.”

President Buhari commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for its efforts at resuscitating the Nigerian Commodity Exchange following approval to do so.

This, he said, has been done in the hope that farmers can have ready buyers of their produce, thereby resolving the current logistical challenge of moving their produce from farm to markets.

“Let me also commend the Governor and staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria, as well as the leadership of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria for the successful delivery of these pyramids, which hopefully is just the first of many that will be unveiled this year across Nigeria”

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, commended President Buhari’s outstanding resolve on food security for the country, unveiling the single largest rice pyramid in history,

According to the CBN Governor, taking a cue from the success of rice production, the financial regulatory body had commenced the wheat value chain, which produces five to six million tonnes each year.

President of RIFAN, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, said more than 99 percent of the paddy rice for the year was already with farmers across the nation, while the bags in 13 pyramids will be sold to further ease and augment production.

“There is no adjective to thank you enough for what you have done for this country. You came when the country needed you the most and God knows why.

“You have served the country and you have worked for the country. Food security is also national security. No President after you will ignore what you have done, especially in food security,’’ the President of RIFAN said.

President Buhari presented awards to Governors Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi State, Prof. Ben Ayade, Cross River State, David Umahi, Ebonyi State, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru, Jigawa State, Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, President of RIFAN and Yila Yusuf, Director, Development Finance, CBN.

Legacies Of Buhari Which Next Leaders Are Eager To Upturn – Garba Shehu

Editorial staff

January 18, 2022

“So many in the political elites of this country cannot wait for the President’s second term in office to end.

“They yearn for a return to the “good old days” of helping themselves to public funds with abandon, the easy export of ill-gotten money to foreign bank accounts, of acting without responsibility, accountability, or censure. The last thing they want is “another Buhari.”

These are contained in a statement today, January 18, by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.

He said that there is no doubt that the President will stand down after the election of a successor next year, but wondered whether or not the successor will live up to the exacting standards and example Buhari has set.

Garba Shehu argued that Buhari’s legacy “is strong and will be peculiarly tough to dismantle.

“Courts that hold those before it fairly and properly accountable regardless of their wealth or lack of it; the successful repatriation of stolen funds from decades of export abroad and its use to fund social, unemployment and welfare programmes for the poorest; reforms that have taken the steam out of centuries-long ethnic and tribal disputes – such as the farmer-herder clashes – long used to stoke ethnic and regional tensions by venial politicians for political advantage and the protection of millions through an effective vaccine roll-out programme, adding that these are just a tiny handful of the achievements of the President.

“But, perhaps, his greatest achievement of all is to break the belief that Presidents of Nigeria take the office and use it to enrich themselves and their accessories at the public’s expense.

“That wicked spell is broken for good. And it has offended politicians everywhere. They thought the state owed to them while the people provided for the state. ” “Instead, they have witnessed how, when the state owes to them nothing, it provides for the people.”

I’m Back From Land Of COVID19 – FCT Minister

Greenbarge Reporters

January 18, 2022

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has announced his recovery from COVID19, which sent him into self-seclusion a couple of weeks ago.

In a Facebook post on his wall, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello said: “I’m now free of COVID-19

“Best regards to all. Pleased to report that after taking my prescribed course of COVID-19 medication, I feel very well and great. The doctors have confirmed that I’m now free of the virus and it’s OK for me to resume all official activities.

“I wish to convey my sincere appreciation to all those who showed great concern on my health status, through various channels of communication.

“I also wish to commend the FCTA Medical team for their commitment and dedication to duty. All COVID-19 patients in the FCT are truly thankful to you.

“Let me use this opportunity to further reiterate that COVID-19 is very much around. I therefore once more, I appeal to residents to get themselves vaccinated. Doing so could save their lives.”

Passage Of Electoral Bill Crucial To 2023 General Elections – INEC Boss

Editorial staff

January 18, 2022

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu has described the passage of the Electoral Amendment Bill before the National Assembly as being crucial to the next year, 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

“We look forward to a speedy passage of the Bill, which is crucial to our preparations for future elections.

“As soon as it is signed into law, the Commission will quickly release the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election based on the new law.”

Professor Yakubu, who spoke today, January 18 at the first in the quarterly meeting with political party representatives in Abuja, said that the Commission is encouraged by the Senate President’s assurance to give priority attention to the Bill when the National Assembly reconvenes from its recess today.

He also acknowledged the commitment by President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the Bill as soon as the issue of mode of primaries by political parties is resolved.

Professor Yakubu confessed that the year 2022 would be a very busy year for the Commission and the political parties. “The 2023 General Election is just 396 days away. All the critical preparations must be concluded this year.

“The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) which commenced in June last year has entered the third quarter. As at yesterday Monday 17th January 2022, a total of 8,260,076 eligible Nigerians commenced the online pre-registration, completed the registration physically or applied for transfer to new voting locations, replacement of their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) or updated their voter information records as required by law.

“The Commission has been publishing weekly progress reports of the exercise. “We are aware that Nigerians want to know when their PVCs will be available for collection. At the moment, the Commission is undertaking the most comprehensive cleaning up of the data to ensure that only eligible citizens are added to the voters’ register for the 2023 General Election and will share our findings with Nigerians and the actual dates for the collection of the PVCs nationwide will be announced very soon. “I want to request that you continue to encourage eligible voters who have not registered to do so, bearing in mind that those who had registered at any time previously need not register again.

“Also, encourage voters who wish to transfer from their present Polling Units to new ones created as part of the Commission’s expansion of voter access polling units to do so immediately.”

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