Ogun Farmers Await Dangote Fertiliser Plant With Excitement

April 12, 2021

Farmers in Ogun state are waiting with excitement, the commencement of operations of the Dangote Fertiliser plant which is expected to roll out its first bag anytime from now.

The farmers, at an interaction with the Dangote Fertiliser team at the on-going 10^th Gateway International Trade Fair holding in Abeokuta, said that the arrival of Dangote fertiliser plant would ease the pressure on them, against the backdrop of the existing manufacturers.

Secretary of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State Chapter, Prince Abiodun Ogunjimi, said that the farmers have heard a lot about Dangote Fertiliser and that given the uniqueness of Dangote products, they are waiting patiently to see the fertiliser in the market.

According to him, the expectations of the farmers are high, especially for special packages for the farmers to encourage them to patronize the products.

“We are anxiously waiting for the Dangote fertiliser to come to the market. We have heard so much about Dangote fertiliser and with the uniqueness of Dangote products in other sectors, we are of the believe that the fertiliser would not be an exception.

“We heard he already mapped out various strategies to roll out in grand style and that he would carry us the farmers along by giving us training as to how to apply the product appropriately to maximize yield and productivity and give farmers more profit for their produce.”

The head of the fertiliser team to the Trade Fair, Miss Mary Uche had assured the farmers that Dangote fertiliser has packaged a programme of activities for them that would be unveiled at the start of roll out of fertiliser from its plant at Ibeju Lekki in Lagos and that the farmers being critical stakeholders in the fertiliser value chain, would form the bedrock of operation of the Dangote Fertiliser.

She thanked the farmers for being enthusiasm shown towards imminent roll out of Dangote fertiliser and that they would not be disappointed but rather would be treated to a big deal that they have never witnessed before.

Miss Uche said the farmers would be given training on the rigjt uses of fertiliser and appropriate application of Dangote fertiliser for maximum yield and profitability.

“We have a lot of things in stock for you. Just we have been dping for our distributors in cement and other products, we will place you above every other consideration because your success is our success. We are mindful of the fact that government is shifting all focus to agriculture and this is the reason your role is very crucial in this direction.

Earlier during the Dangote Group Special Day at the trade fair, Mr. Adeyemi Fajobi, National Sales Director, Dangote Cement Plc had said that Dangote group is actively involved in the efforts at diversifying the nation’s economy with agriculture occupying a very important place.

He said the Group has been a regular sponsor of the Gateway trade fair by Ogun State Chamber of Commerce Industries, Mines & Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) as a means of demonstrating its belief that the Chamber occupies a unique position in driving economic development through their activities.

“Ogun state has one of the largest concentration of industries in Nigeria and serve as a corridor for transportation of goods, services and people between the nation’s commercial center of Lagos and the rest of Nigeria and even our neighbouring countries of Benin Republic, Togo and Ghana.

“Gateway International Trade Fair therefore remains an avenue for us to connect with our customers in South West and other parts of the country. It is a home coming as the region is known for their innovation and industry. We at Dangote Group and people of South West share the trait of ever pushing beyond the limits and discovering new levels of success.

“Despite our progressive position, we are innovative and always thinking of strategies that will drive business and create value for our customers. Our continuous efforts to innovate, create value and invest in Nigeria are borne out of our firm belief in the vast economic potential of Nigeria.

“This has also informed our desire to invest massively in some states across the country. Our target is to ensure that Nigeria becomes self-sufficient in all the sectors where we play, cement, agriculture, mining and petroleum etc. As announced by our Group President, the Dangote Fertilizer will commence operations very soon with preparation having reached an advanced stage.

President of OGUNCCIMA, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye commended the Group for being a leading light in the efforts at diversifying the nation’s economy from being an import dependent to export one pointing that should Nigeria be blessed with two Dangotes, most of Nigeria’s problem would have been solved.

He described the company as a big brother to OGUNCCIMA, pointing out that the Chamber was lucky to be a host to one of the Dangote Group’s massive investments in Cement in Ibese, Ogun state.

Havoc Of Storm To Retired DSP House In Abuja

Greenbarge Reporters

April 12, 2021

Tempest storm yesterday, April 11, ravaged the house of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ahmed in Chibiri, the suburbs of Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT). The entire roof of the house was practically brought down completely.

However, no one in the edifice was injured.

Reacting to the incidence in a phone conversation, retired DSP Ahmed, who traveled outside Abuja a day before, lamented the damage.

He said that he poured all his financial benefits from his 35 years in the service of the nation into erecting the house, wondering where would he begin from again after such colossal loss.

Meanwhile, his two wives, children and other dependants who escaped unhurt in the devastation are now taking refuge in neighbours’ houses.

Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Has Student Population Of 60,000 – VC

Editorial staff

April 12, 2021

Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in Kaduna State, Professor Kabir Bala has said that the student population of the institution is about 60,000.

Speaking yesterday, April 11, when he visited the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, Professor Kabir said that the institution needs to provide more facilities such as hostels, laboratories, classrooms and theaters to adequately cater for the large student population.

The Vice Chancellor said that the university has capacities that can be exploited through its Consultancy Services Company to generate the much needed revenue and that the institution had done a lot in the Federal Capital Territory, including its work on its master plan, development of some of districts, town planning and engineering services.

He blamed self the management of the institution has not kept close contacts and with the minister who is its alumni, and whom he described as major stakeholders in the university.

“We are lucky to have distinguished members of Alumni in this country and in Diaspora, and they are major stakeholders. Alumni anywhere in the world are major stakeholders of universities and the Hon. Minister happens to be one of those distinguished members of alumni of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.”

Responding, the minister advised the university to embark on endowments as a means of enhancing funding for the institution, adding that endowment is an option that had not been fully implemented and encouraged the Vice Chancellor to fully exploit its possibilities and potentials.

“The issue of university funding came up at a forum and alumni support was very prominent. This included endowments by people who are well to do and endowments by companies.

“I think it’s not something that has been well implemented and I’m sure that during your tenure, if you continue the way you are doing, you will encourage more people through the way of endowment for educational institutions to give back, as part of giving back to the society.”

The Minister said that the FCT Administration will also explore the option of working closely with the Consultancy Services arm of the University for the provision of needed professional expertise.

“There are lots of areas where we need expertise and I’m sure you will have it, whether it’s in survey, town planning, urban renewal and so on.

“We are trying to encourage and improve on our enforcement activities. For instance, our testing capacities for materials, so that we will be able to test what people are using either in constructing the roads of the FCT or the public buildings and even private buildings. I assure you that we will continue to provide you the needed support by consulting you.”

Obasanjo Attributes Annulment Of June 12 Presidential Election To “Bad Belle”

Greenbarge Reporters

April 11, 2021

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Former Nigeria President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, widely believed to have been won by late Moshood Kashimawo (MKO) Abiola to what he called “bad belle.” In metaphorical sense of Nigerian pidgin English, ‘bad belle’ means jealousy.

The election was annulled by the then reining military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.

Obasanjo said that the annulment robbed Egbaland and Ogun state the rare privilege of having three of its prominent sons occupying the number one seat at different times. Apart from Obasanjo, Chief Ernest Shonekan, a former Head of Interim National Government is another ex-Nigerian leader from Ogun state.

Speaking today, April 11 in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, Obasanjo said: “I want to thank the club for this honour being bestowed on me and the honour being bestowed on my school mate MKO Abiola which he richly deserved.

“If not for bad belle, Abeokuta would have produced President of Nigeria three times, in which case we should have kept it permanently.

“But be that as it may, we have a great heritage. And we should be proud of our heritage.”

Obasanjo was honoured with an investiture as a trustee of the Abeokuta Club, a socio-cultural organization of the Egba people. He was honoured alongside MKO Abiola who was awarded a posthumous vice-patron of the club.

73 Years Old Djibouti President, Omar, Wins Fifth Term Election Amidst Boycotts

Editorial staff

April 10, 2021

Djibouti veteran leader, Ismail Omar Guelleh has been re-elected as President for the fifth term after being declared the winner in Friday April 9 presidential election in Djibouti amidst boycott by some opposition parties.

Guelleh, who has been in power since 1999, was re-elected with 98.58 percent of the votes, defeating Zakaria Ismail Farah, an independent and a newcomer candidate, who had just 5000 votes.

Interior Minister Moumin Ahmed Cheick told public broadcaster RTD early today, April 10, that President Omar Guelleh obtained 167,535 votes, which is 98.58 percent, adding that confirmed results would be released soon by the Constitutional Council.

Farah, a 56-year-old cleaning products importer, ended up with under 5,000 votes, according to the provisional results. He cast doubt on the transparency of the voting process, saying his delegates were not present at polling stations.

“My vote is of no use, nor are the votes of 80 percent of the Djiboutian people,” the opposition candidate told AFP in a text message.

Ahmed Tidiane Souare, the head of an African Union (AU) observer mission, said all candidates were free to send their officials to any polling station.

It was also reported that an estimated 215,000 voters cast ballots in the country with a population of more than 1 million residents.

Before the election, other candidates from main opposition parties reportedly boycotted the polls after expressing concern about the fairness of the vote.

Guelleh will now lead Djibouti for a fifth term staying in power for more than two decades, becoming one of the longest-serving heads of state on the African continent.

Source: FP.

US Won’t Support Nigeria Against Boko Haram Until… – Ex Ambassador, Campbell

Editorial staff

April 10, 2021

Former US Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, has made it clear that his country and its allies will not render both technical and financial assistance in its fight against insecurity, especially Boko Haram, Bandits and other criminals until Nigeria addresses the problem of human rights abuses by the security forces.

He said that US laws prohibit the American government from providing technical expertise to security forces that are accused of human rights violations, and therefore, called on the Nigerian government to restore public confidence in the security forces, especially the police.

The ex-US envoy spoke during the maiden edition of ‘Grow Nigeria Conversation’ with the theme: ‘Reversing the Flourishing Economy of Kidnapping and Banditry: Immediate & long-term solutions’, which held in Abuja.

Campbell, who joined the event virtually, said: “the Nigerian government has to do its best to restore public confidence in the security forces, especially the police.

“Outside friends of Nigeria can provide technical expertise to the country in its fight against insecurity.

”However, under US law, we are prohibited from providing any technical expertise for security forces accused of human rights abuses.

“Human rights abuses are a huge barrier to a more cordial relationship between the US and the Nigerian security forces. And we know that addressing this barrier is a complex issue.

“There could be financial support to help build up the security forces; there could also be a transfer of technologies. If human rights abuses were to go away, the possibility of a deeper relationship is possible.”

Campbell argued against the payment of ransom to bandits as a solution to the problem of kidnapping, describing it as illegal both in the US and Nigeria.

“Payment of ransom is illegal in the United States, but it could be extremely unpopular, particularly to those close to the victims of kidnapping. It is also illegal in Nigeria but common in the country.”

This was even as a US Africa policy expert, Matthew T. Page, said the unwillingness of the Nigeria military to accept international military cooperation is another major hindrance to Nigeria accessing help, in the fight against insecurity, from the outside world.

He said, however, that seeking international assistance is not the way out for Nigeria but that ending impunity and holding security forces accountable would achieve more gains for the country.

“Ending impunity and holding security forces accountable for gross human rights violations could actually achieve more gains in the long run than any international assistance we could provide, because it would restore the trust of the local communities, end the radicalisation of the local population and rebuild the legitimacy of the state.”

Osun Gov Wonders Why Borno Gov Has Not Ran Away As A Result Of Growing Security Challenges

Editorial staff

April 10, 2021

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun has described his Borno counterpart, Prof. Babagana Zulum, as a man of strong character and conviction, who is determined to carry on notwithstanding the daunting security challenges in his state.

According to Oyetola, the enormous security challenges in the Borno are enough for anyone to run away and wondered that Governor Zulum’s strong character and conviction have combined to make him stay to face the challenges.

“From the documentary we watched, I can see that the governor in less than two years has done tremendously well.

A statement today, April 10 by the Chief Press Secretary to Osun governor, in the person of Ismail Omipidan, quoted Gov Oyetola as saying, at the 2021 Luncheon and Awards ceremony of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, said that Borno Governor deserved the reward for hard work.

“I believe this award will spur him to do more great things for the people of Borno. I congratulate you on these honours. You truly deserve them.”

This was even as Governor Zulum thanked the Alumni Association for the award, saying the honour would encourage him to improve on the tempo of service delivery in the State.

We Won’t Depend Much On Grid In Effort To Electrify Nigeria – Osinbajo

Editorial staff

April 10, 2021

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the federal government will not heavily depend on grid for the rapid electrification of the country.

According to him, “President Buhari had emphasised that we could no longer rely solely on the grid if we were to electrify the whole country, which means that we had to develop an effective strategy for decentralizing power supply.

The Vice President, who flagged off the Solar Power Naija programme today, April 10, at Jangefe, Roni Local Government Area of Jigawa State, said that it is part of the plan to deliver electricity to about 25 million Nigerians whose communities are off the grid.

Osinbajo stressed the determination of the Buhari administration to ensure that millions more will now have access to cheap and environmentally friendly renewable power, under the Economic Sustainability Plan.
“The Solar Power Naija programme which is designed by the Rural Electrification Agency is an ambitious initiative that aims to create 5 million connections through a 140 billion Naira financing programme that will support private developers to provide power for 5 million households, which means providing electricity for up to 25 million Nigerians.”
Professor Osinbajo said that the solar power programme is a public-private sector partnership supported by concessionary lending via the Central Bank of Nigeria and commercial banks.

PDP May Boil As Ex Ekiti Gov, Others Reject Dino Melaye As Screening Committee Boss

Editorial staff

April 9, 2021

The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be heading to another crisis as a group in the Southwest, led by former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has rejected the choice of Senator Dino Melaye as Chairman of the Congress Screening Committee.

The group insisted on Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, earlier agreed upon by both parties, saying: “the sudden emergence of Senator Dino Melaye is suggestive of a planned hatchet job.”

In a statement jointly issued by Fayose, PDP governorship candidates in Osun and Ogun States, Senator Ademola Adeleke and Hon Ladi Adebutu respectively as well as the immediate past Zonal Chairman and aspirant in the next Monday, April 12th, Congress, Dr Eddy Olafeso, the group said: “What the party told us was that Senator Abaribe will be chairman of the screening committee.

“To us, this sudden use of Senator Dino Melaye is suspicious and we will not accept it.

“If Senator Abaribe is not available, there should be someone acceptable to the two parties to replace him, not Dino Melaye.

“Therefore, for equity, fairness and transparency, we call on the National Working Committee to replace Senator Dino Melaye with someone that is acceptable to both contending parties as Chairman of the Screening Committee.”

I Will Soon Kick Out Redundant Civil Servants, Kaduna Gov, El-Rufai Hints

Editorial staff

April 9, 2021

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai has given hints of retrenchment of redundant civil servants in the services of the state government soon.

“The state government will not pay salary of people that are not working who are redundant, therefore, workers without proper qualification and those above 50 years including those who are not even going to work regularly and yet are being paid salary will be affected.

The governor, in a media chat aired across the radio stations today, April 9, also said that he would soon reduce political appointees in his government.

“We are looking at the possibility of reducing political appointees because if you reduce others and fail to reduce yours, that will be injustice. We will surely check and reduce some of our own in fact, we have already commenced the process.”

He advised those who will be affected to go and find another job, saying he was elected to serve the people of the state and that he will do to the best of his ability.

Nasir El-Rufai confessed that he had only one house at Unguwar Sarki area of Kaduna city and had no intention of building any other one because at the end of his tenure, he will leave the state.

“I don’t steal from public funds; we are not stealing public funds to build houses. I have only a house at Unguwar Sarki and till date it’s the only house I own in Kaduna because after my tenure, I will not stay in Kaduna. So, I’m not going to add another house in the state.”

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