The Enugu state government, on Thursday, distributed agro inputs and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), grants worth N4.6 billion to registered farmers and traders in the state. In a speech at the launch of the programme in Enugu, Gov. Peter Mbah said the gesture was intended to enhance food security, agro-industrialisation and MSMEs development in Enugu. Mr Mbah said that it was imperative to nurture small scale entrepreneurs for sustainable growth through the provision of the key enablers since they remain the lifeblood of economic development. According to him, 12,000 small-holder farmers will each receive one bag of fertiliser,…
Author: Adeboye
The National Inland Waterways Authority on Friday expressed condolences to the Bayelsa Government and the families of victims of the boat accident. This is contained in a statement by NIWA AGM Corporate Affairs, Suleiman Makama in Lokoja. NIWA described the boat accident as “sad and unfortunate.” The boat accident which occurred on Wednesday at Ezetu I River, Southern Ijaw Local Government of Bayelsa State, reportedly claimed 20 lives. The ill-fated boat, popularly called ‘Denghe market Boat’ is a long big boat that sailed on Monday and moved from community to community picking traders to arrive in Yenagoa. “We share in…
The Nigerian Navy has announced that its Forward Operating Base in Bonny successfully rescued 59 individuals from a dredging vessel, MV AMBIKA 4, which was operating at the Okpobo field near the Okpobo River. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, on Friday in Abuja. Adams-Aliu reported that the navy lost an officer, Lieutenant-Commander Gideon Gwaza, during the operation, noting that the area is known for its turbulent conditions at this time of year. He explained that the dredging vessel, contracted to Sterling Global Oil Limited, was at risk of sinking…
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has called for transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector, urging the Federal Government to be honest with Nigerians regarding the payment of fuel subsidies. The former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP said the ” back-and-forth” position of the Federal government on the removal of subsidy on premium motor spirit, popularly called petrol has thrown Nigerians into confusion, saying citizens of the country deserve to know the truth. PUNCH Online reports that ongoing speculations and debates continue regarding whether the Federal government removed the subsidy on PMS…
Officers from the Ikeja Division of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected of armed robbery during a routine stop and search operation in Ikeja. The command disclosed this in a post on X.com on Friday. It read, “Two suspected armed robbers were arrested by officers of Ikeja Division while on Stop and Search along Allen-Opebi Road on August 6, 2024 at about 0115HRS. In their possession was one locally made pistol, one life cartridge and charms. Investigation is ongoing.” PUNCH reported in April that two suspected robbers were arrested at a hotel along AIT Road in the Agbado…
The coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Ali Pate, says pandemics transform the world and that of COVID-19 is already underway. Pate said this on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of a book titled ‘An Imperfect Storm’. The book was written by Chikwe Ihekweazu, former director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), and his wife, Vivianne Ihekweazu. According to Mr Pate, traditionally, pandemics have almost always resulted in transformation of societies. “Right from the ancient Greek periods, pandemics resulted in major transformations. The Greeks suffered from it, the Romans suffered from it. The plague,…
The African continent is poised to declare a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security as the mpox outbreak continues to spread across many countries. Jean Kaseya, director-general of Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC), said this during a webinar on Thursday on the mpox outbreak situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries. Mpox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is similar to smallpox, though generally less severe. It is characterised by symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. The disease can spread from animals to humans and between humans; through…
A cross-section of lactating women in Bauchi on Friday said they could no longer afford a balanced diet to sustain exclusive breastfeeding due to the rising cost of foodstuff. The mothers in an interview as the Bauchi government, international partners and stakeholders create awareness on exclusive breastfeeding, to mark the 2024 annual World Breastfeeding Week. They said due to the current economic situation, they cannot increase their intake of nutrient-dense foods like meat, chicken, fish, vegetables and others which are very important for a new mother. Nuratu Maigari, a 28-year-old mother of a three-month-old baby, said, ”I fear that this…
The Association of Ex-Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ASELGON), has thrown its weight behind the governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, ahead of the November 16, 2024 governorship election in the state. In a unanimous voice vote, the former council chairmen gave their support to the governor, at the association’s Southwest Delegates’ Conference, held at the International Event and Cultural Center (The Dome) in Akure on Thursday. Speaking through its national president, Albert Asipa, ASELGON cited the ongoing infrastructural development, human capital development, peace and security, among other laudable initiatives, as the inspiration for supporting Aiyedatiwa to return as governor…
The Ondo State House of Assembly on Thursday summoned the administrators of the 18 local government areas of the state to account for the financial allocations received in the last six months. The Deputy Speaker, Prince Abayomi Akinruntan, APC/ Ilaje Constituency 1, who moved the motion, asked the assembly to rise to its constitutional duties of checkmating the financial activities of the local government in the state. Akinruntan said that there was need to ensure that funds being released and being spent were accounted for. Hon. Japhet Toyin, APC/ Akoko-North East, who seconded the motion, said that transparency and accountability…