NEWS
Lagos Reaffirms Commitment to 40% Food Self-sufficiency by 2025
The Lagos State Government says it is committed to implement the five-year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap to achieve 40 per cent food self-sufficiency by 2025.
Ms Abisola Olusanya, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, stated this at the Lagos Food Systems Stakeholders’ Breakfast Meeting, on Thursday in Lagos.
The five-year Agricultural Food Systems Roadmap was launched in 2021 by Gov.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu.Olusanya said the state government would provide funds for agric service providers, improved rice paddy production and land bank collaboration with sister states.
“We will go live on eight projects which include, Central Logistics Hub, Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE), capacity building for horticulture stakeholders, full operations and capacity building for stakeholders in the Lagos Food Production Centres.
“Others are execution of state-wide intervention and Green Wall Initiative,” she said.
Olusanya listed others as the establishment of Agricultural Value Chains Entreprise Activation Programme, Agri-thon, Lagos Cares, Lagos Entrepreneurship Programme and the Lagos Agric Scholars Programme.
“The state government will also create the Lagos Agrinnovation Clusters, the Food Value Chains’ Destination, the Lagos Central Food Security System and Logistics Hub and the Middle Level Agro Product Hub.”
Olusanya said part of the roadmap was to increase production of rice paddy in order to meet the growing rice consumption of the state.
The commissioner said the state government would increase the production of rice paddy by partnering with other sister states such as Niger and Kebbi states on land bank collaboration.
Olusanya listed the projects to be undertaken by the state government to include Lagos Rice Mill, the Central Logistics Hub, – the Red Meat Initiative, Lagos Feedlot System and Butchers’ Academy among others.
The commissioner said the ministry would set up the Lagos feedlot system, establishment of Butchers’ Academy, creation of Last mile meat Shop.
Olusanya said the purpose of the meeting was to intimate the stakeholders on the ministry’s activities for the year 2024 and also get their contributions.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the governor on Agriculture, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, said the state government would require N50 billion to produce 100,000 tonnes of rice paddy in 2024.
Fashola said the Imota Rice Mill was able to produce 15,000 tonnes of rice paddy in 2023.
“We started off with about 5,000 tonnes of paddy and with the genuity of the team we were able to partner with the Commodity and Exchange Board that brought another close to 10,000 paddy for us to end the year.
“We were able to do roughly about 15,000 tonnes of paddy which is over 120,000 bags of rice in 2023, but this year we are hoping to do 100,000 tonnes of paddy.
“Believe me, that is not cheap because last year we started about N200,000 per ton but today as I speak, the cost of paddy is about N510,000 per ton.
“In other words, if we are going to do 100,000 tonnes per paddy we will need N50 billion,” he said.
Fashola said the state government was currently in talks with Niger and Kebbi states to give them farmers on a large scale that it could buy paddy from at reasonable costs.
Also, Mr Emmanuel Olotu, Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Agriculture, urged stakeholders in the agric space to improve agricultural production in 2024.
Olotu commended the Ministry of Agriculture for its contributions in heading the programme to allow them to collectively share the goal and projects for the year 2024.
He said: “Our shared goal should be the development of resilience and efficiency that can benefit our farmers and customers, and improve on the agricultural plan agenda.
“Lagos State through the Ministry of Agriculture is to create agro stakeholders in order to leverage on the developmental agenda of the state.”
Olotu said as agro stakeholders their role was pivotal by maximising the ground work led by the ministry.
He urged stakeholders to collectively shape the food system by offering a full support to unlock the full potential of the food system and contribute to the development of agriculture in the state.
The state’s Head of Civil Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, said the state government was bringing back operations to feed the nation by allowing the civil servants to participate in the agricultural sector.
Agoro said his mother, a retired civil servant, was also into agricultural produce, urging the civil servants in the state to engage in agriculture.
In his remarks, Mr Mosopefolu George, the State Commissioner for Economy, Planning and Budget, said the state government has already increased its budget on agriculture.
George attributed the increase to the importance of the food chain and agriculture system to the state.
He noted that the ministry had been doing well in the area of rice mills, food and logistics hub just to mention a few.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Sector-wide Coordinating Office-Programme Management Unit (SCO-PMU) domiciled in the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.A statement on Friday by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said the unit would ensure efficient, transparent and accountable management of external grants mobilised towards the implementation of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
Ngelale said SCO-PMU would report to a Steering Committee/Ministerial Oversight Committee chaired by the Minister, including the Minister of State, Permanent Secretary; Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and relevant development partners. “The SCO-PMU will serve as the secretariat and delivery unit for the NHSRII and is to be headed by a national coordinator (NC).“The functions of the SCO-PMU include programme management, monitoring and evaluation, engagement and supervision of Independent Verification Agents (IVAs) for NHSRII programmes and fiduciary management, among others.“Consequently, the President has approved the appointment of Dr. Muntaqa Umar Sadiq as the National Coordinator of SCO-PMU,” he said.Report says that Sadiq has over 17 years of experience in public health, impact investing, investment banking, energy, and climate financing across the health, finance, climate and energy sectors.He had served as Head of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Chief Executive Officer of the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria.He also served as Head of the Nigeria Energy Transition Office and Private Sector Engagement Adviser at the World Bank. (NAN)
The Federal Government says it has no plan to slash scholarship students’ allowances as recently projected in the media.The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, stated this during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja on Friday.
Report says that there was a report that the ministry, through the Federal Scholarship Board, announced a slash in allowances of foreign scholars stranded in Russia, Morocco, and Algeria among others.
The slash in scholars’ allowances under the federal government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship (BEA) was attributed to the economic crises.Mamman said that there was no slash in scholars` allowances but rather an adjustment due to Foreign Exchange fluctuations (FOREX).“We want to clarify what has been in the media on allowances paid to scholars under the Bilateral Scholarship Agreement.“We want to place it on record that the ministry and the Federal Government for that matter have not slashed the allowances due to students.“What happened is some adjustments in the amount due to them because of FOREX fluctuations, and as soon as we get the balance we have applied for, we will pay them.“But for now, what is in the budget is what we can pay. So, there is no slash, we will even be happy to increase, so this is what has led to the adjustments,” he said.(NAN)
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Friday, has urged Nigerians to calm and patient with Federal Government and should give the the government more time to address these pressing concerns.In a statement issued by CAN and signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh ,President, CAN and made available to journalists in Abuja.
CAN also urged all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. He however said CAN stands in solidarity with the citizens of nation during these challenging times of economic hardship and pervasive hunger. The statement reads in part, “As we navigate this period of crisis, it is imperative to uphold the constitutional rights of every Nigerian to peacefully protest and express their grievances. The right to assemble and voice discontent is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected and respected by all. Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for civic engagement, allowing the populace to communicate their concerns and hold leaders accountable. However, the anxiety related to the impending protests is heightening, especially given the volatile experiences in countries like Kenya and Pakistan.”We must also draw from our recent history. The #ENDSARS and #RevolutionNow protests, though rooted in genuine grievances, were marred by tragic incidents where miscreants hijacked the process. This led to widespread looting, destruction of properties, and unfortunate loss of lives. These experiences have shown us that mass demonstrations can quickly degenerate into chaos if not properly managed and coordinated.” In light of the planned protests scheduled to commence on 1st of August, CAN urges all Nigerians to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances. We recommend giving the government more time to address these pressing concerns. This period should be used to explore other legal avenues that will not easily give hoodlums the opportunity to hijack the exercise to destroy our national assets or endanger lives and properties. Dialogue, petitions, and town hall meetings are viable options that can yield positive results without the risk of disorder.”We call on the government to cut the cost of governance and expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. The opulent lifestyle of political office holders must be addressed to demonstrate the sincerity of those in government to improve the living conditions of the people. Likewise, it is imperative that the government implements the newly approved national minimum wage to provide immediate relief to struggling families.”Furthermore, specific measures must be taken to put an end to kidnappings, banditry, and mass killings that have plagued various parts of our country. The security and well-being of every Nigerian should be paramount, and urgent action is required to restore peace and order.”We also call on the government to expedite its efforts to alleviate the hardships in the land. There is an urgent need for more refined and effective policies that address the root causes of the economic challenges we face. The government must deepen its consultations with stakeholders, including religious leaders, to create a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to problem-solving. By working together, we can devise sustainable solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.”In these trying times, let us all remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9). As we seek to bring about positive change, let us do so with a spirit of peace, love, and unity. Our strength lies in our ability to come together, support one another, and work collectively toward a better Nigeria.”We pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders, resilience and hope for our citizens, and divine intervention to guide us through these difficult times”.
Tinubu Approves Management Unit for Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative
SharePresident Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Sector-wide Coordinating Office-Programme Management Unit (SCO-PMU) domiciled in the Office of...
FG Denies Slash in Students’ Allowances
Share The Federal Government says it has no plan to slash scholarship students’ allowances as recently projected in the media.The...
Planned Protests: CAN calls for calm and patience
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Friday, has urged Nigerians to calm and patient with...
Senate Consultant Scores Benue LG Bureau High on Projects Execution
ShareThe Consultant for Senate Standing Committee on States and Local Government Administration, Engineer Kayode Adegbayo has described the quality of...
Doctor Mark Ogbodo: A Man Destined for Success
ShareBy Paul Ugah Henry Miller once said, “Every man has his own destiny, the only imperative is to follow it,...
Ignore Anti -government Protests, Wike Begs Abuja Residents
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has called on residents of the...
Reps Commit to Ensure Legislations for Better Skills Acquisition, Management
ShareBy Ubong Ukpong, Abuja The House of Representatives on Thursday pledged its continuous commitment to ensure legislations that would align...
Economic Sabotage: Senate Summons Petroleum Minister, NNPCl, CBN, NPA, Others for Interrogation
ShareBy Eze Okechukwu, Abuja The Senate is blowing hot over alleged economic sabotage by stakeholders within the petroleum sector, thus...
Dialogue with Organisers of August 1 Protest, AANI Urges FG
ShareBy Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has advised the Federal Government to dialogue with...
Stigmatization: CSO Urges Kogi Gov to Assent Bill Protecting HIV Patients
ShareFrom Joseph Amedu, Lokoja Civil Society Organisation, Initiative for Grassroot Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA), has called on the Kogi State...