society

Ogun Restates Commitment To Crashing Soaring Food Prices

Published

2 months ago

October 28, 2024

Ogun Restates Commitment To Crashing Soaring Food Prices

Ogun State Government on Friday, restated the commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration to tackling the challenge of soaring prices of food commodities in the country.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo disclosed this during the harvest of fish by Ado-Odo/Ota Fish farmers’ clusters supported by the state government under the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project.

Owotomo said that Abiodun’s administration has embarked on a series of interventions and support for the farmers all in bid to step up food production efforts and thereby increasing food supply and ultimately crashing the prices of food commodities.

The over 1000 fish farmers grouped into three clusters were said to have been supported each with over 72 bags of feed with the farmers paying 70% while the government paid the balance of 30%.

He explained that the state government’s support for the fish farmers in the state was to ensure that the cost of food in the market was brought down.

Owotomo posited that this was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s vision to achieve increased food production adding that the farmers have assured to join forces with him to realise this vision for the good of all.

He said, “The trusted fish clusters has three different groups with over 1000 fish farmers. Each of the farmers has been supported with over 72 bags of feed by the government under the OGSTEP programme. The farmers contributed 70% while the state government paid the balance of 30%.

“It is in furtherance of Gov Abiodun’s administration’s commitment to ensuring abundant food production and ensuring that the skyrocketing prices of food commodities are crushed.

“We are assured that with the harvest of fish by these clusters of over 350 fish farmers, they have promised to work in tandem with the state government’s vision by selling below the prices obtainable in the market as we speak. This in support of the vision of President BolaTinubu too who has done a lot to tackle the challenge of rising cost of food in the country”

Owotomo said the state did not just become the capital of aquaculture in West Africa by accident but by various deliberate efforts and support of the state government for its farmers to aid and improve their productivity.

The Project Manager, Oluseyi Olugbire, who represented the Project Coordinator, Mosunmola Owo-Odusi appreciated the farmers for their commitment, calling more farmers to join the list of beneficiaries of the OGSTEP project to ensure that the state has food in abundance.

Also speaking, the Director of Fishery, Niyi Opebiyi, commended the support of OGSTEP, saying that the initiative has helped to support farmers across the state.

The OGSTEP Aquaculture Coordinator for Ado Odo Ota LG, Ebenezer Jinadu, appreciated the governor for his support toward the fish farmers.

Jinadu, however, begged for government support in rehabilitating the roads in the area to aid mobility and make life easier for the people.

society

Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: ‘End Poverty, Save Lives'”

Published

16 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Deadly Stampedes Spark NASRE Outcry: 'End Poverty, Save Lives'"

NASRE Demands Action as Food Stampede Tragedies Expose Systemic Failures”

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has condemned the rising death toll from food queue stampedes, which claimed 67 lives across Nigeria in just four days, labeling it a “heartbreaking reflection of systemic failures.”

In a statement on Monday, NASRE’s Media Director, Lateef Owodunni, described the tragedies as a grim consequence of worsening poverty and the government’s inability to protect its citizens.

The group first mourned the victims of a December 18 stampede at a Christmas funfair in Ibadan, where 35 children tragically lost their lives.

“This horrific incident highlights the dire need for better planning and safety measures at public events, especially those involving children,” Owodunni stated.

NASRE also expressed sorrow over the deaths of 10 people, including children, during a food aid distribution at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Abuja. Offering condolences to affected families, the group described the incident as a “wake-up call for the nation’s conscience.”

The association further decried the fatal stampede at a rice distribution event in Anambra that killed 22 people and injured 32 others, calling for immediate reforms in the management of relief efforts.

“These tragedies paint a grim picture of a nation plagued by poverty and failing social support systems. Acts of charity should not lead to preventable deaths. The government must revamp its approach to palliative distribution to prioritize safety and dignity,” Owodunni emphasized.

NASRE stressed that the root cause of such tragedies is deep-seated poverty and urged the government and private organizations to implement sustainable solutions.

“No Nigerian should lose their life in the pursuit of food or assistance. This is a national disgrace and a call to action for all stakeholders to safeguard the well-being of our most vulnerable citizens,” the statement concluded

society

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

Published

6 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Family Accuses Kwara Police of Torturing Man to Death Over Debt, Investigation Underway

The death of 35-year-old Jimoh AbdulQodir Tunji in the custody of the Kwara State Police Command has left his family and the local community in shock, with accusations of police brutality emerging after the man’s tragic passing.

Tunji, a poultry farmer, was allegedly arrested on Friday, December 20, following a petition filed by his employer over an unpaid debt of N220,000. His family has accused police officers of torturing him to death while in custody, a claim that has sparked widespread outrage.

A heartbreaking video surfaced online on Sunday, showing Tunji’s grieving mother and relatives accusing the police of causing his death. In the emotional footage, his mother tearfully cried out, “My son did not kill anyone. He only owed someone. They have killed my son. Please, come to my aid. The police at the headquarters have killed my son. His name was Kadri. He was a good boy in the community. They beat him to death in police custody. They didn’t allow us to see him. Blood was gushing out of his nose.”

In response to the allegations, the Kwara State Police Command released a statement confirming the incident. The police spokesperson, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, stated that Tunji had been invited by the police on charges of obtaining money by “false pretence” and confirmed that an investigation had already begun to determine the cause of death.

“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of an unfortunate incident that led to the tragic loss of one Mr. Jimoh AbdulQodir, which occurred on December 20, 2024,” the statement read. “The deceased was invited on an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence to the sum of N220,000. Discreet investigations into this incident have commenced to ascertain the cause. Further developments on the outcome will be communicated as it progresses, as no stone will be left unturned.”

The case has drawn significant attention, as it marks the third time in under five months that the Kwara State Police have been implicated in the death of a suspect. Earlier this year, police officers were accused of causing the deaths of 27-year-old Suleiman Olayinka, an asthmatic patient, and Kwara State Polytechnic student Ishola Abdulqoyum, who was allegedly fatally shot by officers in September.

In a bid to ensure accountability, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, instructed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to take over the investigation into Tunji’s death. The IGP expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and reassured the public of a thorough and impartial investigation.

During a meeting with the family on Sunday, the IGP said, “The IGP has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation. He further reassured the family and the general public that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.”

The case has reignited concerns about police brutality in Kwara, as the region grapples with rising incidents of alleged police violence. As the investigation unfolds, the family and the public are closely watching to see if justice will be served.

society

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

Published

6 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Seven Dead in Light Aircraft Crash in Jalisco, Mexico

At least seven people have died following the crash of a light aircraft in a remote, heavily forested area of Jalisco, western Mexico, local authorities confirmed on Sunday.

The aircraft, a Cessna 207, was en route from La Parota in the neighboring state of Michoacan when it went down. Jalisco Civil Protection reported the crash site was in an area difficult to access, complicating rescue and recovery operations.

In a statement on social media, Civil Protection confirmed that “preliminary reports” from the scene indicated that seven people had died. Their identities have not yet been released, and authorities are working to confirm further details.

The agency also mentioned that a fire at the crash site was extinguished, and risk mitigation efforts were carried out to prevent additional damage. “We are waiting for forensic investigators to arrive to remove the bodies and rule out the presence of other victims,” the statement added.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities working to gather more information on the incident.