Business

Real reasons the cost of food items is still high – Federal Government reveals

Published

6 years ago

October 4, 2017

"Nobody Can Stop FG From Probing #EndSARS Protesters" - Lai Mohammed Declares

The Federal Government says despite the revolution witnessed in the agricultural sector, the cost of food items is still high because of infrastructural deficit and export demands.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said this on Tuesday when he featured in a Current Affairs programme “Focus Nigeria” of a Lagos-based Television station.

“Despite the fact that the production of staples like rice, grains, yam has increased with the agricultural revolution of the government, food items are still on the high side.

“There are many reasons why the prices are still up there but principally, I think it is an infrastructural deficit.

“By this, I mean what it takes to bring the produce from the farms to the farm gates and from the farm gates to the city centres and this may not improve until various road and rail projects are completed.

“The good news, however, is that from October this year, the General Electric, which has the concession for the 3,500 narrow gauge rail routes will commence work.

“The Lagos to Kano standard gauge rail project and the Lagos to Calabar rail lines which will crisscross all the South Eastern States are priority projects of the government.

“That will help in the transportation of goods and services including agricultural produce at a far cheaper fare and that will percolate to the common man,” he said.

The minister said that the government would leave no stone unturned to ensure that the Lagos to Ibadan, Kano to Maiduguri and other critical roads across the country were completed.

Mohammed also explained that “there is so much demand for our grains and cereals from other parts of Africa.

“You cannot stop the farmers especially with the ECOWAS Protocols that allows for free movement of goods and services.

“There is also a lot of demand for our grains from other parts of the world and as a matter of fact, we got over N30 billion from agricultural export in the second quarter of this year.

“I believe that with the economy picking up and the various infrastructural development coming up, Nigeria will very soon start to feel some relief.

“Also the Presidential initiative to employ 10,000 people from each state in the agricultural sector will bring succour and a lot of relief,” he said.

Speaking of his hopes and fears for the country, the minister said that, 57 years after independence, he was very confident and optimistic that Nigeria will be great.

“Living together for 57 years as an independent country with all the ups and downs and challenges and we are going stronger in all ramification.

“The present administration is getting its priorities right and focused on the economy, good governance, security and improving the quality of life of Nigerians,” he said.

The minister reiterated the position of President Muhammadu Buhari that with Nigeria exiting recession, the administration would not rest on its oars until the impact is felt by all Nigerians.

He said it was on record that since January, the country had recorded monthly steady reduction in headline inflation.

“Capital inflow has improved from 902 million dollars in the first quarter to 1.792 billion dollars in the second quarter.

“We have been able to add additional 8 billion dollars to our foreign reserve which was 23.7 billion dollars last year, but now 33.5 billion dollars this year.

“Our Balance of Trade has increased, farmers today get fertiliser at N5,500 as opposed to N13,000 before and we were able to deliver the fertilisers to farmers before the planting season.

“These are incremental gains and if we remain focused on our reforms, all these will improve,” he said.

For those criticising the president on his Independence Address to the nation, the minister said that Buhari addressed issues that were Germaine to national development.

He said Buhari’s speech touched on national security, economy, corruption, unity and development as well as the achievements recorded by the administration despite constraints.

The minister said that, though the government had made its position clear on the agitation for restructuring, “the greatest threat we have today is not restructuring but it is about corruption”.

“I make bold to say that corruption is the bane of the country and the biggest threat to our existence.

“Year in year out, huge sums of money are voted for and released for projects that will touch the lives of Nigerians but they are stolen and these projects are left abandoned.

“It is interesting that those people who are vociferous about restructuring are the same people that were in power for 16 years and they did not do anything about restructuring,” he said.

The minister commended the ruling APC for creating the platform to get the aggregate of the views of Nigerians as to what they meant by restructuring.

Business

“I am Sorry; I don’t Know What Came over me – Chioma Egodi Jnr Tenders Apology to Erisco Foods Over Misleading Facebook post

Published

13 hours ago

September 30, 2023

Sahara Weekly

“I am Sorry; I don’t Know What Came over me – Chioma Egodi Jnr Tenders Apology to Erisco Foods Over Misleading Facebook post

Facebook user, Chioma Egodi Jnr, has again come out to tender her apology to ERISCO Foods for her distorted claim against the leading indigenous food processing company.

“I apologise for any discomfort or inconveniences my actions may have caused by its release on the social media loop,” Egodi stated.

But her apology has elicited mixed reactions: while some condemned her for misleading Nigerians, others believe she may have been paid to bosh the image of the leading indigenous food processing company.

It will be recalled, on September 17, Egodi had alleged on her Facebook page, highlighting the high sugar content in the tomato paste and inviting her followers who might have used the same product to share their opinions.

In her apology letter, Chioma Egodi said she realized that she made a weighty mistake by lying about the product. She said she was deeply sorry for the harm she caused to the company, its customers and the public. She also said she would retract all her earlier posts on the matter immediately and do anything within her power to rectify all the things she did wrong.

In her words;

_“I sincerely wish to apologize to Erisco Foods Limited for the post I made on Facebook about their product Nagiko Tomatoe mix._

_“I am truly sorry Sir. I am sorry for the lies concerning the product. I am truly sorry Sir._

_“I regret my actions and wish to be forgiven._

_“I pledge that this type of bad behaviour will never happen again._

_“I undertake to retract all my earlier posts on this matter immediately, this is without compulsion._

_“I will do anything within my power to rectify all the things I did wrong concerning this matter._

_“Once again I’m very sorry for the damage done to the company, its customers and the general public._

_“Thank you Sir.’_

It is important to know, that the apology letter was duly signed by Chioma Egodi as the one who perpetrated the false claim and also signed by the husband as witness.

Media had earlier reported that the CEO of Erisco Foods Limited, Mr. Eric Umeofia vowed to sue Mrs Egodi for N5billion over the false review. He said the company suspected that Chioma Egodi was not a genuine customer and could not provide any proof to support her claim.

However, Mr. Eric Umeofia, has said that he has accepted Mrs Egodi’s apology and that he may withdraw the lawsuit against her provided if she will go ahead to post the hand written apology letter to the company on her Facebook page as agreed but if she failed to post it, the company would have no choice than to proceed with the N5billion lawsuit.

Defending the quality of Nagiko Tomato Mix, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has released a statement saying, “the presence of sugar in Erisco’s Nagiko tomato mix is safe for consumption and is duly approved by the agency.

NAFDAC said, the product in question – Nagiko Tomato Mix by Erisco Foods Limited with NAFDAC Registration Number A8-7430 is duly registered.

“Sugar is added to these products for a number of reasons, including but not limited to masking bitterness, enhancing colour and flavour, improving texture and taste consistency, and as a preservative.

The safety limits of sugar in food products are determined by NAFDAC, and only sugar-containing products within these safety limits are approved by NAFDAC,” the statement read.

Business

Osahon Okunbo: A philanthropist Nigerian international business man

Published

13 hours ago

September 30, 2023

Sahara Weekly

Osahon Okunbo: A philanthropist Nigerian international business man taken his rightful position in the league of achiever

Sahara Weekly Reports That Osahon Okunbo, a prominent figure in Nigerian international business, continues to ascend the ranks of high society, which recently seen him receiving recognition in New York, USA, during an official tour that included a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, organized by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong is no more news but how this visionary leader unwavering commitments to fostering a positive change within his community and beyond is what many people are marvel at His vision, leadership, and dedication, take him to the pinnacles of someone who cares deeply about making a positive impact on the society and the environment, and this he has seen him initiated many projects and programs that reflect his good intentions to people who surrounded him.

Despite his tight schedule, this young man still has time for his staffs, a very meticulous who pays great attention to detail. He always reviews every document, presentation, and report before approving or sending them. Though he also expects the same level of quality and accuracy from his staff and colleagues, and with his loads of success and achievement so far it could be stated that this international man has not disappointed in delivery of good things.

A very passionate man who adores charity work, especially in the areas of education, health, and environmental sustainability. He has donated generously to various causes and organizations, and he also participates actively in fundraising events and campaigns. He often visits the beneficiaries of his charity work and listens to their stories and feedback.

Though he faces some challenges in managing his time and workload, but the ambitious in him often makes him to work long hours and takes on multiple responsibilities, which sometimes affects his health and well-being, but he is still not relent in making sure he got to the zenith of a success. He also struggles to balance his work and personal life, as he has a large family that he loves and cares for.

While his passion for making a difference is unquestionable, he still believed there is room for Improvement. “I always feel flattered whenever people eulogizing my philanthropist way of life or praise me, but to me have not done anything, like I always tell people it is always my joy and happiness see people happy too”.

Okunbo has established a clear vision and direction for his organization. And so, the staff and colleagues are committed to delivering high-quality results. His passion for making a difference and creating value, is been driven by a sense of purpose and mission to contribute positively to the society and the environment.

“ His curiosity for learning and exploring new possibilities. He is always eager to acquire new knowledge, skills, or insights that could help him improve himself or his organization… His pride for excellence and achievement. He is always striving to deliver the best results, meet, the highest standards, or surpass the expectations.” Chorused his staffs when they were asked to comment on their indefatigable chairman

They continued

“He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance to ensure sustained effectiveness. By implementing effective time management techniques and setting clear priorities, he can strike a better balance between his professional and personal life, ultimately increasing his efficiency and well-being. What excites us about working alongside our chairman is the opportunity to witness the direct impact of our efforts on the community. His passion is contagious, and the potential for positive change is limitless. Also, the dynamic nature of our industry is truly exhilarating. We are excited about the constant innovation and opportunities for positive change. It’s a field where we can make a tangible impact on people’s lives.”

They concluded

Obviously, his expectations are lofty, and he aspires to attain exceptional results, with the aim of establishing himself as a leading thought leader of this generation. But his only fear, it seems, is not being able to maximize his potential impact. Overall, he embodies Definitely Okunbo is a passionate and driven leader committed to making a difference in the industry through his business.

Mr. Okunbo, is a Nigerian native, a seasoned businessman and entrepreneur with over 15 years’ board and management experience in Nigeria across various industries, including oil and gas services and facilities engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) and project management. In addition to oil and gas he holds various leadership positions across various non-oil sector industries such as hospitality, agriculture and aviation. Mr Okunbo sits as an executive and non-executive director of various companies, which employ directly and indirectly over 6,000 Nigerians.

Business

OVER 3m MSMEs TO BENEFIT AS NIGERIA LAUNCHES FG/ALAT SKILLNOVATION

Published

1 day ago

September 29, 2023

Sahara Weekly

OVER 3m MSMEs TO BENEFIT AS NIGERIA LAUNCHES FG/ALAT SKILLNOVATION

**No going back on creating inclusive economy, VP Shettima declares*

In a bid to support information technology revolution that would, in turn, extend the reach of economic and social interactions as well as enhance productivity growth in Nigeria, the Federal Government and ALAT have launched Skillnovation Programme.

The initiative will provide over three million Nigerians with essential digital skills required to succeed in the global economy.

Speaking during the launch of the programme at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, September 29, 2023, the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, described the Skillnovation as a “transformative initiative” that “ushers in a new era of digital empowerment for” Nigerians.

He said, “We are compelled to tread this path by the direction in which the world has headed, a world of disruptive technologies redefined by the fourth Industrial Revolution.

“This initiative is a response to the evolution of the modern business environment, an acknowledgment that digital skills have become the cornerstone of economic ease and expansion.”

The Vice President hinted that the gathering is one of the many to come and an occasion to reassure the nation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to supporting small businesses across Nigeria.

The Skillnovation Programme will establish 15 state-of-the-art ICT centres, strategically placed across Nigeria, to provide individuals and businesses alike with access to cutting-edge digital training, resources, and support.

The first phase of the programme will focus on the states of Katsina, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Kano, while the second phase will include Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara, and Ekiti States.

Giving an insight into how the country would benefit from the programme, Vice President said, “Nigeria, with its expanding MSME sector of close to 40 million, has the potential to lead business innovation beyond Africa. The Skillnovation Programme, therefore, aims to unlock this immense potential. The initiative is designed to provide the necessary tools and skills for our MSMEs to thrive and compete on the global stage.

“As you have witnessed, ladies and gentlemen, the Skillnovation Programme is not a mere promise; it is a resounding commitment to the Nigerian people,” the Vice President added. “It’s in pursuit of this administration’s resolve to empower our youth and MSMEs and to create a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. Today, we are translating that commitment into action, and we intend to be your allies in your race to take over the world through your enhanced skills.”

VP Shetimma also assured that nobody will be left out of the Skillnovation Programme, regardless of age, gender, or disability.

“There will be no disadvantaged demographic in accessing this opportunity. Our youth, women, and persons with disabilities have found friends and allies and will be favored in our proposed single-digit loan schemes for our valued MSMEs, for which talks are already ongoing with the Bank of Industry and other critical stakeholders and partners,” he stated.

The Skillnovation Programme is a significant step towards achieving the Federal Government’s vision of a digitally empowered and economically prosperous Nigeria. By providing MSMEs with the essential digital skills and support they need to succeed, the programme will help to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, emphasised the significance of partnership, noting that government alone cannot address the challenges confronting Nigerians.

On his part, Managing Director of Wema Bank, Mr Moruf Oseni, commended the passion of the President and Vice President for empowering young Nigerians, even as he announced the establishment of skills training centres across 17 states, beginning with Lagos and Borno.

He said the programme will directly impact 2 million youths and 1 million small businesses across the benefitting States.

The MD expressed optimism that the scheme will be impactful, particularly empowering young Nigerians and preparing them for the challenges of the future.

In his goodwill message, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijjani, said President Tinubu administration’s will leverage the enthusiasm of youths in the technology space to launch Nigeria as a global power in sector.

He called on other private sectors to collaborate more with government to actualize the objectives of job creation.

On his part Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State pledged the state government’s support for the success of the programme.

Also present at the event were the Ministers of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Labour and Employment, Hon. Simon Lalong; Deputy Governors of Borno, Umar Kadafur; Kaduna, Hadiza Balarabe; Anambra, Onyeka Ibezim; Jigawa, Aminu Usman, and Heads of government agencies.