Mr Temitope Fadeshemi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security says 88.4 million people in Nigeria are living in extreme poverty. Fadeshemi spoke on Wednesday in Kaduna during the distribution of farm inputs and empowerment materials to 250 smallholder farmers. He said,”The level of poverty in Nigeria is alarming. An estimated population of 88.4 million people in Nigeria is living in extreme poverty. ”The number of men living on less than 1.90 U.S. dollars a day in the country reached around 44.7 million, while the count was at 43.7 million for women. ”Overall, 12.9 per cent of the global population in extreme poverty was found in Nigeria as of 2022. ”This is why the Federal government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning in collaboration with FMAFS is making conscious efforts at reducing the spate of poverty across the country.” According to Fadeshemi, the event marked a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s collective commitment to uplifting the lives of smallholder farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. He added, ”I am delighted to remind you that NPRGS, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Service (FDAE), has diligently enumerated and validated approximately 250 farmers for participation in this transformative programme. ”These farmers are not just the backbone of our agricultural sector; they are the heartbeat that forms the heartbeat of our nation’s prosperity. ”The NPRGS reflects our government’s dedication to addressing poverty at its roots, emphasizing the pivotal role agriculture plays in economic growth and development. ”Through initiatives like today’s training and empowerment programme, we are sowing the seeds of positive change, ensuring that smallholder farmers have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape.” Fadeshemi said that the programme was not merely an investment in agriculture; but an investment in the future of the nation. He said, ”As we equip these farmers with the tools to enhance productivity, improve resilience, and embrace sustainable practices, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector. ”I commend the efforts of the FDAE for their meticulous work in identifying and validating deserving farmers for this programme. ”The collaboration between our Ministry and the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) exemplifies the power of synergy in achieving meaningful impact. ”To the participating farmers, I say this: your role is paramount in shaping the trajectory of our nation’s agricultural success. ”As you undergo this training and empowerment journey, absorb the knowledge, hone your skills, and apply the insights gained to elevate your farms and communities.” According to the permanent secretary, the success of the farners is intertwined with the prosperity of the nation, adding ” together, we shall create a ripple effect that reaches every corner of our beloved country. ”Let us embrace this opportunity to build a future where smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries of progress but active contributors to our nation’s growth. ”With determination, collaboration, and a shared vision, we can transform challenges into opportunities and empower our agricultural sector to lead the way towards a more resilient and prosperous Nigeria. ”It is my hope that this program may be the catalyst for a brighter, more bountiful future for all.” Dr Timkat Nanfa, the State Coordinator of the ministry expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for counting the state worthy to be part of the beneficiaries of the programme. He urged the participants to make good use of the empowerment, saying inputs will help them in their farm operations and also fight poverty. He listed the items as; 175 bags of organic fertilizers, 175 sprayers, 65 bags of maize seeds bags and 71 bags of rice seeds. Others were: 14 tins of tomato seeds, 14 tins of pepper seeds, Okra seeds tins, 1,000 poultry chicks, 40 bags of poultry feeds and 50 bags of fish feeds, among others.

  If the 2023 Information and Communications Development (ICT) Development Index (IDI) is anything to go by, much work, improved regulations and fresh investments would be required to advance technology development in Nigeria. The IDI, which is measured by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) across member nations, focused on some cardinal areas including individuals using the Internet; households with Internet access; mobile broadband subscribers per 100; 3G/4G LTE coverage; mobile broadband Internet traffic; fixed broadband Internet traffic; mobile broadband and voice high consumption basket; fixed broadband Internet basket prices and individuals owning a mobile phone. While these indexes are 100 per cent based, ITU observed that the IDI results can be used to show the strong correlation between digital development and overall development. Specifically, the IDI puts individuals using the Internet at 34 per cent in Nigeria; households with Internet, 36.4 per cent; mobile broadband subscribers, 24.4 per cent; 3G/4G LTE coverage, 71 per cent; mobile broadband Internet traffic, 26.8 per cent; fixed broadband and Internet traffic per subscribers, 41 per cent; mobile data and voice high-consumption basket price, 85.6 per cent; fixed broadband Internet basket price, 36.6 per cent while individuals with mobile phone are 79.3 per cent. On these parameters, South Africa recorded 78.1 per cent, 81.5 per cent, 99.1 per cent, 98.7 per cent, 54.2 per cent and 87.4 per cent in that order. Other scores are 78.4 per cent and 85.5 per cent respectively. According to ITU, the IDI provides a synthetic measure of what should be known about the state of connectivity around the world, stressing that the results of the IDI showed that most countries are embracing and investing in connectivity. The telecoms body noted that the global average score is 72.8 out of 100, an indication that significant progress has already been made; but that there is a need to look beyond averages and realise that many countries remain at a very early stage of digital development: the lowest IDI 2023 score is 20 per cent. The IDI showed that as of December 2023, U.S. had 100 per cent individuals Internet penetration, 97.4 per cent households using Internet, 75.5 per cent mobile broadband usage, 99.9 per cent 3G/4G LTE coverage, 72.5 per cent mobile broadband Internet traffic, 100 per cent mobile data and voice high- consumption basket price; 100 per cent fixed broadband Internet basket price and 100 per cent individuals with mobile phone. For the United Kingdom, the IDI showed 99.8 per cent, 100 per cent, 75.5 per cent, 99.9 per cent, 72.5 per cent, 91.4 per cent, 100 per cent, 99.1 per cent and 99.8 per cent respectively. On the average, Africa had 42.7 per cent as against the world’s 73.8 in terms of individuals using the Internet; 44.4 per cent households are using the Internet in Africa against the world’s 74.2 per cent. In terms of active mobile broadband usage, while the world had 54.9 per cent, it was 34.7 per cent in Africa; while the globe boasts of 86.7 per cent 3G/4G LTE coverage, in Africa, penetration was 67.5 per cent. For mobile broadband Internet traffic per subscription (GB), Africa had 47.7 per cent against the globe’s 63.7 per cent. In terms of fixed broadband Internet traffic per subscription (GB), Africa had 62.3 per cent against the world’s 76.7 per cent. While there were 84.2 per cent of the world’s individuals, who own a mobile phone, Nigeria, South Africa and other African countries had as of 2023, 64.7 per cent of her over one billion population having a mobile device. In the forward of the 34-page document, signed by the Director, ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, made available to The Guardian, it was noted that measurement is critical for achieving universal and meaningful connectivity. Zavazava said data helps to understand “where we have been, where we are, and where we need to go. Data enables us to identify priorities, design effective interventions, monitor progress, and hold ourselves accountable. To this end, ITU has been collecting, disseminating, and analysing ICT data for decades. “The results of the IDI 2023 reveal significant progress in embracing and investing in connectivity, with a global average score of 73 out of 100. However, it is crucial to look beyond group averages and recognize that many countries are still struggling. The IDI confirms the very close relationship between overall development and digital development and exposes the deep divides that persist between rich and poor countries,” he stated. According to him, while the IDI provides a valuable snapshot of connectivity around the world, its development process has exposed the limitations of our current knowledge. “There is a pressing need for countries to invest in their statistical capabilities and improve the availability of ICT indicators. To support countries in measuring connectivity, ITU will continue to provide guidelines, data collection tools, capacity and skills development activities, and technical assistance,” he stated.

  A Federal High Court, sitting at Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday, February 7, ordered the federal government to fix the prices of goods and petroleum products within seven days. Justice Ambose Lewis-Allagoa granted the order sequel to an originating motion filed and argued by the applicant and human rights activist, Femi Falana SAN. He said: “I have had the applicant Femi Falana in a suit no San, FHC/L/CS/869/2023 and I have also discovered that despite the service of the Originating motion on the respondents namely Attorney-General of the Federation and the Price Control Board, no opposition to it by way of counter affidavit, which is law that all the facts deposed in the affidavit attached to the originating motion are all deemed admitted. “Consequently, all prayers that are sought for in the motion papers are hereby granted as prayed.” The judge ordered the Nigerian government to fix the price of Milk, Flour, salt, sugar, bicycles and it’s spare parts, matches, motorcycles and its spare parts, motor vehicles and it’s spare parts as well as Petroleum products, which include: diesel, petrol motor spirit (PMS) and kerosene. Falana (SAN) had approached the court for the followings: “whether by virtue of Section 4 of the Price Control Act., the first defendant is carrying out its duty to impose a price on any goods that are of the kind specified in the First Schedule to the Price Control Act. “A declaration that by virtue of Section 4 of the Price Control Act Cap, the defendants are under a legal obligation to fix the prices of bicycles and spare parts; flour; matches; milk; motorcycles and spare parts; motor vehicles and spare parts; salt; sugar and petroleum products including diesel, petrol motor spirit and kerosene. “A declaration that the failure or refusal of the Defendants to fix the prices of bicycles and spare parts; flour; matches; milk; motorcycles and spare parts; motor vehicles and spare parts; salt; sugar and petroleum products including diesel, petrol motor spirit and kerosene is illegal as it offends the provision of Section 4 of the Price Control Act, Cap…., Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. “An order directing the defendants to fix the prices of bicycles and spare parts; flour; matches; milk; motorcycles and spare parts; motor vehicles and spare parts; salt; sugar and petroleum products including diesel, petrol motor spirit and kerosene not later than 7 days after the delivery of the Judgment of this Honourable Court.”

Police in Niger State say they have arrested a 30-year-old mother, Aisha Jibrin, and 24 others, for allegedly masterminding the recent protest that erupted in the Kpakungu area of Minna, the Niger State capital. In a statement by Police spokesman, Deputy Superintendent Wasiu Abiodun, a large number of women and miscreants mobilised themselves and blocked the Minna-Bida Road and the Kpakungu Roundabout, claiming to be protesting against increases in food price, causing obstruction on the highway, and deprived motorists, travellers, and other road users from gaining access to attend to their lawful businesses. The Police command, according to him, immediately drafted police patrol teams, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Shehu Didango, to the scene, and after much persuasion, the protesters deliberately refused to clear the road for public use. The statement further added that while the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, equally availed himself at the scene and addressed the group, they turned deaf ears, and chose to be violent. Abiodun added that the police adopted minimum force to disperse the protesters who turned violent, by attacking the police with dangerous weapons such as stones, bottles, sticks and cutlasses, and damaged police patrol vehicles and parts of the Kpakungu Police Division roof. The police further claimed that, in the course of dispersing the protesters, they arrested the initiators of the protest; 30-year-old Aisha Jibrin, 57-year-old Fatima Aliyu and 43-year-old Fatima Isyaku, all of Soje ‘A’ of Kpakungu area of Minna, and twenty-two other alleged miscreants. According to the police, some exhibits were recovered. They included a bench and a stick used as a barricade, three knives, one scissors, one cutlass, one saw-blade, one iron pipe, four other sticks, two wraps of Indian hemp and charms, among others. During interrogation, the police allegedly said Aisha claimed that she was not aware that her action was illegal, by mobilising over one hundred women and miscreants to block the highway for a violent protest. She claimed further that she informed one youth leader, Hassan, in the area, who promised to inform the police of their plan to protest. Meanwhile, all the suspects have been taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Minna, and will be charged to court for prosecution. Police say effort is ongoing to arrest other identified members of the alleged violent protest. The Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Danmamman, has urged the people of Niger and members of the public to be law-abiding, adding that they should not resort to self-help, but approach appropriate authorities to address issues, whenever they arose.

  Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) on Wednesday disclosed that a total of 15 drug kingpins out of 3, 412 offenders that were successfully prosecuted and convicted in 2023 bagged a total of 168 years of imprisonment. Marwa made this known while addressing Commanders, Officers and men of the Agency during an awards and commendations ceremony at its national headquarters in Abuja where a total of 104 personnel and 13 commands that had outstanding performances in the 2nd half of 2023 were recognized and rewarded. He said, “Indeed, our performance as individuals and as a collective could always be better. Nonetheless, we must appreciate every effort made to help sustain the momentum of our upward trajectory since January 2021, when we launched the renewed fight against illicit substance trafficking. “According to our statistics, we recorded 13, 664 arrests leading to the seizure of 1, 606, 799.09 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs and 3,412 convictions with a total of 5, 570 offenders charged to court in 2023. It’s indeed a year that at least 15 drug kingpins bagged 168 years of imprisonment collectively. That is a substantial improvement over our performance in 2022. “Notably, in 2023, we also ramped up our enforcement action against cannabis farms and carried out at least seven successful major operations, leading to the discovery and destruction of over 206 hectares of cannabis plantations.” The NDLEA boss also explained that creating awareness about the dangers of substance abuse was aimed at prevention and to encourage those already in it to seek treatment hence, the Agency intensified its war against drug abuse (WADA) advocacy initiative nationwide. “The frequency and intensity of our advocacy throughout the year improved considerably. Zonal and state commands have been very dedicated to propagating WADA advocacy. “As a result, a total of 2,725 sensitisation lectures and programmes were held in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others. “A breakdown of the WADA lectures held in 2023 shows: 807 in Primary and Secondary Schools; 146 in Tertiary Institutions; 488 for out of school children; 264 in worship centres; 140 in military and paramilitary organisations; 90 in other work places, among others. “Just as well, our commands and formations have coped with the increased workload of counselling activities leading to the counselling and rehabilitation of 10, 904 drug users”, he stated. He said those who have been in the Agency longer than 2021 can attest to the fact that the past three years have brought different dynamics to the operations and performance of the agency, a development that has attracted commendations from home and abroad. “This is further reinforced by the content of a letter two weeks ago from the National Assembly conveying the decision of the national parliament to ‘commend the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against illicit drug consumption and trafficking.’ “This recognition by both Chambers of the National Assembly should serve as a further morale booster and a reminder that your efforts are not going unnoticed. “I must also say that the NDLEA management has no misgivings about instituting the Commands Awards and Commendations. This twice-a-year event, though a reward system, serves as an inward-looking glass for critical self-analysis and therefore a mechanism that puts the agency on its toes. “Each time we gather here to honour exemplary officers and commands, we are making a loud statement that we value meritocracy and that hard work is a virtue we hold in high esteem. We are trying to normalise good performance”, he added. He assured that he will not relent in his effort to improve the welfare of the NDLEA workforce. “All the issues we are working on will soon come to fruition in a matter of time. For instance, we fought hard to have an amended NDLEA Act last year. Today, the bill is at the 10th National Assembly receiving due attention, and we are optimistic that there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. I am also pleased to inform you that our barracks projects have recorded progress. “Before the middle of the year, some of our barracks will be ready for commissioning. These few examples of the efforts going on behind the scenes are evidence that we are working in your best interest.” He however warned that the Agency will be firm on disciplinary issues. “We don’t take infractions lightly. Every officer of NDLEA is expected to work within the ambit of our core values and strictly adhere to our standard operating procedure. We expect our officers to be the epitome of service, selflessness and sacrifice.” He expressed appreciation to individuals and institutions that have contributed to the success of the Agency. “As an institution, we thank the European Union and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, for being helpful partners on this journey. We appreciate the support of our other international partners from the US, UK, France, Germany, and India among others. “We also appreciate sister agencies and security organisations, including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Customs, Immigration, Police, DSS, NSCDC, NAFDAC, NYSC and FRSC, for the synergy that makes our job easy. “Our profound gratitude also goes to the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Importantly, we thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his encouragement and immense support to NDLEA.”

  An Enugu State High Court has sentenced Chiamaka Ifezue to death by hanging for the murder of a makeup artist, Ijeoma Nneke on November 11th, 2020. After over three years of legal fireworks, Barr. Chinelo Chigbo who led the prosecution from the Department of Public Prosecution, DPP, was able to convince the court that the suspect was responsible for the death of the 27-year-old Make-up artist based in Enugu. In a judgement delivered today, 7th February, 2024, Justice K.I Okpe found miss Ifezue guilty and sentenced her to death by hanging. More details shortly…

  Anambra State Government in partnership with security agents on Wednesday rescued six pregnant teenagers from ‘a baby-making factory’ at Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area of the state. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, told journalists after the raid that the baby factory where babies were being sold had the name ‘Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity’. According to him, the state’s Health Facility, Accreditation and Monitoring Unit arrived at the facility for its routine inspection when it uncovered the operation. He added that the nurses working in the establishment locked up the hospital and ran away after they requested to see the doctor on duty to find out why the facility was not registered with the state government. The commissioner said security operatives including OCHA-Brigade, Civil Defence Corps and the Police later assisted the monitoring team in gaining access into the facility. “When we gained access into the facility, what we saw was shocking. We discovered six underaged pregnant girls, within ages 14, 15,16, 17 and 21 years, allegedly camped against their wish. “We interviewed these girls and they told us that they were being camped by one self-acclaimed doctor, who they identified as Mr Odili Ossai from Delta State, now at large,” he said. The commissioner urged residents to report any illegal activities, malpractices or concerns related to healthcare services in the state. Daily Post