Calls on women to lead food security campaign

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged women to take the lead in the food security campaign, emphasising the importance of individual contributions to addressing food insufficiency.

Unveiling her own vegetable garden at the State House Residence, First Lady Tinubu encouraged first-time women farmers to participate in the Every Home A Garden Competition.

A statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, said the competition, open to women across Nigeria, aims to promote smart gardening and enhance communal living.

The First Lady’s garden, featuring seven vegetables, showcases the potential for individual efforts to make a significant impact.

The vegetables in the First Lady’s garden include spinach, water leaf, bitter leaf, ewedu, lemon grass, scent leaf and okro.

She emphasised that every small contribution can collectively drive the food security campaign forward.

The First Lady said: “This little garden will be able to provide healthy vegetables enough for my household and I would definitely be able to let some of my staff have as well.

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“The solution to any problem lies in everyone contributing their own quota to getting that solution. As a leader, I must show example and plant my own garden.

“This will also enhance communal living and help drive the food security campaign of the Federal Government. The vegetables are medicinal and the garden is to lead by example for other women to embrace smart gardening.”

She showed off the garden to the Wife of Imo State Governor, Chioma Uzodinma, and Wife of the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Aisha Matawale.

The competition, which closes on September 25, 2024, and offering a N25 million prize for the winner, is open to first time women farmers all over Nigeria

The statement said entries must be submitted in a 30-second video format to the Office of the Wives of State Governors.

The Netherlands scored twice in the second half to complete a come-from-behind win over Turkey in their European Championship quarter-final encounter at the Olympic stadium in Berlin on Saturday.

Ronald Koeman’s side fell behind in the pulsating encounter and had to wait until later in the second half to overpower the Turks, thanks to two quick goals within six minutes.

Turkey were without Merih Demiral, their two-goal hero in the last-16 following a two-match ban, and his defensive solidity was sorely missed on a night they matched the Netherlands for long spells before the eventual capitulation.

Despite is absence, Samet Akaydin scored in the 37th minute with a header from Arda Guler’s cross to put The Crescent Stars in the lead at the interval.

The Dutch worked their way to the equalizer on 70 minutes with Memphis Depay crossing for Stefan de Vrij to power home a header from a shot corner. Fans regained their voice and the Netherlands went ahead for the first time in the match six minutes later, when Mert Mulder bundled a cross into the net for an own goal as Turkey crumbled.

The Netherlands held on to claim a deserved victory that put them in the last-four stage where they will face England. The Three Lions had needed a 5-3 shootout win over Switzerland following a 1-1 scoreline after 120 minutes.

Manuel Akanji saw his kick saved while Trent Alexander-Arnold converted the winning kick.

The Dutch became the second country after Portugal in 2016 to qualify for the semi-final after finishing the group stage as one of the four best losers.

Abdourahamane Tiani, Niger Republic’s military leader, says the people of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have “irrevocably turned their backs” on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Speaking on Saturday at the first summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) held in Nigerien capital city Niamey, Tiani accused ECOWAS of not doing enough to combat jihadist violence.

The AES was set up after the three Sahel nations pulled out of ECOWAS in February.

The military-run states fell out with the West African regional bloc following the coup d’etat which brought Tiani to power in Niger in July 2023.

 

ECOWAS imposed sanctions — including border closure and halt of the export of electric power to Niger — against the junta-led countries as part of efforts to reverse the coups in the nations.

The sanctions were however lifted in February, and few days later, the countries pulled out of ECOWAS. 

“Our people have irrevocably turned their backs on ECOWAS,” Tiani said.

The AES also alleged that ECOWAS is being manipulated by former colonial ruler France, with Tiani calling for the AES to become a “community far removed from the stranglehold of foreign powers”.

The countries said they would instead turn towards Russia, Turkey and Iran — their “sincere partners”.

“The AES is the only effective sub-regional grouping in the fight against terrorism,” he said.

Meanwhile, ECOWAS is due to hold a summit of its heads of state in Abuja on Sunday.

Part of the agenda to be discussed at the summit is the issue of relations with the AES.

Afam Victor Ogene, the Leader of the Labour Party Caucus of the House of Representatives, has said the victory of opposition Labour Party in the United Kingdom, UK, is a sign that its Nigerian version would triumph in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement made available to journalists in Awka, Friday, Ogene said the election told vivid tales of hope for the opposition, and competence and integrity of the electoral umpires in the UK, in a manner that elicits public confidence and trust in the electoral process.

“Unlike what was witnessed in Nigeria in the last general elections, the process in UK was free of glitches, as about 40 million voters took part. Polls closed around 10 pm Thursday and by daybreak, the results were out.

“There was no judicial ambush, as immediate transition took place to the admiration of all lovers of democracy and free and fair elections.

“If we must practice democracy, we must also love, copy and abide by the transparency and accountability of democratic institutions in nations of the world that allow the rule of law and democratic principles to thrive.

“In deed, one of the potent lessons of the British elections is the fact that, the concept of ‘snatch it, grab it, and run away with it,’ has no place in modern democratic practice,” he said.

Relating the development in the UK to the 2027 election in Nigeria, Ogene said: “I urge the Nigerian Labour Party to draw inspiration from its British counterparts, close ranks, rally the people, and prepare to take the reins of power in 2027.

“Let us work together to build a better future for our nation, guided by the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability.”

Ogene congratulated Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party in Britain, for his party’s victory over the outgoing UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and his Conservative Party, in what has been described as the most emphatic election victory by any British political party this century.

The opposition Labour Party won a huge parliamentary majority in the UK general election, unseating the incumbent Conservatives after 14 years.

While the Labour Party got 412 seats, the incumbent Conservatives got just 121

US President Joe Biden says he is not considering quitting the presidential race.

There has been mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party on Biden to step aside, after a shaky debate performance with Donald Trump, the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party.

Stakeholders have also expressed concerns over the president’s health and mental alertness after that June 27 night.

Speaking in an interview with ABC News, Biden said only the “Lord Almighty” would convince him to drop his re-election bid.

“I mean, if the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get outta the race’, I would get outta the race. The Lord Almighty’s not coming down. I mean, these hypotheticals,” Biden said.

“I don’t think anybody is more qualified to be president or win this race than me.

“Look, I’m running again because I think I understand best what has to be done to take this nation to a completely new level. We are on our way. We are on our way.”

Biden also dismissed criticisms that he is too old and feeble to run again.

“I see all these stories that say I am too old.. was I too old to create 15 million jobs? Was I too old to erase student debt for five million Americans? Do you think I’m too old to beat Donald Trump?” he asked.

On Wednesday, the White House said Biden is not backing down from the race despite growing concerns.

“The president is clear-eyed, and he is staying in the race,” Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, said.

“That is what the president is focused on, continuing to deliver for the American people. This is a president who is strong and resolute.”

President Bola Tinubu has initiated the Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict (RSPIC) to address the humanitarian crisis caused by internal displacement.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu at the launch of the pilot phase in Tudun Biri, Kaduna, on Friday.

The president stated that the scheme targets communities affected by conflicts in Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi, providing long-term rehabilitation and reintegration for displaced victims.

“The conflict we are forced to endure has not only torn communities apart in the past but also political leaders who ought to be unifying models for the people,” he said.

“This history should inspire us to be different, and my optimism thrives on the assurance by our state governors to treat our humanitarian crises as points of unity instead of divisions.

“To those who have been displaced by conflict, I say this: We see you, we hear you, and we stand with you.

“Your strength and resilience inspire us all, and under President Tinubu’s leadership, we commit to bolstering our nation’s security infrastructure and advancing peace.

“This resettlement scheme is a testament to your courage and signals an end to your pessimism. It is an opportunity for each of us to come together and rebuild.

“We are here to assure that the safety of each Nigerian shall be a priority, and we cannot claim to have achieved this until we restore dignity and security to those whose lives have been upended by conflict.

“Our journey to this point has been long and arduous. Today, we converge in this historic city to demonstrate our resolve to overcome adversity and build a future where each person and community sees the other as a friend and where peace and opportunity are the birthright of every citizen.”

The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has said that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike is the mentor of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

He insisted that Fubara would not have become governor without the backing of the minister.

Okocha described the Rivers governor as the political investment of Wike.

The APC chieftain stated this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Naija News reports that Fubara and Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, have been at loggerheads over the control of the oil-rich state.

Reacting to the situation, Okocha said, “The feud between the governor and his mentor, Governor Fubara is Wike’s political investment.

“From civil servant to the candidate of a party and delivering him in 23 local governments out of 23, the first in our history, all of these were Wike’s ability to manoeuvre. The former governor has said, ‘I am not asking you for anything. I am only saying that you are destroying the structure that produced you.’

“If you are a politician, no politician will allow his structure to be dismantled. When you do that, it means that you have no home to fall back to. That is the issue.”

Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), on Friday, gathered in Abuja to advance discussions on the launch of a single regional currency, the ECO.

This significant assembly underscores a collective ambition to drive economic growth and enhance integration across West Africa.

The meeting received a strong endorsement from Nigeria, the region’s largest economy.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Finance, Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, highlighted the pivotal role the ECO is expected to play in fostering economic development within the community.

“Nigeria is fully committed to the ECO and its potential to improve economic growth and development in the region,” Edun stated.

The Abuja meeting focused on detailed preparations for the introduction of the ECO, marking a crucial step toward the realization of this ambitious currency integration project.

The discussions aimed to lay a robust groundwork to ensure a smooth transition to a single currency system among the fifteen member states of ECOWAS.

The envisioned single currency extends beyond the simplification of monetary transactions—it seeks to become a cornerstone of economic integration.

By streamlining trade and enhancing monetary stability, the ECO aims to transform the economic landscape of West Africa, making it easier for countries to engage in cross-border commerce and investment.

The gathering saw the participation of key economic leaders from the region, including Mr Olavo Correia, Minister of Finance of Cape Verde; Mr Adama Coulibaly, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of Cote d’Ivoire; and Mr Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of Finance of Ghana.

These figures, among others, form a collaborative effort dedicated to shaping a prosperous economic future for West Africa.

According to the statement, “The meeting culminated in a renewed sense of purpose surrounding the ECO’s introduction. Participants emerged with a shared belief that the single currency holds immense potential to reshape the economic landscape of the region, paving the way for a more prosperous future for all member states”.

Although Peter Obi had earlier disclosed details of his meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Political Commission, nothing was said about his meeting with Joe Ajaero on Thursday.

Peter Obi visited the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in line with his statement that he was committed to building the Labour Party and addressing concerns troubling members.

Obi, had in the early hours of Friday, said that there would soon be a meeting of all stakeholders of the Labour Party to address issues confronting factions.

“In the coming days, we will convene a more comprehensive stakeholders’ meeting, bringing together a broader representation of interests and perspectives.

“I am confident that through open communication, empathy, and a willingness to listen, we will successfully resolve our differences and emerge stronger and more united than ever. Our strength lies in greater unity for our common national good,” Obi said after his meeting with the NLC Political Commission.

He further stated that he had a meeting with the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, over plans on how to rebuild the party.

Naija News reports that Ajaero, on Friday, revealed that the former governor of Anambra State paid him a visit.

He said the meeting was strategic, adding that he and Peter Obi discussed a “wide range of issues” towards building a better Nigeria for all workers and citizens.

In a brief statement, Ajaero said, “Yesterday (Thursday), I had the honour of receiving his excellency, Mr. Peter Obi in my office.”

He added, “Wide-ranging issues were discussed towards building a better Nigeria for all workers and people.“

Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the forthcoming governorship election in Edo state.

Oshiomhole spoke in Abuja on Friday after he led Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Dennis Idahosa, his running mate, to meet with President Bola Tinubu at the State House.

The former governor of Edo said the crisis within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state is an advantage for the APC to win the forthcoming election.

He denied allegations that the APC orchestrated the crisis that led to the invalidation of the PDP governorship primary.

Oshiomhole said the crisis was an internal affair of the PDP, which had nothing to do with the APC.

On Thursday, the federal high court Abuja nullified the primary election that nullified Asue Ighodalo as the PDP guber candidate in Edo

“I think you should dismiss that because this is PDP versus PDP, and you know that by law, another party cannot go into intra-party conflicts in court. So if it is convenient for them to explain that, you can dismiss it without asking me,” he said.

“The fact that there had been division in Edo before their primaries and after their primaries is an open secret, and the issues in dispute are also very open.

“The PDP legacy group complained that the man they gave their master bedroom to has completely chased them out of the building, and now they’re under the rain, and as we speak, they are still trying to settle.

“Those who couldn’t find accommodation, we picked them one by one, and don’t forget that those on Osadebe Avenue were my own creation in the sense that I supported Obeseki to become governor, and so I have people who still have affection for me.

“Edo people won’t forget in the hurry what I did when I was governor and those of them who didn’t quite readily appreciate it now compare the past with the present.

“So if they have disputes or disagreements that they cannot settle and they choose to settle them in court, the court will nullify the process.

“I mean, you read the judgment, not me. How can anybody say… if you know Dan Orbih, the leader of Legacy Group, he was my fierce critic when I was in government, so what power do I have? How can we, as a non-state group, have the power to influence a seasoned politician to move against themselves?

“So this is purely PDP intra-party, and I think the lesson is very clear, namely that parties must be encouraged to obey the laws that regulate the conduct of primaries and that rules are meant to be obeyed if you formulate your constitution.

“It is the basis of the contract between party members. Now, the Electoral Act is meant to ensure that everybody plays the game within the rules, so we have nothing to do.”

Oshiomhole told State House correspondents that he led the APC candidates to the president to update him on the campaign activities.

“He is the leader of the party, so we went to give him an update on the campaigns, on what we are doing, and on the fact that we are harvesting more and more people every day,” he said.

“I’m surprised that rather than speculating about who will face what, you are not a witness to the fact that the entire PDP in Egor decamped to the APC a month ago.

“Just last week in my local government, the remaining remnants of the PDP decamped to the APC and across Edo central, doing the same thing. People are jumping out because the umbrella is leaking and this is rainy season.”