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Food Security: Ekiti set up storage facilities for bumper harvest

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The Ekiti State government has set up storage facilities in different parts of the state, with the sole aim of buying farm produce from farmers during harvest season and storing them for release during period of scarcity.

This ccomes with a move to ensuring food sufficiency and availability in the state.

The State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, who on Monday led some officials on inspection of one of the storage facilities for agricultural produce in Ado- Ekiti, said building the storage facilities is one of the government’s plans to avert the food scarcity that was experienced in the state last year.

Governor Oyebanji said government’s immediate focus is to address food shortage, reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food sufficiency all year round across the state.

Speaking with Journalists shortly after the inspection, Governor Oyebanji who was accompanied on the inspection by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Boluwade Ebenezer, Commissioner for Trade, investment and cooperatives, Mrs Tayo Adeola, said the initiative was in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu to the State Governors to prioritize food security as critical step in combating hunger across the country.

The Governor, explained that the state cultivated over 6,000 hectares of farmland in 2024, adding that the warehouse for storing food crops was a major challenge, hence the decision of his administration to provide storage facilities this year.

The facilities, according the Governor would help in regulating prices of food items in the eventuality of food scarcity.

While expressing his delight that a large chunk of the farm produce were bought from young farmers under the Bring Back Youth in Agriculture programme , the Governor assured that his administration remains committed to alleviating hunger and achieving food security in the state.

“We promised Ekiti State good governance and like you said we have been trying to work that talk. The President directed that each state should embark on strategy of food security and in Ekiti State in the last one year, we have started with phase one of a very deliberate attempt to ensure that we prow ourselves out of hunger, last year we cumulatively cultivated over 6,000 hectares of land in the state, all planted.

“Going forward, we want to ensure that, those crops that we buy from the youth, store them there and we will release to the market when there is increase in prices of food so that we can moderate prices”. The Governor stated .

In his own remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and food security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade said that the goal is not only to tackle hunger but to also create opportunities for youth in agriculture.

While explaining that the initiative would ensure steady food supply throughout the year, Mr Boluwade said government would encourage farmers, particularly the youths in agriculture to increase production, knowing that their produce would not go to waste and government is willing and ready to buy from them.

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BREAKING: Nigerian Air Force fighter jet crashes in Niger State (Video)

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A Nigerian Air Force fighter jet has crashed in Niger State.

The aircraft went down near Karabonde village in Borgu Local Government Area this afternoon.

Initial reports from military sources confirm that both pilots ejected safely and survived the crash with no fatalities reported.

Authorities have ruled out hostile action, stating that the incident was caused by a technical/mechanical fault.

Emergency response teams have been dispatched to the crash site. Further details are awaited.

Watch vvideo below:

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Emeka Monye of ARISE NEWS Launches N1m Award for Anambra’s Top WAEC Student Annually

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Renowned journalist and media strategist, Emeka Monye, has launched an annual award of N1 million for the best-performing student in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Anambra State.

The award, which is aimed at promoting academic excellence, is open to all Anambra students – both public and private schools – who sat for the WAEC examination.

Monye, who is the Anambra State Correspondent for ARISE TV, said the initiative is part of his efforts to give back to the society and encourage students to strive for excellence.

According to Monye, the award is a way of recognizing and rewarding outstanding academic achievement, and he hopes that it will inspire other students to work hard and emulate the winner’s success.

The award winner will be selected based on their performance in the WAEC examination, and the announcement is expected to be made soon.

Monye, who has been a driving force in media innovation, has instituted this award to motivate students to aim high and achieve their goals.

He believes that education is key to personal and societal development, and this initiative is his way of contributing to the growth and development of Anambra State.

The launch of this award has been welcomed by the state COMMSIONER for education, Prof. NGOZI Chuma-Udeh who described the initiative as a great motivator for students to excel academically. Prof. Chuma-Udeh, while receiving the founder and initiator of the EMEKA MONYE SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE, Emeka Monye in her office, asked other well-meaning individuals to emulate the good gesture of the journalist whose charity work will make impact in the education sector.

The award, which commences in 2026 academic session and runs through to 2035, is expected to be presented annually in the sum of one hundred thousand naira for the next ten years, and Monye has called on other stakeholders to join him in promoting education and academic excellence in the state in particular and the country as a whole.

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Truck Drivers Block Obajana-Kabba Highway, Causing Massive Gridlock in Kogi State

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Motorists were stranded on the Obajana-Kabba Highway in Kogi State following a roadblock staged by truck drivers, bringing traffic to a complete halt on the busy federal route.

The blockade has triggered severe congestion, leaving thousands of vehicles unable to proceed in either direction and forcing travelers to seek alternative paths.

The protest reportedly began after a dispute between the truck drivers and security operatives along the road. While full details of the incident are yet to be confirmed, the drivers parked their articulated vehicles across the highway in protest, effectively shutting down the corridor.

The disruption comes at a particularly busy time, with many residents traveling to attend funerals, weddings, and political functions across Kabba and neighboring communities.

Frustrated motorists have resorted to diverting through Okene, resulting in heavy traffic buildup on the alternative route and extended travel delays across the region.

As at press time, authorities are yet to intervene or issue an official statement on efforts to clear the highway and restore free flow of traffic.

Commuters are urged to avoid the Obajana-Kabba route until the situation is resolved.

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