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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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Governor Soludo Mourns Death of Elder Statesman, Chief Edwin Clark

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Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed deep grief on the passing of a most distinguished Nigerian elder statesman and Pan-Niger Delta Forum leader, Chief Edwin Clark, on Tuesday at the age of 97.

In a condolence letter signed by Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to the Governor on February 18, 2025, Governor Soludo extolled Chief Clark as an extraordinary Nigerian patriot who served this nation with uncommon dedication as a former Federal Commissioner for Information and leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

His voice resonated not just for the Niger Delta, but for all of Nigeria. As a lawyer, educationist, and elder statesman, Chief Clark’s interventions on national issues were marked by wisdom, foresight, and a dogged commitment to national unity founded on the principles of justice and equity.

The Governor further stated that Chief Clark was ever unapologetic in his pursuit of justice, equity, and true federalism, as his life exemplified the possibility of building bridges across ethnic and regional lines for the greater good of our nation.

Although Chief Clark’s passing marks the end of an era, his uncompromising pursuit of a united, just, and truly federal Nigeria lives on. Also, Governor Soludo mourns the recent loss of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who passed away at 96.

He was also known to be a relentless advocate for true federalism and would be dearly missed.

Therefore, Governor Soludo commiserates with the families of Chief Edwin Clark and Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the people of Niger Delta and Yoruba land, PANDEF and Afenifere, praying that their souls rest in peace.

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JUST IN: House of Reps demands urgent crackdown on fake drug syndicates

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The House of Representatives has called for a more aggressive crackdown on the production and distribution of counterfeit and expired drugs in Nigeria, following the recent discovery of an illegal drug manufacturing facility in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State.

The resolution was moved by Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, who raised alarms over the growing issue of fake pharmaceuticals during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ezechi revealed that the illegal factory, located in a remote village, was involved in rebranding expired drugs by altering their expiry dates and producing counterfeit medications, including injectables, which were being distributed to unsuspecting Nigerians.

“The consumption of fake and substandard drugs poses severe health risks, including treatment failures, drug resistance, and even death,” Ezechi stated.

He warned that such criminal activities undermine Nigeria’s healthcare system and put millions at risk.

The House expressed deep concern that the Osisioma Ngwa incident was not an isolated case but part of a broader public health crisis, as similar counterfeit drug operations have been uncovered across the country.

The lawmakers noted that the circulation of such harmful products has contributed to Nigeria’s high mortality rate, with citizens unknowingly consuming ineffective or toxic medications.

The House strongly condemned the production and distribution of fake drugs and commended law enforcement agencies for their efforts in uncovering the Abia State operation. 

It urged the federal government to direct the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other relevant agencies to intensify surveillance, inspections, and crackdowns on fake drug manufacturers and distributors nationwide.

The lawmakers noted that the circulation of such harmful products has contributed to Nigeria’s high mortality rate, with citizens unknowingly consuming ineffective or toxic medications.

The House strongly condemned the production and distribution of fake drugs and commended law enforcement agencies for their efforts in uncovering the Abia State operation. 

It urged the federal government to direct the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other relevant agencies to intensify surveillance, inspections, and crackdowns on fake drug manufacturers and distributors nationwide.

Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Health and Drugs and Narcotics to investigate the widespread issue of counterfeit drugs in the country.

It also called for increased public awareness campaigns on the dangers of fake drugs and the introduction of advanced tracking and authentication systems to help consumers verify the authenticity of pharmaceutical products before purchase.

The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with security agencies, to implement stricter penalties for individuals and organizations involved in the illegal drug trade, ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law.

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Sanwo-Olu celebrates Otti’s leadership, economic impact at 60

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Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has praised Abia State Governor, Alex Otti for his contributions to Nigeria’s economic and political landscape as he marks his 60th birthday. 

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu commended Otti’s impact, particularly in the banking sector and governance, describing him as a “seasoned economist, banker, and philanthropist. 

“In less than two years in office, he has displayed exemplary leadership as a good manager of human and capital resources. He has delivered dividends of democracy to the people of Abia State,” 

The Lagos governor also lauded Otti’s role in infrastructural development, calling him a model of good governance in the South-East. 

“Governor Otti has contributed to our economy, particularly in the banking sector, where he distinguished himself before venturing into politics to serve as a governor,” 

Sanwo-Olu, on behalf of his wife, Ibijoke, and the people of Lagos, wished Otti good health and continued strength to serve Abia and Nigeria.

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