On Air Now:
Now Playing:Loading...
site loader
March 5, 2024 Hardship: FG To Begin Distribution of Grains Nationwide

Hardship: FG To Begin Distribution of Grains Nationwide

The report that the Federal Government will begin the distribution of grains nationwide to cushion the impacts of the hardship in Nigeria this week.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari disclosed this in a post on his official X handle, adding that he understands the gravity of the situation, especially with the unfortunate event of foodstuff warehouse looting.

The Minister said and I quote: “We shall commence the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of grains, as approved by Mr. President, across the 36 states of the federation as one of the programmes to be rolled out this week.

He said that they are working hand in hand with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure that the grains get to the right people in the right packages and quantities.

Furthermore, Kyari said 58,500 metric tons of milled rice from mega rice millers will also be released into the market for stabilization.

January 8, 2024 Tinubu Suspends Betta Edu, Directs EFCC Chair To Conduct Probe

Tinubu Suspends Betta Edu, Directs EFCC Chair To Conduct Probe

President Bola Tinubu immediately suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, from her position. The announcement came from the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement released Monday afternoon.

The president's decision to suspend Edu follows his order to investigate the ministry's affairs under her leadership thoroughly. The controversy arose from allegations surrounding Edu's approval of N585,198,500.00 to be disbursed into a personal account. A letter purportedly signed by the minister instructed the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer the sum to the account of Oniyelu Bridget as grants for vulnerable groups in four states. However, Madein clarified that her office received a payment request but did not take any action on it.

Edu, who, at 37, was the youngest member of the president's cabinet before her suspension, countered the allegations, claiming there were plans to tarnish her image, and she vehemently denied any intention to embezzle government funds. Coincidentally, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating Edu's predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, for alleged money laundering during her tenure as a minister under the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Orders Probe Of Edu’s Ministry, Vows To Take Action

In a statement on Monday, the President directed the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to thoroughly investigate all financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and its affiliated agencies. The suspended minister was instructed to hand it over to the ministry's permanent secretary and cooperate fully with the investigating authorities during their inquiry.

Furthermore, the President appointed a panel led by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to comprehensively diagnose the financial architecture and framework of social investment programs. The aim is to reform relevant institutions and programs, eliminate institutional frailties to benefit disadvantaged households, and restore public confidence in the initiative.

December 18, 2023 Factional Speaker Ehie Notifies INEC Of 25 ‘Vacant Seats’ In Rivers Assembly

Factional Speaker Ehie Notifies INEC Of 25 ‘Vacant Seats’ In Rivers Assembly

The factional Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, has written to formally notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the existence of 25 vacant seats and ask the electoral body to commence the conduct of a fresh election.

The speaker, loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, signed the letter, requesting INEC to conduct fresh elections to fill the vacant seats.

The letter surfaced on the same day that the Martin Amaewhule-led lawmakers loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, were officially received by the State’s All Progressives Congress APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Okocha and representatives of the National Executive Council of the party in Port Harcourt.

Twenty-seven lawmakers led by Amaewhule had defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC).

The letter also directed the Accountant General of the Federation to give effect to the resolution of the house and suspend the payment of their salaries and other emoluments due to the former lawmakers.

December 18, 2023 Christmas Shoppers Condemn Naira Scarcity, ATMs Dry Up

Christmas Shoppers Condemn Naira Scarcity, ATMs Dry Up

As Christmas Day approaches, shoppers are expressing frustration over the escalating scarcity of the naira, hindering their ability to make essential purchases for the festive season.

Recent investigations have unveiled ongoing challenges as banks continue to limit cash transactions at their counters and numerous Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are reported to be out of service.

Reports from our correspondents, who visited ATM galleries in various cities including Lagos, Abuja, Osogbo, Makurdi, Sokoto, Edo, and Gusau, highlight the widespread issue of cash depletion in ATMs. Despite assurances from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regarding increased cash flow for economic activities, many bank customers across the country experienced difficulties accessing cash over the counter on Friday.

Over the weekend, observations revealed that numerous poultry sellers and local stores insisted on cash payments for their goods. A roadside trader in Abule Egba, Lagos, known as Mama Sule, lamented the impact on her business, stating that customers wanting to buy onions were unable to do so due to a lack of cash. Similar sentiments were echoed by a trader in Olowoira, Lagos, who cited past failed transactions as the reason for insisting on cash payments.

Christmas shopper Remi Arowolo recounted a frustrating experience while attempting to purchase tomatoes on the road, where the sellers declined transfers and demanded cash. A Point-of-Sale operator in Ibadan, Oyo State, named James, expressed the hardships faced by businesses due to insufficient cash supply, affecting profits and holiday spending.

Despite anonymous sources within banks acknowledging the challenges and the need for increased cash supply, there is a general consensus that the situation persists until the CBN releases more funds. Our investigation also found that ATMs belonging to various banks, including First Bank, EcoBank, Union Bank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTCO, Sterling Bank, and Guaranty Trust Bank, were not dispensing cash in different locations.

Customers at these banks expressed frustration at the non-functional ATMs, with some sharing their disappointment after prolonged waits. The overall sentiment among both shoppers and businesses is one of concern and inconvenience, with hopes pinned on a resolution to the cash scarcity issue in time for the Christmas celebrations.

Watch Live

x
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com
X