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Act now to avert impending anger – Peter Obi warns Tinubu about UNICEF report

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Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, expressed deep concern over the recent warning from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) stating that 31.5 million Nigerians face acute hunger and severe food insecurity between June and August 2024. He emphasized that Nigeria’s ranking as one of the 20 hungriest nations globally, placing 109th out of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index, is distressing.

Obi stressed the urgent need for the government to take decisive action to enhance food production in the country to combat the escalating hunger crisis and the resulting discontent among the populace, which has been forewarned.

In a post on his social media platform on Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor lamented the compounding challenges in the country, including soaring living costs and high inflation rates, exacerbating the economic situation. He highlighted the distressing reality that many Nigerian households are now allocating a significant portion of their income solely to food expenses, leaving other essential expenses unmet.

Obi recalled previous warnings, such as the Cadre Harmonisé report in January 2023, which indicated a risk of hunger for nearly 25 million Nigerians between June and August 2023 without urgent intervention. Despite calls for action, the number of Nigerians facing hunger increased to around 26.5 million by the end of 2023, with projections for further deterioration in 2024, as indicated by the latest report.

The presidential candidate reiterated his longstanding advocacy for transitioning Nigeria from consumption to production, particularly through substantial investments in agriculture, leveraging the vast arable lands predominantly in the Northern regions. He emphasized that addressing insecurity and supporting farmers with adequate resources are critical for boosting food production and averting the looming hunger crisis.

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Obi concluded by reaffirming the imperative of building a productive Nigeria, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to mitigate the hunger crisis and foster economic stability, particularly in the agricultural sector, which holds the key to sustainable food security and national development.

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Teachers’ Day: Oyebanji rewards 2 disabilities educators with N500,000

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Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has honored two teachers in the disability sector with cash awards of 500,000 naira each.

The governor made the gesture during the celebration of the Teachers’ Day in the state.

Mrs Adetoun Agboola, Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion, hailed the governor’s commitment to inclusion.

Agboola emphasized that the recognition serves as a morale booster for the teachers, marking the first time such a gesture has been made during the Teachers’ Day celebration in the state.

“The recognition of these teachers, who work tirelessly with children with disabilities, highlights Governor Oyebanji’s dedication to inclusivity.

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“Over the past year, these educators have faced immense challenges, adapting to new teaching tools, increased documentations, and rigorous preparation before delivering their lessons. Their hard work has clearly paid off, and today’s honor reflects their unwavering commitment,” Agboola said.

She added that the awards signal that the voices of teachers working within the disability community have been heard, reinforcing the governor’s pledge to support the community in the state.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Valuing Teachers’ Voices:Towards a New Social Contract For Education”.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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Nigerian Govt initiates repairs on failed portions of Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway

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Emergency repairs on failed sections of the Abuja-Kaduna Dual Carriageway has been initiated by the Federal Ministry of Works to improve conditions for road users.

A statement on Sunday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, explained that the contractor mobilised to the site on October 2, 2024.

According to Ahmed, the contract for Section I of the Expressway spans from kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, FCT) to kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, Niger/Kaduna States’ border), with a completion timeline of two weeks.

He further explained that the scope of the contract includes patching existing potholes and reinstating critically failed sections of the roadway, saying that the approved contract sum is N366 million.

Ahmed added, “During an inspection tour of the project on Saturday, the Director of Highways for North Central Zone I, Mohammed Goni, and the Director of Special Projects (North), Olufemi Adetunji, urged the contractor to comply strictly with the contract terms and no extensions to the completion period will be granted.”

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The statement noted that Goni described the road as a vital artery for connecting the Northern and Southern regions of the country, underscoring its role as a catalyst for economic growth.

He assured Nigerians that upon successful completion of the contract, further repairs on the remaining failed sections from Tafa to Kaduna would be awarded.

Mr Lawrence Emmanuel, the Project Supervisor, explained that work is progressing with the cutting and shaping of the failed portions extending to Dikko Junction in Niger State, stating that asphalting of the areas is expected to commence on Monday.

He observed that heavy traffic impeding work progress but assured of timely completion.

The Federal Controller of Works for FCT, Yakubu Usman, pledged daily inspections and diligent oversight of the project throughout its duration

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CREDIT: DAILY POST

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FG set to begin evacuation of Nigerians from Lebanon

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The Federal Government has announced that no Nigerian life has been lost in Lebanon amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

As Israel intensifies its airstrikes in Lebanon, the Nigerian government has commenced preparations to evacuate its citizens from the conflict zone.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the government confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon has been actively working to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its nationals during the crisis.

“The Federal Government has begun preparations to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon. It is pertinent to mention that no Nigerian life has been lost since the beginning of the conflict,” the statement read.

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The Ministry added that the Nigerian Embassy had previously advised citizens in Lebanon to voluntarily evacuate, with commercial flights still operational.

Those in southern Lebanon, where the fighting has been most intense, were relocated to safer areas, such as Beirut, with the help of community leaders.

The government reassured Nigerians that it is in contact with relevant stakeholders and is committed to ensuring the safe return of all its citizens.

This comes as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon and ground troops conducting operations near the border.

The violence, which has continued for nearly a year, has now evolved into full-scale warfare.

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CREDIT: DAILY POST

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