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63rd Independence Anniversary: Group tasks FG on agriculture revenue earnings
63rd Independence Anniversary: Group tasks FG on agriculture revenue earnings
The Confederation of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups has called on the Federal Government to diversify the nation’s economy from oil to agriculture revenue earnings.
It urged the government to go back to 1960s, where government invested heavily in agriculture and used its earnings to finance the national budget in the first Republic.
The Director-General of the group, Dr Kailani Muhammed, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, in commemoration of the 63rd independence of the country.
Muhammed recalled that in the 60s, the country produced rice to feed Nigerians and people in West Africa and earned foreign exchange from agriculture, particularly rice from Niger State.
He added that Kaduna for instance, produced maize that fed the country and West Africa.
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According to him, Nigeria needs to shift from oil earning because, corruption in the sector, has destroyed all the strata of the economy.
“After first Republic, those our grandfathers in the likes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa and others, what they had in their minds, I think, was the country itself and not about materialism.
“From 1983 when the military took over till date, it has not been well because corruption has destroyed all the strata of the economy.
“There is no reason why Nigerians should be poor. I don’t want to say the oil that we have is a curse on us,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the present administration, with its “Renewed Hope Agenda” would bring back the agriculture sector to boost the nation’s economy.
“With all indications President Bola Tinubu is willing to do that, as he continues the implementation of agricultural policy of the past administration, particularly now that he has declared the state of emergency in the agriculture sector.
“So, we hope that with all things being equal, it will work well for us, so that we will not depend on oil,” Muhammed said.
The director-general also urged Nigerians to borrow a leaf from an American man who was willing to die holding America’s flag because of patriotism and nationalism.
“This man believes in his country, what about us?. Unless we are able as a people to come together, to know that this country belongs to all of us and we don’t have any other country apart from Nigeria,” he said.
63rd Independence Anniversary: Group tasks FG on agriculture revenue earnings
FG Intervention Programs Aim to Benefit All Nigerians, Says Minister
Alhaji Muhammad Idris, Minister of Information, has affirmed that the Federal Government’s intervention programs are designed to benefit all Nigerians.
Speaking during a sensitization event on the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s policy framework, in Yola on Thursday, Idris emphasized the wide-reaching nature of these programs. Represented by Rhoda Maina, Head of the Federal Information Resource Center in Yola, the minister outlined various initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ lives.
These initiatives include the disbursement of over N2.9 billion for a student loan scheme, empowerment programs, and the Digital and Creative Enterprise Program. Additional efforts focus on consumer credit, a natural gas initiative, housing, Nano business support, and the National Youth Talents Export Program.
Mr. Jonah Agye, Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Adamawa, expressed the agency’s readiness to collaborate with federal and state agencies to promote these initiatives at the grassroots level. He urged participants to spread the word in their communities and encouraged public support for government policies.
In his remarks, Mr. James Iliya, Adamawa State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, expressed gratitude to the federal government and President Tinubu for the interventions. He urged beneficiaries to make the most of these opportunities to improve their lives. Iliya also noted that Adamawa State aligns with the Federal Government’s policies to ensure its residents benefit from these initiatives.
Alhaji Idris Shuaibu, chairman of the event, commended the Federal Government’s efforts and advised those implementing the programs to ensure that they reach the most vulnerable citizens.
Peter Obi Dismisses Claims of Accepting 2027 Vice Presidential Role
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has refuted claims that he agreed to become a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 elections. The former Anambra State Governor addressed the issue via a series of posts on his official X account on Saturday, accusing certain groups of misinterpreting his recent interview.
Obi emphasized that his remarks during the News Central TV interview had been deliberately distorted by propagandists, and he reiterated his unwavering commitment to the Labour Party and Nigeria’s progress.
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Clarifying his stance, Obi stated, “I am not focused on 2027 when Nigerians are grappling with hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other urgent challenges.” He noted that he is open to partnerships, but only with individuals whose intentions align with advancing the country, not capturing state power.
Obi further stressed that his priority is to address pressing national issues, including bringing millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms and combating poverty. He categorically denied any agreement to serve as a vice president, saying, “For the avoidance of doubt, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone.”
Despite the rumors, Obi reaffirmed his dedication to Nigeria’s development, insisting that true progress can be achieved without necessarily holding political office.
Tjay Emerges as Week 7 Head of House in BBNaija, Gains Immunity
Tjay has been crowned the Head of House (HoH) for week seven in the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) ‘No Loose Guard’ season, becoming the second solo HoH of the competition.
The announcement followed the unpairing of housemates, marking the start of individual gameplay after weeks of competing in duos.
In the week’s challenge, housemates navigated through a maze of laser beams in the arena before transferring mini cubes from one bottle to another.
Tjay, formerly part of Team Beta with his close friend Ben, completed the task in record time, securing his position as the new HoH.
With this win, Tjay gains immunity from eviction for the week, ensuring his safety in the game as the competition heats up.
This victory comes after Onyeka became the first solo HoH in the previous week, following a string of duo HoHs, including Mbadiwe Twins and Team Ndi Nne.
As the show progresses, housemates are vying for the ultimate grand prize of N100 million, with the stakes growing higher each week.
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