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TINUBU ADMINISTRATION MOBILIZES HALF A BILLION DOLLARS FOR NIGERIA’SFOOD SYSTEM TRANSFORMATION – VP SHETTIMA
TINUBU ADMINISTRATION MOBILIZES HALF A BILLION DOLLARS FOR NIGERIA’S
FOOD SYSTEM TRANSFORMATION – VP SHETTIMA
By: Our Reporter
Nigeria has mobilized over half a billion dollars for innovative, profitable, equitable and sustainable food systems transformation initiative, according to the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima.
The Vice President made the disclosure while chairing a high-level meeting on the first day of the UN Food Systems Summit declared open in Rome, Italy by the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guteress.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said the funds were mobilised “through domestic resources, multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, climate funds leading agro-businesses,” and would be used for “Innovation finance for food system transformation; development of Nigeria’s agro value chain and Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones programmes.”
Explaining further, Sen. Shettima said “in this event, the Government of Nigeria will be showcasing its Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) as a unique example of a successful partnership between producers, the public sector and private operators.”
“The VCDP which is co-funded by the of Nigeria and IFAD has empowered vulnerable farmers and youth to engage into commercial partnerships with some of the biggest food processing and marketing firms in the world such as OLAM, a world leading agri-business company operating in over 60 countries with an annual revenue of about $39.8 billion,” the Vice President added.
Stating the government’s vision about ending hunger, the VP added that “building on the success of the VCDP, the Federal Government is determined to capacitate Nigeria’s rural smallholders and operators, youth and women living below the poverty line to take advantage of the new Special Processing Zones.”
On the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), Vice President Shettima said it “brings together local governments, IFAD, AfDB, IsDB, GCF, OLAM and other private actors alongside the government of Nigeria for transformative financing of food systems that leaves no-one behind.”
While featuring in the panel discussion with the Prime Minister of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud; Deputy President of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua; and Prime Minister of Niger Republic, Ouhoudou Mahamadou, the VP said President Tinubu “is determined to transform the concept and meaning of modern governance” by demonstrating commitment towards the food system in the country.
According to him, “President Tinubu hit the ground running from day one of his administration, which is barely two months in office, and has therefore declared state of emergency in food security and took it as a livelihood item within the National Security Council.”
On removing impediments to economic recovery, he said “we had two albatrosses around our necks: subsidy on petrol and multiple exchange rates system.
“We withdrew the subsidy on petrol from day one, just like President Ruto did in Kenya. To mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal, the government embarked on the immediate release of grains and fertilizers.
“A commodity marketing board has been put in place to continuously review and monitor the prices of food items.”
“Along this way, the President has already approved the infusion of huge quantum of funds towards repositioning of our security architecture because we have similar problems with Somalia and Kenya, especially in the northeast and northwest regions of the country. We are repositioning our security architecture to provide support for farms and farmers.”
In attendance were the President of IFAD, Dr. Alvaro Lario, H.E. Muhammad Suleiman Al Jasser, President of Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Vice President of AfDB, Mrs. Hassatau N’Sele, Vice President of OLAM International Mr. Reji George and Vice President, Commodity Aaliance Forum (Representative of farmers) Mrs Ejim Lovelyn.
Declaring the Summit open, the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guteress commended the participating countries for their commitment to addressing the problems of hunger and malnutrition.
“This is the gathering about food system. It is essentially to fulfill those basic of human rights – the right to food. It is outrageous that people continue to suffer in the world of plenty,” the UN scribe stated.
The Vice President also had bilateral meeting with the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. Both leaders discussed issues about the development of the two countries.
The Vice President was accompanied to the meeting by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Italy, Mfawa Abam and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, and other senior government officials.
TINUBU ADMINISTRATION MOBILIZES HALF A BILLION DOLLARS FOR NIGERIA’S
FOOD SYSTEM TRANSFORMATION – VP SHETTIMA
News
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have rescued an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and arrested three suspects following a reported kidnapping and disruption of election-related activities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:15 p.m. on May 22 when two groups of suspected kidnappers stormed the venue of ADC primary elections at Wummy Hotel, Ekori community.
According to the sources, one of the groups abducted the INEC returning officer, forced him into a vehicle, and compelled him to transfer ₦70,000 before fleeing the scene.
The second group, operating on a motorcycle, reportedly carted away ballot boxes from the venue.
Following intelligence on the incident, troops in Yakurr Local Government Area laid an ambush on the fleeing suspects, successfully intercepting the vehicle and rescuing the kidnapped INEC official.
Three suspects were arrested during the operation, while one armed suspect reportedly escaped into nearby bush with a pistol, a mobile phone, ATM card, travelling bag and other election materials.
The rescued official, arrested suspects and recovered vehicle are currently in military custody for further investigation and action.
Security forces have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and recover the stolen electoral materials.
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 103 Battalion, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have raided a suspected cultists’ hideout in Achi town, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, arresting three suspects and recovering items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 4:30 a.m. on May 23 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected cultists and other criminal elements operating in the area.
According to the sources, the troops stormed a residential building suspected to be used as a hideout by the criminal group.
During the raid, three suspects were apprehended, while items recovered include eight motorcycles and two buckets of locally made gunpowder.
The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and necessary action.
Security authorities have continued to intensify joint operations in Enugu State and surrounding areas to curb cult-related activities and other forms of violent crime.
Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State
Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 4 Operation Enduring Peace have launched efforts to track down Berom Militia following an attack on cattle in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources disclosed that the troops responded to a distress report at about 5:12 p.m. on May 23 concerning an attack on cattle belonging to a local herder identified as Alhaji Tambari at Gassa village.
According to the sources, the cattle were grazing in the area when the attackers struck and fled before the arrival of security personnel.
Upon reaching the scene, troops discovered that one cow had been shot dead during the incident.
The Berom militia were said to have escaped from the area before security operatives arrived.
Troops have since intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack while patrols have been heightened within the community and surrounding areas to prevent further incidents.
Security authorities reiterated the commitment of Operation Enduring Peace to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace in communities across Plateau State.
Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community
Troops Rescue INEC Official, Arrest Suspects After Election-Related Kidnapping Attempt in Cross River
Troops Raid Suspected Cultists’ Hideout, Arrest Three in Enugu State
Troops Launch Manhunt for Berom Militia After Attack on Cattle in Plateau Community
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