News

26.5m Nigerians In FCT, Three Other States At Risk Of Food Insecurity In 2024, FAO Warns

Published

2 years ago

November 3, 2023

The Food and Agriculture Organisation(FAO) says no fewer than 26.5 million Nigerians in Borno, Sokoto and Zamfara States including the FCT may face food crisis between June and August, 2024.

FAO country representative, Dominique Kouacou, disclosed this at the presentation of October to November round of the Cadre Harmonise food security and early warning analysis on Friday in Abuja.

Kouacou was represented by Dr Abubakar Suleiman, Assistant FAO representative, Programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CH analysis was conducted in 26 states and the FCT to ascertain the food security situation and make projections for the future.

According to him, the current cycle is happening after an unusual lean season which witnessed several shocks, ranging from persistent insecurity situations like insurgency, banditry

He listed other challenges as natural resource based conflicts, high cost of food and agricultural inputs due to high inflation and severe dry spells in some states immediately after the onset of rains.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, said the analysis was conducted and validated by highly skilled professionals of the CH analysis task force over the past two weeks.

The permanent secretary, who was represented by Mrs Fausat Lawal, Director Special duties, said the results of the cycle of Cadre Harmonise (CH) analysis was coming at a time when government at all levels was leaving no stone unturned in reinvigorating the nation’s economy.

He said though the challenges were daunting, they were surmountable, adding that several factors seemed to be negating the ministry’s efforts.

“Notable among them are the lingering negative impact of COVID-19 on the global economy and the Russia-Ukraine war which is currently disrupting the food systems and spiking up input prices and food prices.

“The removal of petroleum subsidy has further heightened this pressure, resulting in food inflation and increases in consumer price index,’’ he said.

Subvert will of Imo, get ready for consequences, IPOB warns INEC
He said that environmental and human factors such as climate change, displacements due to insecurity and seasonal flooding regime had all remained recurrent concerns.

Umakhihe said that the disruptions had implications on food consumption patterns and the attendant high use of irreversible coping strategies among a sizable population of Nigeria.

He said the ministry remained resolute in leading and supporting the CH process in Nigeria.

The permanent secretary added that before the end of year 2024, the ministry would work to mainstream all the 36 states of the country in the CH analysis.

News

‘Father To All,’ Idahosa Eulogizes Esama At 91

Published

6 minutes ago

September 11, 2025

Editor

The deputy governor of Edo state, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has paid a glowing tribute to Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, on the occasion of his 91st birthday celebration on Thursday by describing him as “father to all.”

In a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor said Esama has used a better part of his life to impact the lives of the people within and outside the state.

He said that as an investor and employer of labour, Esama legacies in his immediate constituency of Ovia is one that should be emulated by all.

Idahosa who spoke on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, felicitated the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion and prayed for more impactful living for the nonagenarian.

Idahosa stated, “The Esama of Benin Kingdom is a father to us, an elder statesman, and, an enigma who has brought development to Edo State, Ovia Federal Constituency and to Okada.”

He continued, “To me, we are here to celebrate a father who helped to develop Edo State.

“He has given a lot of job opportunities to our young men and women in this state. He is a great man.

“In every generation, God always blesses people with a man like this. I am happy to witness this in my generation; to have people in the likes of Esama coming not just from Edo State but from my constituency.”

Idahosa, who wished the celebrant the best life had to offer, prayed for the Esama’s continued soundness of health, in mind and body.

News

BREAKING: Ansaru Commander, Usman Jailed 15 Years For Role In Kuje Prison Break

Published

5 hours ago

September 11, 2025

Editor

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Mahmud Usman, a commander of the proscribed Ansaru sect, to 15 years in prison.

Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas or Mukhtar, pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges of engaging in illegal mining and using the proceeds to procure arms for terrorism and kidnapping operations.

Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that Usman remain in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS, pending trial on 31 other terrorism-related charges.

Usman, who referred to himself as the “Emir of Ansaru,” was arraigned alongside his deputy and chief of staff, Mahmud al-Nigeri, also known as Malam Mamuda.

Both men face a 32-count charge bordering on leading a terrorist organisation, financing terrorism, recruiting fighters, and coordinating violent attacks across Nigeria.

Ansaru militants were linked to the July 2022 attack on Kuje prison in Abuja, during which over 600 inmates, including 64 Boko Haram suspects, escaped.

News

Nigerian Government Explains Cause Of National Grid Collapse

Published

23 hours ago

September 10, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Government has explained the cause of the national grid collapse around 11:20 am on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

According to the Nigerian Independent System Operator, NISO, Wednesday’s grid collapse was caused by the tripping of a generation company, resulting in a significant load drop, which cascaded to other GenCos and led to a system disturbance.

NISO, responsible for the country’s national grid, made this known in a statement on Wednesday, noting that restoration of the national grid commenced immediately.

It stated that an investigation has begun to determine both the immediate and root causes of the grid collapse.

“The disturbance was caused by the tripping of a GenCo, resulting in a significant load drop, which cascaded to other GenCos, leading to a system disturbance. NISO immediately commenced restoration of the grid at 11:45 hrs, beginning with supply to Abuja from the Shiroro power plant, and substantial restoration has been achieved across the country.

“A full investigation into the immediate and remote causes is underway.

“The outcome(s) of the investigation report would determine the remedial and proactive actions to be taken to forestall future occurrences. We crave your indulgence to bear with us as restoration is still ongoing,” NISO said.

DAILY POST reports that national grid restoration has begun, with power supply restored in parts of Abuja.