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Nigerians Begging For Survival, Can’t Afford Food – APC Chieftain Laments

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Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, has said that the cost of food items in the country was becoming worrisome and unaffordable for the masses.

Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), said this while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo.

He lamented that most households could no longer afford good meals, with many begging to survive.

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The APC chieftain said that there was urgent need for the governments at all levels to come to the rescue of the masses by providing solutions to the challenge.

READ ALSO: APC Catholic Men To Hold High Mass For Governor-Elect Okpebholo

Oyintiloye noted that the cost of basic foodstuffs such as rice, beans, garri, semovita, yam flour, among others, were getting out of the reach of the masses, making them to eat whatever was available.

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According to him, the rise in food prices is mostly caused by insecurity, high cost of transportation, climate change and the instability in the exchange rate.

Oyintiloye added that the astronomical rise in the food prices had affected the purchasing power of citizens, leading to uncertainty, an increase in poverty and high cost of living.

He said that with food as a primary resource for human survival, “the government at every level should undertake tangible programmes to defeat hunger in the land.”

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READ ALSO: JUST IN: APC Suspends Aregbesola

According to him, a recent survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) also confirmed that food prices have risen by over 100 percent.

Oyintiloye said that the survey, which was the 2023/24 General Household Survey-Panel, commonly called (GHS-Panel), launched on Nov. 25, in Abuja, revealed that 65.8 per cent of the households were unable to eat healthy, nutritious or preferred foods due to low income.

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The APC chieftain said that while President Bola Tinubu-led administration was doing everything possible to bring down the food prices, many Nigerians were still struggling to eat three square meals.

Oyintiloye said that despite the food waiver policy being implemented by the Federal Government and the Central Bank’s intervention to curb inflation through the monetary policy, the prices of food were still on a very high side.

READ ALSO: [LIVE UPDATES] #OndoDecides: APC’s Ayedatiwa Leads As INEC Announces 15 LGs

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“The exchange rate fluctuations further exacerbate this issue, particularly affecting the prices of imported food items.

“The situation on the prices of food is becoming worrisome and extremely unbearable for the masses.

“Many households can no longer afford nutrition meals, while many are begging for survival. This is pathetic and no longer bearable for the masses.

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“I urge Governors and the Federal Government to intensify efforts and to stop further increase in the cost of food items.

“The situation may worsen, if factors leading to the increase are left unattended to,” he said.

Oyintiloye urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to continue to uphold its mandate by protecting and promoting the interest and welfare of the consumers by enhancing quality product at competitive prices.

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He also urged governments at all levels to set up markets where food could be bought at subsidised rates as a temporary measure ahead of the festive period.

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

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He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

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Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

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READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

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Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

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I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

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