Metro

Protest: FG To Begin Sale Of 50kg Rice For ₦40,000 – Minister

Published

1 year ago

July 30, 2024

The Federal Government has called for calm on the proposed nationwide protest, saying it had created centres across the country where Nigerians can purchase a 50kg bag of rice for ₦40,000.

This was revealed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris while briefing correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja on Mond

According to Idris, the initiative was part of initiatives by the Tinubu administration to ease living conditions for citizens.

He argued that there was no longer a need for the nationwide protests since the president was already attending to the needs of the protest organisers.

“The position of the FEC is that most of the demands that the protesters are making are actually being addressed by the Federal Government and, therefore, it is the view of the government that there is really no need for the protests again.

“Most of the things that the protesters are putting forward are already being addressed by the government. And like we have said repeatedly, this is a listening government.

“The President has listened to the voices of all planning this protest. And the message is that there is no need for it. Indeed, the President is already protesting on their behalf by doing what they want the government to do,” said Idris.

He enumerated the recent efforts by the FG which distributed 740 trucks of grains to states, announcing that 50kg bags of rice can now be obtained for N40,000 at designated centres nationwide.

Idris said, “For example, at the last Council meeting, we announced that 20 trucks had been given to each state governor for onward distribution to those who actually needed them, to the poorest of the poor in society.

“But the government did not stop. Rice is also being sold at about 50 per cent of its cost; a bag of rice is being sold as we speak. This rice has been taken to various centres across all the states of the federation and is being sold at N40,000. Centres have been created so that those who need this rice can go there and buy this rice at N40,000.

“In the first instance, about 10 trucks have been made available to each of these states; indeed, this is just the beginning. I know that some of the comments you hear is that it is never enough. The government has not pretended that these supplies are indeed enough. But these are necessary first steps that are being made and more of such interventions are being made in the interim.”

He said the FG expects the price of food items to reduce since “the rainy season is here.”

“We expect that the prices of food items will come down as investments are also being made in traditional agricultural production and irrigation activities in many of these states in the federation,” Idris added.

The minister cited the student loan scheme and the expected disbursement of CNG kits as part of efforts to ease the cost of living.

Metro

Gunmen Abduct Nine Passengers as driver, six Others Escape In Kogi

Published

16 hours ago

August 9, 2025

Editor

Bandits have reportedly abducted nine passengers in Ogbabo Junction along the Itobe–Anyigba road in Kogi State, while the driver and six passengers miraculously escaped abduction.

It was reliably gathered that the incident occurred on Friday evening at about 4:20 p.m. near Ogbabo Junction in Ofu Local Government Area, where a bus with registration number ENZ-55 XS and a blue Toyota Carina ‘E’ were found abandoned.

It was learnt that the gunmen, who were laying ambush at the location, suddenly burst onto the expressway when they noticed a Hummer bus loaded with passengers approaching.

Metro

I Cheated On My Husband Only 3 Times, Woman Confessed In Court

Published

16 hours ago

August 9, 2025

Editor

…I want divorce —Husband

“I only had sex with Moses Sililo three times; the first time in an unfinished building, the second time on our matrimonial bed and the third time at a friend’s house”, a cheating housewife of Chipata Compound, Lasaka, Zambia has confessed.

This is in a matter where 44-year-old Ben Bwalya of Chipata Compound in Lusaka, has sued his wife, Jane Phiri, aged 32, for divorce in the Matero Local Court citing adultery as the cause.

Jane told the court that she opted to sub-contract Moses who lives in their neighbourhood to provide sexual services to her on the three instances as her husband was too busy with his phone every time he returned from work.

However, Jane begged the court not to end her marriage with Ben over a mere three rounds of sex with Moses.

She told the court that her cheating sessions were very brief and her husband should not be granted divorce.

Jane also promised never to have sex with Moses again but remain loyal to her husband.

However, Ben told the court that he could no longer cast his eyes on the body of his adulterous wife as her confession was too filthy for him to swallow.

Metro

My Husband Abandoned Me After I Fed, Clothed Him For Years, Woman Tells Court

Published

16 hours ago

August 9, 2025

Editor

Grade A Customary Court, sitting at Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, has put an end to the 15-year-old wedlock between a woman, Rakiat and her husband, Ibrahim, on the ground of lack of love, irresponsibility and abandonment.

Rakiat, who dragged her husband to court, stated that he stopped loving her a long time ago.

She explained that Ibrahim cared less about her welfare and that of her husband, while he stopped showing her affection a few years after they got married.

The plaintiff also stated that the defendant constantly shirked his responsibility in the home, giving paucity of fund as his excuse.

According to the plaintiff, she played the dual role of breadwinner and home keeper on a daily basis.

Rakia added that Ibrahim later stopped coming home and that he finally came to the house one day, packed all his belongings and moved out.

She said: “He later took to threatening me.

“I appeal to this honourable court to dissolve our union and grant me custody of the only child produced by it.

“I also request an order restraining my husband from threatening me and coming to my house and workplace to fight me.”

Ibrahim refused to make an appearance in court despite being served court summonses.

Rakiat in her evidence said, “I started living with my husband a few months after we met, although he did not pay my bride price.

“My husband started proving to be irresponsible and unreliable a few months after we got married.

“He always gave excuses to dodge his responsibilities in the home, the major one being lack of fund.

“He loved to be respected as the head of the home but was never ready to bear the responsibilities that come with the title.

“I work round the clock to ensure there was food on the table, while I also cloth everyone.

“My husband felt comfortable being fed by me.

“He suddenly stopped coming home and gave no clue about his whereabouts.

“My husband later returned home and packed all his belongings. He left home without a word and never bothered to ask after our only child’s welfare.

“My lord, I appeal to this honourable court to dissolve our marriage so that I can move on with my life.

“I also beg the court to grant me custody of our child because he never cares about her.”

The court president, Mrs S.M Akintayo ruling on the matter, stated that the defendant was given ample opportunity to defend himself, but that he did not make use of it.

Akintayo dissolved their union and granted the plaintiff custody of their children.
(TRIBUNE)