News

Rising Cost Of Fish Sparks Protest In Ogun

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2023

A group of market women, believed to be fish sellers in Sagamu, Sagamu local government area of Ogun State, on Wednesday took to the street to protest against what they described as ‘frequent hike’ in prices of fish.

The demonstrators, who marched through Makun road, to the palace of Akarigbo of Remoland, armed with placards and chant solidarity songs, demanding an immediate action to alleviate the economic hardships facing the people.

The protesters called for an enhancement of social welfare interventions, emphasizing that government must do more to address the increasing poverty levels in the country.

According to viral videos circulating on social media, the protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts in alleviating poverty and controlling the surge in prices of essential commodities.

A source within the Awolowo market in Sagamu, revealed that the protest was organized by fish traders from various markets in Sagamu, who were particularly concerned about the skyrocketing prices of fish.

They also highlighted the substantial increases in food and commodity prices, which seemed to be disproportionately affecting Sagamu residents.

One of the protesters, a market woman, passionately conveyed the frustration of many, saying, “The way they are adding everything to something is too much… What is happening?

“This is Sagamu right now. Titus is now two thousand Naira, while Sawa is one thousand Naira.

“Is that not too much? We are not doing this for ourselves; it is not as if we cannot buy it, we are protesting so that the prices can be reduced.

“Won’t the people eat? Imagine not being able to cook a pot of soup with two thousand Naira.”

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“A fish bought for N1,200 naira has suddenly become N1,800 naira”.

Deji Soyemi, who is a cold room business operator also expressed concern about the increase in fish prices, pointing out that “ for instance a carton that sold for 10,000 naira might now cost 15,000 in just two days.

Otunba Bamidele Nelly, another coldroom operator, attributed the high price of fish to forex crisis.

He said: “I that dollar has gone up against the naira and that when it come down very soon the prices will come down too. I made them to understand that these fish are imported and the importation is done with forex, once the exchange goes up there will definitely be increase in prices of things imported with it.

“I let them understand that this problem is not to be blamed on the new man in government, that is our President. It is what he met on ground and he is not willing to just continue to borrow money unnecessarily, he has been doing a lot and carrying us along, so I have that belief that very soon things will go back to normal because he is really working hard to strengthen so many things in the country”

News

World Habitat Day: Okpebholo Commends Building Control Agency For Developmental Milestones

Published

11 minutes ago

October 6, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has commended the management and staff of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA) for their significant contributions to urban growth and infrastructural development across the state.

The governor gave the commendation on Monday when he played host to the delegation of the agency in his office as part of programme to mark this year’s World Habitat Day celebration.

The deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa who received the team on his behalf, commended the agency led by the Managing Director, Mr. Imoisili Igabali, for its “selfless contributions” to the development of our dear state.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa noted that the agency had played a pivotal role in driving urban renewal and enforcing modern building standards in the State, describing their efforts as vital to the government’s vision of sustainable city planning.

“We want to thank you for being part of the growth and development of our dear state. Your work has not gone unnoticed.

“What is most important to us is that we have the political will to ensure that this agency continues to fulfill its mandate effectively,” he stated.

He expressed optimism on the future of urban development in Edo State and pledged continued government support for the agency’s initiatives.

“On behalf of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, I want to thank you for this wonderful day.

“We congratulate you as a state, and we thank God for giving us a capable leader in Mr. Igabali, whose dedication and teamwork continue to yield results,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of the agency expressed appreciation to the Governor and his deputy for their support and for taking the time to receive the agency’s delegation during the World Habitat Day observance.

The 2025 World Habitat Day celebration in Edo State was marked with renewed calls for sustainable housing, improved infrastructure, and enhanced urban management — key pillars of the Okpebholo administration’s development agenda.

News

UNFPA Launches Technical Working Group On Disability Inclusion In Northern Nigeria

Published

24 minutes ago

October 6, 2025

Editor

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has supported Bauchi State to inaugurate the first Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group (DITWG) aimed at promoting equity, inclusion, and human rights for persons with disabilities.

Speaking during the inauguration of the group in Bauchi on Monday, Ms Muriel Mafico, UNFPA Representative in Nigeria said that out of the 19 Northern states in Nigeria, Bauchi was the first to inaugurate the group.

According to her, the inauguration marked a significant milestone in the collective commitment in advancing inclusion, equity, and human rights for all persons with disabilities.

Represented by Olawunmi Akande, an official of UNFP, Mafico said that disability inclusion is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vision of the 2030 Agenda.

“Disability inclusion is not an act of charity, but a matter of human rights, development, and justice.

“UNFPA is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities, especially women, girls, and young people have equal access to sexual and reproductive health services, education, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.

“UNFPA stands ready to support this Working Group through evidence generation, capacity building, inclusive programming, and technical assistance,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Abubakar Sambo, an official of the Bauchi State Agency for Disabled Persons, said that the objectives of the group was to promote, coordinate and collaborate through a multi-sectoral approach to disability inclusion by bringing together relevant stakeholders and Organizations of People with Disabilities.

He also explained that the group would provide technical support and expertise in areas such as inclusive education, accessible infrastructure, health services, and disability-inclusive employment practices.

Sambo also emphasized on monitoring and reviewing policies and programmes in Bauchi State to ensure alignment with international standards and best practices.

He added that the technical group would also advocate for disability rights through public awareness campaigns, policy dialogues, and engagement with key decision-makers, Amongst others.

Earlier, Mrs Brisca Jerome, Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Agency for People with Disabilities, said the support from UNFPA would complement the state government’s efforts toward inclusive governance.

She appreciated the support of the UN agency and the state governor for creating an enabling environment for partners to strengthen activities and programmes targeting persons with disabilities.

She said that the DITWG consists of a 36 man group from all stakeholders in the sector.

The DITWG is to be chaired by the Executive Secretary, Bauchi state Agency for People With Disabilities.

News

Bendel Insurance Head Coach Suspended

Published

48 minutes ago

October 6, 2025

Editor

Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC) has suspended the coach of Bendel insurance Football Club, Greg Ikhenoba.

The commission thereafter appointed former Super Eagles player, Baldwin Bazuaye, as the head coach on an interim basis.

This is coming on the heels of the Bendel Insurance’s home lost to
Nasarawa United with a
a lone goal.

A statement by the Director of Media and Communications of the ESSC, Kehinde Osagiede, said the chairman of the Commission, Hon Desmond Enabulele approved the suspension.

The statement reads: “The Executive Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele has approved the suspension of the Head Coach of Bendel Insurance Football Club Greg Ikhenoba.

“The suspension takes effect from Monday, October 6, 2025.

“The Edo State Sports Commission boss took the decision following the poor performance of Bendel Insurance Football Club in the current season coupled with the 1-0 loss to Nasarawa United in the match day seven of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium on Saturday.

“Meanwhile, the Edo State Sports Commission Chairman has directed Coach Baldwin Bazuaye, MON to hold forth as the Head of the technical crew of the Premier league club till further notice.”