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Ogun Joins Large-scale Rice-Producing States As Abiodun Flags Off 200-Hectare Plantation Harvest

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Ogun State has joined the league of rice-producing states in the country with the flagging off of the harvest of 200 hectares of farmland at Magboro Rice Farm in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state.

The farm is the brainchild of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, supported by the World Bank and aimed at driving economic growth and development in the state.

On the occasion, Governor Abiodun said that with the flag-off, Ogun State is not only joining states like Lagos, Kebbi, and Bayelsa in producing locally grown rice for the consumption of the people, but also fostering economic development, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods within the communities.

He said: “This is a 200-hectare rice farm. The farmers are mainly women and youths from all parts of the country and not just from Ogun State alone.

“Each farmer was allocated one hectare of farmland; this means that we have 200 farmers in this cluster. This project started in April this year. They began planting in May, and today we are already harvesting, making it a three-month cycle. It means that we can do this three times a year.’

Abiodun noted that the farm, with a seven metric ton yield per hectare, could translate to 1,400 metric tons for 200 hectares of milled rice with an efficiency yield of about 70 percent, which would also translate to about 20,000 bags of milled rice per cycle.

“20,000 bags of milled rice per cycle should be estimated to cost about N1 billion. So, these 200 farmers, made up of women and youths across the country who farm here in just three months, have a revenue of N1 billion. If they do this three times this year, they will earn N3 billion. We have no business being hungry in Nigeria.

“In this place, I have 12,500 hectares of land, and all we have farmed is 200 hectares that yielded N1 billion for 200 farmers. From here, I can feed the rest of the country. We will scale up this project immediately from 200 to 2,000 hectares.

“We can generate N30 billion in revenue. We can take significant steps towards realizing that vision of making Ogun State the food basket of this country,” he added.

The governor stated that the project is in line with President Bola Tinubu administration’s resolve to eradicate poverty and hunger by providing affordable food to Nigerians, adding that the project, apart from increasing rice production, would also address animal husbandry.

Governor Abiodun emphasized that the state is blessed with adequate manpower and natural resources, stating that agriculture remains an important agenda of his administration as it provides employment and raw materials for the numerous industries that abound in the state.

He said the OGSTEP Agricultural Sector Intervention would provide critical support, including advanced agricultural techniques, access to quality seeds, modern irrigation systems, and technical training for farmers, adding that the approach is offered to beneficiaries at a 65 per cent discount on the cost for each mechanization operation.

While lauding the people, especially members of the communities, for supporting the project, the governor promised that the farm would be provided with solar pumps to power the boreholes, as well as modern drones for effective pest control.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, said the project is in tandem with the agricultural policy of the Abiodun-led administration: ensuring food sufficiency for the people.

The Economic Adviser, who is also the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, while commending the farmers for their determination, noted that the project is part of the agenda of producing food locally to feed the populace.

The Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosun Owo-Odunsi, said the project, which aims to produce high-quality rice, would positively impact the lives of citizens in all sectors, appreciating the governor for providing the necessary support.

In his goodwill message, the Olu of Magboro, Oba Modiu Alalade, acknowledged the great impact the project has on the communities in the area, stating that the town has enough farmland to accommodate more farmers to produce sufficient food for the country.

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BREAKING: Police Arrest 130 Chinese Nationals, Others Over Internet Fraud

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By John Michael Ojo

In what could be described as a breakthrough in the war against cybercrime in the country, the Nigeria Police Force on Sunday, arrested 130 Chinese nationals, Malaysians along side their Nigerian collaborators for high network cybercrime-related issues in Jahi axis of the Federal Capital of Territory, Abuja.

The arrest was made known by the Force Spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a post via his X handle where he stated that of the 130 suspects arrested, 113 where Chinese and Malaysian nationals while the rest where  Nigerians.

Adejobi who described the actions of these unscrupulous elements as a threat to the nation’s security, said an investigation was ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court as soon as possible.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 130 suspects comprising 113 foreign nationals (87 males and 26 females), primarily of Chinese and Malaysian origin, and their 17 Nigerian collaborators (4 males and 13 females) for their alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes, hacking, and activities that threaten national security.

READ ALSO: Why We Arraigned Minors – Police

“This strategic operation was conducted through a coordinated raid on a building at the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja, where the suspects were reportedly using computers and other sophisticated devices to facilitate criminal activities.

“The operation which was led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Benneth Igweh, on Saturday, 3rd November 2024, comprised officers of the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).

“We are investigating the matter and scientifically analysing the exhibits recovered from them. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of our investigations.

“We will update the public on the outcomes of our investigations as and when due, he added.”

 

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Why We Arraigned Minors – Police

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By John Michael Ojo

The Nigeria Police Force has distanced itself from any wrongdoing following the criticism that greeted the arraignment of 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters who were majorly minors before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the Federal Capital of Territory on Friday, 1 November 2024.

In a now viral video which has gained both local and international condemnation, some of the protester who were looking frail, malnourished, unhealthy, exhausted and very unkempt, slumped and had to be rushed to the court’s medical facility for immediate medical care.

READ ALSO: Uncertainty As Tinubu Appoints Maj-Gen Olufemi Acting Chief of Army Staff

While the court granted a N10m bail to each of the 76 protesters, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has now alleged that some of the kids who collapsed during the court session yesterday did so in pretense in order to dent the image of the police force.

The IGP stated this in  a statement signed by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, who maintained that under the Nigerian law, individuals above seven years should be held responsible and accountable for their actions, adding that the charges leveled against the minors include destruction of public property and threats to national security.

READ ALSO: Oga Police: Are you An Agbero With Guns? 

The IGP who also advised the masses to be objective in their judgement said the police would remain transparent throughout the legal process.

The statement reads: “Today, an unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to attract negative attention.

“Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face.

“While committed to upholding justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains sensitive to the rights of all individuals, including young persons. Under Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are answerable for their actions, regardless of their age.

“This principle aligns with global practices, where accountability is upheld for young individuals who commit serious offences. As seen in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, age does not exempt individuals from facing legal consequences. However, each case is approached with empathy and in accordance with human rights standards.

“The NPF has recently arraigned 76 individuals in court on charges including terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony. These serious allegations encompass offences such as the destruction of public property and threats to national security. In managing the detention and arraignment of these suspects, the NPF has rigorously adhered to legal provisions to ensure fairness and accountability under the rule of law.

READ ALSO: How Four Deputy Inspectors General of Police Were Compulsorily Retired To Pave Way For IGP

“The suspects were initially presented in court, where they were formally charged, and a remand order was issued by the court. Throughout this process, the Police have worked to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that each suspect’s basic rights and privileges are respected, including access to medical care and other necessary provisions.”

“The NPF acknowledges public interest in this case and assures the public that our officers will maintain professionalism throughout the legal process. The public is encouraged to view this case without undue bias, as the Force remains focused on a transparent pursuit of justice. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to aligning with best practices, upholding both the rule of law and respect for human dignity.”

 

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Honours For Evelyn Joshua In Argentina

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By Dare Adejumo

In a joyful show of gratitude for the crusade held in Argentina by the Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) along with its landmark charity programme for the “poorest of the poor” in the country, Pastor Evelyn Joshua has been showered with multiple honours and awards by the government authorities in Argentina. The crusade was officially recognized as an event of public interest by various government bodies.

Pastor Joshua received the “Key of the city of Resistencia in CHACO Province” presented by the Mayor of the city, Abelardo Nokckich,. That “key” makes her the first among equals, a distinguished personality and very important “citizen” of the Argentine city. The other awards are: from the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Province of CHACO, Mrs Carmen Delgado Britto in recognition of the crusade as “a special event and a great thing for the Province by law” and that by the Governor of the province Mr. Leandro Zdero.

Accepting the Awards, Evelyn Joshua who was visibly surprised, expressed her deep gratitude to the nation and the awarders.

“It’s God’s command that we should be here to demonstrate His love physically and spiritually. I dedicate these awards to the Christians in Argentina who are striving and yearning to be like our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that you may continue to grow in faith, spirit and words of God. I thank the Argentine government and all the various authorities that considered me fit for the awards,” she said, and prayed for a glorious turnaround and God’s blessings for the land.

Major dignatories at the event included: the Provincial Deputy, Mr Paola Beneitez, the Minister of Justice, Labour and Human Rights Mr. Jorge Gomez, Director of Religious Affairs for the Province, Mr Pedro Garcia and Director of Religious Affairs for the municipality of Resistencia, Mr. Javier Pinero.

The two-day crusade was a high watershed in the Christians’ experience in Argentina.

Apart from rejuvenating the early Apostolic age revival in a country where Christianity was gradually becoming a mere social gathering, the Evelyn Joshua Crusade made Christianity real with the avalanche of miracles, healings, deliverances, blessings and salvation of several human souls.

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