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Neighbouring Countries Beg Nigeria Government For Food Supply During Covid 19 Lockdown-Fashola
The Federal Government has said many neighbouring countries asked Nigeria for food during the lockdown occasioned by coronavirus pandemic.
Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, made this known on Saturday during an Instagram Live Chat with City People Magazine.
The minister, who spoke on the COVID-19 Economic Sustainability Plan recently submitted by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), said the plan contains diverse measures to fortify the Nigerian economy against any shock brought by the pandemic.
Fashola said, “We are looking at constructing roads with more stones, more cement, more iron rods so that more people will be employed. For example, it will take 14 people to build a kilometre of road. So, if you are doing more kilometres, it will demand more labour and materials, so, these are some of the bolts and nuts of that plan.
“Agriculture is another critical part of the Economic Sustainability Plan. We want to increase the cultivatable lands in the country. We are currently cultivating just about one-third and I stand to be corrected on that figure – the minister of agriculture knows the numbers than I do. But in his presentation, as I recollect it, we are not cultivating enough lands. We want to double cultivation, increase food output, not just for local use but for export.
“I must say to Nigerians that because of the success of the agriculture programme which is still evolving, during this COVID exercise, many countries were writing to us from near and far, asking us to please supply them food. This is not in the public space but President Buhari’s priority was, tell them to wait, we must feed our people first before we send out food, we don’t know when this is going to end.
“So, we want to see more value-added in the sector in terms of processing and cultivation. We are losing an unsatisfactory quantity of our agro produce to many factors – transport, cooling, heating and so on. These are some of the components that the Ministry of Agriculture will share in the next few months about how to ensure that we preserve many more of what we produce and lose less.”
The former governor of Lagos State also noted that the National Housing Project which started in 2016 is still ongoing. He stressed that the Ministry of Housing understudied the type of houses Nigerians liked to live in because “cultural differences impact on the way people live”.
He said, “We learnt from the previous National Housing Scheme during the Shagari era that not everybody liked the way the Shagari houses were built. Whilst it was a laudable initiative by that administration, it did not really respond fully to all the aspirations of Nigerians in terms of the type of houses they want to live in.
“In all the 34 states which gave us lands, we have completed the houses. We have now started a second phase in many of those houses close to where the first phase was.”
Beyond building houses, the Senior Advocate said his ministry was providing “Site and Service Scheme” for people who don’t want the government to build houses for them but want the government’s protection and amenities like potable water, steady power, amongst others.
“All over the world, the truism is that not everybody will be able to own a home but they deserve some kind of shelter. Some people have to rent. So, the Federal Government provides Home Renovation Loan which helps some people subsidise their rent, renovate their houses and so forth.
“We are also intervening in the housing sector by issuing titled documents. We’re issuing Certificates of Occupancy. I have signed over 3,400 C of Os in the last two years,” he added.
On federal road projects, Fashola said, “We are making appreciable progress, we have over 600 different contracts. We had hoped that this year, we will complete about 22 major roads between this year and 2021. We have lost three months which is March and now (June) which is our most prolific period before the rainy season. But we will pick up sometimes around September.”
On the case management of the novel coronavirus disease, the minister said, “We were better equipped with information at the time Ebola broke out. The Ebola Virus has been under observation and study especially in East and Central Africa for over 40 years. So, there was a lot of knowledge about its parameters, what to expect, what not to expect. And it was with that information that we were able to respond.
“Those who are battling coronavirus today have only six months knowledge of this virus. So, the parameters of what to look for are constantly changing. In the beginning, we thought that temperature was a good standard – that everybody who had it will have high temperature.
“We now know better that some people will have no symptoms at all. Some people lose sense of taste, they lose their sense of smell, they have headache. I know there are many scientists in the world today doing a lot of research, pathology works from those who have been infected and died trying to understudy the virus.
“What to do now is to follow new advise, wear masks, keep social distancing. If we do that, we will help health workers reduce their workload and help them lead us out of this pandemic.”
Polaris Bank has been inducted a premium member of the prestigious Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), marking another milestone in the Bank’s journey towards enhancing profitable trade between businesses in Nigeria and promoting global commercial partnerships with businesses in United Kingdom.
The induction ceremony which took place recently in Lagos with few other enterprises has swelled current membership of the Chamber representing a broad sectoral spectrum of top players operating in the banking; consulting; education, energy, pharmaceuticals, oil & Gas, Trading, health, manufacturing companies, among many others.
The Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal speaking at the induction expressed gratitude to the Chamber for the recognition and highlighted Polaris Bank’s commitment to “leveraging this platform to drive sustainable economic development and deeper engagement with stakeholders.”
“Distinguished guests, members of the Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce, and esteemed colleagues, it is truly an honour to accept this induction, on behalf of Polaris Bank. Being part of this esteemed Chamber is a significant milestone for us, as it aligns with our vision to build stronger partnerships and contribute meaningfully to the growth of trade and investment between businesses in Nigeria and the UK.”
He further added that Polaris Bank is committed to using its membership of the NBCC to exchange innovative ideas and provide long-term and mutually beneficial relationships that promote growth of businesses in Nigeria and beyond.
“We are available for business and ready to work with stakeholders to ensure impactful and a win-win collaboration,” Mr. Lawal reiterated.
The Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce continues to play a critical role in promoting trade relations and investment between Nigeria and the UK, and Polaris Bank’s induction reflects the Bank’s strategic focus on contributing to these bilateral efforts.
Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2023, 2022 and 2021 and MSME Bank of the Year 2022 and 2023 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI)
Awards.
Photo caption:
From right: Mr. Kayode Lawal, Managing Director/CEO of Polaris Bank, receiving on behalf of the bank, Premium Membership Certificate into Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) from Mr. Kayode Falowo, NBCC’s Ex-President/Chairman, Greenwich Merchant Bank in Lagos recently.
A seven-day curfew has been imposed in six local government areas of Osun State following the death of Oba Adekunle Gabriel Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun of Ijesa land.
The 87-year-old monarch passed away on Wednesday evening after a brief illness, ending his 42-year reign.
The affected local government areas, which constitute Ijesa land are Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Ori-Ade, and Obokun.
The Ogboni of Ipole-Ijesa, Oba Oyebade Samson Kehinde Oyeleye, speaking on behalf of the Owa-in-Council and kingmakers, announced that the curfew will run from 10 pm to 6 am daily, effective Thursday
Additionally, all markets in the affected areas will be closed for three days.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, expressed his condolences over the monarch’s death.
He described the late Oba as “a father figure, a pillar of support, and a teacher” committed to the development of Ijesa land and Osun State.
Adeleke added, “Kabiyesi was a deeply selfless father, who took no prisoners when it came to matters of development and wellbeing of the people. He was a friend of good governance, no matter the colour or race.
“The last time I was with him was the flag off of the dualisation of Brewery – Palace road. I am glad our late erudite scholar witnessed a new phase of development for Ijeshaland.”
Former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, praised the late monarch’s contributions to the state and nation.
“Kabiesi was known for brilliance, bravery and bluntness as these virtues, exhibited throughout his reign, culminated to many successes recorded not only in Ijesaland but in the state and the country as a whole.
“No doubt, the departed Aromolaran was an epitome of culture, character, integrity and dignity. Being the symbol of Ijesas, he spent all his entire life to serve God and humanity. His over 42 years reign indeed witnessed a myriad of developments cutting across different aspects of life,” said Oyetola.
Prince Dotun Babayemi, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun West Senatorial District, described the monarch’s passing as a big loss.
“Late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran was a highly principled traditional ruler whose body of knowledge and reign, will never be forgotten in our history.
“He occupied his space robustly and contributed immensely to the growth and development of our dear state, Osun and beyond,” stated Babayemi.
Governor Ademola AdelekeOba Adekunle Gabriel Aromolaran IIOba Oyebade Samson Kehinde Oyeleye
News
Adekunle Aromolaran, Owa-Obokun Of Ijesaland Dies At 86
“A monumental history closes! The lion departs the forest! The torch bearer Of Oduduwa relocates! The symbol Of Obokun Adimula transits!,”
The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, has reportedly passed away at the age of 86. A palace source who craved anonymity died on Wednesday after a brief illness.
Though the Owa Obokun palace has not issued any official statement with regard to the monarch’s passing, sources within the palace confirmed the death of the popular monarch.
The source said, “Baba has passed, but we are waiting for an official announcement from the palace.
“You can see that they have started performing some traditional rites. This has to be done before any announcement can be made,” she added.
He was the 48th king of the ancient city, and succeeded Oba Peter Adeniran Olatunji Agunlejika who died in 1981.
Aromolaran ascended the throne on February 20, 1982. His reign spanned 42 years.
On Thursday, Yinka Fasuyi, Asiwaju of Ijesaland, announced the king’s passing after rumours of his ill health began circulating on social media.
In a tribute, Fasuyi extolled the reign of the king, describing him as the “pride of Yoruba traditional intellectualism.”
“A monumental history closes! The lion departs the forest! The torch bearer Of Oduduwa relocates! The symbol Of Obokun Adimula transits!,” the tribute reads.
“The elegance Of Ijesaland royalty takes a bow! The pride Of Yoruba traditional intellectualism exits! The conscience Of Yoruba traditional rulers departs!
“The Last Of the titans bids farewell! Ijesaland celebrates the life Of her idol! Ijesaland extolls the life Of our imperial majesty! Ijesaland eulogises the reign Of ur Owa Obokun Adimula! Ijesaland applauds the legacy Of our paramount ruler! 42 Years Of monumental reign comes to a glorious end!”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condoled with the people of Ijesa over the death of the king.
In a statement shared on his X page, Atiku described the late king as “a great monarch who personified boldness, courage, and discipline of the Ijesha progeny.”
“With a heavy heart, I received the news of the passing of the Owa Obokun of Ijesha land, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran. The late Owa was more than a father-in-law to me. Each time I visited him, he accorded me the homecoming welcome of a son,” he wrote.
“We all loved him dearly. He was a great monarch and personified the boldness, courage, and discipline of the Ijesha progeny.
“On behalf of my wife, Titi, I share my condolences with the Owa-in-Council and the entire indigenes and residents of Ijesha land, especially members of the royal family.
“As Oba Aromolaran turns his face to his Maker, I pray that his soul finds a gentle repose.”
Aromolaran was born in October 13, 1937 into the royal household of Oba Iluyomade Aromolaran I.
He started his primary school education at Otapete Methodist school, Ilesa and finally completed his primary education at the Agbeni Methodist school Oke Ado Ibadan.
Aromolaran attended Ilesa Grammar School, between 1970 and 1974 before attending the then University College Ibadan (UCI) which was then a College of the University of London (now the University of Ibadan) where he obtained the B.Sc. degree in economics.
In 1965, he did a post-graduate diploma in public administration of the University of Ife, then located at Ibadan, and also holds a master’s degree in mathematical economics.
He earned his PhD in development economics under the supervision of Prof Samson Olajuwon Kokumo Olayide, a former vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
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