News
Don decries poor level of food security in Nigeria * Says food security germane for attainment of development
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
A Professor of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Abdulazeez Muhammad-Lawal, has declared that the attainment of all goals of livelihood activities in the most effective manner would continue to be a mirage without food security.
Muhammad-Lawal, who delivered the 244th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ilorin, added that: “Food security remains the most veritable vehicle through which the populace can attain such goals in the most satisfactory manner, achieve the most desirable outcomes of their economic activities, makes ends meet and achieve sustainable livelihood.”
He described as unsatisfactory the level of food security and nutritional well-being, especially among the poor, majority of whom are engaged in agriculture and have low economic status, saying this portends a negative consequence for sustainable development of the country.
The Guest Lecturer lamented that, aside from the socio-economic circumstances of most rural households, factors such as vulnerability to climate change and dwindling fortune of agriculture due to conflict and insecurity would continue to contribute negatively to food security in Nigeria.
As a way out, Prof. Muhammad-Lawal stressed the need for an improvement in agricultural production and rural livelihood activities by the three tiers of government towards boosting food supplies and simultaneously increasing the income of farming households, and reducing the prices pay to access food.
He said: “There must be political will by the government to ensure that budgetary allocation reflects the central importance that food security has for the welfare of the populace. The implementation of the palliative measures to address the problem of emergency food insecurity should be carried out with fairness equity and efficiency.
“Interventions along food supply chains are needed to increase the availability of safe and nutritious. The implementation of Social Investment Programmes should support agricultural production aspects of rural livelihood through strategic subsidy of the production of major food commodities and and patronage of the rural farmers in the purchase of their commodities.
“Government should design policy strategies that would encourage technology transfer as well as ensure the use of modern farming techniques by the smallholder farmers. It is crucial to support the adaptation of sustainable agricultural technologies to local conditions and the needs of the smallholder farmers.
“It is necessary to have improved education for the chain of food handlers, especially from the producers to the consumers. This is necessary to be able to take steps to prevent or minimise food waste, and deliver fresh and wholesome food items that are safe and nutritious for human consumption at all times.”
The Inaugural Lecturer, however, noted that to achieve food security, security of lives and property must be guaranteed, while urging government to intensity efforts in solving the security challenges across the country, adding that there should be efforts to integrate humanitarian, development and peace-building policies in handling issues in conflict-affected areas.
He added: “It is imperative that policies and actions to reduce immediate food insecurity and malnutrition are implemented simultaneously with those aimed at a reduction in the levels of conflict and aligned with long-term socio-economic development and peace-building efforts.”
End
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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