ALIKO DANGOTE DONATES N200 MILLION TO SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST CORONA VIRUS

The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has donated a whooping sum of N200million to support current effort of the Nigerian government towards curbing the spread of Corona Virus or Covid-19 in the country. ADF’s intervention is considered the largest single donation by a corporate organization in the country to contain the spread of coronavirus in Nigeria.

Nigeria is now the biggest Rice Producer in Africa

Contrary to the report that says Nigeria produces 4 million tons of rice, the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) says it has established that instead, Nigeria being the largest producer of rice in Africa is producing 8 million tons of rice annually.

The RIFAN President, Aminu Goronyo who disclosed this said Nigeria has two rice farming season, in each season according him, 4 million tons of rice is produced.

He said the annual rice production of Nigeria is put at Eight million tonnes annually with twelve million farmers engaged in the production of the commodity.

Goronyo said Nigeria has no option than to put a total ban on rice importation before the end of this year.

“We have two cropping seasons of production and each season we produce an average of 4 million tons that will give you 8 million tons per annum”, Goronyo said.

Center For Disease Control Reports Increase in Lassa Fever

The Nigerian Center for Disease Control, (NCDC) has confirmed the increase in the number of Lassa fever cases reported in the country since the beginning of the year.

Between January 1 and 19, a total of 398 suspected cases were reported from various states across the country, leading to 24 deaths.

According to the weekly situation report for week three (January 1 to 19) released on Thursday, 163 cases of the disease have so far been confirmed in nine states with 24 deaths recorded.

This figure is expected to rise as more states have reported cases of the disease. 

Amotekun and the Northern Uproar

Yemi Olakitan

Nigeria has been plagued with insecurities since the days of former President Good luck Jonathan, while many thought the former President’s exit will usher in a new dispensation of peace and tranquility, they are awoken to a very rude shock as things only got worse.  Kidnappings, armed robbery, high profile murders and other criminal activities have bedeviled Nigerians and there seems to be no way out of the menace.  The Southwest region have been worst hit last year with unending reports of rape, killings and all manner of felony especially by certain Fulani herdsmen. The failure of the Nigerian police and other security agencies in the country have led to a search for other alternatives to policing in order to ensure the safety of lives and properties in Nigeria. It has forced concerned Nigerians to wear a thinking cap.  

it is as a result of this distressing security challenges that the southwest governors came together to set up Amotekun Security outfit. While there has been massive support from every leader of thought, in the southwest, hailing Amotekun, including Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, opposition had come from the North and the Federal Government itself. 

Shortly after the security outfit was launched, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami declared the outfit illegal.  Miyetti Allah after urging South-West leaders to dump their regional security outfit for the sake of 2023 presidency, urged the Federal Government to arrest Yoruba leaders behind Amotekun.

Ironically, the Southwestern states of Nigeria are not alone in setting up security outfits in the federation.  The Civilian Joint Task Force, fondly called, JTF is reported to have contributed immensely to the fight against terrorism in the North. They have joined hands with the Nigerian Army in the battle against terrorism in northern Nigeria with support from the Federal Government. Similarly, the governments of Kano and Zamfara states have the Hisbar Corps. According to reports, about 23 states have similar Vigilante security outfits.

 In Kaduna, Sokoto, Kano, Zamfara, Ondo, Ebonyi, Edo, Nazarawa, Plateau, Niger, Bauchi and Abia, there are such groups operating side by side the Nigerian Police Force.

A classic example is Borno state which was heavily hit by Boko Haram terrorism, the state government created a handful of security outfits, one was called, BOYES, Borno Youths Volunteers, they work in collaboration with the Nigerian military to fight Boko Harams. Borno state also has local hunters and other vigilante groups which have worked with security agencies long before terror attacks began in the state. The state Governor Professor Bagana Zulum employed the services of hunters from across the north and neighbouring countries to help fight terrorism and other forms of criminality in the state. These groups carry light arms; locally made guns and pomp action guns to help their operations. 

AN24.net had a chat with Pa Ayodele Ogunjobi, a social commentator and blogger, he said, ‘‘Amotekun is a worthy venture aimed at protecting lives and properties in the region. There are mountains of evidence that vigilante and security outfits are not a new thing in Nigeria. The fierce opposition from the north including the Federal Government is what surprises many people. It was even suggested that Amotekun is a regional Army set up to speed up the way for Oduduwa Republic, a claim that has been denied by Yoruba leaders.’’   Ogunjobi said, the opposition only reveals that the Northerners have skeleton in their cupboard. They have a hidden agenda which the Amotekun security outfit will prevent from coming to pass, otherwise why the opposition?’’ he said.

AN24.net also had a chat with Chief Bayode Ogunmupe, veteran Journalist, economist and social critic, he said, ‘’the Federal Government have displayed a high level insensitivity to the issues of security in Nigeria. Their massive opposition to Amotekun security outfit has exposed this insensitivity to security problems facing the nation. It shows that their aim is political domination of the rest of the country.  Consider that, some time ago, the APC governors’ forum had a meeting and made a recommendation for state police as a panacea to insecurity, yet the Federal Government refused to implement this recommendation.  Vice President, Yemi Osibajo had also recommended state or regional police, yet the President refused to yield.  The southwest Governors cannot fold their hands while their people are being slaughtered by criminal elements that have invaded their states.’’

A chieftain of Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, also alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari is opposed to the Southwest security outfit, because the president wants to rule Nigeria by force, hence, his alleged opposition to Amotekun. Adebanjo said the solution to the security challenge in the country was state police. He said: “that is why Buhari is opposed to it because he wants to rule the country by force. “So, those of you who are honest you need to bring Buhari to restructure this country and send us back to true federalism; let everybody develop at his own pace.’’

However, the South West governors have moved fast to give legal backing to Amotekun security outfit, bills concerning Amotekun are reportedly in all the state house of Assemblies as we speak.  Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu vowed that the Federal Government cannot stop the security outfit, saying, Amotekun is not a regional Army.

The People’s Democratic Party Chieftain, Chief Sunny Onuesoke said the grassroots oriented and bottom up structure of Amotekun is the best approach to community policing. He described the Federal Government position as unfair. He said the use of village hunters and vigilante groups adopted by the security outfit will help curb insecurity in the region since these people know their areas better. He said, it is out of place for the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation to say the security outfit is illegal when the Civil Defense, Civilian JTF and Sharia Police were already in existence in Northern Nigeria.

Toyin Falola, a globally renowned scholar, and Professor of History at the university of Texas United States of America said, ‘‘there is a context to this politically generated controversy, the events that led to the Nigerian civil war from 1967 and 1979 continue to haunt us, the fear of ethnic marginalization is real, the opinion that the Hausa Fulani is power hungry and not ready to yield control of the center is held both in public and private discussions. The fear of an impending islamisation is a conversation in Christian households. The controversy on Amotekun is inspired by mutual distrust, the members of the political class in the North sees Amotekun as a red flag, fearing that it may be the first step in creating an Oduduwa Republic.’’

Whatever the mistrust is all about, AN24.net gathered that the southwest people are in one accord and the governors are not about to step down on Amotekun. It seems Amotekun will remain with us for a long time to come.

We are on top of it-Adesegun Ogundeji

Yemi Olakitan

There have been calls and complaints from numerous quarters on the deplorable conditions of Lagos roads, with many people putting the blame on the newly elected Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, others say, it’s the fault of the immediate past Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

As part of efforts aimed at unraveling the truth, AN24 spoke with the Deputy Director Public  Affairs,  ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Adesegun Ogundeji, he said, Lagos state governmentt has began intense works on various roads although the weather is not favourable since rain has continue to fall. He mentioned Imota at Ikorodu around Caleb University, Parasa, along Ikorodu-Ijebu Ode.

Furthermore, Ogundeji said, the alternative route at Ikoyi and the one in Lekki- Epe Express way and other sections of Ikorodu and surulere are currently enjoying repairs and maintenance at varying degrees. ‘‘work is on going at the Lagos Badagry Express way,  there is a bridge been worked on at Alakija.  This road will stretch to the Badagry International Trade Fair center. It will run through Okokomaiko, Agbara, Okoafon and other areas within that axis. He assured Lagosians that the state government is on top of the situation and urged them to be patient.

In a statement released to AN24 and signed by Segun Ogundeji, the Lagos state Government announced traffic diversion from the major carriage way to the service lane on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway from Saturday, 9^th to 10^thOctober, 2019 to enable the contractors launch beams at the Alakija Interchange Bridge.

Special Adviser, Works and Infrastructure, Engr Aramide Adeyoye who made this known appealed to motorists and road users on the axis to bear with government as the measure was germane to the speedy delivery of the road. The affected area according to her is the segment 2 of Lot 2A (Agboju – Trade Fair) inward Badargy only as the Lagos bound traffic is not affected.

She implored motorists coming from  Agboju to Trade fair to make a detour before  the Alakija flyover into the service lane; journey through the diversion on the service lane and divert  into  the main carriage way after the Alakija interchange to continue their journey inward Badagry.

To effectively manage traffic and reduce the impact of the diversion on road users, the Special Adviser explained that palliative works have been carried out on the bad sections of the road such as the intersections into the service lane before Alakija flyover, the junction between the access road into Festac at the 3^rd gate and the intersection after the Alakija interchange into the main carriage lane from the service lane.

Engr Adeyoye appealed to commuters to obey the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials and follow directional signs to aid their movements to ensure free flow of traffic.

The Implications of Border Closure to Nigeria and Africa

By Yemi Olakitan

The Federal Government of Nigeria, not too long ago, closed her border with the Benin Republic in an effort to stop rice smuggling from that country.  It later closed land borders to the movement of all goods from the Benin Republic, Niger and Cameroon.  Nigeria’s decision to close her borders with these countries has effectively nosedived trade flows with her neighbours. This decision negates the position of various advocates of African trade integration, who feel that African nations have a lot to benefit economically from mutual border opening and free trade.   AN24 looks at the implications of this development not only to Nigeria but to the African continent as a whole.

This is not the first time Nigeria has closed her borders but this time Nigeria’s actions raised serious concerns on the prospects of regional integration and the development of Free Trade in Africa. The decision to close Nigeria’s border was made just three months after Nigeria had signed the African Continental Trade Agreement with 55 member countries and a combined GDP of $2.4 Trillion with a total population of about a 1.2billion. This agreement will create the world’s largest free trade centre and promote intra-Africa trade which today is terribly low at 16%.

This border closure has serious implications for Africa as a whole. Nigeria is a major leader in Africa, reputed to be the most populous black African nation in the world. When Nigeria sneezes the world notices it. Now, restricting trade flows so shortly after a momentous fit is achieved is a major blow to integration efforts in the African continent.  It is difficult to see how Intra Africa trade can increase to 60% by 2022 as projected when it is being undermined from the beginning.  It sends solid signals about the unpreparedness of African nations to bilateral trades considering the posture and position of Nigeria.

In a chat with Chief Bayo Ogunmupe, Economist and social commentator, he said, the border closure is bad news for the African continent especially her neighbouring countries. According to him, Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and Cameroon are currently battling with their economies as a result of Nigeria’s border closure.  He opined that it is however good for Nigeria to close her border for a time, only for a time, so as to allow her to develop her own resources, both agricultural and manufacturing.

‘‘This will put Nigeria in a better bargaining position, economically with other countries. So that they will buy from Nigeria just as Nigeria buys from them, our country will stop being a dumping ground for every nation. These countries were feeding off Nigeria before the border closure. Nigeria must learn from other developed countries such as Japan and China who worked similar paths in the past. It will give Nigeria the needed time to diversify her economy and deliver herself from over-dependence on crude oil.  Nigeria needs to do this for her own good.’’ he said.

AN24 asked Chief Ogunmupe whether this will not hinder the African Continental Trade Agreement of which Nigeria is a signatory.   He said, ‘it will not, because eventually Nigeria will open up its borders. This closure is only a temporary measure to enable Nigeria to develop her capacities to produce her other exportable products apart from oil. You can imagine if all we have to export is crude oil and other nations can bring all kinds of products to Nigeria. That is not good for us,’’ he said.

However, reports do not support Chief Ogunmupe’s arguments to some degree as Africa accounts for only 13% of Nigeria’s exports and 4% of Nigeria’s imports.  These statistics show that Nigeria’s major imports are not from neighbouring African counties and it proves that Africa is a dispensable market to Nigeria.

The economy of Nigeria declined in 2015 and further contracted by 1.6% in 2016 due to a global drop in the price of crude oil in 2014.  Foreign investments also dropped by 55% and a shortage in foreign exchange have made matters worse.  Nigeria depends on crude oil for 90% of her exports and foreign exchange earnings; neglecting other sectors such as cocoa, groundnut, timber etc which have contributed to her economy in the past. 

Since the late 1960s Nigeria has neglected its agricultural sector which has contributed to the recent oil crisis in the country caused by the global fall in crude oil prices. Although the country has decided to focus more on agriculture, it seems however that some things cannot be rushed; they take time and to develop.

Nigeria plans to deepen investments in agriculture and increase the sector’s contribution to economic growth in the country from a mere 5% in 2017 to 8.4 % by 2020. The aim is to develop local agriculture and save money on food imports which are slated at $22billion a year.  It is this line of reasoning that necessitated the border closure; the government wants to save local farmers from cheap imported food. The result is that Nigerian farmers are happy but the consumers are crying as local production cannot meet the demand. For example, in 2017, the demand for rice reached 6.7 million tons, doubled the 3.7 million tons produced locally. The price of a bag of rice is now N22, 000 naira.

Furthermore, the problem of subsidized petroleum being smuggled out of Nigeria and sold in neighbouring countries is a big issue in the border closure discussion.  The difference in prices makes it lucrative to smuggle fuel from Nigeria to other neighbouring African countries. Fuel smuggling means that public funds are used to subsidize fuel in other countries aside from Nigeria.  Since the border closure fuel sales and delivery have dropped significantly in Nigeria. This means that fuel demand is high in Nigeria because it was being bought and smuggled out to other countries.  A positive argument for Nigeria’s border closure.

Nigeria border closure shows that African countries have different economic problems and therefore require different solutions and strategies to solving these problems. The huge number of African countries within the free trade agreements is going to make the implementation of the agreement more difficult than expected. 

While Free trade has enormous benefits for all the countries involved, regional organizations such as African Union, AU, ECOWAS need to come up with  strategies to solving these problems as they may kill the idea of free trade before it even begins. 

No one can blame Nigeria for desiring to protect her borders if she feels that its opening does not guarantee her economic prosperity.  The closure may be the first of its kind since the free trade agreements were signed. There are fears that many other African countries may follow the example of Nigeria; after all, she is the giant of Africa. It could also reduce other countries’ commitment to economic integration in Africa.

Experts agree that the border closure issue may be beneficial to Nigeria but it is bad news to her neighbours. It may also be good news to her only for a time since the free trade agreements have far-reaching benefits for all concerned.  The closure should also be settled as soon as possible since it is diverting attention from matters that can promote free trade especially from other areas of mutual economic benefits to the continent such as infrastructure, trade data capture and border protection.

Where Are the Lights?

Yemi Olakitan

The Lagos state Government under its immediate past Governor Akinwunmi Ambode launched the Lights up Lagos project amidst huge budgetary allocation for maintenance and sustenance. The project was a success, only for a while since a new administration under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu came into power; the continuum that is required to sustain the project is not yet in the kitty, it seems.  AN24.net goes on a mission to find out what the situation really look like, what the government is doing about it and other plans it may have for it in the future?

A trip around Lagos reveals partial or total darkness in the nights, at Ojodu Berger, Ogba, Oshodi, the remarkable darkness is noticeable compared to the early days of the project, when it was first launched.  Although some Lagosians have argued that that the lights have been occasionally epileptic long before the administration of Babajide Sanwoolu came on the stage, so we shouldn’t blame the new governor. However, the darkness has worsened for reasons yet unclear as many areas continue to experience super darkness at nights. You dare not be caught in some parts of Lagos at such hours.

These days, hoodlums and men of such settings have taken advantage of the situation. Many Nigerians living in Lagos have come to appreciate the value of those lights especially on our highways. In a situation where Lagos has witnessed the inflow of hundreds of aliens from Niger, Chad, Togo and other neighboring countries, these lights have become even more necessary for security reasons since darkness cannot operate in the midst of lights. And it’s been said that the dog appreciates his tail more when it is cut off. Lagosians have now realize the importance of street lights which as they say cannot be overemphasized.

AN24.net gathered that the lights in Agidingbi, ojota to Kudirat Abiola road are no longer working; some of the polls have one bulb instead of two bulbs. At Ikorodu, many of the polls have dead bulbs without lights.  Oshodi which used to be like Paris at night because of all the shining lights is no longer like that. In fact, it is very dangerous to walk through some parts of Oshodi these days because of the darkness of the nights.  The absence of the street lights that used to illuminate Oshodi in the hay days of the Lights Up Lagos project are no longer there.

 It’s the same situation at Third Mainland Bridge as many poles are no longer with the usual bright lights at nights. At Gbagada there are no lights, same as Ojodu Berger and Alaba International Market. In fact, a drive through many areas of Lagos reveals that many poles are dead and without their illumination.

It seems however that the Nigeria factor of lack of maintenance and poor execution of projects has affected the lights up project after all. Although some Lagosians have argued that the darkness is as a result of ongoing construction works in some parts of Lagos which have necessitated bringing down the lamp stands and plunging the streets into darkness.  Motorists, commuters and pedestrians used to have a delightful experience around Oke-Koto in the Agege area of the state, but those days are now gone since the streetlights have failed to come alive.

The question on the lips of many is this: when will the lights be restored?  In a chat with Elder Bayo Emmanuel Ishola, a trader in the Agbara axis of Lagos, he said, ‘the disappearing streets lights are an evidence of our lack of continuity. As we can see in the administration of Akinwunmi Ambode, who abandoned most of the projects of his predecessor.  An example is the Lagos- Badagry Expressway which was abandoned until Governor Sanwanolu came on board. We are thankful that work has started on that road now. I want to believe that we are not going to experience the same thing in the area of streets lights since it was initiated by former Governor Ambode.  I want to call on our current Governor Babajide Sanwoolu to take the bull by the horn. He must not abandon Ambode’s projects simply because he didn’t initiate them himself. At the end, it is Lagos that will suffer for it, he said.

AN24 spoke with Commissioner for information and Strategy, Hon. Gbenga Omotoso, he said, ‘‘one of the reasons why some of the streets lights are not functioning is because the contractors have not received their monies for a long time. They are just receiving the monies after the administration of Governor Babajide came on board.  And they have started working. We are pushing stealthily to ensure that the streets of Lagos are lighted up. Our efforts will ensure that the lights cover every parts of Lagos. I can assure you. It will reach every corner of Lagos state, normally when roads are being constructed; the streets lights are erected simultaneously. The changes you have noticed are because we are coming in newly and we have started working on the problem. The Commissioner assured AN24.net that the administration of Babajide Sanwanolu will ensure that streets lights are functioning in every parts of Lagos state. ‘‘We will not abandon any project,’’ he said

AN24.net made efforts to speak with Hon. Lere Odusote, Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources; he was not available for comments.