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Senate establishes National Rice Development Council

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The Senate has approved a bill to establish the National Rice Development Council, which would save Nigeria nearly $2 billion in rice imports and boost the country’s foreign exchange profits.

Following examination of a report by the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, the bill was passed.

Chairman of the Committee, Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa West), in his presentation, said that the bill seeks to establish a Council that would lead to a comprehensive development of the rice sector and the organisation of rice stakeholders to enhance local production of rice in Nigeria.

He explained that the establishment of the Council would transform the activities of rice farmers, rice processors, millers, researchers, marketers and other important stakeholders across the entire rice value chain, particularly the clusters of smallholder rice farmers and small scale millers spread all over the country.

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“Mr President and Distinguished Colleagues, with our natural comparative advantage in the area of rice production as a country, Nigeria should consider the need to put in place a National Rice Development Council and a fail-safe comprehensive national rice development roadmap that will guide us not only into a regime of self-sufficiency in production but also for export purposes, employment generation for our teaming youth and growth of our economy.

“The Nigerian rice industry exists in the abstract as there appears to be no form of coordination in the absence of a properly structured rallying point.

“Today, we have Paddy Rice Dealers Association of Nigeria (PRIDAN), Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RIPAN), Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) and many more.

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“This Bill seeks to establish that rallying point and a comprehensive National operational and governance structure for a complete rice value chain process.

“Mr President and Distinguished Colleagues, this Bill on its own merit will improve government efforts for efficient policy and regulatory framework for the Nigerian Rice Industry; promote enabling business and investment environments for Rice stakeholders; support the growth of the Rice industry in Nigeria and in the sub-region as well as promote the sustainability of foreign exchange earnings put at about 2 billion dollars annually for Rice related importation to the country.

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“The framework created by thịs Bill will pull investment into rice production, provide the missing link between rice production and industrialisation, provide employment, reduce migration from rural to urban cities and enhance socio-economic activities all over the country.

“Few countries having Rice Council include Rice Council of Tanzania, USA Rice Council, Directorate of Rice Development (India), Rice Association of Thailand, among others,” Senator Adamu said.

Crime

Yahaya Bello honours EFCC invitation after consulting family

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Yahaya Bello honours EFCC invitation

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has honoured the EFCC’s invitation after consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies. The EFCC declared him wanted over allegations of fraud during his time in office.

 

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after careful consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.

The EFCC had earlier declared him wanted over allegations of fraud and corrupt enrichment during his tenure in office.

 

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Also read: Yahaya Bello loses bid to hear N80bn fraud case in Kogi

 

In a statement released by his media office on Wednesday, Yahaya Bello explained his decision to engage with the EFCC, citing his respect for the rule of law.

He emphasised that his legal team had been representing him in court to ensure due process in all proceedings related to the case.

Bello highlighted his commitment to clearing his name, stating that he has nothing to hide and fully supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria.

He also noted that during his governorship, he was the first to introduce an anti-corruption mechanism in Kogi State, aimed at preventing graft and ensuring state resources were used for the benefit of the people.

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Accompanied by high-profile Nigerians, Bello urged the EFCC to act professionally and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen. Further details of his meeting with the EFCC are expected to be shared in due course.

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Religion

IK Ogbonna condemns fake miracles by Nigerian pastors

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Fake miracles by Nigerian pastors

Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has condemned fake miracles by Nigerian pastors, warning that their deceptive practices harm Christianity and manipulate believers for personal gain.

Nollywood actor IK Ogbonna has raised concerns over the increasing number of Nigerian pastors performing fake miracles. In an Instagram post, he described these actions as a serious betrayal of the true essence of Christianity.

He highlighted how the deception not only damages the church’s reputation but also manipulates vulnerable believers, exploiting their faith for personal profit.

 

Also read: “6 different pastors extorted money from me, took advantage of my desperation” – Jim Iyke reveals

 

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Ogbonna emphasised that such fraudulent acts have severe consequences, including broken trust, shattered lives, and distorted faith.

He called on pastors engaged in these practices to reflect on their actions, urging them to stop using God’s name for falsehood, which he termed a direct betrayal of the gospel.

He also called on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to implement stricter regulations and accountability for those posing as pastors.

According to Ogbonna, Christianity should remain rooted in truth, love, and humility, not be used for manipulation or financial gain.

He urged Christians to remember that true miracles cannot arise from deception and urged believers to protect the integrity of their faith.

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Education

Lagos state government announces increase in boarding fees for model colleges

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Lagos State boarding fee increase

The Lagos State Government has increased boarding fees in model colleges to N100,000 per term, citing improved student welfare as the reason.

 

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has announced an increase in boarding fees for its model colleges, effective from the 2024/2025 academic session.

According to a statement released by Mr Ganiu Lawal, Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the adjustment is necessary to improve the welfare of students in public boarding schools across the state.

 

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Also read: Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa plants trees in Lagos school

 

Lawal explained that the N35,000 fee, which has been in place since 2021, is no longer sustainable due to rising costs.

The newly approved fee of N100,000 will be implemented from the resumption of the 2024/2025 session in September 2024.

The Ministry recognises that the decision has faced criticism from some parents but emphasised the importance of ensuring students’ welfare, including proper nutrition and other essential services such as energy costs for cooking.

The fees, paid every term, are allocated for feeding, janitorial services, and other costs necessary for maintaining the hostels.

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Lawal highlighted the numerous benefits students in Lagos model colleges receive, including free tuition, education infrastructure, technology support, and payment of terminal examination fees, such as WAEC.

He added that the state government remains considerate with the increase when compared to similar institutions across Nigeria.

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The Ministry urged parents to understand the rationale behind the increase and to cooperate for the benefit of the children.

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