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South Sudan students insist on ‘No food, no school’ following suspension of UN food aid

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Thousands of school children in South Sudan are likely to drop out of schools this year as a result of the suspension of the United Nations food aid.

The new school term which started on Wednesday has seen less than half of the country’s student population turning for the resumption as they have given authorities a “No food, No school” warning.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) on Tuesday, said it was cutting food rations to almost 6.2 million people in South Sudan, citing a shortage of funding, a decision which has affected over 178,000 children who are being fed in government schools.

A female student who attends Mayo Girls’ School in the capital, Juba, one of the beneficiaries of the now suspended WFP’s feeding programme, told journalists that “without that food, children cannot come to school.”

“I am appealing to WFP to continue providing the food. Personally, I will be affected because my family cannot afford to provide enough food for me. If there is no food, I will not come to school,” the 16-year-old student said.

Another student, a 17-year-old who identified herseld as Ijora Jovian, said the food aid programme was very important for the students.

“The school provides for us beans with sorghum and this improves learning because children who don’t have money for breakfast rely on this food and during break time they stay in the school.”

The school’s deputy head teacher, Thomas Hakim Sebit, who also spoke to journalists said the announcement by WFP was “sad news” as it would affect many of the more than 700 children at his school.

“If the food is cut off, the children will no longer come to school. I am appealing to WFP and the international community to continue supporting the school-feeding programme,” Sebit said.

Sebit said the news of the withdrawal of the food aid has already affected enrolment for the school’s new term as only 350 girls turned up.

Metro

Zambia: President Hichilema urges traditional leaders to invoke rainmaking powers amid drought

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Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has called on traditional leaders to call upon their rainmaking powers by praying for rain as the nation continues to face the menace of drought.

Hichilema, who made the plea while speaking during the Shikaumpa traditional ceremony of the Ila people in Namwala on Sunday, expressed hope for divine intervention and sufficient rains.

“We pray that this year, God will give us rains, sufficient rains, so we can grow more food, so we can take care of the things, the assets that we keep,” the President stated.

He noted that he was informed of certain chiefs known for their rainmaking abilities, including Senior Chief Mwamba of Northern Province, Chief Sailunga of North-Western Province and Mwami Monze from the Southern Province and urged them to use their powers to invoke rain, adding that the chiefs should continue their prayers for rain, believing that “God will hear our cry.”

The President also encouraged not only the chiefs but also the churches and the entire nation to join in prayers for rain.

“All of us, the churches, everybody, we must pray for rains so that we can take care of God’s people properly,” he said.

The head of state further urged farmers to intensify efforts at planting crops and maximizing their harvest for national food security once the rain comes.

The drought in Zambia in recent
seasons have left 84 districts severely impacted, leading to food shortages and a worsening electricity deficit due to low water levels.

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Tiinubu committed to easing hardship Nigerians are going through— Info Min, Idris

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Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has, once again, reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication and commitment to easing the economic hardship of Nigerians as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies and other policies of the government.

Idris, who gave the assurance during a live radio programme on the Hausa service of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) titled, “Hannu Da Yawa,” said fuel subsidies primarily benefited a select few wealthy Nigerians to the detriment of the ordinary Nigerian masses.

The minister, however, emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration was working towards economic stability, even as the president had urged ministers to cut expenses by limiting official vehicles and personnel on assignments.

“President Tinubu is pointing out the need to change from the old ways of doing things in Nigeria,” Idris said.

He noted that the cost-saving measures, though seemingly small, are expected to make a significant impact.

He also stated that the recent renaming of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reflects Tinubu’s commitment to addressing agricultural issues from multiple angles, particularly to improve food security.

On security, Idris said Tinubu’s administration has continued to acquire resources for security agencies and support personnel welfare, while consultations on establishing state police are ongoing.

Idris also urged Nigerians to responsibly use social media to portray the country positively, emphasizing collective responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s image.

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