Metro

Ukraine’s donation of food aid to Nigeria a national disgrace— Peter Obi

Published

10 months ago

March 5, 2024

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, has faulted the donation of 25,000 tons of wheat as food aid to Nigeria, describing the donation as a “national disgrace” stemming from years of leadership failure.

The Nigerian government had announced that the war-torn European country had made the donation as a part of its contribution to help Nigeria tackle the food crisis that has affected millions of people in the county, especially in the
northeast.

The government had stated that donation was to bolster the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) response in north-eastern Nigeria amidst inflation and food price spikes and part of Ukraine’s humanitarian “Grain from Ukraine” initiative launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

But while the government celebrated the donation, Obi, a former Governor, has condemned the development, insisting that if Nigeria governments at all level had embarked on an aggressive investment in agriculture as well as security and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), the embarrassment of the donation would not have come up.

Obi who expressed his disapproval of the donation in a statement he posted on his verified X account it was disheartening that a country like Nigeria with so much human and natural resources should celebrate such donations.

“As laudable as Ukraine’s kind gesture is, it speaks volumes for us as a people endowed with all needed human and natural resources, that a country officially prosecuting a brutal war of national survival with its powerful neighbour, Russia, is generous and kind enough with their food supplies to help us who are officially at peace,” Obi said.

“For the people of Ukraine, this act of human solidarity testifies to a rare generosity of spirit which should earn them greater global solidarity. It demonstrates our shared humanity.

“However, a situation like this underscores vigorously the importance of sound political leadership as the first concrete requirement for any nation desiring to develop and enhance the standard of living of its citizenry.

“It is disheartening that our once economically confident nation, blessed with vast arable land and abundant natural resources, now relies on a war-torn Ukraine for food assistance.

“This national disgrace stems from years of leadership failure, necessitating urgent reflection and a reordering of our national priorities and resource management and allocation.

“Instructively, Ukraine, with a population of 43 million on 603,728 km2, outshines Northern Nigeria, covering 744,249 km2 with a young, energetic population exceeding 100 million.

“In 2015, Ukraine’s GDP per capita was $2125, compared to Nigeria’s $2680. By 2022, despite being at war, Ukraine’s GDP per capita exceeded $4000, while Nigeria’s regressed to $2184.

“Ukraine cultivates over 60 per cent of its arable land, whereas Nigeria has over 60 per cent uncultivated arable land.

“Despite the conflict, Ukraine feeds itself, and exports agricultural products worth over $25 billion which is about the same value as our crude oil export earnings, and it serves as a strategic global food supplier, even providing aid to a peaceful yet unproductive Nigeria.

“To overcome this embarrassment, we must aggressively reorder our priorities by investing resources in productive sectors like agriculture. Addressing insecurity is crucial for farmers to return to their fields, enabling a productive manufacturing sector and supporting small businesses,” the former presidential hopeful said.

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Metro

Nigeria’s future is very bright, we’ll overcome challenges, VP Shettima says

Published

9 minutes ago

December 26, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has expressed his belief and optimism that the future of the country is very bright despite a myriad of economic and security challenges facing the nation.

Shettima, who expressed his hopes in a Christmas message, reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to economic transformation, national security, and the overall well-being of all citizens.

Shettima assured Nigerians that Tinubu was resolute and was working assiduously to tackle critical issues such as security and economic challenges, as the country prepares for the coming year.

“As we approach a new year, I want to reassure you that President Tinubu’s administration remains fully dedicated to improving the lives of all Nigerians,” the VP said.

“We are committed to tackling economic transformation and enhancing the welfare of every citizen,” he added, while emphasizing that Nigeria’s diversity as a strength, and called on Nigerians to use the festive period to strengthen unity across all regions and faiths, fostering a spirit of togetherness.

“Our nation’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. This holiday season offers us the perfect opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us,” he stated.

Shettima reiterated that the present administration will continue to prioritize national security and assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the country’s security forces, emphasising that security personnel would remain on high alert during the holiday period to ensure safety.

“Our brave security personnel will continue to work tirelessly to protect us. Enhanced security measures are in place to safeguard citizens during the festive season,” he said.

“I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.

“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is rolling out various initiatives to empower you, enabling you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s growth,” Shettima added.

Metro

Zambian drug agency declares ex-President Lungu’s daughter wanted

Published

22 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Zambian Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has declared the daughter of former president Edgar Lungu, Tasila Lungu, wanted in connection with money laundering activities.

The Director General of the DEC, Nason Banda, who made the announcement at a media briefing in Lusaka on Tuesday, told journalists that Tasila, who was a Member of Parliament representing Chawama Constituency, fled the country after her father lost elections on pretext of being on maternity leave, and had remained defiant to calls from law enforcement officers to present herself for investigations.

Banda stated that the Commission was tired of issuing call outs to Tasila through her lawyers, hence the decision to place her on the wanted list.

Banda noted that the Commission wanted Tasila to explain her certain sources of income like other persons who were called for questioning after they were found with a case to answer.

He said the Commission had issued several call outs to Tasila through her lawyers since she was not in the country and had grown tired of waiting because this was prolonging the investigations which should be closed as soon as possible.

“We have been attempting to contact her to answer questions related to an ongoing investigation. Messages have been sent, and lawyers have been contacted, but Honorable Lungu has not responded. As of now, Honorable Lungu is considered a wanted person,” Banda said.

He urged Tasila to come forward and answer questions while assuring that the process will be fair and she will be treated with respect, emphasizing the importance of justice and fairness.

Banda also assured that there was no witch-hunt in the process of investigating Tasila and other politicians, emphasizing that in the past, seizures had been lifted, and property had been returned to owners after investigations were completed.

“We have issues with her, let her come and answer a few questions. It’s only fair for her to respond because we have issues with her. So we would like honourable Lungu to come and answer a few questions. We have sent call outs through her lawyers,” he said.

Banda said the DEC had, on May, 30, 2024, summoned Tasila together with the former first lady to appear before them for interviews through two separate notices signed by an Officer of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit, but despite assurances from her lawyers, Zulu and Advocates, that she would make herself available to the agency, she had failed to show up.