NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Economy/Business

UK cuts tariffs on Nigerian exports

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By Oladele Eniola
The UK government on Wednesday said it had cut tariffs and extended duty free trade in goods exported from Nigeria
Mr Ben Llewellyn-Jones, Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria said this at the launch of the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) which took place at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Llewellyn-Jones said the scheme would help to boost Nigeria’s non- oil exports in line with the Federal Government’s wider trade policy objectives and take off in April 2023.
He noted that the scheme would reduce import costs by over £750 million per year, thereby reducing prices, and increase choice of UK consumers and businesses as well.
“The Uk Government has reduced the tariffs of 90 per cent of goods that Nigeria would export to our country and has also provided preferential trading scheme for range of other exports that the country might have.
“ We have reached out to small and large businesses in different parts of the country and this is intended to help exporters and other people in the trading business to make the United Kingdom an export destination.
“This would also serve as an opportunity to grow the non oil and gas sector in Nigeria and create jobs in the country, and most importantly, we are reaching out to people at the grassroot level so they can know what we are doing.
“The DCTS is much more generous and simpler than the existing Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP),” he said.
Llewellyn-Jones revealed that the  trade volume between both countries for year 2022 was 2.2 billion pounds, noting that the oil and gas sector accounted for majority of the trade.
He stressed on the importance of expanding the market and diversifying into other sectors including exportation.
“We have to change focus to non oil sector but this takes time, but we are working with experts from Nigeria Export Promotion Council and the Federal Government to grow the economy through expanding of its export.
“The key challenges for exporters is finding key partners in the UK to sell their products but we are working on ensuring that we link exporters with potential buyers so as to ensure there is enough demand and supply,” he said.
Mr Simon Calvert, Senior Commercial Agriculture Adviser, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) noted that Nigeria does not require international conventions to enjoy the benefits under the DCTS.
He added that the Uk government would help exporters to access finances through its financial institutions.
He noted that by making the rules of origin more generous, neighbouring countries can easily make use of components from Nigeria in their Duty Free Exports to the UK
“Cutting tariffs for Nigeria would ensure that 3000 new products are duty free for the first time as the average existing tariff on these goods is seven per cent, meaning these changes make Nigerian exports more competitive in the UK.
“Many tariff reductions are on value added goods such as processed sesame oil, cotton clothing and cocoa butter and paste and complement existing duty free trade on raw products.
“ We have made it simpler for Nigeria to get and retain these enhanced tariffs by removing the need for Nigeria to ratify and implement certain international conventions,” he said.
Damola Oladosu, an official with Boston Consulting Group, said that opportunities in the exporting market remained underutilised.
She said that the country could grow its exports to the UK by increasing production on certain products like cocoa, cotton, fertiliser, cashew amongst others. (NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
Oil & Gas

Additional 125mw to increase power capacity by 1st Qtr 2023 — Tilt Energy

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By Aderonke Ojediran

 

Tilt Energy, an integrated Energy company based in Lagos, says Nigeria is expected to increase her power capacity with an additional 125 megawatts to the national grid by end of first quarter 2023.

The Managing Director of Tilt Energy, Mr Deji Awodiji, disclosed this during the commissioning of the NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) gas distribution office, in Ikeja, Lagos.

Awodiji said this would be with the completion of the Olorunsogo Power Plant by the Niger Delta Power Company.

The managing director explained that the Niger Delta Power Company was currently revamping the steam turbine of the Olorunsogo power plant, which was located in Ogun State.

“Once we are done with that project, we expect about 125 megawatts extra to be added to the grid from the steam turbine alone, which we’re working on.

“We’re fixing the steam turbine of the Olorunsogo power plant. We’ve been working on that for a couple of years also we are nearing completion within this first quarter of this year.”

According to him, the Olorunsogo Power Plant project is a very significant milestone for a local company to execute working with strategic partners like Schneider Electric.

Speaking further on the just commissioned NGML gas distribution office, he said the project shows the pedigree of a company.

Awodiji said this was not just to be able to do construction projects of this standard but to be able to work in the oil and gas industry, with their safety standards.

He noted that Tilt Energy had a very strong fabrication base and process automation, adding that it was proud to have been part of many flagship projects, including this.

Awodiji said aside from being able to work in the oil and gas industry, Tilt Energy had also shown its capacity to work in a live site, where you have gas distribution.

The managing director said the company was glad to have completed the project without any safety incidents.

“We are glad for NNPC gas marketing limited for giving us this opportunity to showcase our core competence.

“Like I said, we are an engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) company, so civil construction is literally just a small part of what we do,” he said.

Awodiji said further that the NNPC Gas Marketing Limited office was designed and constructed by Tilt Energy on schedule within the stipulated 12 months time frame.

“We actually started in December 2021, and we more or less concluded in December 2022, and commissioned in January 2023.

“So, let us call it 13 months.”

Speaking, Mr Justin Ezeala, Managing Director, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), said that in spite of the challenges Tilt Energy had at the beginning, he was particularly proud of their capacity to deliver on schedule.(NAN)(www.nannews.)

 

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Education

Don seeks research to address GBV in nation’s varsities

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By Oluwakemi Oladipo

 

A Professor of Sociology, Olabisi Yusuff, has urged the nation’s universities to provide conducive environment and opportunities for scholars to conduct research that would address Gender-Based Violence in the tertiary  institutions.

Yusuff, a lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lagos  State University (LASU), Ojo, made the assertion at the 88th Inaugural Lecture of the institution, on Wednesday, in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theme of the lecture is: “Gender Equality is To What? What Do Women Want? What Women Should Want From The Triads in Nigeria”.

Yusuff noted that addressing gender-based violence in universities and research organisations was a crucial endeavor.

She said that it would enable a better evidence-based research that is beneficial to humanity.

“Addressing gender-based violence in universities and research organisations also increases the capacity of staff and students to combat it.

“Decreasing violence against women and girls requires a community-based, multi pronged approach and sustained engagement with multiple stakeholders.

“Campaigns that are meaningful such as the use of drama should also be used to create awareness on the health implication of gender-based violence,” Yusuff said.

She added that only women academics were presently involved in women and gender studies as their core area of research because male lecturers always shy away from being gender experts.

“Few male lecturers examined their research work from gender dimension, they can not be tagged as gender experts.

“More male researchers are needed to be seriously involved in women /gender and development studies,” Yusuff said.

The don noted that men could help the change with women in enacting legislation that promote women’s rights, repealing laws and policies that discriminate against women and limit opportunities.

“They can also support the advancement of women in decision making bodies by advocating for temporary special measures.

“In political parties, men and women can work together to champion women’s participation, including nominating more women, having hard targets or quotas for women in leadership roles in the party,” she said.

Yusuff also called for the creation of institute of gender and development studies which would help to bring different areas of knowledge to current issues.

“The institute will help to explore how gender studies and analysis is necessary across numerous disciplines and how the institute will be central to the transformation toward greater sustainability, equality and social justice,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Oluwole Sogunle

Judiciary

Witness narrates how Omobolanle Raheem was shot on Christmas Day

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By Chinyere Omeire

 

Trial of Darambi Vandi, the police officer who shot a female lawyer dead on Christmas Day in 2022 in Lagos, resumed at a Lagos High Court on Wednesday.

First prosecution witness, Insp. Matthew Ameh, told the court during cross-examination by Vandi’s counsel, Mr Adetokunbo Odutola, that he heard gunshot sound at the scene of the incident.

Ameh had said the same thing when Vandi was first arraigned before the court on Jan. 16, for allegedly killing Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, by shooting her in the chest.

He had narrated how he (Ameh), Vandi and another officer, Insp. Ebimine Fiyegha, were deployed at “Ajah Under Bridge’’, Lagos, to conduct stop-and-search operation.

He narrated that a Toyota car without number plate was flagged down by Insp. Fiyegha, but the driver did not stop to be checked.

The witness said that he also flagged the car to stop, but the driver did not stop.

He said that the next thing he heard was a gunshot which came from Vandi and noise indicating that Mrs Raheem had been shot.

Responding to another question by the defence counsel, Ameh insisted that the noise he referenced in his statement could not have been anything else, but a gunshot sound.

“When you hear the sound of a banger, it is different from a gunshot sound. A tyre bust sound is different from a gunshot sound,’’ Ameh told the court.

Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr Moyo Onigbanjo (SAN), the third police officer at the scene of the alleged murder, Insp. Fiyegha, confirmed Ameh’s testimony.

He said the trio of police officers at the scene of the incident was led by Vandi.

Fiyegha also corroborated Ameh’s account of the shooting, saying he also heard the noise shortly after the deceased and her husband slowly drove past him and Ameh in a Toyota Venza.

“One woman was in the passenger seat, a man was driving. I flagged the vehicle down. It didn’t stop. They passed me. I wondered why.

“He was not speeding. Ameh also flagged him down but he didn’t stop,’’ Fiyegha told the court.

He said after the car had passed, he heard a gunshot from the back and asked Ameh what was going on.

The witness told the court that afterwards a crowd gathered and swooped on Vandi, brought him out of a commercial minibus where he was hiding and put him in the deceased’s car.

Responding to questions from Onigbanjo, the witness said the Venza posed no threat to him or the public when it drove past.

The witness, who earlier stated that he was armed, denied firing his weapon.

Prosecution had told earlier told the court that Vandi committed the offence on Dec. 25, 2022, at Ajah Roundabout on Lekki- Expressway, Lagos.

According to Onigbanjo, the defendant killed the lawyer, one Mrs Raheem, by shooting her on the chest.

He said that the offence contravened the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015)

Presiding Justice Ibironke Harrison adjourned hearing to Jan. 26, for continuation of trial. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Alli Hakeem

Health

Ensure regular health checks, Soludo urges Anambra residents

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By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra on Wednesday urged residents to make regular health checks a lifestyle to prevent silent killer diseases.

Soludo, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, made the plea at the flag-off of “Solution Know Your Numbers: Prevent Silent Killers, Extend Your Life Span”, at Enugwu-Ukwu General Hospital in Njikoka Local Government area.

He said that free health checks were in furtherance of his administration’s quest to ensure health coverage for all residents.

“Our administration’s commitment to sustainable healthcare and universal health coverage is unshaken, hence, we are flagging off today’s programme.

“There are lot of individuals in our state who do not know their health status and are not engaged in activities to improve their wellbeing.

“Poor state of health is a significant hindrance to achieving our life dreams and ambitions.

“So, we urge residents to take advantage of this free medical screening taking place in all the 36 general hospitals in the state,” Soludo said.

The governor said that medical personnel had been recruited to attend to patients and manage health of residents.

Also, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said that Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiac arrest, among others, were silent killers that should be given attention.

Obidike said that there was no baseline data in the country to guide government and its implementing partners in designing public interventions in NCDs.

According to him, the prevalence of hypertension alone in South-East Nigeria is 53 per cent, according to Removing the Mask On Hypertension Study of 2019.

“Nothing will dispute the fact that each and everyone of us have had friends and relatives who suffer sudden collapse, death and other health complications.

“These complications can result from undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiac arrest and other NCDs.

“These diseases results from a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental, behavioural and social factors.

“Unfortunately, there is no cure for many NCDs, but they can be well controlled and managed with early detection, right treatment and follow-ups,” Obidike said.

The commissioner said that data collection from the free health checks would form the basis for generation of the state specific data for future planning and interventions in NCDs.

In his remarks, Dr Adamu Abdulnasir, the state Coordinator, World Health Organisation (WHO), urged residents to avoid smoking, reduce alcohol intake, drink more water, do regular exercises and other lifestyle modifications.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 200 beneficiaries were checked to verify their HIV status, blood pressure, blood sugar level and Body Mass Index. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

Culture & Tourism

President Buhari inaugurates JK Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History

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By Taiye Olayemi
 President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday inaugurated the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Lagos.
The President in company of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and many other stakeholders in the entertainment and tourism industries toured the entire facility.
”I declare this site open,” the President said.

The John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History forms part of the urban regeneration at the heart of Lagos Island,  a part of the city steeped in rich history.

The centre which used to serve as a hub for cultural tourism, recreation and entertainment was originally built in 1928.
Now redeveloped as a cultural attraction meant to reveal to visitors the time-honoured story of Yoruba ethnicity, one of the most influential ethnicities in Nigeria.
Mr Damilare Ojewole, the site architect, who took visitors on tour of the facility, explained that the centre brings to the fore the origin of Yoruba culture.
Ojewole said that the centre educates individuals about the creation of Yoruba empire through ‘Ile-Ori’, ‘Ori-Olokun’, ‘Esu’ and more.
According to him, there is another session for recreation where there are large sized swimming pool and restaurants.
“This place, you will learn about happenings in the Yoruba empire in the olden days and now, the customs and practices.
“We have exhibitions on how naming ceremonies were conducted in the old, divinations, it reveals the various masquerades in Yoruba land, we have contemporary art section, fashion and more.
“At another session, we have a gadget for visitors to check the meaning of their names and we have a good ambience  for tales by moonlight.
“The permanent exhibition here celebrates the language, rituals, festivals, deities and ancestry of the Yoruba people at this time and  will ensure that the legacy of Yoruba culture and history is kept alive in Lagos,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the centre will afford Yoruba experts and novices to dive into the stories, myths and traditions of Yoruba heritage.
The space provides unbeatable atmosphere for learning programmes, art installations and live music events.
The centre is said to serve as a place for remembrance and reconnection for yoruba people from Cuba, Brazil, Haiti, America and the Caribbeans as well as the rest of Southwest Nigeria.
It reveals how Yoruba culture continues  to influence musicians, artistes and creative innovators in the present day.
The architecture of the centre takes its cues from traditional Yoruba architecture and craftsmanship, using visual metaphors to reflect the strong art and philosophical origins of the language and culture
The building form responds to its context in the shape of a fractal, rises from the earth and leans forward (O tesiwaju), reflecting the progressive nature of the Yorubas. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
Sports

Meristem Open: 83 players jostle for N10m

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By Oluwaseun Nubi/Aderonke Ojediran

 

No fewer than 83 professional golf players are expected to participate at the maiden edition of Professional Golf Development (PGD) Tour by Meristem Securities.

It is scheduled to tee-off at Lakowe Lakes Golf  Estate Resort in Lagos from Jan. 26 to Jan. 28.

Adefemi Taiwo, Head of  Brand and Corporate Communications, Meristem Securities, disclosed this at a news conference on Tuesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Meristem Open has a prize purse of N10 million and will  be decided over 56 holes.

Taiwo said the idea of the tour was part of the company’s corporate responsibility to the society.

She said: “Nigeria’s athleticism, industry, and sporting talent have long been evident in the game of golf, and this project is set to help us underscore that.

“We are very confident that the PGD Tour can be a platform upon which the best golfing talents would get wings to fly, and bring value and honor to all stakeholders.

“Meristem, as a Wealth Manager, will commit its resources; human, management, and, in a way financially to grow the tour, while leveraging key relationships to drive this vision.

“It is for us, a corporate responsibility to help this group of athletes who have a lot of potential locked within them get closer than they have ever been to achieving their full potential.”

She called on other corporate organisations to join resources to develop golf at all levels sponsored by the firm, through the platform – the PGD Tour.

“With all said, the inaugural event of The Meristem Open is a statement in leading all our friends and the golfing community to join us in making this happen.

“This is for the future of the game, the country, and a budding generation that is brimming with talent, audacity and wanting to rewrite history,” she said.

Femi Olagbenro, the Golf Manager at Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate,  said 83 professional players and category one amateurs had confirmed through online registration to take part in the inaugural event.

“This number is as at the moment, and does not include other classes of amateur players that have been invited to grace the event and experience the new Tour and Lakowe Lakes Golf Estate lifestyle edge.

“I am confident the tur is taking off on a strong footing as we have players from Ghana, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Zimbabwe already registered for the event,” he said.

Wole Abegunde, the Group Managing Director of Meristem Securities, said he was positive about the potential of golfing talents in the country.

He referred to  Peter Akakasiaka, who was the first African to qualify for the finals of the British Open in 1987.

He said Lateef Lasisi, Late Paul Odoh, Late Ali Abdullahi, Late Christian Godfrey, and Oche Odoh were  all evidences that some measure of corporate support could help Nigeria make some mark on the professional golf stage.

“We are very confident that the PGD Tour can be a platform upon which the best golfing talents would get wings to fly, bring value and honour to all stakeholders,” Abegunde said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Metro

President Buhari inaugurates 13km Lagos Mass Transit Blue Line Rail

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By Aisha Cole/Florence Onuegbu

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday inaugurated the first phase of the Lagos Mass Transit Blue Line Rail Project.

The first phase is a 13 kilometres stretch from Marina to Mile 2 and has five stations — the Marina Iconic station; National Theatre; Orile-Iganmu; Suru-Alaba and Mile 2.

The Blue Line is one of the six metro lines identified in the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) master plan.

It is a 27 kilometres rail route that will run from Marina to Okokomaiko, when completed, and is being implemented in two phases.

Buhari arrived at the Marina Iconic Station at 11.25 a.m., in company of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

He also witnessed the signing of the contract for the construction of the Second Phase of the Lagos Mass Transit Blue Line Rail.

President Buhari rides on 13-km Lagos Mass Transit Blue Line Rail
President Buhari rides on 13-km Lagos Mass Transit Blue Line Rail

The President took a ride on the train with Gov. Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Gov. Dr Obafemi Hamzat and other dignitaries.

Giving his remarks at the inauguration, Gov. Sanwo-Olu said that the Phase 1 of the Blue Line was expected to cover the stretch in less than 15 minutes, compared with the rush-hour time of 2.5 hours, if undertaken by road.

He said that the benefits of the rail line were obvious and unquantifiable, as it was a more efficient transport service that improved the quality of life of Lagos residents.

The governor said that the project would free up more of the residents’ time, reduce the pressure on the roads, and contribute to Nigeria’s lofty climate action obligations.

According to him, the Blue Line rail system will be powered end-to-end by high voltage electricity, to be supplied by a dedicated Independent Power Producer (IPP), as well as back-up systems.

”What this means is that the operation of this line will leave zero carbon emissions impact on the environment.

”This iconic Marina Station that is hosting us today will be the largest and busiest train hub in Africa, with a capacity to process as many as 400 passengers per minute, translating into 24,000 passengers every hour.

”When Phase 1 starts running fully, we envisage that it will transport a quarter of a million Lagosians daily, rising to half a million daily when the entire corridor is completed.

”Mr President, I thank you for the Federal Government’s support on this project and many others.

“You have made our work administering Lagos much easier in many ways, and we will eternally be grateful to you for this,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Deputy Gov., Hamzat, said that the state government’s transportation strategy was multimodal.

He said it brought together the various elements of road, rail and water in a seamless manner that made commuting an interesting experience.

Hamzat said that the rail project would help to reduce the pressure on the roads, enhance the economic wellbeing of Lagos residents and put Lagos State on the same pedestal as others of its stature.

He appreciated the residents for bearing with the government, in the face of all the inconveniences thrown up by the implementation of the project.

In his goodwill message, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Cui Jianchun, said that the Blue Line rail project was a speed line, which would improve Lagos’ residents energy to do other things.

Jianchun said that the mass rail would give much energy and reduce time of doing business.

”Today we really understand the meaning of time, we need to sustain the usage of time for a greater efficiency.

”Nigeria and China have harmony in collaboration in sustainable development, the two countries have the same vision to move the countries forward,” he said.

The Chinese Ambassador said that Nigeria and China had identified 15 projects to collaborate on. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited  by Oluwole Sogunle

Agriculture

Rice Mill inauguration excites Lagos traditional rulers

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By Adepote Arowojobe and Olayinka Olawale

 

Some traditional rulers in Lagos have applauded the Lagos State Government for the completion and inauguration of the Eko Rice Mill in Imota community, Ikorodu.

The traditional rulers described the project which was launched on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023 as a landmark achievement.

The traditional rulers include Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu; Oba Ajibade Agoro, the traditional ruler of Imota and Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iruland.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shotobi commended both the Federal and state governments for siting the rice mill in Imota and promised that the project would be maintained by the community.

He said the rice mill would bring enormous economic opportunities to the community and jobs for the teeming youths in the area.

According to him, the rice mill will bring great opportunity to Imota especially on employment.

“I urge our youth to stop searching for white collar jobs but focus on agricultural or study agric to increase the country’s food chain,” he said.

Also, the host traditional ruler of Imota, Oba Ajibade Agoro, said the project would boost the commercial and economic development of the Imota community.

He commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos for initiating and seeing to the completion of the rice mill, saying the facility would have multiplier positive effects on the community.

“I am the happiest man on earth today because it was during my reign as the Oba of Imota that this is happening.

“I am 30 years on the throne and I am going to celebrate it with this inauguration because it is a landmark achievement bestowed on the people of Imota during my tenure.

“This plant will bring about those factors of production that will promote commercial and economic development.

“This mill is projected to create up to 250,000 jobs, just imagine the multiplying effect of such number if added to our community with their dependents,” Agoro said.

Also speaking, Oba Lawal, the Oniru of Iru land, commended the Lagos State Government for being the first state to have a state owned mill and the host community for providing the land.

He noted that the rice project which was first initiated as Eko Rice had contributed immensely to the state growth and provided jobs through the rice value chain right from production to milling and transportation.

“I am very happy for this development. I remember 2011 to 2012, when the Eko Rice started, it was 2.5 metric tonnes capacity.

“We are able to create a lot of jobs through the rice value chain.

“Today, we are on eight hectares of land optimally utilised and the number of jobs it will create is awesome, this is the biggest in West Africa,” Oniru said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Agriculture

Buhari opens 32-metric tonnes/hr Lagos Rice Mill

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By Olayinka Olawale

 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday inaugurated a 32-metric tonnes per hour Lagos Rice Mill in Imota, Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos, to support rice revolution in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos Rice Mill, Imota, is a 2 x 16 metric tonnes per hour mill standing on an area of 8.5 hectares of land.

The project has an annual paddy requirement of over 240,000 metric tonnes to produce 2.5 million bags of 50kg rice per annum.

Buhari, who landed in Imota around 5:30 p.m. took a brief tour of the mill in company of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state.

Others included Sen. Tokunbo Abiru, Mr Colinious Ojelabi, Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos state and Mr Ganiyu Solomon, APC Presidential Campaign Committee Chairman, Lagos state.

Other dignitaries who accompanied the president included Ms Abisola Olusanya, Commissioner for Agriculture; Dr Rotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to the governor on Rice Initiative; Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM boss and traditional rulers Jimi Benson and Oba Gbolahan Lawal.

The president unveiled the rice and observed a brief display of how it was being produced and packaged.

Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos state was ready to support Buhari’s rice revolution.

According to him, the Lagos Imota Rice Mill is part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s agricultural revolution.

“When he started his government, he said Nigeria must grow what they eat and they should eat what they grow.

“We are happy that Lagos is the testament for that. With 2.8 million bags of 50kg rice per annum, Lagos is ready to support rice and food revolution in Nigeria.

“The units rice mill will create close to 250,000 direct and indirect jobs. We want to thank the local communities of Imota in Ikorodu. We thank you all for waiting patiently.

“Mr president is indeed excited that we have stated another first in Nigeria and in sub-Saharan Africa,” he said.

Also speaking, Olusanya said that the mill would produce wholesome rice to Lagos residents at affordable price.

Also, Fashola said the mill would perform cleaning, boiling, drying, sorting, hauling, polishing and bagging of rice using digital, automated and latest machine in the world.

In his contribution, Dr Femi Oke, Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Lagos State and South-West Zone, commended the state government for the laudable initiative.

Oke said that farmers would continue to support the mill by providing more paddy.

Mr Raphael Hunsa, the Chairman of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, said the new rice mill would encourage farmers to produce more in the state.

Hunsa urged the state government to continue to empower farmers with implements in order to increase paddy production to feed the mill.

“This project is very wonderful, it is a thing of joy to us as rice farmers in Lagos. I am happy that such a thing is happening in Lagos,” he said.

NAN reports that state government officials, traditional rulers, members of AFAN, Ogbonge Women Farmers Association, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria and secondary school students are among the dignitaries who graced the occasion. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Bassey/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

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