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Govt rolls out sale of 30,000mt of rice for N40,000
To cushion the effects of rising food prices, the Federal Government yesterday kicked off the sale of 30,000 metric tons of milled rice at a subsidised rate of N40,000 per 50kg bag.
The initiative, spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is targeted at civil servants and other categories of Nigerians.
The sale follows previous efforts by the administration, including the release of 42,000 metric tons of assorted food commodities to vulnerable groups.
The government has emphasised that these measures are also aimed at improving food security across the nation.
At the kick-off ceremony in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, hailed the President’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
“This food intervention is timely, given the current economic challenges facing the country.
“We are dealing with global disruptions in food chains, and Nigeria has not been immune to the challenges”, he said.
To ensure fairness and transparency, Kyari said the government has put in place several checks, including the “one man, one 50kg bag” policy and verification procedures through the National Identification Number (NIN) and phone numbers.
These measures, he said, are designed to prevent multiple purchases and ensure that the rice reaches the intended beneficiaries.
He however urged citizens to cooperate with the agencies overseeing the sales process and assured Nigerians that the initiative would help reduce the price of rice and other food substitutes.
“Let us work together to ensure that the dream of the Administration to upheld the fundamental right to food for all Nigerians is achieved.
“It is expected that with the injection 30,000MT, with the allocation of 1, 000 trucks per state, it will not only crash the price of rice but also other closer food substitutes and alternatives.
“The Federal Government being aware of the potential challenges associated with the sale of an important staple such as rice, at this critical period has deployed a multi-disciplinary machinery of government, as well put in place certain processes and conditions to ensure the transparency, wider reach and success of this programme”, Kyari added.
On the procedure to access the rice, the Director of Food and Strategic Reserve at the Ministry, Haruna Abutu,an engineer, outlined a transparent and simplified procedure for rice distribution across the country.
Abutu emphasised that the distribution process will ensure that each eligible person can receive one bag of rice in an orderly manner.
To qualify, he said individuals must possess a National Identification Number (NIN), while those in public and civil service must also be registered on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) platform.
At the point of sale, he said buyers will be required to provide their NIN, which will be verified through a specially developed platform. Once verified, payments are made electronically via ATM cards, linking the payment directly to the sales operation.
A receipt and unique code will be issued upon successful payment. The code, along with a treasury receipt, will indicate the specific time and location for rice collection.
Abutu assured the people that multiple points of sale would be established nationwide, preventing overcrowding and ensuring a smooth process for all.
He said: “We have decided to make everything in a transparent manner, for you to qualify to earn one person, one bag, you must have a NIN and those of us in the public and civil service sector, we are all registered on Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) platform.
“These are the critical criteria, once you have any of this, at the point of sale, you have state operators, if you approach them, they will ask of the NIN, once it’s given, they will log into the system, because already, we have a platform that has been created or a model that has been developed, with the NIN, all the information concerning the buyer will come out.
“To proceed to payment, it’s electronically done using ATM card, once the payment is made, that same payment is linked to the initial sales operation and it will pop up that you have paid and at that point in time, receipt will be issued and a code number will be given to the person, with that code number you will proceed to where you will be issued with treasury receipt to show that you have paid.
“At that point in time, that print out will indicate point and time of collection, we will have many points of sale . This will eliminate any form of stampede and this will go round the country.
Customs explains delay in import duty waiver policy
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has explained why it has not begun the implementation of import duty waiver on maize, husked brown rice and wheat.
NCS Spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada said the list of beneficiaries was yet to come from the Ministry of Finance.
The Federal Government had, as parts of the Presidential Accelerated and Stabilisation Advancement Plan, directed the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) to give a 150-day duty-free window to allow the importation of maize, husked brown rice and wheat, as part of measures to combat rising food inflation across the country.
Following this directive, the NCS last month announced that the guidelines for the suspension of Customs duty and taxes on imported food items were to begin a week after..
Maiwada spoke yesterday while fielding questions from reporters at a joint news conference of security agencies, organised by the Strategic Communications Inter-agency Policy Committee Office of the National Security Adviser, in Abuja.
He said: “The issue of food security. You made mention of the policy that was announced by Mr. President and we have issued a statement on the guidelines on how to benefit from that policy. Well, I would like to discuss in such a way that the common man would understand how these things work.
“People think that me and you can just go and import rice. No, that is not what the policy is all about. We have policy issues that have a long-term effect. We have the medium-term and we have the short-term effects.
“So, while formulating policies that are related that have a short-term effect, we have to do it in such a way that it will not have adverse effects on long-term policy issues. Our responsibilities as an agency of government, Nigeria Customs Service, is to implement government policies.
“That’s why the statement we issued is based on the guideline issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance. They have issued a guideline on how to achieve, what are the conditions, and what are the requirements for you to benefit from that zero import duty.
“We have three lines, six lines of tariff with the HS code, harmonized system code, with initially a duty of 35% duty and leave you some of the items and they have all been waived.
“However, the policy stated clearly that you must be a miller, you must be a taxpayer, you must have been into operations for a certain number of years and there will be a quota that will be issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
“The list of those who benefit from those exemptions will come from the Ministry of Finance and our role as an agency of government is to implement the directives of the government. So we are policy implementers, not formulators.
“By the time we get lists, within the twinkle of an eye, we are going to implement those directives from the Federal Ministry of Finance.”
New information has come to light regarding the recent visit of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a prominent Niger Delta activist and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, to former President Goodluck Jonathan at his residence in Otuoke, in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on Friday.
The discussions centered decisively on the 2027 presidential election, where Jonathan is expected to challenge President Bola Tinubu robustly.
He was accompanied by the 2023 deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Joshua Maciver, and the the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, among others.
Jonathan told newsmen that he invited Tompolo over because of complaints by some people and to also discuss the sustenance of the peace in the Niger Delta region.
He said: “Since I left office, we have not seen. Tompolo is one young man that played key role in the unity of our people, but today’s visit, you know he is been handling this security issue in the Niger Delta and I remember as Vice president, I visited his camp to bring peace to the Niger Delta, and there are issues that people are complaining about, so I decided to call him so that we can have conversations along those lines. So that people will be carried along to make sure that the Niger Delta continues to be peaceful. That is why he came to see me.
“So I appreciate his visit, because he is somebody we appreciate. He has contributed significantly to the peace in the Niger Delta and the security of the oil installations.”
Tompolo has been indirectly involved in the forthcoming presidential election, which Jonathan is speculated to be considering.
An ally of Jonathan while in office, Tompolo is now seen to be aligning with President Bola Tinubu.
Recently, he was seen in a viral video encouraging Nigerians to vote for Tinubu in 2027.
Earlier in June, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi, the Protem National Coordinator of the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, had announced Tompolo as the group’s grand patron, saying they aim to gather 10 million votes for Tinubu in 2027.
Recently, Tompolo was seen in a viral video encouraging Nigerians to vote for President Bola Tinubu during the 2027 elections, because, according to him, the president has done well.
In June, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi, the Protem National Coordinator of the PBAT Door-2-Door Movement, had announced Tompolo as the group’s grand patron, saying they aim to gather 10 million votes for Tinubu in 2027.
Despite Jonathan’s disclosure of the discussion with Tompolo and the reason for their meeting, there are unconfirmed reports that he came to persuade Jonathan against contesting in 2027.
A source, who wished to remain anonymous, disclosed that a prominent Niger Delta activist recently spoke with the former president about the upcoming 2027 election.
During their conversation, the activist encouraged him not to heed the calls from those urging him to challenge President Tinubu in the election. Instead, he advised Jonathan to avoid running and to focus on being a respected elder statesman both within Nigeria and beyond.
…Says No More Hiding Place For Criminals
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, formally launched the Delta State Security Trust Fund and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous state through public-private partnership in security management.
The event, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, brought together captains of industries, security chiefs, community leaders, and top government officials, including the Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, who chaired the occasion; Zenith Bank Founder and Chairman, Mr. Jim Ovia, CON, who served as Special Guest of Honour; and the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo who served as Chief Launcher with a donation of N10 billion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said the Security Trust Fund established by law in 2013 was designed as a collaborative platform for mobilizing resources from the private sector to complement government’s investment in security.
He explained that the fund would focus on acquiring modern surveillance equipment, operational vehicles, and communication tools, as well as supporting the training and retraining of security personnel and community vigilante groups across the 25 local government areas of the state.
He said: “Security is not the sole responsibility of government, it is everyone’s business. Without adequate security, development cannot thrive, businesses cannot operate freely, and investors will be reluctant to commit their resources. This Trust Fund represents our shared commitment to peace, public safety, and sustainable growth.”
Governor Oborevwori said his administration rebranded Operation Delta Hawk as Operation Delta Sweep and as a joint task force involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence Corps.
While noting that the synergy among these agencies had yielded significant results, including the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition from criminal elements, he outlined the government’s broader strategy for tackling the root causes of insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and youth restiveness through empowerment programmes, agricultural initiatives, and massive infrastructure renewal that have created thousands of jobs.
“Peace and security are better sustained when all citizens, especially women and youths, have opportunities to participate in economic growth,” he said.
The Governor said 0.5 percent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is already allocated monthly to the Security Trust Fund, and appealed for sustained support from the private sector and individuals.
“Your contributions today are not just donations; they are investments in peace, stability, and economic prosperity,” he said, assuring that all funds would be transparently managed.
Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, described the launch as a defining moment in the state’s history and commended Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, which he said had transformed Delta into one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and progressive states. “Our Governor is both a driver and an enabler of progress,” he noted. “While others talk, he just gets it done,” he added.
Aig-Imoukhuede announced a personal donation of ₦100 million to the Fund on behalf of himself and his wife, Ofure, and expressed optimism that the initiative would mobilize up to ₦100 billion in 2025.
“This launch does not end today, it begins today. Together, we will continue to strengthen the foundation for Delta’s safety and growth,” he declared.
In his goodwill message, Mr. Jim Ovia commended the governor’s foresight and described the Security Trust Fund as a bold and forward-looking initiative.
He reaffirmed Zenith Bank’s partnership with the state and pledged continued support for its developmental efforts. “Security is the foundation of peace, prosperity, and business growth. This Fund brings together stakeholders to build a safer and more stable environment for citizens and investors alike,” Ovia said.
Also speaking, Chief Keston Pondi, who spoke on behalf of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, lauded the governor for institutionalizing a framework that enables coordinated private-sector participation in tackling security challenges.
He said: “What we are launching today goes beyond a financial contribution, it is a strategic investment in peace, progress, and the protection of lives and property,” pledging Tantita’s full support for the initiative with a princely donation of N10 billion.
In his keynote address, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Marvel Akpoyibo, emphasized that development and security were inseparable and must go hand in hand.
He commended the ongoing transformation of road networks in Delta State, describing it as a major contributor to safety and connectivity. Akpoyibo called for increased investment in technology, training, and collaboration among security stakeholders, stressing that true security could only be achieved through shared responsibility.
Earlier, Executive Secretary of the Delta State Security Trust Fund, Mr Samuel Osasa, said the launch was aimed at reinvigorating the fund to meet emerging security needs.
He disclosed that the Trust Fund had, over the years, provided vehicles, equipment, and support to security agencies, including the recent installation of modern facilities for the State Police Command to enhance implementation of the Delta State Criminal Justice Law 2022.
He appealed to corporate organizations, private institutions, and individuals to partner with the State Security Trust Fund through generous donations, assuring that all contributions would be judiciously utilized in accordance with the law.
The event featured goodwill messages, pledges of financial support from public and private entities, and renewed calls for collaboration toward ensuring lasting peace and security across Delta State.
…Says Project Symbolises Renewed Hope Partnership
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday, performed the groundbreaking for the reconstruction of the Warri–Sapele–Benin Dual Carriageway in Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas, declaring the project a symbol of renewed collaboration between the Federal and State Governments for the benefit of Nigerians.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said the project represented “another major step forward in the infrastructure renewal drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Delta State Government.”
He described the Warri–Sapele–Benin Road as a critical national infrastructure connecting major cities across the South-South and providing access to Edo and other parts of the federation.
“The section we are flagging off “covers a dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement, expanded shoulders, and extensive stormwater drainage systems, all designed to provide durability and ensure the safety of road users.”
Governor Oborevwori noted that the initiative underscored the gains of synergy between the two tiers of government, emphasizing that development becomes faster when governments work together in the interest of the people.
“Although this road is a federal route, the users are Deltans and Nigerians, and their safety and comfort are what matter most to us,” he said.
The governor further disclosed that the Delta State Government had paid ₦10 billion in compensation to facilitate the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge access road project, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity between Asaba, Onitsha, and adjoining communities.
He lamented the hardship long suffered by commuters and transporters on the Warri–Sapele–Benin route due to its deplorable condition, noting that the reconstruction would enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and spur economic growth.
He said: “Beyond these economic benefits, the project will also strengthen security. Criminals often exploit bad roads to commit crimes. Once completed, this highway will make movement safer and improve the response of security agencies.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Delta one of the safest states in Nigeria through strategic investments in infrastructure, peace, and security.
He also promised that the requests of the people of Uvwie Kingdom partaining the Mother and Child Hospital and provision of 500KVA transformer, would be looked into.
“At over sixty years of age, I am not here for personal gain but to leave lasting legacies that generations will remember me for. By the time I leave office, I want Deltans to proudly say, ‘Oborevwori did this, Oborevwori did that,’” he said before officially flagging off the project from Effurun Roundabout by spare parts market to after Ohore, before Ometan Bridge.
Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the project is the brainchild of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori whom he described as a visionary leader determined to transform Delta’s infrastructure landscape.
“This 10km project stretches five kilometres on each side and features an 8.8-metre-wide carriageway on both lanes, far beyond the standard 7.3 metres,” Izeze said, praising the governor’s foresight and commitment.
He said the project would be completed within 12 months, adding that the state would celebrate another landmark achievement that would enhance trade, transportation, and community life.
General Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Engr. Thomas Feng, thanked Governor Oborevwori for the confidence reposed in the firm, promising to deliver the project in record time and to the highest standards.
“Today’s ceremony marks the beginning of a renewed era of infrastructure that will promote safer travel, stronger connectivity, and lasting economic growth for the people of Delta State,” Feng said.
Earlier, Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Chief Anthony Ofoni, flanked by his Okpe Local Government Council counterpart, commended the governor for his people-centred leadership and announced that the Airport Road in Effurun would be named as “Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori Way” in recognition of his vision and enduring legacy.
Also speaking, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Chairman of the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers, lauded the governor’s administration for prioritizing key infrastructure projects in Uvwie and across the state.
He noted that ongoing works such as the three flyovers and road expansions in Effurun and Warri had transformed the urban landscape and accelerated economic activities.
Representative of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Okakuro Mike Afe, joined in commending the governor for his developmental strides, praying for his successful completion of an eight-year tenure to consolidate the gains of the MORE Agenda.
The event attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and captains of industries, all of whom hailed the project as a beacon of renewed hope for the people of Delta and beyond.
The Founder and President of Atiba University Oyo, James Adesokan Ojebode, PhD, ALA(CSN) JP has expressed deep concern over reports that some Federal universities have allegedly refused to accept the recently released National Examinations Council (NECO) results from admission seekers.
In a statement issued in Oyo, Ojebode described the development as “unjust, discriminatory, and inconsistent with Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education.” He lamented that many candidates who initially applied with Awaiting Results were later denied admission after NECO released their results — a situation he termed “a denial of the fundamental right to education and a reflection of administrative insensitivity.”
Ojebode therefore called on the Federal Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and NECO to urgently intervene and ensure that all affected universities reopen their admission portals to allow candidates upload their results. He noted that “education must remain a tool for empowerment, not exclusion.”
He further emphasized that proper coordination among examination and admission bodies is crucial to maintaining the credibility of NECO, the integrity of Nigeria’s admission process, and the public’s confidence in the education system.
Atiba University Oyo
7th October, 2025.
Prophet Boris Jedidiah, a prominent cleric from Cameroon, has made a significant announcement regarding the upcoming 2027 presidential election in Nigeria.
He claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory is assured by divine intervention.
In a video that has gained widespread attention on his YouTube channel, the prophet asserted that he received a revelation from God indicating that no political opposition would be able to prevent Tinubu’s re-election. This statement has stirred considerable interest and discussion in political circles.
According to Jedidiah, “During the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, a governor who is presently governing a state of Nigeria is going to stand as a presidential candidate. But The Lord said to me that this governor is not going to become the president of Nigeria. His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, is going to be declared the president of Nigeria during the 2027 Nigerian presidential election.”
He further emphasized that any Nigerian governor or politician who rises against President Tinubu’s mandate would be acting against God’s divine purpose for the nation.
The prophecy has since attracted wide reactions on social media, with supporters of the president welcoming the message, while others questioned the growing trend of foreign clerics predicting Nigeria’s political future.
Nigeria’s next general elections, which will include the presidential and National Assembly polls, are scheduled for 2027.
The Delta State Executive Council (EXCO), Thursday approved key fiscal documents setting the stage for the preparation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, alongside the construction of 10 new residential quarters for Judges across the state.
The State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the end of the EXCO meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, in Asaba.
Ekedayen said the Council considered and approved the economic fiscal update, fiscal policy strategy, and the budget policy statement, critical documents required by law and fundamental to the preparation of the 2026 budget.
He explained that; “before the commencement of any budget process, there must be a set of assumptions, and it is those assumptions that the Executive Council considered and approved today.
“The document will now be transmitted to the State House of Assembly for the enactment of the necessary laws to enable us commence the actual budget preparation.”
According to him, the assumptions for the 2026 fiscal year are aligned with national parameters agreed upon by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to ensure uniformity across states.
“This uniform basis will make it easier to integrate the budgets of sub-national governments into a national framework,” Ekedayen said.
He listed the key macroeconomic assumptions as follows: – Oil production: 1.7 million barrels per day; exchange rate: ₦1,500 to $1; GDP growth rate: 3.4%; Inflation rate: 23%.
He said these figures would guide the State’s Ministry of Economic Planning in designing the 2026 budget, which will subsequently pass through EXCO approval before being presented to the State House of Assembly.
“Today’s approval signals the beginning of the new budget season for Delta State,” he added.
Also briefing journalists, the State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Godknows Angele, said EXCO approved the construction of 10 new judges’ quarters in Asaba, Warri, and Osubi as part of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of the judiciary.
“His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, believes in balancing all arms of government — the executive, legislature, and judiciary,” Angele said.
Angele said: “We already have commissioners’ and legislative quarters in Asaba. It was therefore necessary to provide befitting accommodation for our Judges.”
He explained that the project, approved as the first phase, will feature four-bedroom duplexes for 10 judges, five in Asaba and five in Warri/Osubi and designed for comfort and security within designated judicial residential clusters.
“This is a new construction and not renovation. It is part of our administration’s effort to ensure the judiciary functions in a conducive and secure environment,” Angele added.
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