Groundnut farming going into extinction in Benue

Many years ago, groundnut was produced in commercial quantity in Benue State but the situation is no longer the same in recent times. Cultivation of the crop has gradually dropped. Farmers fear that groundnut production may soon stop if government fails to take any measure to revive its production. A groundnut farmer, Saa Gbue, cultivates five hectares of groundnut each year but he gets far less than his expectation during harvest, reaping between 150 and 180 bags only. Gbue, the state’s chairman of the National Groundnut Producers, Processors and Marketing Association (NGPPMA), blames his losses on poor yielding seed variety, lack of modern equipment and inability to control diseases affecting the crop. He laments that there are hardly any incentives to groundnut farmers in the state to boost their production, stressing that the present state government fails to recognise its importance. He said: “Even when we were using local implements to farm groundnut, at least, fertiliser was readily available for us to apply to get moderate harvest. But now, we have no implements or fertiliser. The biggest problem militating against the successful production of the crop is non-availability of good seedlings.” Another farmer in Oju Local Government Area of the state, Genesis Odey, says that the challenges affecting the production of the crop are enormous, listing the inability of the farmers to access good seedlings and control of groundnut disease as crucial problems. The disease, Odey says, results in poor harvest and affects value chain of the crop, pointing out that a hectare of farmland which is supposed to produce between 30 and 35 bags now produces only seven bags after harvest. To overcome the challenges, Gbue urges the government to revive groundnut production in the state and, by so doing, rekindle the lost hope of farmers. The disease, says Gbue, changes the colour of the crop’s seed, and makes it bitter and rotten soon after harvest, thus, reducing its market value and decreasing profit margin for the owner. He expressed confidence that if the federal government’s initiative to introduce science-based innovations to revive the groundnut industry in Nigeria is successful, it would rapidly increase production of export quantity in places such as Kwande, Konshisha, Ukum, Oju and Obi local government areas of the state, notable for producing the crop in commercial quantity. Meanwhile, the Benue State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Comrade Aondona Kuhe, has attributed the drop in production partially to climate changes and mainly due to lack of incentives to farmers.

Stop stigmatizing women with infertility problem – Aisha Buhari

The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has expressed dismay over the level of stigmatization faced by women living with infertility in Nigeria. Mrs Buhari made the remark on Wednesday in Abuja at an event organised MERCK Pharmaceutical Company in partnership with her pet project “Future Assured’ Initiative.” She said that the ways to address the problem was through increased awareness and empowering women with infertility problem. Mrs Buhari, who was represented by Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the Vice President, said that there was a need to educate pregnant women to avoid maternal death. She said that female genital mutilation was another problem faced by expectant mothers. According to her, infertility in Africa is largely caused by preventable infections and expressed her determination to lead the campaign against stigmatization of persons living with infertility in Nigeria. She stressed the need for women to get access to healthcare facilities especially at the local level where cases infections are more prevalence. She said that women who were not infected require information more than medication. She stressed the need for government at all levels to acquire equipment needed to cater for patient mothers and pregnant women. “Financial assistance is key to empowering women with infertility to boost their economic activities” she said. The first lady assured the MERCK group of the cooperation of her pet project, “Future Assured Initiative’ to eradicate the stigma faced by women suffering from infertility.

Enugu police rescue kidnap victims, arrest three

An 84-year-old woman, Mrs. Roseline Odoh, and her daughter, Josephine Odoh, who were kidnapped at Ogbelle Ohullur in Udenu Local Council of Enugu State have been rescued by the police. Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, said that the duo, who were kidnapped last Friday were rescued from their captives at Orokam in Benue state. A statement by Amaraizu said the Odohs were kidnapped at their home in Ogbelle Ohullor by gun wielding kidnappers and taken to their destination. According to him, Police operatives on receiving the information, swung into action. They traced the kidnappers to their hideout, stressing that one of the suspected kidnappers, Nnabuike Ukwueze who received gunshot wounds, died in the hospital. Before his death however, Ukwueze, revealed the three other gang members, namely: Ernest Ikeani of Awgu, Sunday Asogwa of Ohullor Obolloafor Udenu Local Council and Nonso Nwude of Njikoka in Anambra State, who were promptly arrested by the police. Amaraizu said that a Renault car with Registration Number UWN991LN allegedly used by the hoodlums was recovered, adding that mother and daughter, who have been re-united with their family, were rescued unhurt.

Indian Business man Injects $15bn Into Nigerian Economy

President Muhammadu Buhari has welcomed the proposed investment of $5 billion in the economy by Indian business community.

Already, India had invested $10 billion in the economy. President Buhari also said Nigeria would continue to expand its relationship with India in the areas of health, education, agriculture, technology and trade. The President spoke while receiving the Indian Vice President, Mohammad Hamid Ansari, who visited the State House, Abuja, yesterday with a business delegation from his country. President Buhari said Nigeria had over the years, benefited from the cooperation of the Asian country in trade and investment, agriculture, technology and the fight against terrorism. He said Nigeria would emulate the Asian country’s agricultural model and capacity to feed its one billion population, and also export to other countries, describing the country as “sustainable and prosperous.” The President noted that Nigeria would continue to support the reform of the United Nations Security Council, pointing out that it was unfair on the rest of the world for five countries to exercise power of “yes or no” in the UN. In his remarks, the Indian Vice President said his country, which is the leading buyer of Nigeria’s crude oil, will increase its purchase of the commodity in addition to natural gas.

TENSION IN SOUTH – EAST OVER OCT 1 DEADLINE FOR SPEED LIMITERS

Anxiety pervades commercial fleet operators and commuters in the south-east geo-political zone over the October 1, commencement of enforcement on Speed Limiters by the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, on all commercial vehicles nationwide.

This is even as transporters and commuters in unison, accused FRSC of using the scheme to allegedly extort transporters, a situation they fear will paralyze free flow of movement in the region. They further lamented the cost of installation, wondering why it should come at a time when eighty percent of the populace can hardly afford a meal per day. From our survey at some commercial fleet operator’s depot showed that apart from Peace Mass Transit, PMT, and ABC Transport Company who recorded hundred percent compliance, other fleet operators had no plans of complying with the installation demand from FRSC. Further checks also revealed that there is apprehension as to how people will get to their various destinations given FRSC commitment to enforce the installation. Already, a battery of FRSC stop-and-check patrol team have been mounted at Ogui, Independence, New Haven axis of Enugu metropolis preparatory to October 1, enforcement.

WHERE IS JUMOKE ORISAGUNA?

THE BREAD SELLER WHO TURNED INTO A SUPER MODEL How a photobomb created a star.

It's a classic case of being in the right place at the right time. A young street seller oblivious to the scene ahead, her wares perched atop her head, photobombed a shoot and in that split second, her life changed forever. Jumoke Orisaguna is a mother of two who used to walk the streets of Lagos selling bread. Originally a hairstylist from Osun State, south west Nigeria, she was struggling to make ends meet, and left her husband and two children in their home town to become a street vendor in the economic capital. Working from 2:30pm to 11:00pm selling bread, Jumoke would make less than $20 each day --with a profit of around $1. The super top model and mother of two has been given a scholarship to complete her education, and a bank has offered to pay for schooling for her two children, aged five and one, until university age. The story of Jumoke Orisaguna. Is a phenomenal story. But where is Jumoke, the bread seller now a super-rich model.

GOtv introduces pay as you view bouquet.

Monthly subscription for GOtv Lite is N400

Gotv currently is the most affordable pay-tv bouquet in Nigeria. About a month ago, GOtv launched a new package called GOtv Lite, GOtv Lite targets existing subscribers, and gives those who opt-in access to over 20 channels. One interesting thing about the package is its alias, Small Pepper. The brand curators explain that they played on the use of ‘pepper’ as a slang for money. Small Pepper thus translating to small money, connoting the affordability of the package. So how affordable is Small Pepper? The monthly subscription for GOtv Lite is N400. Subscribers are also given the option to pay N1, 050 quarterly which works out to N350 a month or N3, 100 yearly. The annual subscription also gives subscribers a further discount as it works out to N258.33 for one month. I did a little comparative analysis to find out what one can buy with N258 in present day Nigeria, especially when one considers the current devaluation of the Naira, and here’s what I came up with – a loaf of bread, GSM airtime, a bar of bathing soap or a packet of detergent. At the end of the exercise, I realized that the pricing of GOtv Lite essentially places pay-tv in the category as basic necessities, or what economists classify as essential goods. This is worthy of note because pay-tv is a discretionary service. In economics, a discretionary consumer good is a non-essential item such as entertainment, a vacation or car. They are purchased with excess income after other essentials such as food and shelter have been taken care of. Value for money Some subscribers have questioned the channel selection, saying that they do not see the value of the package because it carries majorly local channels. They say they will rather watch free-to-air using an antenna. To them, GOtv Lite would be an option if Africa Magic, Zee World and Telemundo were added to the bouquet, but that is debatable. For those consumers, the first and very fundamental value they will be missing is the better picture and sound quality which GOtv offers. I was at the dry cleaner’s a few days ago and while waiting to be attended to, I was reminded of what watching on an analogue transmission feels like. The picture quality was deplorable although the TV was connected to an antenna booster. The TV was tuned to Wazobia TV (which is also available on GOtv) but the clarity of the pictures on analogue transmission cannot be compared to what you see on GOtv. For the first time since I became a pay-tv subscriber about four years ago, I appreciated the value which low-end services such as GOtv have added to the masses. Whilst still trying to come to terms with the poor picture quality on the TV, I saw a poster with a number requesting for suggestions on to how to improve service. I couldn’t hold back, so I sent a text advising the outlet to get on GOtv Lite – at least a N3100 annual subscription should be negligible to a Lagos-based dry-cleaning outfit. The second benefit of GOtv Lite are the international channels which have been strategically selected. And I say strategically because they target different viewing needs. There is JimJam which gives children access to cartoons. If you do not know anything about this channel, I believe you are familiar with Barney, one of the channel’s famous characters, which most children love. As Nigerian music takes center stage, subscribers can enjoy the best of home grown music and sounds from across Africa on Afro Music Pop. Al Jazeera gives access to international news. E.TV Africa is a general entertainment channel showcasing Nollywood movies, series, talk shows, sports and news. I particularly find the ‘Did You Know’ segment on this channel very informative and a good source of current affairs for children. Emmanuel TV, Faith, and Islam channel offer religious programming and SuperSport Blitz, needs no introduction. For women who are hooked on Nollywood and Bollywood series or telenovelas, they will find similar content on Galaxy TV, ONtv Max and TVC Entertainment. Given the current economic recession, I believe that the launch of GOtv is timely and I would recommend it to anyone who is feeling the bite of the harsh economy.