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Lagos Demolition: ASATU Prime Minister Metchie offers land in Umueri for International market

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The Prime Minister of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Dr. John Metchie, has revealed that a huge stretch of land is available in Umueri community, Anambra East Local Government, for Igbo traders and other businesses to build an international market of global standard.

Metchie who is also the President-General of Umueri General Assembly, stated this while reacting to the ongoing demolitions of structures in some parts of Lagos State which has affected many traders from South East.

The demolition which has so far affected areas like Lekki, Alaba Market, Ajao Estate, Abule Egba, Ladipo Market and others, has raised serious controversy with Ohaneze Ndigbo and other socio-economic groups calling for human-faced approach to such exercise in view of the harsh effect it is having on traders and other businesses of people of South East living in the state.

But the Lagos State government, through the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in the state, Tokunbo Wahab, has said that the demolitions are targeting only illegal structures built without approvals, adding that the move was aimed at restoring sanity.

in a statement Friday, which he personally signed, Chief John Metchie who is also the African Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA), said it was difficult at the moment to determine whether or not the demolitions were deliberately targeted at Igbo traders as some of the victims claimed, in view of the state government’s position only illegal structures are being affected.

Metchie said that the only available and long-term solution to the recurrent ugly occurrence of demolitions in Lagos, is for Igbo traders and those engaged in other businesses, to take advantage of the situation to begin investment at home, adding that Umueri, which he said already has an international cargo and passenger airport, provides the best destination for investment.

“What is happening in Lagos, in terms of demolition of properties belonging to, or housing businesses, owned mainly by Igbo traders is very unfortunate and worrisome.

“But when you look at it from the claims and counter-claims, you would see that it is difficult at this point to draw conclusion. This is because, while the affected traders say that the demolition was deliberately targeted at them and their businesses because they are Igbo, the state government is brandishing documents, claiming that only illegally built structures were being removed, in order to restore sanity.

“Therefore, the only window we have at the moment is to advice the state government to trade with caution in carrying out the exercise. This is because it is wrong to bring down the means of livelihood of people without providing them alternatives.

“Again, whether the structures were built illegally or not, it is still officials of government that signed the allocations, maybe after collecting underhand inducements.

“To that effect, Lagos, as a responsible government, should consider paying compensations to the affected traders and other businesses, to reduce the hardship caused by the demolitions.”

He said that the long term and permanent solution to the issue is, looking back home.

“This is therefore a call to Igbo traders and other businesses in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria and the world to look back and think home.

“No matter what you have abroad, you are still a stranger there. While we believe and propagate one united Nigeria, it is good to invest at home or close to home. In Umueri, we have large expanse of land that can accommodate an international market. Already Umueri boasts of an International Cargo and Passenger airport. Our roads are good. We have social amenities including a General Hospital with standard facilities, among others.

“This large of expanse of land is available for business men and women from the entire five south east states and other parts of Nigeria to build an international market of global standard and our people are ready to go.

“In addition, with the developmental strides of our Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, which is transforming every part of Anambra State with unprecedented speed, Anambra State and especially Umueri, is the best destination for those looking for where to reap hugely on their investments,” Chief Metchie stated.

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“My husband is dying,” El Rufai’s wife raises the alarm

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Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai is currently facing challenges in detention, and constantly bleeding from both his nose and mouth, indicating serious health issues.

In a public statement to mark El Rufai’s “150th Day in incarceration,” one of his wives, Aisa, made the claims and appealed to the international community to intervene over what she described as her husband’s prolonged detention and alleged denial of due process.

She argued that the former governor’s continued incarceration amounted to “punishment before trial” and posed a threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Aisha also called on foreign governments, multilateral organisations and international human rights groups to closely monitor the legal proceedings involving her husband.

However, many people have taken to the social media to ask Aisa where she was when her husband, as governor of Kaduna State, was persecuting thousands of citizens, especially Christians from Southern Kaduna.

So others have wondered where Aisa was when her husband, then governor of Kaduna State threatened foreign elections observers that they would be taken back to their countries if they try to interfere in Nigeria’s electoral process.

 

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NiMet concludes 10-Day climate risk management training for agric professionals

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The 10-Day train-the-trainer workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE) organized by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has come to a successful end.

The training workshop was organized by NiMet, in collaboration with some partners, including International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Sasakawa Africa Association, and others.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General/CEO of NiMet, described agricultural extension officers as the critical link between climate services and farmers, noting that they translate weather and climate information into practical guidance on planting dates, crop selection, and water management.

He said the training reflects the collective commitment of NiMet and its partners to ensuring that climate information is accessible, understandable, and useful to farmers across Nigeria.

Professor Anosike noted that the Nigeria-adapted Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum will strengthen the capacity of extension personnel to deliver climate-informed advisory services. Citing evidence that effective, localized extension services can increase agricultural productivity by 20–30 percent while reducing vulnerability to climate shocks, he urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained through extension networks, farmer groups, cooperatives, and rural communities.

He stressed that the programme’s success would ultimately be measured by improved farmer livelihoods, stronger climate resilience, and enhanced national food security.

The NiMet boss also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to institutionalizing and promoting the widespread adoption of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum as part of the Agency’s efforts to strengthen climate services for agriculture and contribute to national food security.

In a closing remark on behalf of the AGRA Country Director, Dr. Esther Ibrahim described climate risk management as an essential component of modern agricultural extension. She encouraged participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to provide farmers with timely, reliable, and actionable climate information that supports informed decision-making and resilient agricultural production.

Others at the event include Mr. Pierre Sibiry, ILRI Representative; Dr. Jim Hansen, Resource Person; Dr. Godwin Atser, Country Director, Sasakawa Africa Association; and Dr. Victoria Pillah of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The workshop concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, who are expected to cascade the training across extension networks and farming communities, helping to bridge the gap between climate science and farm-level decision-making while improving farmers’

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Ex-President Jonathan expresses sadness over death of Amaechi’s mother

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Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, a former Nigerian president, has expressed sadness over the passing of Dame Ezinne Mary Amaechi, mother of former Governor of Rivers State and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice presidential candidate, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Jonathan expressed his feelings Saturday, in a condolence message signed by media aide, Ikechukwu Exe and sent to Nationwide Reports.

The former president his expressed his  sympathies to Amaechi, the entire Amaechi family, and all those mourning the late matriarch.

He described the death of a mother as a profound loss, noting that although death is inevitable, the enduring legacy of a life dedicated to faith, family and service continues to inspire and comfort those left behind.

Dr. Jonathan observed that the late Mrs. Amaechi’s profile reflected a life of exemplary devotion to God, family and community. He noted that her reputation as “a woman of faith, compassion and quiet strength, as well as her commitment to promoting peace, unity and service, earned her the admiration and respect of all who knew her.”

He prayed that God Almighty would grant Rt. Hon. Amaechi and the entire family the strength, comfort and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while urging them to “draw solace from the cherished memories of her exemplary life and the enduring values she imparted to her family and community.”

The former President also prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed matriarch.

 

 

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