FG promises to Construct 600 Power Dams before 2019

Published

8 years ago

December 13, 2016

Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday declared

that his administration would construct additional

400 dams to boost irrigation across the country

before the expiration of his term in 2019.

He also revealed that Nigeria’s population doubles

itself every 25 years, stressing that this was why

the government had decided to focus on revamping

agriculture and solid mineral sectors.

Buhari disclosed this to delegates from Africa and

other continents at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the

Food Crisis Prevention Network which was held in

Abuja.

The President said the government had started

implementing measures to expand the production of

grains and other agricultural produce in Nigeria,

adding that the country would start experiencing

three harvesting seasons when more dams become

operational in the next two years.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of

Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu

Ogbeh, said, “We can no longer rely on rainfall, we

have to create more dams, water reservoirs and

insist on harvesting food at least three times in a

year.

“I am happy to tell you that that programme is

being designed and in the next two and half years

we shall add to the existing 200 dams at least

another 400 dams across the country to encourage

irrigation on a large scale.”

On Nigeria’s increasing population, he said the

number of citizens across the country might hit 500

million by 2050 and that there was the need to plan

how to feed the nation when its population gets to

that level.

Buhari said, “We are not unmindful of our huge

population here, hence the need to urgently ensure

that the agricultural sector is revitalised as soon as

possible. Our population here doubles every 25

years. Estimates are that by 2050 Nigeria will be in

the region of 450 to 500 million persons, making

us the third most populated country on planet earth

coming after China and India.

“The question, therefore is, how do you feed 500

million people with hoes and cutlasses as their

tools for agricultural development? However, we are

proud to say that we are currently achieving a lot.

This year, the harvest of grains in Nigeria has been

absolutely exceptional as other African countries

have been coming here in search of grains.”

The President noted that the poor handling of

agriculture by government had contributed to the

depletion of the country’s foreign reserves, as

Nigeria spends $22bn annually on food imports.

“Our failure to restore agriculture in the face of

crisis in the North-East has increased the

percentage of food imports and caused a severe

reduction in our foreign reserves. Africa is said to

spend $35bn annually on importing food. Of that

amount Nigeria accounts for $22bn and there is no

need for this, because presently Africa has no

excuse of not being able to feed itself,” he added.

This, he said, had warranted a renewed focus by the

present government to revamp agriculture and solid

minerals development, to revive the economy and

make it an export-driven one capable of sustaining

prosperity for the masses.

Buhari added that it was high time African countries

stopped the importation of harmful foods from other

continents as most of these items were toxic and

cause health challenges based on findings by an

agency in Nigeria.

He said, “Our National Agency for Food Drug

Administration and Control have had reason to

analyse certain products not originating in West

Africa but imported into West Africa and then into

Nigeria to be of extremely harmful effect in the diet

of our people. Too many of our people are dying of

new diseases as a result of this.

“We are therefore making an appeal to all of us in

the sub region to do what we can to make sure that

nothing harmful comes in through our borders.”

The President also urged African countries to

change the method of cattle breeding on the

continent, as he stated that there was need to stop

the roaming of cattle in order to forestall conflicts

between herdsmen and farmers.

source : Punch newspaper.

Dele Farotimi Breaks Silence After Release From Detention

Published

2 days ago

December 25, 2024

Reporter

Dele Farotimi breaks silence after release from detention | fab.ng

Activist lawyer and author Dele Farotimi maintained his stance against Senior Advocate of Nigeria Afe Babalola during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, following his release from detention.

Farotimi addressed reporters to restate his previous allegations against the prominent legal figure.

“I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know. The truth is enough—it is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria.”

Welcome back, Comrade @DeleFarotimi. pic.twitter.com/TYV6e7bnwK

— Inibehe Effiong (@InibeheEffiong) December 24, 2024

The Ekiti State Correctional Centre detained Farotimi after defamation allegations emerged against him.

His book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System” contains specific allegations of unethical conduct against Babalola, claims which Farotimi continues to defend as accurate.

The author stands by the investigative findings detailed in his publication despite the legal challenges he has faced.

“I understand the challenges that come with fighting entrenched powers, but I remain steadfast in my commitment to the truth,” he added.

An Ado-Ekiti magistrate court released Farotimi on December 20 after he met multiple bail conditions.

These conditions included posting a ₦30 million bond, securing two sureties with one being a property owner, and surrendering his passport. The court also restricted Farotimi, barring him from giving interviews to the media.

The case has ignited widespread discussions within Nigeria’s legal community regarding press freedom and institutional influence in the justice system.

Legal experts and civil rights advocates now await the forthcoming court proceedings, which will examine the merits of both the defamation claims and Farotimi’s defence.

Check out more news updates here.

MOVIES

Funke Akindele’s “Everybody Loves Jenifa” Rakes Box Office With ₦511 Million In Just 12 Days

Published

3 days ago

December 24, 2024

Reporter

Everybody Loves Jenifa rakes box office with ₦511 million | fab.ng

Funke Akindele’s comedy film “Everybody Loves Jenifa” has shattered Nigerian box office records by earning ₦511 million within just 12 days of its release.

FilmOne, the film’s distributor, revealed that this remarkable achievement makes it both the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2024. It is also the fastest Nigerian movie to reach the ₦500 million milestone.

“History Made! Everybody Loves Jenifa smashes records with ₦511M at the box office, becoming 2024’s highest-grossing Nollywood title and the fastest to hit ₦500M in just 12 days! Don’t stop! Let’s smash the record books. Watch Everybody Loves Jenifa in cinemas near you,” the post said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FilmOne Entertainment (@filmoneng)

“Everybody Loves Jenifa” achieved unprecedented success by generating ₦206 million during its opening weekend. It established a new record for the highest-grossing opening weekend in Nollywood history.

The film demonstrated its immediate appeal by earning ₦87.8 million on its first day. This set another record for the highest single-day earnings in Nigerian cinema.

Funke Akindele masterfully reprised her beloved Jenifa character, delivering a performance that perfectly captured the character’s signature humour and charm.

The narrative follows Jenifa through an engaging storyline filled with personal growth, fame-related challenges, and comedic situations that resonated deeply with audiences across Nigerian theatres.

Akindele’s marketing strategy proved exceptionally effective. Moreso, she implemented comprehensive social media campaigns and made strategic appearances at various cinemas to connect with viewers.

Her promotional efforts transformed the film’s release into a cultural phenomenon that extended beyond traditional movie-watching.

The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Falz, Omotunde ‘Lolo’ Adebowale-David, Olayode Juliana, Chimezie Imo, Layi Wasabi, Bisola Aiyeola, Jackie Appiah, and Omowunmi Dada.

These actors collectively bring depth to this comedy-drama that successfully weaves together humorous moments, emotional depth, and surprising plot developments.

Check out more movie updates here.

MUSIC

Tems Debut Album Ranks #2 On Billboard’s R&B List Of 2024

Published

1 week ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

Tems debut album hits #2 on Billboard's R&B list of 2024 | fab.ng

Tems’ Global Impact: A Billboard Recognition

Tems, a global music sensation, has solidified her position as one of Africa’s most successful artists, with her album captivating millions of fans worldwide and garnering numerous prestigious awards.

In a recent testament to her talent, her debut album secured the second spot on Billboard’s list of the best R&B albums of 2025.

This remarkable achievement places Tems alongside renowned artists such as Chris Brown, PartyNextDoor, Muni Long, and Bryson Tiller.

Furthermore, Billboard has praised Tems’ music for transcending the boundaries of Afrobeats, resonating with audiences across the globe.

“The Nigerian star finds her footing in the global spotlight and stands firmly in her purpose on her dazzling debut album Born in the Wild.

“She opens up about surviving her mental wilderness and learning to thrive in it on the opening acoustic ballad that shares the album’s title.

“And on the mid-tempo standout “Burning,” Tems confronts the trappings of her newfound stardom but finds comfort in the collective struggle. As someone who’s studied Céline Dion, Destiny’s Child, and Mariah Carey and dreamt of making soul-stirring songs that send people into their feelings, Tems succeeded with aplomb.

“Born in the Wild became her highest-charting project on Top R&B Albums (reaching No. 5) and marked her career-first entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 56.

“And while Born in the Wild and “Love Me JeJe” earned Tems 2025 Grammy nominations for Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance, respectively, her best R&B song nod for “Burning” further reinforced the rich diversity of her music– and the notion that African artists like Tems cannot be bound to the catchall “Afrobeats” term, as their music has traveled well past the borders of the continent. – H.M.”

Tems’ debut album, “Born In The Wild,” received critical acclaim in the United States.

Indeed, the album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album.

Additionally, her single “Burning” broke records by securing a nomination for Best R&B Song. Meanwhile, “Love Me Jeje” received a nomination for Best African Music Performance.

Check out more music updates here.