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“Why I Banned Rice Imports” – Obasanjo Opens Up.

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed Nigeria’s continued reliance on imported rice to the 1979 decision by a civilian government to reverse the ban his administration had imposed.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Obasanjo, who served as military Head of State before handing over to President Shehu Shagari in 1979, spoke on Thursday in Abuja at an international memorial lecture marking 50 years since the assassination of former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed.

He stated that by the time his government was preparing to leave office in July 1979, Nigeria was close to achieving self-sufficiency in rice production. According to him, a report on the state of cultivation at the time indicated the country would meet its needs that year. Based on those findings, his administration banned rice importation shortly before the transition to civilian rule in October 1979.

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However, Obasanjo claimed that one of the first actions of the incoming civilian administration was to lift the ban in order to distribute import licences to political allies.

He recounted what he described as a case of misconduct involving a politically connected importer who allegedly asked American suppliers to inflate a rice contract by $5 million. The supplier reportedly complied to secure the deal, after which the importer sought a $2.5 million share of the added amount but received only $1 million. Obasanjo said the incident was later brought to the attention of Nigerian officials abroad, leaving the country embarrassed.

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The former leader argued that the reversal of the rice import ban marked a turning point from which Nigeria has yet to recover, saying it is one reason the country continues to depend on imported rice decades later.

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Tension In UK As Nigerians Push For INEC Chairman’s Removal Ahead Of 2027.

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A group of Nigerians has staged a protest at the United Kingdom Parliament, calling for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the parliamentary complex, expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the electoral body in Nigeria and demanding immediate action.

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They insisted that the INEC chairman should be removed, alleging concerns over credibility and trust in the electoral process as the country prepares for the next election cycle.

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The protest drew attention from passersby and security personnel, as the group maintained their position that electoral reforms and leadership changes were necessary to restore public confidence.

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“My Nightclubs Are The Least Of What I Do” — Sir Uyi Fires Back At Critics.

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Sir Uyi has responded strongly to critics of his involvement in nightclub businesses, insisting that such ventures represent only a small part of his wider activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a firm reaction to recent criticism linked to Vaniti, he stated that people are focusing too much on his nightlife businesses while ignoring other aspects of his work and achievements.

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He stressed that his nightclub operations do not define his entire identity or professional portfolio, adding that he is involved in several other ventures beyond entertainment and hospitality.

According to him, the criticism reflects a narrow perception of what he does, and he believes his broader contributions are being overlooked.

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Sir Uyi maintained that he remains focused on his various commitments despite public scrutiny surrounding his nightlife business interests.

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Shock In Benue As Police Nab Seven Over Abduction Of JAMB Candidates.

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The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The victims, which included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been successfully rescued.

Speaking while briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue operation was achieved through coordinated efforts of multiple security agencies.

He explained that five of the abducted passengers were first released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning without injuries.

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According to him, the combined pressure from security forces, supported by the state government and the Inspector-General of Police, led to the successful outcome of the operation.

Emenari further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, adding that seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incident, with some victims already identifying them.

He also noted that clearance operations have begun across forest areas in the state to flush out criminal groups, in line with directives from security authorities.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, while receiving the rescued passengers, expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 victims.

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He confirmed that among those rescued were eight candidates on their way to write examinations, and called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the affected exams for them.

The governor assured that the state government remains committed to supporting the victims and strengthening security across Benue State, while also urging residents to provide credible information to security agencies.

He further directed the state health authorities to conduct medical evaluations for all rescued persons and promised government support for those affected.

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