In a bid to tackle the issue of food insecurity and the soaring prices of essential commodities, a high-profile closed-door meeting took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
According to Vanguard, the gathering, spearheaded by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, brought together key figures, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and several ministers.
Commencing at approximately 05:30 pm, the meeting drew the participation of significant stakeholders, including the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardoso, and the Ministers of Education, Finance, Budget and National Planning, Agriculture, and State for Agriculture.
Notably, the agenda of the meeting remained undisclosed to the public, yet sources close to the presidency revealed its focus on addressing food security concerns, particularly amidst the backdrop of unrest in certain states stemming from the rising costs of food items.
The convening of the Presidential Committee on Emergency Food Intervention, under the auspices of the Chief of Staff to the President, shows the gravity of the situation and the government’s proactive approach to mitigate its effects.
This initiative comes at a critical juncture marked by protests across various regions, highlighting the palpable anguish among citizens over the prevailing economic challenges.
Recent demonstrations, such as those witnessed in Minna, Niger State, where women barricaded major thoroughfares demanding urgent action to alleviate hunger, underscore the urgency of the matter.
Similarly, protests by aggrieved youths in Kano show the widespread frustration and discontent stemming from the harsh economic realities faced by many Nigerians.
While security forces attempted to disperse protesters in Minna, their efforts were met with resistance, signaling the depth of public discontent and the pressing need for effective interventions.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano assured demonstrators of relaying their grievances to the President, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the imperative for swift action…CONTINUE READING>>
