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Peter Obi Calls for Agricultural Investment to Tackle Africa’s Food and Human Insecurity
At the Africa Food Systems Forum 2024 held in Kigali, Rwanda, former Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi delivered a powerful message on the urgent need to address food insecurity across the continent.
Speaking as one of the panellists, Obi underscored the intrinsic link between food insecurity and human insecurity in Africa, using Nigeria as a case study.
In his address, Obi stressed that solving food insecurity is not just about addressing hunger, but also about creating massive job opportunities, particularly for the continent’s growing youth population.
He pointed out that investing in agriculture and food-related productivity could pave the way for general security in countries like Nigeria, where food shortages and unemployment are major concerns.
“By reducing reliance on food imports, Nigeria can ease the strain on its currency, stabilize exchange rates, and curb inflation caused by high food costs,” Obi noted.
To highlight Africa’s untapped agricultural potential, Obi compared Nigeria’s rice production with that of Bangladesh.
While Bangladesh, with a landmass six times smaller than Nigeria, produces 35-40 million tons of rice annually, Nigeria only produces 3-4 million tons—roughly 10% of Bangladesh’s output.
This disparity, according to Obi, reflects a broader challenge across Africa that can be tackled through targeted investments.
“Food insecurity, if addressed properly, can catalyze enhancing human security and driving overall development,” he said, calling for a holistic approach that includes sustainable agricultural practices and value-chain improvements.
Obi concluded by reaffirming that a food-secure Africa is central to achieving prosperity and stability.
He urged leaders and stakeholders to prioritize food systems as a means to empower communities, boost economic growth, and build a more secure and self-sufficient Africa.
News
Police Arrest Suspected Child Trafficker in Imo, Rescue Three Stolen Children
The Imo State Police Command’s Quick Intervention Team has arrested a suspected child trafficker, Mrs. Chinelo Onwuasonya, 36, and rescued three abducted children.
Onwuasonya, described as a notorious figure in child trafficking, was apprehended on Wednesday at Amajeke Park, Owerri, with the children she allegedly abducted from different locations in the state.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, praised the operation, stating that the children—Chinecherem Eze (3), Delight Eze (1), and Okeke Favour (3)—have been reunited with their families.
“This success highlights our commitment to protecting children and combating trafficking. We urge the public to report any suspicious activities,” Danjuma said, reaffirming the command’s dedication to eradicating child trafficking in Imo State.
News
Florida Mother Arrested for Allegedly Drowning 14-Year-Old Daughter
A 14-year-old girl, Giselle Glover, tragically lost her life after her mother, Kelsey Glover, 35, allegedly held her head underwater in a bathtub.
Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez stated that deputies responded to an “armed disturbance” at the Poinciana home on Wednesday, November 20. Upon arrival, officers found Glover attempting to attack witnesses with a hammer after the incident.
Despite attempts to save Giselle, she was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the hospital. Witnesses reported that they tried to intervene but were unsuccessful in stopping the attack.
Glover, who is being held without bail, faces charges of aggravated assault and battery, with additional charges pending. Authorities are investigating her motives, as she has been uncooperative so far.
Officials confirmed a prior domestic issue involving Glover, where she allegedly attacked her daughter’s father.
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IPOB Disowns Simon Ekpa Due to His Arrest And Calls for Focus on Biafra Struggle
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have urged their members to stay focused on their mission to achieve an independent Biafran state and remain calm amidst the arrest of Simon Ekpa, who describes himself as the Prime Minister of Biafra in Exile.
In a strong condemnation of Ekpa’s actions, IPOB emphasized that every crime has its consequences.
Emma Powerful, the group’s spokesperson, clarified that Simon Ekpa is not, and has never been, a member of IPOB. He accused Ekpa of using violence to destabilize the South-East region since 2021.
In a detailed statement, Powerful said, “Simon Ekpa has no affiliation with the global IPOB family or its leadership.
Despite false narratives claiming otherwise, he has never been registered as a member in Finland or any other part of the world.”
Powerful reiterated that IPOB, under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, has consistently pursued a peaceful path toward achieving Biafra’s independence.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu founded IPOB as a non-violent movement dedicated to self-determination through a United Nations-supervised referendum.
Despite repeated provocations and violent crackdowns by the Nigerian government, we have remained steadfast in our peaceful approach for over two decades,” he explained.
Ekpa, however, has been accused of exploiting the Biafran cause for personal gain.
“Many innocent Biafrans, driven by their passion for the Biafran struggle, initially believed in Simon Ekpa’s rhetoric.
Unfortunately, they later realized he was a destructive force, funded to undermine IPOB’s efforts.
He has recruited violent criminals under the guise of fighting for Biafra and formed the so-called Biafra Liberation Army, which has carried out atrocities in the Eastern region,” Powerful added.
Ekpa, who leads the self-proclaimed Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE), has been linked to violent activities that have harmed civilians.
Powerful accused both the Nigerian and Finnish governments of protecting Ekpa from accountability for his alleged crimes. Despite this, IPOB expressed confidence that justice would prevail.
The statement ended with a call for unity and focus: “We urge all IPOB members, Biafrans, and supporters of our cause to remain calm.
Our objective remains the same—to restore Biafra’s sovereignty through peaceful means.
No amount of sabotage can deter us from this goal.”
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