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Peter Obi Calls for Agricultural Investment to Tackle Africa’s Food and Human Insecurity

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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.

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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.

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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.


 

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“We warned Nigerians” – EFCC Says After CBEX Crash

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said many Nigerians ignored its repeated warnings about digital trading platforms like CBEX.

Speaking on Channels Television, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale explained that the Commission had made efforts to educate the public on the risks of such platforms long before the recent crash.

CBEX, an online trading company with links to China, reportedly collapsed on Monday, locking investors out of their funds and resulting in an estimated N1.3 trillion loss. Videos have since circulated showing victims expressing frustration and heartbreak over their lost savings.

Oyewale stressed that the EFCC had previously published a list of 58 suspicious investment companies, warning citizens to steer clear. He said this was part of their effort to prevent scams and protect the public.

He emphasized that CBEX never had any real, registered presence in Nigeria, despite claims of physical offices in places like Ibadan. He also noted that the company operated entirely online and lacked any legal ties to Nigeria.

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According to Oyewale, the Commission had done its part by creating awareness and alerting Nigerians to the risks. “The rest is for people to be cautious and protect their money,” he said.

He also pointed to the newly introduced Investment and Securities Act 2025, which now makes it a criminal offense to engage in digital trading without proper licenses and compliance with Nigerian law.


 

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Legal Group Files Lawsuit Against Trump Over Tariffs, Claims He Exceeded His Authority

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A legal advocacy group filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging US President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs on foreign trade partners. The group, Liberty Justice Center, argues that Trump exceeded his authority by imposing these tariffs and has asked the US Court of International Trade to block them.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of five small businesses, targets the tariffs Trump introduced on April 2, as well as the additional duties placed on China. These businesses include a wine and spirits importer from New York and a Virginia-based company making educational kits and musical instruments.

Liberty Justice Center senior counsel Jeffrey Schwab argued that only Congress, not the president, has the constitutional authority to set tax rates, including tariffs. He stated, “No one person should have the power to impose taxes with such far-reaching global consequences.”

In response, White House spokesman Harrison Fields defended Trump’s tariffs, saying they were necessary to address unfair trade practices, particularly with China. He claimed the president is standing up for American businesses and workers by correcting trade imbalances.

This lawsuit follows another similar legal challenge in Florida, where a small business owner is also seeking to block tariffs on Chinese goods.

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Trump’s tariffs include a 10% duty on goods from all countries, with higher rates for those with significant barriers to US imports. While some of the tariffs were paused for 90 days, the Liberty Justice Center argues that Trump’s use of special executive powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act doesn’t authorize such actions.


 

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Portable Sent to Prison in Ilorin After Failing to Meet Bail in Saheed Osupa Case

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Controversial singer Portable, whose real name is Okikiola Badmus, has been sent to the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State.

This followed his failure to meet the strict bail conditions set by an Upper Area Court, where he appeared on Monday over a defamation case filed by Fuji music legend Saheed Osupa.

The court granted him bail at N1 million with tough conditions. He is required to provide two sureties—one must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), while the other must own a property within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin and present a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

Until those conditions are met, Portable will remain in custody.


 

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