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Finance & Business

FOOD BLOCKADE: West and South Outraged Over Blockade of Food, Cattle Coming From North

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4 years ago

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North Diverts Foodstuffs, cows coming to South to neighbouring countries

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, its South-East counterpart, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, among others, yesterday, condemned stoppage of the supply of foodstuffs and cattle to the south from the north by the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuffs and cattle Dealers of Nigeria.

But Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, advised the Federal Government to address the complaints of the union which had called for payment of compensation of N4.75 billion to its members, being losses incurred during the #EndSARS’ protest and razing of their properties at Shasha market in Oyo State.

It, however, noted that though the union had a point to prove, they were going about it the wrong way, while the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, said it would intervene in the matter, only if it was sure the lives and properties of northern traders would be protected in the south.

This came as the Department of State Service, DSS, also, yesterday, invited leadership of the union for questioning.

There had been scarcity of meat and other food items in markets in the south in the past one week, triggering a hike in the price of the few available.

At press time yesterday, President of the union, Comrade Muhamad Tahir, was still being quizzed by the DSS.

DSS quizzes foodstuffs and cattle dealers president

General Secretary of the union, Ahmed Alaramma, told newsmen at a briefing at Labour House, Abuja, yesterday: “As I speak with you, our president is with the DSS, he is being questioned at the DSS headquarters.”

READ ALSO: North, South-West Shouldn’t Fight, They’re Like Husband And Wife, Slave And Master —Arewa United Consultative Forum

Alaramma, who noted that the union is kicking against alleged suppression of their members and task force put in place to enforce the strike on the major roads, said from the report received on the strike, their task force was being intimidated by the Army.

He added that they were surprised by this development, saying they wrote to all the security agencies, including the Army as well as the Presidency, before commencement of the strike.

“We reject what the Nigerian Army has done to our task force. We assure our members across the country that our strike goes on. We will never give up,” he said.

He regretted that the Federal Government has not invited them for negotiation, but noted that the Kogi State government invited them.

Alaramma also spoke of multiple taxation of their members and extortion by security agencies, the Army, Police, and hoodlums on the major roads in the south.

He said before a truckload of cows from Adamawa gets to its destination in the South-West, South-East or South-South, the owner would have spent about N250,000 on extortion.

It will be recalled that while declaring intention to go on strike, the union had claimed it lost 151 of its members during the recent Shasha crisis in Ibadan, Oyo State, while properties of their members were destroyed, including 100 trucks.

To this end, it demanded N4.75 billion as compensation, both for the loss of lives and property destroyed.

“Despite our several complaints, and engagements with the Presidency, security agencies and other relevant ministries regulating our operation as contained in our three weeks ultimatum issued on November 7, 2020, our members have continued to suffer intimidation, frustration, humiliation, destruction of their goods and carnage.

“You may recall that during the #EndSARS protest, our members were killed and their properties destroyed. We have demanded compensation for lives and properties lost by our members.

“We have also written to various security agencies of Nigeria on the issue of multiple taxation that is hampering the activities of our members by mounting illegal road blocks at unavoidable and strategic location on federal highway and demand for the payment of illegitimate tax,’’ the union had stated.

Blockheads behind blockade — Afenifere

Reacting to the development yesterday, The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, faulted the move, saying the blockade was done by blockheads.

Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin said: “It is a blockade done by blockheads whose brains cannot understand what will happen to them if the South decides to shut them off essentials from this area.”

A wake-up call for S-West—YCE

On its part, the Yoruba Council of Elders, YCE, said the blockade was a wake-up call to the south.

Former National Chairman of YCE, Dansaaki Samuel Agbede, said: “I want to congratulate the northerners for taking that action because they will wake us up from our slumber.

“Let them take back their foodstuffs and eat it. There shouldn’t be any quarrel about it. But the herders should stop grazing their cattle on our farmlands because it’s their cattle that eat our fresh maize and cassava.”

It’s cold war against the South-West—Agbekoya

In its reaction, the Agbekoya Farmers’ Society described the blockade as a cold war against the South-West, noting that Nigeria is in crisis and on the brink of a collapse.

Agbekoya’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olatunji Bandele, said: “This is practically a cold war against the South-West. When you block the transportation of food items to a particular set of people, you have declared war on such people.

“We don’t have to deceive ourselves again, Nigeria is in crisis and on the brink of collapse. The northerners are ready to overrun the South because they believe they are the owners of Nigeria.

“Now, talking about the food blockage to the South, the South and the South-West governors should have a rethink about how to revamp our farmlands, which the criminal herdsmen and their cattle have destroyed and find ways to resettle the South-West farmers who have been displaced from their villages and farms in the last few years.

“Secondly, South-West governors and our leaders must come together and brainstorm on a grand plan for commercial, mechanized farming and agricultural policy that is farmers-oriented, instead of playing politics with agriculture.

“This is where Agbekoya Farmers Association will be much needed because we have over 20,000 hectares of farmland all over the South-West that can be used for cluster farming for easy mechanization but our governors are not ready to assist Agbekoya farmers with funds, agricultural inputs and fertilizers.

“The Northerners and their leaders have been preparing for this war a long time ago, first they have been assisting their farmers financially, and also making sure they have access to agricultural inputs and fertilizer but South-West governors and our leaders are busy playing selfish politics, instead of helping South-West farmers directly.

“The Federal Government has been playing politics with agriculture since inception of this administration by abandoning cassava farmers in the South-West and favoured northern rice farmers with huge investment in rice farming and rice mills.

“This is the time for the South-West governors and our leaders to wake up and face the reality of food security in South-West.”

Action of northern food dealers strange — Ohanaeze

Reacting in a similar manner, Ohanaeze Ndigbo described as “strange” the decision of northern food  dealers to stop supplies to the South.

Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, said: “This is strange. Instead of addressing the complaints from across the country about herders’ destruction of farm lands, they are now threatening to block food supply. It is, indeed, strange and a call for us to look inwards, and be more creative.

“In any case, these goods are perishables. They will suffer more, not the south. There is no food item in the North that cannot grow here in the south.

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Christian Wealth Principles

6 Biblical Money Foundations That Unlock Financial Freedom – What the Bible Really Says About Wealth

You will learn about Godly wealth principles and Christian money tips. It covers managing money, financial freedom and you will also explore Biblical investing, and blessings.

Published

2 days ago

on

June 16, 2025

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Introduction

Is money evil? Should Christians be rich? What does the Bible really say about wealth?
Many believers struggle with finances due to mixed messages. But Scripture provides clear wisdom about money management. In this post, discover 6 Biblical money foundations that help you enjoy wealth without guilt and handle finances God’s way. This will help you in Faith and finances. You will learn about Godly wealth principles and Christian money tips. It covers managing money God’s way as well as spiritual and financial freedom. You will also explore Biblical investing, tithing, and blessings.

Watch the full video breakdown on our Faith & Fortune Finance YouTube channel [embedded below].

___________________

1. God Owns Everything—We Are Just Stewards

Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

God owns it all—your money, house, gifts, even your ideas.
You’re not the owner. You’re the steward.

Action Steps:

  • Shift from ownership to stewardship
  • Ask God how to manage what He’s entrusted to you
  • Use wealth to glorify God, not just yourself

Quote:

“When we see money as God’s, we handle it differently—with purpose, peace, and power.”

2. Diligence and Hard Work Bring Prosperity

Proverbs 10:4 – “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

Financial laziness is mental, physical, and spiritual.
Avoid laziness in planning, learning, and building wealth.

Example: Oprah Winfrey built a global empire through diligence—not luck.
Biblical Application: Psalms 1:3 – “Whatever he does prospers.”

Faith + Action = Prosperity

Action Steps:

  • Show up early. Learn. Network. Execute.
  • Serve God in your work, not just in church.
  • Work is worship when done with purpose.

3. Avoid Debt and Live Within Your Means

Proverbs 22:7 – “The borrower is slave to the lender.”

Debt leads to anxiety, stress, and missed opportunities.
God’s people are called to financial freedom.

Real-World Example:
Chris Hogan teaches the power of debt-free living in Everyday Millionaires. These everyday millionaires became wealthy by saving. They also budget carefully and avoid debt.

Action Steps:

  • Budget with a plan, not emotion
  • Buy only what you can afford
  • Practice the “banana principle”: Don’t chase what’s ripe today but rotten tomorrow.

4. Tithing and Generosity Invite God’s Blessing

Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the whole tithe… see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven.”

Generosity invites God into your finances.

Real-World Example:
Bill Gates’ philanthropy helped eradicate diseases and feed nations. He gave to bless, and the blessing multiplied.

Action Steps:

  • Tithe as an act of faith
  • Give beyond money—give time, wisdom, love
  • Be a blessing to others

5. Invest and Multiply What God Gives You

Matthew 25:14–30 – Parable of the Talents

God expects you to grow what He gives you. Don’t bury your potential.

Real-World Examples:

  • Warren Buffet invests long-term with wisdom and restraint
  • Ray Dalio succeeds through planning, research, and principles

Action Steps:

  • Start small—just start
  • Learn to invest: stocks, skills, businesses
  • Multiply resources for Kingdom impact

6. Practice Contentment—Avoid the Love of Money

1 Timothy 6:10 – “The love of money is the root of all evil.”

Wealth is a tool, not a goal.

Real-World Example:
Dave Ramsey lives and teaches contentment after rebounding from financial failure. He preaches peace over pressure.

Action Steps:

  • Be content with what you have
  • Avoid comparison and consumerism
  • Focus on eternal rewards over earthly riches

🎯 How to Apply These Biblical Money Foundations Today

✅ Recognize that God owns everything
✅ Be diligent and hardworking
✅ Avoid debt and impulse purchases
✅ Tithe and give generously
✅ Invest wisely
✅ Practice contentment daily

Watch Full Teaching on YouTube

👇Watch this full video breakdown with real-life case studies and extra teaching only on Faith & Fortune Finance:

Conclusion

God’s financial principles aren’t just spiritual—they’re practical. Apply them and you’ll see peace, purpose, and prosperity flow into every area of your life.

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Finance & Business

As Nigerians Battle Pains Of Soaring Petrol Price

This is more than just about fuel; it’s about the larger picture of governance failure. The fact that a country as oil-rich as Nigeria can’t provide affordable fuel for its people is a tragedy.

Published

8 months ago

on

October 16, 2024

By

BY IFEANYI MOGBOLU

The Daily Times-The latest fuel price hike in Nigeria is beyond frustrating. Every time we think it can’t get worse, it does, and yet again, ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of it.

It’s like a never-ending cycle, where the government’s promises of reforms or stabilisation always end up as empty rhetoric. The cost of living is already sky-high, and now, with fuel prices rising again, transport fares, food prices, and basic commodities are bound to follow suit.

It’s enraging because it doesn’t feel like anyone is truly considering the everyday citizen who is struggling just to survive.

This is more than just about fuel; it’s about the larger picture of governance failure. The fact that a country as oil-rich as Nigeria can’t provide affordable fuel for its people is a tragedy. The subsidies are gone, and now we’re left in a situation where the prices of everything keep climbing, while salaries remain stagnant or non-existent for many.

The disparity between the elites and the masses is growing, and it feels like nobody in power truly cares about the suffering of the people.

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The anger isn’t just about fuel; it’s about the entire state of living. Nigerians are exhausted. There’s no sense of security; power supply is erratic, basic infrastructure is crumbling, and inflation is at an all-time high. How do we live like this? Every day is a battle to make ends meet, and the government seems utterly disconnected from the struggles on the ground.

It’s infuriating that while politicians and elites live in luxury, the rest of us are left scrambling for the bare minimum. The state of living is unbearable, and the lack of empathy or real action from those in power only adds salt to the wound.

There’s a deep sense of anger and betrayal that comes with seeing your country’s wealth mismanaged, while the people continue to suffer. It’s hard not to feel like we are constantly being taken for granted, pushed further into hardship without any hope of relief. Something has to give, because this state of affairs is unsustainable.

QUOTE:

The anger isn’t just about fuel; it’s about the entire state of living. Nigerians are exhausted. There’s no sense of security; power supply is erratic, basic infrastructure is crumbling, and inflation is at an all-time high. How do we live like this? Every day is a battle to make ends meet, and the government seems utterly disconnected from the struggles on the ground. It’s infuriating that while politicians and elites live in luxury, the rest of us are left scrambling for the bare minimum.

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Finance & Business

Nigeria To Receive $5.600,000 From Bill Gates, For Health And Agricultural Reforms, GMOs

Alongside the activities surrounding the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Vice President Kashim Shettima held a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation leading to the announcement of the donation by the Foundation’s head of Global Development.

Published

9 months ago

on

September 27, 2024

By

Bill Gates, GMOs, KASHIM Shettima

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is giving Nigeria through Vice President Kashim Shettima, a $5.600,000 funds to speedy up health and agricultural reforms in favour of the GMOs in Nigeria, and flood relief.

Through the Foundation’s head of Global Development Programme, Dr Christopher Elias, Bill Gates pledged $5 million grant approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics they called “industrial cassava” and $600,000 for flood relief in Borno State and other health sector initiatives.

Alongside the activities surrounding the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Vice President Kashim Shettima held a meeting with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation leading to the announcement of the donation by the Foundation’s head of Global Development.

Recall that on 4 September, Bill Gates had described the Nigeria’s economy as “stagnated” and proposed agricultural reforms for faster and increased growths in crops, fruits, vegetables amongst others to enhance nutritional values of the Nigerian citizens through the agricultural sector.

In that meeting Chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Bill gates urged Nigeria to adopt “innovative crop varieties with shorter growing periods, higher yields, and better pest resistance” pointing to the GMOs to address the food crisis.

READ ALSO: Bill Gates, Anthony Fauci and conspiracy theories (part 2)

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Moreover, at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York, VP Shettima reaffirmed to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritizing health, nutrition, and agricultural development in Nigeria’s national agenda.

In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “we are deeply committed to addressing the pressing developmental challenges facing our nation, particularly the significant malnutrition crisis”.

He emphasised the Federal Government’s dedication and urgently working to secure locations for maize production under the Telemaze programme.

VP Shettima, promising swift action to the Gate’s Foundation on import permits for certified seeds, the VP said, “We recognize the critical importance of food security and industrial agricultural development. The Cassava Accelerator programme, in particular, holds immense potential for our economy.

“We are pursuing a whole-of-government approach to digitisation and data exchange systems, which we believe will revolutionise our public services,” he added while reiterating the government’s focus and commitment to digital transformation.

“With the expertise” of Nigeria’s ministers, “and the continued support of partners like the Gates Foundation,” the nation remains confident in its “ability to drive meaningful change and improve the lives of all Nigerians.”

In his response, President of the Global Development Programme at the Gates Foundation, Dr. Christopher Elias, said the Foundation is burdened with worries of the severe flooding in Borno, and is “committed to supporting Nigeria in times of crisis.”

Speaking of Polio, the Foundation said, “We’re impressed by the national task force’s efforts to eliminate variant polioviruses by year-end,” Dr. Elias noted.

Also, President of Global Growth & Opportunity Division at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rodger Voorhies, detailed plans for scaling up drought-tolerant maize production and advancing the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator programme emphasizing that a $5 million grant has been approved for Lagos Business School and partners to develop the agricultural economics of industrial cassava.

In his words, “Industrial cassava presents a multi-billion-dollar opportunity for Nigeria,” Voorhees stressed.

He requested import permits for 5,000 metric tons of certified GMO maize seed to build a foundation seed system in Nigeria.

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