Farmers to crash rice price to N6,000/bag

Isidi Monica

Okechukwu Nnodim, Abuja 

Rice farmers, millers and processors on Wednesday announced that the price of a 50kg bag of rice will fall to as low as N6,000 in the next few months.

According to them, the current market price of rice, which is about N15,000 per 50kg bag, will drop to between N6,000 and N7,000 in a couple of months, going by the bumper wet season harvest by rice farmers.

Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting between rice farmers/processors and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, at the ministry’s headquarters, in Abuja, the National President, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Aminu Goronyo, told journalists that operators had resolved to currently reduce price of rice to N13,000 per 50kg, but stressed that the price would further drop to N6,000 in a few months.

He said, “This is just the beginning, the actual price of rice will come down because we are expecting a bumper harvest this year. We have sat down with the millers and have agreed that we are going to work together for the interest of Nigerians. I think you have been buying a bag of rice at the cost of N18,000, but today the price is between N13,000 to N15,000, meaning that the price is coming down.”

Asked whether the price would crash further to about N7,000 per 50kg bag, as was the case some years back, Goronyo replied, “Of course! Not even N7,000, it will crash to N6,000. Just give us some time; in fact, in the next few months and it will be for 50kg.”

Monkeypox hits Bayelsa, medical doctor, 10 others quarantined

Sola / 40 minutes ago

Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

Fear has gripped the residents of Bayelsa State as a deadly viral epidemic known as “monkeypox” has broken out in the state.

According to the World Health Organisation, monkeypox is a rare disease that occurs primarily in remote parts of Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests.

“The monkeypox virus can cause a fatal illness in humans and, although it is similar to human smallpox which has been eradicated, it is much milder,” WHO says.

It was authoritatively learnt that a medical doctor and 10 persons who came down with the monkeypox had been quarantined in an isolation centre at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

The isolation centre was reportedly created by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and the epidemiological team of the state’s Ministry of Health to control the spread of the virus.

The NCDC and the epidemiological team were said to be tracking 49 other persons who were said to have come in contact with persons who were already infected.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu, confirmed the development, saying that samples of the virus had been sent to the World Health Organisation laboratory in Dakar, Senegal, for confirmation.

He described monkeypox as a viral illness caused by a group of viruses that include chicken pox and smallpox, adding that the first case was noticed in the Democratic Republic of Congo and subsequent outbreaks in West African region.

The commissioner explained that the virus has the Central African and the West African types, saying that the the West African type is milder and has no records of mortality.

Etebu stated, “Recently in Bayelsa State, we noticed a suspected outbreak of monkeypox. It has not been confirmed. We have sent samples to the World Health Organisation’s reference laboratory in Dakar, Senegal.

”When that comes out, we will be sure that it is confirmed. But from all indications, it points towards it.

”As the name implies, the virus was first seen in monkey, but can also be found in all bush animals such as rats, squirrels and antelopes.

”The source is usually all animals. It was first seen in monkeys and that is why it is called monkeypox. But every bush animals such as rats, squirrels, and antelopes are involved.

“So, the secretions from particularly dead animals are highly contagious.”

He listed the symptoms of monkeypox as severe headache, fever, back pains, etc., noting that most worrisome of all the signs are rashes bigger than those caused by chicken pox.

The commissioner said the rashes are usually frightening and usually spread to the entire body of infected persons.

Speaking on the Bayelsa case, Etebu stated, “We noticed the first index case from Agbura, where somebody was purported to have killed and eaten a monkey and after that, the people who are neighbours and families started developing the rashes.

“We have seen cases from as far as Biseni. We invited the NCDC together with our own epidemiological team from the Bayelsa Ministry of Health.

“We have been able to trace most of the people who have come in contact with the patients.

“So far, we have 10 patients and we have created an isolation centre at the NDUTH and most of them are on admission and we are following up the 49 cases that we are suspecting might come down with the illness.

“As a state, we are taking care of all the expenses of all the isolated cases.

“The disease has an incubation period and it is also self-limiting in the sense that within two to four weeks, you get healed and it confers you with immunity for life.

“We have mobilised virtually every arsenal at our disposal in terms of sensitising the general public and making them aware by radio programmes, jingles and fliers. So, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control has mobilised fully to Bayelsa State. We are on top of the situation.

“The only thing I will tell the general public is to observe hand hygiene and ensure they don’t come in contact with dead animals and their secretions. The disease is air-borne too. So when you come down with it, it is very infectious.

“People should wash their hands whenever they go in or come out of their houses. If they come in touch with animals, they should ensure that they wash their hands.

“They should be very vigilant. People should report any similar cases to the relevant authorities.

“A lot of people have come down with the symptoms, but they are hiding in their houses. If they hide, there is the propensity for the infection to spread.

“It is better to quarantine them and treat them so that we can interrupt the spread of the disease.

“People should be calm and they shouldn’t get frightened. The state has distributed personal protective equipment to workers and they are using them.”

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Mothers-in-law vs Daughters-in-law

Uche Atuma

A mother-in-law is either the mother of the husband or wife, but the focus here is on the mother of the man.

The mother-in-law is the woman who carried your husband for whole nine months, went through pain, gave him her all.

So, if there’s any woman on earth who can give you useful tips on how to handle your husband’s strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes, it’s his mother. 

No reasonable woman would underestimate the role of her mother-in-law in the success of her marriage to her son.

The tug-of-war between mothers and daughters-in-law is an age long crisis. The constant friction and tension between these two most important women in a man’s life often arises from an assumption that each is criticising or undermining the other.

Most women accuse their mothers-in-law of showing unreasonable jealousy or love towards their sons, while the mothers in-law complain of being excluded from their sons’ lives by their wives.

The mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship is the most critical relationship in any family. When these two don’t get along, the resulting tension affects everyone in the family. Family members often take sides either openly or in subtle ways.

Some ladies go to the extent of praying for the death of their mothers- inlaw even while they are still single. Some are already foreseeing and preparing for war. Some women are in competition with their mothers-in-law. S

Some ladies have the mindset that if their mothers-in-law is nice to them, then they will reciprocate, but if she is hostile, then they shall return fire for fire. 

To some, the rivalry is so ingrained that it doesn’t matter how lovely their mothers-in-law or daughters-in-law are, they just can’t stand them. They take offense easily and take everything the other person says the wrong way or reject every attempt at friendship.

To some mothers-in-laws, no matter what you do, you will never measure up to their standards. You are never good enough. 

Women are more sensitive to criticism especially when it is coming from a fellow woman. The new wife can at times feel like her husband’s mother exercises too much influence on her son and feel jealous or sense of betrayal.

So, she does everything possible including using good sex as bait to make him do as she says. She wants him to be firm and not let his mom always have her way or say in their home.

Some mothers-in-laws are meddlesome.They make snide comments about your  housekeeping skills, cooking, dressing, cleaning and even child caring abilities.

They visit without prior notice, give you attitude and even insist on cooking for her sons. They often interpret the decisions of their daughters-in-law to do things differently from them whether in relation to child care, career or running the home as a rejection of their own choices.

Ladies, if there is love and healthy bond between your husband and his mom, you should  be touched by his loyalty and love for her, rather than being outraged and jealous.

Be smart and be a step ahead. Ask her about her son’s childhood or even her own life story. When she shares her life with you, she will develop a liking for you and that can lead to a strong bond between you both because you would likely find out how much she sacrificed for her son.

If she wants to help you prepare meals, allow her. Pretend to enjoy her company even if you don’t.  Never make him inaccessible to his family. Tolerate her as much possible. Even your husband will appreciate and love you more for your maturity.

Show your mother-in-law respect and gratitude for the gift of your husband. Confide in her especially if he’s not listening to you. Flatter her sometimes, but don’t over do it. Your mother-in-law can never take your place as a wife, neither can you take her place as his mother. 

Every good mother wants their children to have good marriages. Do not expect your son to always do what you want him to do anymore. If he is not carrying his wife along, encourage him to consult with her.

Do not wish and hope for your daughter-in-law to fail, cultivate a relationship with her. Stop meddling, allow them make their own mistakes.

Do not baby your son, give advice when asked or when necessary. While he is single you are his ‘first lady’, but once he’s married, kindly relinquish the title to his wife. Share some of your experiences with her without trying to offend or intrude. See and treat her like your own child.

Dear husbands, you must prevent your mothers from invading your homes. Desist from talking down on your wife in the presence of your family. You should cleave to your wife.

Do not sow unnecessary tension by discussing things with your mother that you are supposed discuss with your wife. Do not hide to give your mother gifts without your wife’s consent, you are painting your wife in a bad light when you do that.

Ladies, life is turn by turn.Today, you are the daughter-in-law, tomorrow you will become the mother-in-law. While you are praying for death to visit your mother-in-law  and preparing for war, remember that what goes around, comes around.

No one has ever won fighting her daughter or mother-in-law. It’s an evil wind that blows no one any good.

Fayose: Governor joins Muslims in Eid-el-Kabir prayers

Ekiti state governor, Mr  Ayo Fayose, on Friday dressed in Muslim regalia and  joined other Muslims   at the Ado Ekiti central praying ground for the Eid-el-Kabir prayers.

Fayose was received by the the Muslim leaders and other faithful who were chorusing   “Alahu Akbar”.

Fayose addressing the faithful said that this was not his first time of identifying with Muslims  in the open, promising to maintain the relationship.

He said such actions were needed from leaders as a way of  preaching  peace, unity and tranquility to the led.

Fayose also promised to look into the request of the Muslim faithful as best as he could do.

He advised the Islamic clerics to always tell the leaders the truth and preach the values of justice and equaity.

Fayose who said that religious clerics wield  more influence on the people than government officials or political leaders, urged them to use such influence to reorientate the people toward  maintaining  love, peace, justice and equity for all.

He said: “Muslims are very peculiar people and Islam, their religion,  is not known for violence. I therefore urge all Muslims to abide by the doctrines of Islam and ensure that they live in harmony with everybody.

” We have the same blood flowing in our veins and we are,  first of all, human beings before we chose our religion. So, God in us is more important than the religion.

”The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. I therefore enjoin you all  to continue to live in peace for the collective growth of our land, our nation.

“We will continue to work together so that this country remains one, indivisible but founded on justice and equity, ” he said.

Earlier, the Chief Imam of Ado Ekiti and  the President -General of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South West, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere- Bello, applauded  the governor’s dressing as a Muslim in his sermon.

He said it was in obedience to Allah’s instructions and biblical injunctions.

“This dressing shows that the governor is not discriminating against any religion. Your Excellency, your dressing is even in line with Biblical injunctions.

”The book of Zecharias 3:3 in  the Bible says:

“We removed unclean clothes from Joshua, we washed him clean and he was dressed with a clean turban on his head and God’s angel stood by him.

”Our governor, as you wear the turban on your head, the angel of God is already with you and that is why you are succeeding in all that you do, against all odds”, he said.

He advised the governor to consider producing a Muslim as the governorship candidate of his party for  next year’s gubernatorial election, saying no Muslim  had been elected the governor of the state since it was created over 20 years ago.

“ Ekiti is 20 years now and since  its creation, we  have not had  a Muslim as its  governor. We urge you sir, if any Muslim is interested in the governorship from your party, kindly support him to fulfil that ambition.

“We also need your support for a transformer in this area, Odo-Ado, so we can have adequate supply of electricity. We know once you make a promise, you will fulfil it,” he said.

Nigerians under attack in Ghana, 5 allegedly killed...

- There is a ongoing crisis between Nigerians and Ghanaians in Sowutoum area of Ghana

- The crisis started after a Nigerian man allegedly killed a Ghanaian during a fight

- Five Nigerians have been allegedly killed in a reprisal attacks by Ghanaians

A crisis has erupted in Sowutoum area of Ghana between Nigerians and Ghana indigenes after a Nigeria man was accused of killing a Ghanaian during a fight.

The crisis started after Ghana police reportedly arrested a Nigerian man, 48-year-old Thompson Peter, who insisted he killed the Ghanaian man in self defence during the fight.

Punch reported that the Ghanaian man's death has reportedly led to reprisal attacks against Nigerians living in Ghana, with five persons killed.

A video has emerged of Ghanaians chasing away police officers who were called to settle the crisis.

A Facebook user, Ifeanyi Chukwuemeka, wrote that the crisis started after Thompson allegedly stabbed Ghanaian 27-year-old Misbau Amadu in the head with a knife after a confrontation at his residence at about 10:00pm on Thursday.

He wrote: “The victim was rushed to the Mary Lucy Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by the doctors.

“Inspector Kwabena Danso, Deputy Accra Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), said a week ago, Thompson Peter lodged a complaint at the Sowutoum Police Station that Misbau Amadu had broken into his apartment and stolen some items.

“After taking the statement of Thompson, the PRO said the police proceeded to the residence of Misbau Amadu with the intent of inviting him to the station to help investigate the claim but he was not available.

“Thompson said at about 9:00 pm last Thursday, Misbau came to his (Thomson’s) house, armed with a knife to attack him for reporting the case to the police. In the course of the fight, Thompson said he overpowered Misbau and stabbed him in self-defence.

“The matter is still under investigations, Inspector Kwabena Danso posited. Meanwhile, crisis has allegedly broken out in the area, with many Nigerians being attacked."

Another Facebook user, Stephen Chase Ebuka, claimed that five Nigerians have lost their lives in the reprisal attack on them and he shared a video of the mob chasing away the police.

However, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted the claim that five Nigerians were killed in the riot.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Union in South Africa on Thursday August 17 said that another Nigerian, Mr Uchenna Eloh, has been killed in the Western Cape Provinceof the country. He is reported to have been strangled to death by south African policemen.

Nigerians under attack in Ghana, 5 allegedly killed...

- There is a ongoing crisis between Nigerians and Ghanaians in Sowutoum area of Ghana

- The crisis started after a Nigerian man allegedly killed a Ghanaian during a fight

- Five Nigerians have been allegedly killed in a reprisal attacks by Ghanaians

A crisis has erupted in Sowutoum area of Ghana between Nigerians and Ghana indigenes after a Nigeria man was accused of killing a Ghanaian during a fight.

The crisis started after Ghana police reportedly arrested a Nigerian man, 48-year-old Thompson Peter, who insisted he killed the Ghanaian man in self defence during the fight.

Punch reported that the Ghanaian man's death has reportedly led to reprisal attacks against Nigerians living in Ghana, with five persons killed.

A video has emerged of Ghanaians chasing away police officers who were called to settle the crisis.

A Facebook user, Ifeanyi Chukwuemeka, wrote that the crisis started after Thompson allegedly stabbed Ghanaian 27-year-old Misbau Amadu in the head with a knife after a confrontation at his residence at about 10:00pm on Thursday.

He wrote: “The victim was rushed to the Mary Lucy Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by the doctors.

“Inspector Kwabena Danso, Deputy Accra Regional Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), said a week ago, Thompson Peter lodged a complaint at the Sowutoum Police Station that Misbau Amadu had broken into his apartment and stolen some items.

“After taking the statement of Thompson, the PRO said the police proceeded to the residence of Misbau Amadu with the intent of inviting him to the station to help investigate the claim but he was not available.

“Thompson said at about 9:00 pm last Thursday, Misbau came to his (Thomson’s) house, armed with a knife to attack him for reporting the case to the police. In the course of the fight, Thompson said he overpowered Misbau and stabbed him in self-defence.

“The matter is still under investigations, Inspector Kwabena Danso posited. Meanwhile, crisis has allegedly broken out in the area, with many Nigerians being attacked."

Another Facebook user, Stephen Chase Ebuka, claimed that five Nigerians have lost their lives in the reprisal attack on them and he shared a video of the mob chasing away the police.

However, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted the claim that five Nigerians were killed in the riot.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Union in South Africa on Thursday August 17 said that another Nigerian, Mr Uchenna Eloh, has been killed in the Western Cape Provinceof the country. He is reported to have been strangled to death by south African policemen.

Just In : Anambra, Gunmen attack another church, kill policeman, civilian

Gunmen on Sunday struck at the Assemblies of God Church on the Oguta road Onitsha, Anambra State killing one policeman and a civilian.

This is coming seven days after gunmen attacked St Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu and killed no fewer than 13 persons and injured 27.

An eyewitness account told our correspondent that the gunmen had momentarily stopped at the Assemblies of God Church, but on sighting some policemen at the church, opened fire on them.

“When the firing became too hot, the policemen abandoned their patrol vehicle and ran away for safety.

“The gunmen moved to their patrol van and took a gun belonging to the policeman they killed.

“I saw two of the gunmen but I can’t say how many they are in number.

Another eyewitness said, “Gunmen on Okada (motorcycle) shot a policeman and collected his rifle. They also shot dead an Okada man while escaping, and the passenger he was carrying was injured. The policeman was the one armed among his colleagues; they were providing security while church service was going on at Assemblies of God Church, Oguta road Onitsha.

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr Garba Umar confirmed the incident to journalists.

He said it was not an attack on the church, adding “My men were on patrol near the church when they were attacked by some gunmen. It was not an attack on the church, in the real sense of it”.

The commissioner confirmed that the hoodlums took away a rifle belonging to the slain cop.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige had on Saturday said the Federal Government would work out modalities on how to secure places of worship in the country.

Leading a federal government delegation to commiserate with the people of Anambra State on the Ozubulu shooting, Ngige said that had become expedient following incessant attacks on places of worship.