News
LASG Targets Completion Of 32-Metric Tonnes Imota Rice Mill In Seven Months
By Augustine Akhilomen
In fulfillment of its commitment to ensure continuity, the Lagos State Government has begun moves to complete the 32 metric-tonnes Rice Mill at Imota within the next seven months.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal gave the assurance on Thursday during his facility tour of the Rice Mill to assess the progress of work being done and expressed satisfaction with the stage of work done so far.
He recalled that Governor Sanwo-Olu had during the electioneering campaign promised to continue with projects left by his predecessor, adding that the visit of the Governor to the Imota Mill as soon as he assumed office was indeed a demonstration and commitment of the State Government to the completion of the project.
He said the Mill upon completion would not only ensure that people eat nutritious rice but it will also create jobs and wealth for the people as well as enhance the supply value chain.
The Commissioner, who was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya as well as other top officials of the Ministry, noted that the 32 metric-tonnes capacity mill is the biggest in Nigeria and indeed West Africa.
Lawal noted that even though the 32 metric-tonnes Mill should be able to cater to the rice needs of a substantial percentage of Lagosians, it is a far cry from the rice needs of the people.
He attributed his position to the fact that the rice consumption rate of an average person in this part of the world hovers between 32 and 40 kilograms, thus necessitating the State Government’s collaborating with the South West and the Northern States as well as the Rice Farmers Association (REFAN) for the acquisition of rice paddy.
While reiterating the commitment of the State Government to put effect to the Federal Government policy on rice importation, the Commissioner explained that the State Government is already in discussion with other States who have promised to make available about 72,000 hectares of land in their States for rice cultivation.
“The 2017/2018 report from the Rice Farmers Association (REFAN) shows that they have the capacity to produce 10 million tonnes of rice but as at today only two million is being utilised with 30 Integrated rice mills that are available currently, leaving a shortfall of 8 million; but going forward l see opportunities, I see jobs, I see wealth being created and see better nutrition,” the Commissioner opined.
Lawal explained that the World Bank is also supporting the State Government with focus on the Value chain (rice, poultry, piggery and aquaculture), adding that there is need to enhance the capacity of the rice farmers and the entire value chain.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, stressed the need for the State to follow the examples of some countries such as China, Thailand and Vietnam in generating a lot of revenue from rice production in addition to ensuring food security for the State in particular and Nigeria in general.
The integrated rice mill at Imota is a 22-hectare facility with the rice mill taking about 8.5 hectares and consists of a complete set of new mills, two warehouses, 16 silos with a storage capacity of 40 metric tons each, water treatment plant, effluent processing plant, staff quarters, administrative block, car park and fire-fighting facility amongst others.
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Tinubu Hails Super Eagles For Winning Bronze At AFCON
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Nigerian national team, Super Eagles, for Saturday’s bronze medal victory at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles overpowered Egypt, defeating the seven-time AFCON winner 4-2, in a penalty shootout after the regular time, in which the Nigerian team dominated.
The President, in a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended the Super Eagles for putting behind them the disappointment of the semi-final loss to host nation, Morocco last Wednesday.
Tinubu stated that the Super Eagles players, through their victory, have once again demonstrated the determination, persistence, and can-do spirit associated with our country.
According to the President: “Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.
“Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold.”
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News
Troops Foil Suspected Kidnapping, Robbery Attempt In Taraba
Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), said they foiled a suspected kidnapping and robbery incident along the Wukari–Ikyaior road in Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State.
A press statement issued by the 6 brigade public relations officer, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, noted that the feat was achieved when, acting on a distress call that criminals had blocked the road and were attacking civilians, troops deployed at FOB Wukari responded swiftly and decisively to the scene.
Upon arrival at the scene, he said the suspects fled into the surrounding bush on sighting the troops, abandoning their victims and escaping with their motorcycle.
According to him, the troops rescued two victims identified as Mr. Terso Kerso (48 years) and Mr. Udongu Terbo (42 years), both from Ikyaior Community in Wukari LGA.
The victims, who were unconscious at the time of rescue, were immediately evacuated to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Wukari (FUTHW) for urgent medical attention.
In the aftermath of the incident, troops said they have intensified robust patrols and surveillance within the general area to forestall further criminal activities and reassure residents and road users of a sustained security presence.
Commending the troops for their swift response and professionalism, the Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 OPWS, Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised their vigilance and commitment to duty, noting that their timely intervention prevented possible loss of lives.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s resolve to sustain proactive operations across the area of responsibility, and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing security efforts.
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News
Trump Threatens Europe With Tariffs Over Greenland As Protesters Rally
US President Donald Trump on Saturday escalated his quest to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 per cent until his purchase of the Danish territory is achieved.
Trump’s threats came as thousands of people protested in the capital of Greenland against his wish to acquire the mineral-rich island at the gateway to the Arctic.
Thousands more protested in Copenhagen and other Danish cities.
The US president aimed his ire at Denmark, a fellow NATO member, as well as several European countries that have deployed troops in recent days to the vast autonomous territory with a population of 57,000.
If realised, Trump’s threats against Washington’s NATO partners would create unprecedented tension within the alliance.
From February 1, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would be subject to a 10-per cent tariff on all goods sent to the United States, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network.
“On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,” he wrote.
“These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable.
“Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation ends quickly and without question,” Trump said.
Trump added that he was “immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries.”
‘Make America Go Away’
In Nuuk, thousands of people, including the territory’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, waved Greenlandic flags, chanted slogans and sang traditional Inuit songs under light rain.
Many wore caps with the words “Make America Go Away”, a riff on Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
“We don’t want Trump invading Greenland; that is the message,” 44-year-old nurse Paarniq Larsen Strum said at the Nuuk rally, calling the situation “nerve-wracking”.
“We demand respect for our country’s right to self-determination and for us as a people,” added protest organiser Avijaja Rosing-Olsen.
In Copenhagen, charity worker Kirsten Hjoernholm, 52, said it was important to show unity with Greenlanders.
“You cannot be bullied by an ally. It’s about international law,” she said.
Around her, demonstrators waved the flags of Denmark and Greenland while chanting “Kalaallit Nunaat!” — the vast Arctic island’s name in Greenlandic.
Some also held placards saying “USA already has too much ICE,” referring to Trump’s deployment of federal immigration officers in US cities, while others chanted “Greenland is not for sale.”
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States needs Greenland for US “national security.” He also claims that Denmark is incapable of ensuring the territory’s security, notably from China and Russia.
France said the military exercise in Greenland was designed to show the world that they will defend the territory.
Denmark said the US had been invited to join the drill.
It was not immediately clear what authority the US president would invoke to impose the threatened tariffs of up to 25 per cent.
Since returning to the presidency, Trump has unleashed sweeping tariffs on goods from virtually all trading partners to address what Washington says are unfair trade practices and as a tool to press governments on US concerns.
Washington and the European Union struck a deal last summer to lower US tariffs on key European goods, with the deal currently being implemented.
Also on Saturday, a delegation of US lawmakers was wrapping up a visit to Copenhagen for talks with Greenlandic and Danish politicians.
The group, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, told reporters that Trump’s stance was misguided and not backed by the majority of Americans.
It is also roundly rejected by Greenlanders, 85 per cent of whom — according to the latest poll published in January 2025 — oppose the territory joining the United States. Only six per cent were in favour.
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